I don’t know about you, but I hate having all my project files just dumped into one directory and then digging for them as I work through a project. This is how I start and manage my project files as I go to help keep them (less) clutter free. This helps to make the work flow more efficient and helps other people that are also working on the project find things just as easily. I’ve put together this process over time while working at different places and adapting to their work flows. The image above should be self explanatory.
One gripe I have about using dates in file names is that, if you don’t already, use this format: YYMMDD rather than the standard American way of MMDDYY. I use this for managing photo albums and other files that go over a year as well. By doing this, you won’t get last year’s 121408 files sitting next to 121409 files when it gets listed by file names.
I’m sure everyone has numerous ways of keeping their work flow organized too. Please share your ways here. There’s always room for improvements.
