Hot Stuff
Win a Subscription to "InDesign Magazine"
5 Winners Selected.
The Big Picture Magazine - FREE
Real-world solutions to design challenges
Get Creative Videocast
New every week. Watch what's important to you.
Forums > Software > Other Software
Written by Terri Stone on June 23, 2008
"Can you make me a PowerPoint presentation? And I want to edit it later."
That has to be one of the client requests designers dread the most. How do you deal with the limits of presentation software? How do you keep your clients happy without driving yourself crazy?
Terri Stone
Editor in chief
Login
Login to post a comment. Not a member? Sign up here
Forgot your password?
Powerpoint "jockeys"
I was informed that the client had in-house Powerpoint jockeys who could edit the PPT after I had designed it. I stayed up late for several nights to keep this from happening, envisioning Times substituted for Arial or 44pt for 24pt. Lord knows what they would do to the carefully crafted charts, or how their ministrations would affect the animation and sequencing.
My approach is to work with the person who will deliver the presentation, make master pages and be as available as I can for last-minute changes. Needless to say, this approach is not without its frustrations.
By the way, does everybody know the trick for reducing PPT file size--after making all your changes Save As something else? It can sometimes cut a file in half.
Refinements
I found that it's best to use PNG-24s for image files, and as suggested above, rescale them to size before inserting. If you need to provide HTML (very useful for reviewing content online rather than passing huge PPs), use the export function in OpenOffice Impress. Impress is actually a much more capable application than PowerPoint in many ways, especially the Import-Export functions. OO 3.0 beta is excellent, much better for me than the previous version.
Powerpoint/Keynote for the creatively challanged
When I receive such a request, I first try to discover how much "editing" the client is planning. As is usually the case I find that the client intends to do "a lot" of editing. At this point I offer create backgrounds upon which the client can then place their information.
I then go into Photoshop and create a 'title' slide, a 'content' slide and possibly a second 'content' slide all attuned to their subject matter/branding. The backgrounds are JPEG's set at 720 x 540. I also send along (as Cathy does) color and formatting spec's if they so request. The result is that the client feels part of the creative process and has a professional-looking presentation that makes them look and feel good during their moment in the spotlight. Which also generates a number of word-of-mouth referrals.
The majority of my clients return for more work when it's time for their next presentation. I offer to critique their last presentation—gently—with the goal of making their upcoming presentation even better. Works every time.
I have found that if the client feels 'part of the process' they're more willing to accept future input and critiques and allow me more input and control over their next project.
And for those times when the request is short on time and long on need, I just say no. With the explanation that if they can provide more time for a future project, I will be happy to help.
Pwerpoint
It's like anything else ... the more you learn it, the better it gets. There are tons of neat things you can do, and with a couple of plug-ins or advanced techniques you can insert Flash, clickable audio tracks, etc.
And like anything else needing collaboation, the biggest problem is FONTS. In Powerpoint the wrong fonts can really destroy the whole presentation. And be sure to scale down photo resolutions, as file size will explode and really slow things down if you leave your photos large and uncropped.
Jerry
PowerPoint
About one-third of our company works on PowerPoint full-time. Full-time! And not only that, but clients can request deliverables in PowerPoint 2000, 2002, 2003, or 2007 so my co-workers have to constantly switch between the four versions. I have nothing but respect for these designers. I wish I had some tips to share with you, but I only get to see their work at monthly meetings. But I'm here to say it is possible to do great work with PowerPoint and go home at the end of the day with your sanity in tact.
Powerpoint cross platform compatibility
I agree with Cathy - set up background images and create the master slide layouts to follow the brand. Make sure you are using an OpenType font if your client is on PC and you are on Mac. Even then we have seen font rendering is different on the different platforms and cases elements to shift- so beware.
We are running PowerPoint 2008 on Tiger and found it to be unbearably slow. We haven't had good results cross saving from Keynote either, transparency causes all sorts of problem.
Powerpoint/Keynote
Ditto on the above. and let's all face it, going crazy at all the last minute changes are part of the game. Keep the custom graphics to a minimum and you may get by with just aspirin...
powerpoint
What I do is, compromise on design and keep it simple but brand appropriately. It isnt the best solution but the only one I have found suitable in these situations. I set up a background image for master pages, opening page and inside slides. I keep the file simple so it does not bloat the subsequent files generated. I set up color palette and style sheets. The client can usually work well with it.