A Creative Constitution

Arguably the most important document in the history of The United States of America (there may not have been a U.S.A. without it), I sometimes wonder why more companies don't stop working on their in-house mission statement and create a constitution instead.

Chuck Green over at IdeaBook.com has drafted 'The Design Constitution'.  This document lays out what the Creative (designer, photographer, illustrator, copywriter, etc.) and the client should expect from one another.

A few of the Articles from his Constitution...

Article 2: Collaboration
The Designer is not a decorator--they are as skilled at marketing as they are about look and feel. Let's agree to build our relationship on collaboration, not dictation. The Client best understands the underlying concepts, products, and services associated with their organization--the Designer has a unique, untainted perspective worth sharing.

Article 8: Selflessness
Let’s focus on “it” not “I” and agree that pleasing ourselves is not our primary job. We certainly will strive to please each other when we can, but only if the work that results is attuned to our goals. Will the work stand the scrutiny of a different client and a different designer? That is the true test.

Article 11: Ethics
Real rewards are the result of ideas, products, and services that make the world a better place. Let’s agree to maintain the highest standard of ethics by dedicating ourselves to honesty, clarity, and style.

Article 15: Loyalty
A Client who invests resources, time, and money in educating the Designer about their industry, audience, and organization deserves loyalty. A Designer who invests the same resources, time, and money in learning deserves the same loyalty. Unless otherwise agreed to, let’s define loyalty as being honest and sincere with one’s partner, not speaking poorly of them to others, and not working with direct competitors.

It's a great document as-is, but Chuck understands that it needs to be a living thing. Changeable with the times and adaptable to use by others. He allows submissions and invites ideas for additional topics.

You can view the entire document at IdeaBook.com. Then go and read The US Constitution (I'll bet you haven't done it since High School) and begin to create a Constitution for your own business or industry.

You just might make history.