It's long been held that trust goes a long way in building strong long term design relationships. Building all your hopes and dreams with one designer could leave you high and dry when they up their rates after you've committed to a job. So how do you go about finding a trustworthy graphic design company?
Word on the street
Some of the hippest young gunslingers are to be found hanging out in the gin palaces and opium dens of the ghetto. To the uninitiated this might seem like a frightening place to look for someone trustworthy to carry out your design brief but perservere and you may get to hear about some secret design meeting going down in the backroom of some crack festooned fleapit. Welcome to the shadowy world of the design behemoths.
Playing the field
With so many unscrupulous designers hawking their shoddy services, it pays the prudent design buyer to play off these scampa among each other. For instance one designer may be offering free lollipops with every logo design. Armed with this information, approach another design agency and see what kind of sweets you might be able to get from them in order for you to place an order. Who knows by this method of going back and forth you may be able to aquire a whole sackfull of candy at no extra cost. Sweeeeet!
Get to know your designer intimately
Mixing business with pleasure can be a dangerous pastime but when you are looking to build a long term design relationship, sometimes being bedfellows makes common sense. In much the same way as you would be unlikely to stab your husband or wife in the back (unless of course you wanted to murder your spouse in which case this makes perfect sense) it stands to reason that a designer you are regularly giving one to is probably going to be more receptive to your picky demands.
Money - the route of all evil?
So far we've discussed the psychological neccessity of maintaining a trusting relationship between designer and client. The other, sometimes neglected aspect is a sound business trust between the two parties. Ask yourself this question: is that shifty looking graphic designer going to be dipping into your wallet as soon as you're out of the room? If the answer is a probable yes then kick the devil into touch.
Listen to your heart
At the end of the day building up a trustful design relationship has to emerge from both parties. It's all very well you doubting the designers sincerity and to be fair who hasn't thought at one stage or another that a designer is ripping you off? But it's also important to trust your gut feeling about a person. There are a couple more points that you should always be aware of. Ginger haired people although renowned for their hostile nature are 99% of the time fairly honest. Blonds will steal your last penny and leave you with some hideous design work.
By: Horatio Farquaar / www.articlesphere.com
Friday, January 26, 2007
winning logo lesign - how to earn big money from your logo designs
Making a living out of selling Logo Designs can be fraught with danger. Cuthroats willing to slash your throat on street corners, drug crazed thugs and conniving conmen are just some of the things to avoid. Its a jungle out there so make sure your logo design is bulletproof.
Buy Low - Sell high
In terms of outlay the resources you'll need to produce your logo designs are pretty minimal and the returns can be huge. What you'll need is either a pen and paper or in todays modern fangled world a mouse and computer to produce your designs. Pop along to your local electrical retailer and see what offers they've got on for computers. Alternatively make one yourself out of an old radio and a broken down TV. Hey presto a fully functioning desktop publishing empire for the price of a cup of tea.
Look close to home for design inspiration
Now that you're fully set up to produce quality logo designs, you've actually got to come up with some rather fancy ideas. A good place to go for inspiration is the front living room where you'll be amazed to find lots of branded products just waiting to be copied and served up as your own logo design ideas. Another place you might want to look at is your own kitchen. Go on, take a look in your fridge - it's brimming with things like cream cheese, beefburgers and probably some skanky vegetables. If that doesn't inspire you to create, I don't know what will
Hands up who wants a logo?
Your hardest task in making your logos pay for your living is going to be finding anyone vaguely interested in what you have to offer. Once you've asked your small circle of friends and family for the umpteenth time whether they want to pay you to produce a logo for them, its time to look at advertising your services to a wider audience. Try producing a TV commercial using a movie camera and the help of a local TV production crew. Once your ad is shown on primetime TV those orders will start to rollin...
...or they would have done, but for one fact on this journey of self discovery we forgot to build ourselves a website or leave a contact number for people to call. In hindsight remember to have a website designer build you a logo design website before you spend thousands on producing your tv ad. OK, for arguments sake lets say we had a website ready beforehand and now we've got something like 200 logos to produce, how are we going to cope? Outsource, my friend and soon like this article recommends - you'll be earning BIG BIG money baby. Damned right.
By: Horatio Farquaar / http://www.articlesphere.com
Buy Low - Sell high
In terms of outlay the resources you'll need to produce your logo designs are pretty minimal and the returns can be huge. What you'll need is either a pen and paper or in todays modern fangled world a mouse and computer to produce your designs. Pop along to your local electrical retailer and see what offers they've got on for computers. Alternatively make one yourself out of an old radio and a broken down TV. Hey presto a fully functioning desktop publishing empire for the price of a cup of tea.
Look close to home for design inspiration
Now that you're fully set up to produce quality logo designs, you've actually got to come up with some rather fancy ideas. A good place to go for inspiration is the front living room where you'll be amazed to find lots of branded products just waiting to be copied and served up as your own logo design ideas. Another place you might want to look at is your own kitchen. Go on, take a look in your fridge - it's brimming with things like cream cheese, beefburgers and probably some skanky vegetables. If that doesn't inspire you to create, I don't know what will
Hands up who wants a logo?
Your hardest task in making your logos pay for your living is going to be finding anyone vaguely interested in what you have to offer. Once you've asked your small circle of friends and family for the umpteenth time whether they want to pay you to produce a logo for them, its time to look at advertising your services to a wider audience. Try producing a TV commercial using a movie camera and the help of a local TV production crew. Once your ad is shown on primetime TV those orders will start to rollin...
