Opening the door to inspiration.

Every now and then we all can get into a funk when it comes to generating new ideas. The pressure of deadlines and other outside forces can create an environment that is less than conducive for us to be our creative best. How do you get that back and make the creative sparks happen. I’ve found over the years that some of my best ideas come when Im able to walk away and completely forget about the task, even just a short  time. This might be after a good nights rest or a good talk with an old friend you haven’t seen in awhile . Maybe it’s taking a walk in an area that forces you to think about what’s going on around you at the moment and not the task at hand. Forcing yourself to focus on other tasks helps clear the creative block and allow new ideas to come in. When you don’t force it, it allows the ideas to flow.

Reader Poll: Price vs Service

In the current economic times, everyone is looking hard at the bottom line.  Whereas in the past many would find a good reliable vendor and stick with that vendor based primarily on the quality of that vendor’s products and customer service, today it seems like more and more people are basing purchasing decisions based primarily (or even completely) on price.  I thought this might be a good time for an informal reader poll. 

• Which is more important to you – price or service?
• Would you pay a little more for excellent customer service?  Or do you choose the least expensive option, even if the service is somewhat lacking?
• How important is quality to you?  Will you pay a premium for the highest quality, or would you choose a lesser quality product if it is a lower price? 

I’d love to hear your comments on these issues.

What fabric is best for stage skirts and black stage curtains?

I’ve been noticing a trend recently.  For years, we’ve been making stage skirting and masking stage curtains for music tours out of FR 16oz Commando Cloth (also known as heavy weight duvetyn).  It blocks most of the light and it is quite affordable.  The downside is that it is less durable (since it is cotton) and the topical flame retardancy treatment dissipates over time, which can be an issue if the soft goods become damp (such as at outdoor venues).  It works fine for a single tour, but Commando soft goods often end up in the bin after the tour is over.

Lately, though, many production designers are choosing to use PFR Encore Velour instead.  Not only does it provide terrific masking and light blockage, but as a polyester fabric, it is much more durable and is permanently flame retardant, allowing the possibility of using the skirts and stage curtains for more than one tour.  It does cost a little bit more upfront but can be more economical over the long run.

So, any production designers or tour managers out there…let me know what you think.  Is Duvetyn still the way to go, or are you moving toward polyester alternatives such as Encore?