Merlin, just saw you at SXSW. This is actually my first comment on 43.

Mine is simple. Gmail. I manage 5-10 designers around the country and it is tough to keep track of new projects, current projects and follow-ups. We tried many web based apps - basecamp, project, ect. But we are moving so fast, we just use GMAIL now.

I have created a defined labeling system with filters in GMail that helps me keep track of everything that is going on. Using the colors and some third party plug-ins I can quickly get to a task when a client calls. Clients always want to add new requests in a new email, but we make sure to always respond in the original email conversation. Sometimes this can lead to a few hundred emails in conversation.

Also, we send all our PSDs with Gmail. I just purchased 45 Gigs of space. I never have to delete an email again. Custom labels are as also created for each client, for each designer / developer and for type of file (ie. zip or psd). This also helps with books keeping and accounting.

This works on many levels, because a lot of other companies rely on us as their design team. So they give me an email address with their company name and I use that to talk to the client. So in gmail, for that client I respond with the company’s email address and my real email is hidden. It’s very powerful. Save me a ton of time every day.

Hope that made sense.