...or they would have done, but for one fact on this journey of self discovery we forgot to build ourselves a website or leave a contact number for people to call. In hindsight remember to have a website designer build you a logo design website before you spend thousands on producing your tv ad. OK, for arguments sake lets say we had a website ready beforehand and now we've got something like 200 logos to produce, how are we going to cope? Outsource, my friend and soon like this article recommends - you'll be earning BIG BIG money baby. Damned right.
By: Horatio Farquaar / http://www.articlesphere.com
how to find Free Business Logo Design
Free business logo design can be found in a variety of areas. There are many logo design companies that will design your free business logo design if you purchase other products from them. Some logo design businesses will provide the free logo design with website design, stationary design and web hosting. For example, you purchase your website design and hosting through them and they will design a free business logo design for you. The price you pay for the website design and hosting depends on your needs in those areas but you are able to lump your free business logo design in the package as well for no additional cost.
Many logo design businesses will also provide you with discounts on products if you purchase your stationary and envelope design through them. You may not receive a free logo design but you will be able to save a little money on other business necessities. You may also find packages that offer other free services if you purchase your logo design from them. For example, some graphic design businesses will provide you with stationary and envelope design, a black and white logo design and your logo design in a variety of useful file formats. You may not be receiving a free business logo design but the other services are free or included in the price of the business logo design.
There are many options available to businesses that will help relieve the stress on the budget. Combining packages of products that you will need for your business will help you save both time and money. You will be able to find various graphic design packages that include free business logo design with the purchase of other services. Remember that you get what you pay for in the graphic design industry. Before you commit to any package in particular you should research the portfolio and pricing of the graphic designer. Designers must also be able to show you a logo design portfolio with several different types of work. You want to be sure that the designer you choose will be able to develop a logo in your industry. Many logo designers will have their logo design portfolios divided up by type or industry. Find your industry and compare those logo design portfolios between each other until you are sure you have found the designer and logo design portfolio that you like. You should feel satisfied with the logo design portfolio that you choose. If you feel like you need to keep looking do so until you find the logo design portfolio that you are looking for.
Whether you have any artistic abilities at all, graphic designers are able to use your ideas and recreate the image in your mind. If you have some artistic abilities, you can provide the graphic designer with a rough sketch of what you envision. You may also provide them with samples that you like and would like a variation of. The graphic designer will gather as much information as they can from you for your graphic design logo. They will need to know what your ideas are and what you are looking for in a graphic design logo. They will also need to know what your business name is, the area your business is involved in and if you have any key phrases or terms that you would like incorporated. You want to design your own logo so that it is unique but you also want a logo that you can be happy with.
By: Jeff Marsh / http://www.articlesphere.com
Many logo design businesses will also provide you with discounts on products if you purchase your stationary and envelope design through them. You may not receive a free logo design but you will be able to save a little money on other business necessities. You may also find packages that offer other free services if you purchase your logo design from them. For example, some graphic design businesses will provide you with stationary and envelope design, a black and white logo design and your logo design in a variety of useful file formats. You may not be receiving a free business logo design but the other services are free or included in the price of the business logo design.
There are many options available to businesses that will help relieve the stress on the budget. Combining packages of products that you will need for your business will help you save both time and money. You will be able to find various graphic design packages that include free business logo design with the purchase of other services. Remember that you get what you pay for in the graphic design industry. Before you commit to any package in particular you should research the portfolio and pricing of the graphic designer. Designers must also be able to show you a logo design portfolio with several different types of work. You want to be sure that the designer you choose will be able to develop a logo in your industry. Many logo designers will have their logo design portfolios divided up by type or industry. Find your industry and compare those logo design portfolios between each other until you are sure you have found the designer and logo design portfolio that you like. You should feel satisfied with the logo design portfolio that you choose. If you feel like you need to keep looking do so until you find the logo design portfolio that you are looking for.
Whether you have any artistic abilities at all, graphic designers are able to use your ideas and recreate the image in your mind. If you have some artistic abilities, you can provide the graphic designer with a rough sketch of what you envision. You may also provide them with samples that you like and would like a variation of. The graphic designer will gather as much information as they can from you for your graphic design logo. They will need to know what your ideas are and what you are looking for in a graphic design logo. They will also need to know what your business name is, the area your business is involved in and if you have any key phrases or terms that you would like incorporated. You want to design your own logo so that it is unique but you also want a logo that you can be happy with.
By: Jeff Marsh / http://www.articlesphere.com
Thursday, January 25, 2007
logo designers - the 5 Point Plan to Designing a Stunning Logo
If we had a dollar every time somebody gave us their opinions on what makes a great logo we'd be able to at least buy a round or two round The Porter during happy hour (providing they'd allow payment in dollars). So, are there any big secrets to putting together a recognisable brand? Indeed there are my friends, read on if you dare...
Sign of the times
Back in the seventies it was reasonable enough for logo designers to simply choose a fat bottomed psychadelic font, add a bit of glitter, stick on a few stars and hey presto you've got yourself a logo. These days clients are a little more discerning and demand you at least use felt tip pens or magic markers to colour in the fiddly bits. So how are things likely to look in ten years time? The canny logo designer always looks backwards as well as forwards and we wouldn't be surprised to see some of those retro fuzzy felt style logos making a reappearance come the year 2020.
