I’ve not used video conferencing yet, but it’d be worth trying, for sure. Joe makes a good point about not being able to read the client’s body language etc. but that’d all depend on the quality of your equipment. For instance, I wouldn’t want to conduct a video conference using your bog standard £20 web cam (goes without saying really).

Lauren,

Thanks for the compliment! I’ve been using Skype quite often to talk to overseas clients. When the other end doesn’t have Skype, I find the cost of calls very reasonable anyway.

While it seems to work well for some clients, others have too much trouble with the technology yet to make it worth it. I’d have to say I’m still in the same boat as James, that a handshake and eye-contact are still the best parts of a well-conducted meeting.

Hi Lauren, I agree it could really open up working with people overseas, but I can also really see the possibilities for first job interviews too. I know I have been for interviews and after 2 minutes thought – I don’t want this job – get me out of here.

I’m sure we’ll see video conferencing more and more. I think people are starting to telecommute more often, too, which will increase the use of inventions like the webcam.

That being said, I use iChat with other designers and production artists right in my own office. Why? Because when I do get up and meet them face to face, it inevitably ends up getting side-tracked and I lose 20 minutes of time yapping or overthinking a project.

I think there’s something to be said for using an instant messenger client (you can still show/transfer files) in the workplace, but I prefer the face to face whenever possible.