Here we are at the festively pointy end of 2009, where the last 11 months are all rolling into the new year. With 2010 peeping its head around the corner, we are in a position to be able to reflect on the year that was.

There was a slow start to the year thanks to the financial crisis that spread across the globe and collectively we all held our breath. We found that studios across Melbourne were almost on pause, waiting and watching to see what the rest of the world would do and how they would react. Eventually, it came to a point where we all just got on with it. Documents and signage were designed, TVCs and radio spots were planned and reports still needed to be produced.

The first half of 2009 was a veritable roller coaster. People who were resourcing studios were finding that one week would be flat out and they would need to ask people to spend another hour or two working to meet deadlines, then the next week would be a struggle to keep everyone busy. This would have been a frustrating challenge to make sure that staff and clients were adequately supported.

There were a lot of talented designers who came to Artisan at the beginning of the year to supplement their dwindling schedules. These designers were freelancing direct to studios as well. Where it was possible to sit back and watch the work roll in as per previous years, 2009 saw a lot of people having to dust off the folio or update their online content that had been the same since 2007. Once the work started flowing through the industry again, these experienced designers were getting busier and we all had to adjust to not being able to call on the best whenever we needed them. How quickly we become accustomed to having what we want, when we want it.

Once budgets were allocated for the new financial year there were months of planning before the go ahead was given on spending. With a renewed sense of confidence, the option to replace people that were no longer a part of the team was becoming an option. In financially tighter times we are all looking for value for money, this was how the Frankenbrief came into being. Marketing departments began combining aspects of numerous roles into one, a wishlist of skills that were melding together into one uber-talented individual. These people may or may not be out there. If they are, the chances are high that they have been snapped up pretty quick, good people always are.

The last couple of months have seen a renewed confidence in the industry. The projects and campaigns were more consistent, large projects were being broken down into more financially manageable components. The result of this is that each component now had more time and overall timelines were more spread out. The consistency in workload made resourcing easier and managers were able to bring in additional people as needed. Permanent additions to staff are being considered as people look at solidifying their teams and making sure that they have the core people that they need for the years to come.

The vibe is positive, people can sense change as we are on the road to recovery. As we move into the final weeks of the year studios across Melbourne are consistently busy. The last minute deadline changes and sneaky projects that need to be done before Christmas will be what adds the pressure right now. At the moment, a little bit of extra work isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

With our eyes on the calendar, planning is underway for early 2010. For some the more imminent future is where the focus is, others are looking towards the early months of the new year. Pretty much all of us are planning some sort of holiday. Whatever you are planning, if you are travelling, travel safe. If you are partying, party hard. And if you are taking time to relax, enjoy it because we all deserve it.

Thanks from all the team at Artisan for your support this year, we’ve enjoyed working with all of you and look forward to a bigger and better 2010.