A call to action
When you see some of the most striking logos in the street what do they shout out to you? 'Buy Me!', 'I'm Lovely - Eat me!' or 'I am a serious looking company and far too important for the likes of you?' You see, every logo says something about us and how we go about our business. If you are really serious about getting your message accross then hit people with a big dumb no-brainer of a logo and you'll not go too far wrong.
Know your market - intimately
Market research is the be all and end all of whether your logo design is going to have an effect or not. To really know your market you've got to get inside the mind of the person you are looking to attract with your design. If you're designing a logo for a perfume manufacturer, try walking around a department store and allow yourself to be sprayed by the orange faced women on the cosmetics counter to truely get an inkling of their way of life. If you're designing a confectionary logo, act like a proper fatty and slob out on the settee stuffing your face with chocolate bars while watching the telly. Knowing your clientelle will pay dividends in the long run.
Search and you will find
Where to get inspiration from? Well it can come from many unusual places. If you've run the creative juices dry wracking your brains trying to think of a novel design for yet another dreary company logo, go and have a creative dump. The khazi may not be the first choice for the aspirational graphic designer but you'd be surprised at how many eureka moments have occurred while sat upon the porcelain straining the onions.
Create a superior broad-based secure protocol
What? I hear you ask. Well the 5th - some would say scraping the barrel - point to our logo design masterclass, is talking up your logo design using some interminable marketing speak garaunteed to fill airtime if not exactly making any sense. It's quite acceptable to offer a client a simple helvetica based typed logo design just as long as you can express to them the need for minimal juxtaposition among the ever increasing commercial based prioptic competition they are up against, while keeping a straight face. so there you have it. I think that's cleared things up. if there's any questions be sure to read the next exciting installment...
By: Horatio Farquaar / http://www.articlesbase.com
Sign of the times
Back in the seventies it was reasonable enough for logo designers to simply choose a fat bottomed psychadelic font, add a bit of glitter, stick on a few stars and hey presto you've got yourself a logo. These days clients are a little more discerning and demand you at least use felt tip pens or magic markers to colour in the fiddly bits. So how are things likely to look in ten years time? The canny logo designer always looks backwards as well as forwards and we wouldn't be surprised to see some of those retro fuzzy felt style logos making a reappearance come the year 2020.
A call to action
When you see some of the most striking logos in the street what do they shout out to you? 'Buy Me!', 'I'm Lovely - Eat me!' or 'I am a serious looking company and far too important for the likes of you?' You see, every logo says something about us and how we go about our business. If you are really serious about getting your message accross then hit people with a big dumb no-brainer of a logo and you'll not go too far wrong.
Know your market - intimately
Market research is the be all and end all of whether your logo design is going to have an effect or not. To really know your market you've got to get inside the mind of the person you are looking to attract with your design. If you're designing a logo for a perfume manufacturer, try walking around a department store and allow yourself to be sprayed by the orange faced women on the cosmetics counter to truely get an inkling of their way of life. If you're designing a confectionary logo, act like a proper fatty and slob out on the settee stuffing your face with chocolate bars while watching the telly. Knowing your clientelle will pay dividends in the long run.
Search and you will find
Where to get inspiration from? Well it can come from many unusual places. If you've run the creative juices dry wracking your brains trying to think of a novel design for yet another dreary company logo, go and have a creative dump. The khazi may not be the first choice for the aspirational graphic designer but you'd be surprised at how many eureka moments have occurred while sat upon the porcelain straining the onions.
Create a superior broad-based secure protocol
What? I hear you ask. Well the 5th - some would say scraping the barrel - point to our logo design masterclass, is talking up your logo design using some interminable marketing speak garaunteed to fill airtime if not exactly making any sense. It's quite acceptable to offer a client a simple helvetica based typed logo design just as long as you can express to them the need for minimal juxtaposition among the ever increasing commercial based prioptic competition they are up against, while keeping a straight face. so there you have it. I think that's cleared things up. if there's any questions be sure to read the next exciting installment...
By: Horatio Farquaar / http://www.articlesbase.com
a career in Graphic Design - working your way to the top of the creative industries
Creative Director
Lets start at the top and work down. Art directors, or Creative Directors are responsible for a creative team that may design work for magazines, television, advertising graphics, websites, or on packaging. A creative team can consist of layout artists, graphic designers, photographers, copywriters, and menial staff to do the work. An Art directors job is to make sure that each of these workers do not slack off down the pub and complete their work to a deadline and to the client's needs. Art directors also make major decisicions along the lines of should the background be slate grey or cobalt blue, issuing dictates and changing their mind several days after a deadline has passed - leaving co-workers resolutely glum about their position in the grand scheme of things. Art directors will inevitably have come from some kind of marketing or sales background and need no prior graphic design knowledge or skill.
Senior Designer
A Senior Designer is mainly concerned with the visual aspects of a company and will probably have been promoted on the basis that she is fun and a 'great team player' (despite this being far from the case). A Senior Designer will usually insist on having a larger widescreen monitor than the rest of the team which will be decorated variously with fluffy pink bits marketing people send through on a daily basis. A Senior Designer will be involved in the elements of a company's look such as business cards, stationery, packaging design, media advertising graphics, promotional design, and sticking up pictures of topless 'hunks'.
