Project Management Tools for Creatives
Intro to Project Management Tools
Creative projects need to be managed just as much as tech or industrial projects do; sometimes even more. Due to this, project management tools can often seem difficult to pick up or master. Thankfully there are plenty of low barrier tools that can be used and are often free to acquire. After all, video production is quite expensive already. Why make it worse? Here are the tools Accentrik Productions uses for project management.
Google: It's everywhere
You already use Gmail so why not utilize the other apps that come in the Google Suite. Docs is for writing scripts and rundowns, Sheets acts as an Excel copy and Drive stores everything. You can even use Slides for storyboards or chracter development. The best part is that storage is shared among all apps so if you're paying for increased email storage, that storage capacity is applied to all the other apps. A little known fact is that items "Shared" with you on Google don't add to your storage capacity either. I often spread content between my personal and professional accounts to add even more storage capacity. Plus, many other apps or websites use Google accounts to log into them, so your email address is all you need.
Notion: Visualize Your Workflow
People often debate Trello versus Notion. Notion works better on the free system than Trello and is more visually oriented so it often works better as a management tool. The best part is that AI systems can generate content specifically for Notion templates. Gemini and ChatGPT have specifically mentioned Notion as a management tool. If AI is reccommending a management software, then it would know best right. Notion does act like its own suite, so one log in allows multiple members to see changes and make updates. Notion can also be integrated into Gmail as well so you will always be notified when something happens.
adobe: you're already using it
Adobe may be a creative suite but it also acts as a portfolio in itself. Plus, everytime you make an Illustrator/InDesign/Photoshop file, you have the ability to create is as a PDF. PDF's open through Adobe! Behance is also a portfolio for static images and when editing, Audition can be integrated into Premiere and After Effects can integrated into Premiere both ways. This is a Google situation as if you're already paying for Adobe products, you might as well use every advantage it gives you. In a somewhat counterpoint, Adobe accounts are single user only, so if you desire some boundaries and privacy then Adobe can provide that for you.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tool
You're free to use whichever service you want, but you can use one or many. The key to successful management is communication. If you don't share events or updates properly or don't talk effectively, then it doesn't matter what you use. You will still be subject to the personalities and behaviors of your client and crew. Selecting the right project management tool depends on your team’s specific needs and workflow preferences. You may need to use multiple tools exclusively for one person or for everyone. One of the things you should consider though, is using AI. Whether it is for creative or logistical purposes, it would be best to use it to save a significant amount of time.
