Most creative professionals would rather talk about ideas, storytelling, or color palettes than spreadsheets and timelines. But the truth is, great creative work falls apart without great project management.
In my first few years running Made By Things, I thought chaos was part of the creative process. Every project felt like starting from scratch. But chaos, I learned, kills creativity. The turning point came when I realized that structure doesn’t restrict creativity—it protects it. The systems you build around your work are what give your best ideas the chance to survive.
Why Process Matters More Than Talent
I used to believe that if I just made great work, everything else would fall into place. But clients don’t hire you for your talent alone—they hire you for trust. And trust is built on predictability.
When a client asks, “So what happens next?” and you can answer confidently with a clear step-by-step plan and timeline—that’s when they start seeing you as a partner, not a vendor.
If you can’t answer that question, they start to lead the project themselves. And when that happens, the project becomes a guessing game instead of a collaboration.
Steal My System
You don’t need expensive software or a full-time producer to get organized. You just need a clear plan, a timeline, and accountability.
That’s why I’m sharing our Made By Things Gantt Chart Template—the same one we use for every single project. It’s simple, adaptable, and has helped us manage everything from $5,000 videos to seven-figure campaigns.
👉 Download the free Gantt Chart Template here
How to use it
Copy the template to your own Google Drive.
Fill in all the details, including your step-by-step process.
Color-code cells to your working days and then add in the client's review days
Share with your client so they know exactly what to expect and when.
It’s quite simple, but it makes a world of difference for both you and your clients.