Graphic Designer
The job of a Graphic Designer is to provide a new and exciting way to express the key information of a company or product through a dynamic image or use of typography. Graphic Designers take the scant information given to them by the client and using the internet to scab some free clip art, fashion their own ripped off logo designs in order to fleece the client for all they are worth.
Layout Artists and Artworkers
The engine room of the design world. These scumbags have been buried away with their dusty macs for decades, remorselessly churning out pages and layouts. Inevitably some clueless muppet will send over a 100 page brochure layed out in microsoft word and it will be the Artworkers thankless task to make it publishable. They will need to recognise a font at 50 yards, be able to colour correct the dreariest of images and take a good bollocking every now and again to keep them on their toes. The Artworker must have the ability to design magazines, design brochures, design flyers, design books and design posters. He harbours murder fantasies.
Illustrators
Illustrators generally speaking will have long greying hair and be influenced by prog rock. Working from home among the dungeon and dragonns figurines and manga comics they will attempt to put their own unique spin on whatever brief they are given. What you will be presented with is a semi clad girl with oversized boobs. You will have waited several weeks for this. You will never learn from previous mistakes.
Web Designers
Web designers create the pages, layout, and graphics for web pages, they will be technically minded to the point of absurdity. They will insist on using c++ coding language to impress other geeks and will beaver away doing whatever it is geeks do for hours on end. Web designers also design and develop the navigation tools of a site which will for design websites involve tiny text that makes your eyes bleed. Web designers are far too clever for their own good and should never be encouraged.
By: Horatio Farquaar
Lets start at the top and work down. Art directors, or Creative Directors are responsible for a creative team that may design work for magazines, television, advertising graphics, websites, or on packaging. A creative team can consist of layout artists, graphic designers, photographers, copywriters, and menial staff to do the work. An Art directors job is to make sure that each of these workers do not slack off down the pub and complete their work to a deadline and to the client's needs. Art directors also make major decisicions along the lines of should the background be slate grey or cobalt blue, issuing dictates and changing their mind several days after a deadline has passed - leaving co-workers resolutely glum about their position in the grand scheme of things. Art directors will inevitably have come from some kind of marketing or sales background and need no prior graphic design knowledge or skill.
Senior Designer
A Senior Designer is mainly concerned with the visual aspects of a company and will probably have been promoted on the basis that she is fun and a 'great team player' (despite this being far from the case). A Senior Designer will usually insist on having a larger widescreen monitor than the rest of the team which will be decorated variously with fluffy pink bits marketing people send through on a daily basis. A Senior Designer will be involved in the elements of a company's look such as business cards, stationery, packaging design, media advertising graphics, promotional design, and sticking up pictures of topless 'hunks'.
Graphic Designer
The job of a Graphic Designer is to provide a new and exciting way to express the key information of a company or product through a dynamic image or use of typography. Graphic Designers take the scant information given to them by the client and using the internet to scab some free clip art, fashion their own ripped off logo designs in order to fleece the client for all they are worth.
Layout Artists and Artworkers
The engine room of the design world. These scumbags have been buried away with their dusty macs for decades, remorselessly churning out pages and layouts. Inevitably some clueless muppet will send over a 100 page brochure layed out in microsoft word and it will be the Artworkers thankless task to make it publishable. They will need to recognise a font at 50 yards, be able to colour correct the dreariest of images and take a good bollocking every now and again to keep them on their toes. The Artworker must have the ability to design magazines, design brochures, design flyers, design books and design posters. He harbours murder fantasies.
Illustrators
Illustrators generally speaking will have long greying hair and be influenced by prog rock. Working from home among the dungeon and dragonns figurines and manga comics they will attempt to put their own unique spin on whatever brief they are given. What you will be presented with is a semi clad girl with oversized boobs. You will have waited several weeks for this. You will never learn from previous mistakes.
Web Designers
Web designers create the pages, layout, and graphics for web pages, they will be technically minded to the point of absurdity. They will insist on using c++ coding language to impress other geeks and will beaver away doing whatever it is geeks do for hours on end. Web designers also design and develop the navigation tools of a site which will for design websites involve tiny text that makes your eyes bleed. Web designers are far too clever for their own good and should never be encouraged.
By: Horatio Farquaar
learn how to do Desktop Publishing
Your Guide to Desktop Publishing
Doing desktop publishing involves more than just having and using desktop publishing software. Discover the basic and advanced knowledge needed to do desktop publishing from start to finish as well as how to do desktop publishing as a freelance business.
How to Do Desktop Publishing and Desktop Printing: Assuming you have the appropriate desktop publishing software, chosen for the type of projects and printing you plan to do, and understand the basics of using desktop publishing software, here are the key steps to creating an attractive layout in most types of page layout software and printing it from your desktop printer.
Ten Basic Steps to Doing Desktop Publishing
What are the Rules of Desktop Publishing?: While there are no hard and fast rules, there are guidelines, best practices, and tried and true methods of arranging a page and doing desktop publishing that result in attractive pages that effectively communicate the intended message.
Learn my personal selection of 12 Rules of Desktop Publishing
4 Steps to Perfect Publications: No matter what your level of expertise or your desktop publishing experience you can turn out a great looking desktop document by focusing on four basic areas: page layout, typography, graphics, and printing.
Overview: 4 Steps for Everyone
How a Desktop Publishing Document is Created: Learning how to do desktop publishing involves mastering desktop publishing tasks that fall into six areas: design, setup, text, images, file preparation, and printing. Each of these six areas involve learning a multitude of specific tasks and techniques and may also require learning the more advanced features of desktop publishing software.
