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Starting Design business - 11/18/2008 12:27:47 AM
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LkM07
Posts: 28
Joined: 7/27/2007
Status: offline
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I need prayer for the adventure into self employment I am taking. I am a graphic designer and illustrator. I have dreamed of doing my own thing eventually but didnt plan on doing it this soon. I have been freelancing on the side of my full time graphic design job at a very small ad agency. The ad agency I work for got into a pinch with low sales etc and cut my down to part-time. I was terrified but then I realized it was an answer to pray on getting the guts to do my own thing. I have always been confident in my abilities but I am not very gutsy. I think I would have waited ages to feel "safe" stepping out on my own but now God has opened a door and given me this nice stepping stone (part-time position) to help me get started.
It is all very scary. My husband and I just bought a house so it makes things a bit stressful. We will have to pinch untill I start bringing in work which could take a few months. I have some projects rolling already so that is encouraging. I have always had such a hard time believing in myself sometimes so I just pray I can stay positive. I know I am talented, I just need to learn how to promote/market myself.
Anyway, prayers would be appreciated. I am so passionate about design and illustration. I especially am when I get the opportunity to do ministry design work. I would LOVE to be able to focus on that kind of work in the future.
Here is a link to my site, though a new one is coming soon.. this one is temporary till I get my official site up.
www.link-creative.com
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RE: Starting Design business - 11/18/2008 10:06:34 AM
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APZR
Posts: 965
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: GA
Status: offline
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Nice work on your site. Just an idea to mull over... use the internet to do logo and name design for small businesses. There are a lot of small businesses I see that use the plain old black and white linen business cards. With some pizzazz, they could probable do more business. If you could keep the cost to around a couple hundred bucks, you'd be in the price range of other DIY design sites. The problem with DIY is that like me, most business owners may be great in their field, but tend to revert back to their old stale promotional material. I've been thinking about re-doing my cover pages, letterhead and biz cards... but with business and family life I just haven't found time to get a round to it.
_____________________________
Ya can't keep trouble from visitin, but you don't have to offer it a chair.
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RE: Starting Design business - 11/18/2008 11:02:42 AM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1425
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
Status: offline
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Iam an Art Director/Graphic Designer, as well!
Good to see another 'creative professional' here....
APZR made some good points....make sure you go ALL OUT for your own promotional materials (bus. cards, and other "identity materials".....)......nothing more "disappointing than to have a good designer have their OWN materials look "not so good"...
As for ministry work...hopefully that will work out for you. As for my church, they have their own internal communications dept. But, that's just them. Most churches don't have those....
As for me, I went to business school (Advertising/Marketing), and then to art school (cincinnati)....started off in the ad agency biz in 1991, in Detroit...and then some other places. I have worked on BIG accounts, like Chevrolet, GMAC Financing, Ranger Bass Boats, Rent-A-Center and "not so big" like a regional medical center in Arkansas, travel & tourism accounts, and tons of other stuff. In 1998, I went "corporate"....for the past 5 years, I have worked for a really cool company (multi-national vet pharmaceutical company, based in France....I work here in Fort Worth at U.S. Headquarters) in Creative Services (one of 3 designers)....
I have been "unemployed"...the last time lasted for 10 months, and during that time, I did do ALOT of "Freelance" work for people at church and friends (who are all business owners or, at least, "decision makers" at their companies), and who needed work done...whether it was a logo, marketing literature or an annual report...(I LOVE annual reports!)
During that time, while I did do quite well, I had the same issue: Marketing/Promoting myself. UGH! That was the one aspect that I do not like. Going out and GETTING the business. While I do love what I do...I am certainly not "cut out" for going out on my own. Plus, I am the "sole provider" for my wife and 3 kids. I need things like REALLY good health insurance and all....at least you have your husband, and your "income" will be "secondary"....
BUT, I do get an occasional "freelance" job....so, that REALLY helps....
BE SURE and let vendors that know what you are doing (printers, and such)....when I was unemployed, I they were a great source of referrals.
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Starting Design business - 11/18/2008 7:04:37 PM
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LkM07
Posts: 28
Joined: 7/27/2007
Status: offline
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wow thats for all the advice and feedback. yes I am working hard at my own marketing stuff. I have my logo and have had it for a while.. which I put alot of time and though into. There is more verbage and what not that will tie in, and bring more sense to my logo when I get my site done. I gotta get the site done, then I plan on printing new Business cards, postcards, and a brochure eventually. I am going to collect a list of local agencies, firms etc that could hire me on a contact basis, hit up my own clients, and also work on promoting myself nationally more. (I have already done work for people in 3 other states).
Logo design is what I would consider one of my specialties.. it is my favorite and what I feel I have a niche for. I would have to say I probably will not try to compete with DIY sites for that small of fees. I want to aim a bit higher as I feel I can provide a more custom, creative, logo design for businesses that have the desire and budget to get a logo that truly visually represents them. I put alot of research, time and effort into logo development. Doing what you said is an avenue that could be taken but I want to provide something levels above.
Thanks for all your feedback!
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