develop my career as a graphic designer

I currently like to call my website more of an online portfolio. It showcases some of my work, but it doesn’t feel marketable for some reason. So I am redesigning it. Again. This is probably my most important marketing tool, and it currently does not have enough impact. so I am making it a priority. i wish i didn’t hate websites so much :(

10 steps to do:
1. gather and research2. make a list of needs and wants and hows and whys3. choose elements: images, colours, fonts…4. make a rough site map5. composition6. style sheets
7. create entire site
8. misc technical stuff
9. finalize details
10. launch

with the freelance vs office issue. I have decided to give freelancing a good honest proactive shot. I’m climbing very slowly, but it feels good. excited for what may come. But every now and then I really long for having one thing to do. I don’t love the idea of being a jack of all trades.

Areas to be of expertise:
Graphic Design and Production
Marketing, Self Promotion, Networking
Business, Accounting, Management
Legal Issues, Contracts, Documents
Maintaining Client Relationships
Web Design…

Got the basics of the basic down, oh SO SO Much to learn.

1. start a blog with tips, tricks, tutorials
2. promote a cause; create a website about it
3. speak at an event
4. attend events; hand out business cards
5. create your own gallery, digital or physical, invite artists you respect, promotes great artwork and yourself
6. network at local events
7. signature on emails, with http:// link to your website
8. start a community site, centered around your industry
9. have a memorable, well-designed business card
10. magazine ad or article
11. include photo of yourself on your website
12. provide toys/games/fun stuff on your website
13. enter festivals
14. guerrila tactics
15. collaborate with other designers
16. send out postcards or newsletter
17. join three types of organizations: one with peer group, one with potential clients, one for general business practices

from Computer Arts magazine

I need to strengthen my online design portfolio:
Add new projects, create new projects

I need to promote my design work:
Create self promo (and identity package); print and distribute

I need to find a stronger support group:
Workspace studio, meetups, online groups

I need to learn more about marketing and business skills.
Marketing for Dummies

I need to jump into a creative niche:
Choose an art (illustration/photography/collage), love it, learn it, practice, practice, practice, create a series, develop it into a something promotable or marketable

freelance vs. office.

In graphic design, both are realistic options. but so different. in every way. i am currently freelancing and liking it. should i keep trucking and climbing… or should i try to reap the rewards of a stable paycheque?

I’m doing a lot of research into my past and what has worked and what has not and why. yet i’m still on the fence. It’s time to choose, already. sheesh.

online portfolio
1. update with new colour scheme2. rewrite text, use different font3. change quotes4. get rid of school projects5. add more recent projects6. mix up photo section7. add wall of inspiration8. update sketchbook
9. add blog

printed portfolio
1. choose projects
2. print
3. find a flexible means of production
4. put it all together

collateral
1. business card
2. letterhead/envelope
3. email signature
4. get business card printed
5. mailer
6. get mailer printed
7. send mailer via snail mail