How to Create a Desktop Document Step-by-Step
Graphic Design Basics: You don't need a degree in graphic design to do desktop publishing. But an understanding of the graphic design basics, including the elements and principles of graphic design, will help you do better work as a designer, publisher, and visual communicator.
Explore these lessons in the free Graphic Design Basics Course for Desktop Publishing.
How to Start a Desktop Publishing or Graphic Design Business: While some sources might have you believe that all it takes to start a desktop publishing business is to have some software, a color printer, and some fancy paper, the truth is that a desktop publishing or graphic design business requires the same attention to detail of any small business venture. You can start small and build up but the basics are the same.
Take this 10-step approach to getting into desktop publishing as a freelance business
by: Jacci Howard Bear / http://desktoppub.about.com
Doing desktop publishing involves more than just having and using desktop publishing software. Discover the basic and advanced knowledge needed to do desktop publishing from start to finish as well as how to do desktop publishing as a freelance business.
How to Do Desktop Publishing and Desktop Printing: Assuming you have the appropriate desktop publishing software, chosen for the type of projects and printing you plan to do, and understand the basics of using desktop publishing software, here are the key steps to creating an attractive layout in most types of page layout software and printing it from your desktop printer.
Ten Basic Steps to Doing Desktop Publishing
What are the Rules of Desktop Publishing?: While there are no hard and fast rules, there are guidelines, best practices, and tried and true methods of arranging a page and doing desktop publishing that result in attractive pages that effectively communicate the intended message.
Learn my personal selection of 12 Rules of Desktop Publishing
4 Steps to Perfect Publications: No matter what your level of expertise or your desktop publishing experience you can turn out a great looking desktop document by focusing on four basic areas: page layout, typography, graphics, and printing.
Overview: 4 Steps for Everyone
How a Desktop Publishing Document is Created: Learning how to do desktop publishing involves mastering desktop publishing tasks that fall into six areas: design, setup, text, images, file preparation, and printing. Each of these six areas involve learning a multitude of specific tasks and techniques and may also require learning the more advanced features of desktop publishing software.
How to Create a Desktop Document Step-by-Step
Graphic Design Basics: You don't need a degree in graphic design to do desktop publishing. But an understanding of the graphic design basics, including the elements and principles of graphic design, will help you do better work as a designer, publisher, and visual communicator.
Explore these lessons in the free Graphic Design Basics Course for Desktop Publishing.
How to Start a Desktop Publishing or Graphic Design Business: While some sources might have you believe that all it takes to start a desktop publishing business is to have some software, a color printer, and some fancy paper, the truth is that a desktop publishing or graphic design business requires the same attention to detail of any small business venture. You can start small and build up but the basics are the same.
Take this 10-step approach to getting into desktop publishing as a freelance business
by: Jacci Howard Bear / http://desktoppub.about.com
Sunday, January 21, 2007
basics for the small graphic design office
The Environment
If you are just starting out as a graphic design student or setting up a second office in a spare room there is a lot to consider. The comfort of a graphic designer’s workspace is important not only to inspire you do to your most creative work but also for you to stay healthy and motivated. Technology and software have made graphic design one of the professions where it can be easy to work remotely. Enjoy the freedom and set up your office for success. In the information below we’ll cover the basics of equipment and ergonomics for the one-person graphic design office. If you are planning for a multiple person office you may consider hiring a professional space planner to tackle unforeseen problems such as maximizing storage, adequate power and data connections and permits.
In future articles we’ll cover the aspects of office organization, business planning, pricing, contracts and marketing,
Why is your workspace so important?
We spend half of our waking hours at work (when a deadline calls it can be a lot more!) and more than a few thousand dollars when purchasing furniture, equipment and software. Making the right choices for your office in the beginning will save you a headache later. When the work pours in you want to work effectively without small hassles due to shortsighted decisions when planning you office.
The Environment
A small office is just that–small. Even though it may have to be carved out of the corner of another room try to thoroughly evaluate the situation before you hook up the computer. You pay attention to the details in your graphic design– also pay attention to the details of your workspace.
Comfort
What kind of lighting does the space have? Natural light changes during the day and during the year. Try to predict if you will be sitting in a hot sunny window in August and avoid it. Control the artificial light sources. Glare and hot spots on the computer screen will fatigue your eyes quickly. Would turning your desk in a different direction help? What is the noise level outside? Perhaps you should choose a different room if the trash truck comes at the same time as a client conference call every week. If you share the office with other professionals or you are at home do what you can to create a space without distraction.
Psychological factors also come into play. Add a room divider screen if you have a view of the kitchen. Add pictures and inspiration that will help lift your spirit when you didn’t get the latest plum project.
Safety
Are there electrical and data ports nearby? If not can you safely install your equipment without the wires becoming a tripping hazard? Consider a wireless office for your Internet connection. Secure tall and heavy items like the bookcase. Do you have enough room to move your chair around and walk clearly to the door in case of an emergency? Make sure your workspace has good ventilation. Air quality has an invisible but big impact on your health. Molds and fumes can be mitigated when you have good air circulation.
Productivity
Consider workflow as you envision your new office. A workspace with a logical set up will enhance your ability to complete projects effectively. Are the phone and printer located nearby? Are the consumables such as paper and ink cartridges stored in a handy place? Do you have pin up space on the wall to easily stand back and view your latest design?
By: Mary Beth & Paul Trautwein / http://graphicdesign.about.com/
If you are just starting out as a graphic design student or setting up a second office in a spare room there is a lot to consider. The comfort of a graphic designer’s workspace is important not only to inspire you do to your most creative work but also for you to stay healthy and motivated. Technology and software have made graphic design one of the professions where it can be easy to work remotely. Enjoy the freedom and set up your office for success. In the information below we’ll cover the basics of equipment and ergonomics for the one-person graphic design office. If you are planning for a multiple person office you may consider hiring a professional space planner to tackle unforeseen problems such as maximizing storage, adequate power and data connections and permits.
In future articles we’ll cover the aspects of office organization, business planning, pricing, contracts and marketing,
Why is your workspace so important?
We spend half of our waking hours at work (when a deadline calls it can be a lot more!) and more than a few thousand dollars when purchasing furniture, equipment and software. Making the right choices for your office in the beginning will save you a headache later. When the work pours in you want to work effectively without small hassles due to shortsighted decisions when planning you office.
The Environment
A small office is just that–small. Even though it may have to be carved out of the corner of another room try to thoroughly evaluate the situation before you hook up the computer. You pay attention to the details in your graphic design– also pay attention to the details of your workspace.
Comfort
What kind of lighting does the space have? Natural light changes during the day and during the year. Try to predict if you will be sitting in a hot sunny window in August and avoid it. Control the artificial light sources. Glare and hot spots on the computer screen will fatigue your eyes quickly. Would turning your desk in a different direction help? What is the noise level outside? Perhaps you should choose a different room if the trash truck comes at the same time as a client conference call every week. If you share the office with other professionals or you are at home do what you can to create a space without distraction.
Psychological factors also come into play. Add a room divider screen if you have a view of the kitchen. Add pictures and inspiration that will help lift your spirit when you didn’t get the latest plum project.
Safety
Are there electrical and data ports nearby? If not can you safely install your equipment without the wires becoming a tripping hazard? Consider a wireless office for your Internet connection. Secure tall and heavy items like the bookcase. Do you have enough room to move your chair around and walk clearly to the door in case of an emergency? Make sure your workspace has good ventilation. Air quality has an invisible but big impact on your health. Molds and fumes can be mitigated when you have good air circulation.
Productivity
Consider workflow as you envision your new office. A workspace with a logical set up will enhance your ability to complete projects effectively. Are the phone and printer located nearby? Are the consumables such as paper and ink cartridges stored in a handy place? Do you have pin up space on the wall to easily stand back and view your latest design?
By: Mary Beth & Paul Trautwein / http://graphicdesign.about.com/
how to get started as a Graphic Designer
If you doodled, loved comic books or made the poster for your school fair as a kid you probably already know you want to be in the graphic arts. A graphic designer creates and arranges two-dimensional visual elements to communicate a message.
Education & Training
Internship
If you are still in high school or college a summer internship at the local paper, marketing firm or printer will expose you to the day to day work of a designer. Search the web for internships but also look around your neighborhood and town. Ask friends and teachers if they know a graphic designer and to introduce you. Working at a computer is essential for a graphic designer today. Just being in the office will show you a lot about a designer’s daily routine.
When you are at your internship ask questions and eagerly volunteer to help out on important projects. Surfing the web all day won’t expose you to anything new.
Associates Degree
An associate's degree in graphic design or art is a good starting point if you want to get started quickly. You’ll learn a lot of technical skills and become marketable as an entry level computer artist within a limited budget. Check if the courses adequately prepare you to transfer to a four-year institution if you decide to pursue more years of education.
Advanced Degrees
A Bachelor's Degree in graphic design is recommended. A good graphic designer has a grasp of art history, communications and business. With 4-6 years of higher education you will have the time to both gain a breadth of knowledge in various areas of study as well as learn and sharpen essential skills specific to being a graphic designer. Look around and compare schools. Your comfort level with the school will be a big factor in your success. Though the admissions process may be daunting remember to evaluate the school as much as they evaluate you. Talk with faculty and alumni:
- Where do alumni work now?
- Where were the faculty educated?
- What is the philosophy of the program?
- Are internships and/or exchange programs available?
What is the admissions process? Start the process of evaluating schools a couple of years before you begin. Share your interest with teachers and friends. They may also have additional input and encouragement.A Master’s Degree will give you the credentials to teach in higher education. It will also give you the time and freedom for exploratory work. Some designers even return to school for a Masters Degree in the midst of running a successful firm.Graphic Designers do not need credentials or a license to practice. Though education is the route most will take some, such as David Carson, are largely self taught.
Continuing Education
Regularly take classes to keep your skills current in the marketplace. A two-hour teleseminar or a two-week intensive class will keep your professional skills from getting stale. Online training is a convienent way to learn software.
Portfolio
A design portfolio is a key requirement for getting a job. Every detail will count from the typography on your resume to the thoughtful organization of the work. Present your portfolio in person whenever possible, talk critically about your work and be informed about the firm or person you are interviewing with. Whether you use a traditional black book or go digital remember you are communicating visually—give a strong impression.
Your First Job
Congratulations. Are you ready to learn more? Once on the job it is essential for young designers to continue to grow. Good project management, interpersonal communication skills and a positive attitude will advance your career as quickly as knowing the latest software. Salaries range between $30,000 and $50,000 for starting designers. Many designers freelance at night and on weekends to expand their portfolio and earn extra cash.
By: Mary Beth & Paul Trautwein / http://graphicdesign.about.com/
Education & Training
Internship
If you are still in high school or college a summer internship at the local paper, marketing firm or printer will expose you to the day to day work of a designer. Search the web for internships but also look around your neighborhood and town. Ask friends and teachers if they know a graphic designer and to introduce you. Working at a computer is essential for a graphic designer today. Just being in the office will show you a lot about a designer’s daily routine.
When you are at your internship ask questions and eagerly volunteer to help out on important projects. Surfing the web all day won’t expose you to anything new.
Associates Degree
An associate's degree in graphic design or art is a good starting point if you want to get started quickly. You’ll learn a lot of technical skills and become marketable as an entry level computer artist within a limited budget. Check if the courses adequately prepare you to transfer to a four-year institution if you decide to pursue more years of education.
Advanced Degrees
A Bachelor's Degree in graphic design is recommended. A good graphic designer has a grasp of art history, communications and business. With 4-6 years of higher education you will have the time to both gain a breadth of knowledge in various areas of study as well as learn and sharpen essential skills specific to being a graphic designer. Look around and compare schools. Your comfort level with the school will be a big factor in your success. Though the admissions process may be daunting remember to evaluate the school as much as they evaluate you. Talk with faculty and alumni:
- Where do alumni work now?
- Where were the faculty educated?
- What is the philosophy of the program?
- Are internships and/or exchange programs available?
What is the admissions process? Start the process of evaluating schools a couple of years before you begin. Share your interest with teachers and friends. They may also have additional input and encouragement.A Master’s Degree will give you the credentials to teach in higher education. It will also give you the time and freedom for exploratory work. Some designers even return to school for a Masters Degree in the midst of running a successful firm.Graphic Designers do not need credentials or a license to practice. Though education is the route most will take some, such as David Carson, are largely self taught.
Continuing Education
Regularly take classes to keep your skills current in the marketplace. A two-hour teleseminar or a two-week intensive class will keep your professional skills from getting stale. Online training is a convienent way to learn software.
Portfolio
A design portfolio is a key requirement for getting a job. Every detail will count from the typography on your resume to the thoughtful organization of the work. Present your portfolio in person whenever possible, talk critically about your work and be informed about the firm or person you are interviewing with. Whether you use a traditional black book or go digital remember you are communicating visually—give a strong impression.
Your First Job
Congratulations. Are you ready to learn more? Once on the job it is essential for young designers to continue to grow. Good project management, interpersonal communication skills and a positive attitude will advance your career as quickly as knowing the latest software. Salaries range between $30,000 and $50,000 for starting designers. Many designers freelance at night and on weekends to expand their portfolio and earn extra cash.
By: Mary Beth & Paul Trautwein / http://graphicdesign.about.com/
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
how to be a good logo designer
I would like to discuss about a few tips on becoming a good logo designer. Being a good logo designer is not simply being good with logo design software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw. It is about being good at understanding what branding is about and how it affects advertising and marketing.
When companies come looking for a logo design, the logo designer should be in a position to analyze the company, the industry, the competitors and brand principles in general to come up with concepts that work on the attributes of these factors. An effective logo should have an impact on its target audience. It should be able to deliver the intended message instantly. As they so often say, you have 4 seconds to grab your customers attention and when one sees your logo design they should be affected at some level almost immediately.
The problem with the current online logo design industry is that due to cut-throat competition and price wars due to fly-by-night companies mushrooming, genuine corporate identity companies are not in a position to get good logo designers and to invest the time it takes to create a good company logo. Sacrifices have to be made in order to pay the bills and keep the business afloat.
However even in such situations designers can follow some simple steps to ensure that they produce quality logo designs. These steps are by no means exhaustive nor are they intended to be the best possible advice. They are just a collection of ideas that I and other logo designers in Logo Design Works employ to be effective in creating logos.
1) Always ensure you understand what the client wants
It is very important to understand completely what the client is looking for. Some times clients do not have a clue as to how their logo should look. In such situations you will have more room to experiment and try out new ideas. But when a client has put some thought into their corporate identity, then it pays to listen to the client and not be shy about asking questions. If the client says they want to see some sort of a "pyramid" in the logo design, then it is your job to understand why and what of that request. Why does the client want to see the pyramid? What kind of pyramid would he/she like to see? 2D, 3D?
2) Always research a little on the industry in general
Before starting to put any thing on paper or on the screen, always spend at least 30 minutes researching the industry the client belongs to. What kind of companies are out there? A simple search on Google will reveal a bunch of companies in the same industry. Looking at their logos and their branding efforts will tell you about the current trends in that industry.
3) Always look at the competitor identities
It is also a good idea to check out the competition. This helps you identify the current trend so that you can see the similarities and come up with ideas that will make your client's logo stand apart. It will also help you realize what is working or not in that particular industry.
4) Try to comment on each of the concepts
I have noticed that when several concepts are presented to the client it always pays to comment each of them with notes of what each element in the logo design means. This helps the client see where you are coming from and also enhances the value of the concepts. Many times clients simply do not understand what a concept might mean and there fore would not like it.
By: Jeff Marsh / www.logodesignworks.com
When companies come looking for a logo design, the logo designer should be in a position to analyze the company, the industry, the competitors and brand principles in general to come up with concepts that work on the attributes of these factors. An effective logo should have an impact on its target audience. It should be able to deliver the intended message instantly. As they so often say, you have 4 seconds to grab your customers attention and when one sees your logo design they should be affected at some level almost immediately.
The problem with the current online logo design industry is that due to cut-throat competition and price wars due to fly-by-night companies mushrooming, genuine corporate identity companies are not in a position to get good logo designers and to invest the time it takes to create a good company logo. Sacrifices have to be made in order to pay the bills and keep the business afloat.
However even in such situations designers can follow some simple steps to ensure that they produce quality logo designs. These steps are by no means exhaustive nor are they intended to be the best possible advice. They are just a collection of ideas that I and other logo designers in Logo Design Works employ to be effective in creating logos.
1) Always ensure you understand what the client wants
It is very important to understand completely what the client is looking for. Some times clients do not have a clue as to how their logo should look. In such situations you will have more room to experiment and try out new ideas. But when a client has put some thought into their corporate identity, then it pays to listen to the client and not be shy about asking questions. If the client says they want to see some sort of a "pyramid" in the logo design, then it is your job to understand why and what of that request. Why does the client want to see the pyramid? What kind of pyramid would he/she like to see? 2D, 3D?
2) Always research a little on the industry in general
Before starting to put any thing on paper or on the screen, always spend at least 30 minutes researching the industry the client belongs to. What kind of companies are out there? A simple search on Google will reveal a bunch of companies in the same industry. Looking at their logos and their branding efforts will tell you about the current trends in that industry.
3) Always look at the competitor identities
It is also a good idea to check out the competition. This helps you identify the current trend so that you can see the similarities and come up with ideas that will make your client's logo stand apart. It will also help you realize what is working or not in that particular industry.
4) Try to comment on each of the concepts
I have noticed that when several concepts are presented to the client it always pays to comment each of them with notes of what each element in the logo design means. This helps the client see where you are coming from and also enhances the value of the concepts. Many times clients simply do not understand what a concept might mean and there fore would not like it.
By: Jeff Marsh / www.logodesignworks.com
wanna be a freelance graphic designer? (Bhs. Indonesia)
* For English Version click here
Beberapa hal yg perlu dipertimbangkan sebelum anda memutuskan untuk menjadi FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER adalah…:
1. Pemilihan nama
Sebaiknya pilih sebuah nama supaya anda terlihat lebih professional, hindari pencantuman kata2 ‘freelance’ pada nama usaha anda.
2. Sediakan tempat untuk bekerja
Tidak bisa dipungkiri bahwa anda akan membutuhkan satu tempat khusus untuk bekerja dimana anda dapat bekerja dengan efisien dan efektif. Jika anda bekerja di rumah, usahakan menyediakan satu ruangan khusus supaya anda terhindar dari aktivitas lain yang ada di rumah anda. Memiliki satu ruangan untuk menempatkan 1 set computer anda sudah cukup baik, tetapi akan lebih baik lagi jika anda memiliki space/area untuk menulis, menggambar, printing, membuat dummy dan aktivitas lain yg menunjang pekerjaan anda, karena sebagai freelancer anda akan mengerjakan semua aktifitas yg dilakukan oleh lebih dari 1 orang. Usahakan anda menempatkan pesawat telpon anda di dekat anda bekerja, sehingga anda tidak perlu beranjak untuk menerima/menelpon client anda. Usahakan anda memiliki ‘filing cabinet’ untuk menyimpan semua ‘paper-works’ anda.
3. Anda adalah perusahaan anda (…perusahaan anda adalah anda)
Sebagai freelancer, anda tidak hanya bertanggung jawab terhadap masalah seputar ‘kreatif’ saja, tetapi anda juga dituntut untuk melakukan (bertanggung jawab) terhadap masalah marketing, briefing, presentasi, pembukuan/keuangan, administrasi, filing system, dll. Anda juga sekaligus bertindak sebagai receptionist, telephone operator, membuat appointment dan menangani semua keluhan client anda. Anda juga bertanggung jawab terhadap pemasaran perusahaan anda. Menjadi ‘freelance graphic designer’ tidak hanya tentang kreativitas dan design…. Tetapi juga dibutuhkan komitmen yang tinggi dan tanggung jawab yang sangat besar.
4. Anda dituntut untuk menjadi orang yg sangat sabar
Semua aktifitas tersebut di atas sangat membutuhkan kesabaran, tidak tertutup kemungkinan di saat anda sedang sibuk2nya dan membutuhkan konsentrasi tinggi, pada saat yang bersamaan anda juga harus menerima telphon dari client anda yg mengeluhkan masalah yg ada dari pekerjaan yg sedang anda tangani (bad service, bad quality, etc.) Belum lagi masalah teknis yg sering timbul di saat yg tidak tepat (computer bermasalah, printer mengalami ‘paper-jammed’, koneksi internet sangat lambat, kertas atau tinta habis, dan paling parah adalah aliran listrik tiba2 mati !) Masih banyak lagi masalah teknis lainnya yg akan anda hadapi dan dalam hal ini anda harus menangani sendiri, mulai dari masalah computer, beli tinta/kertas sampai tanggung jawab anda terhadap client mengenai keterlambatan pekerjaan anda.
5. Be a professional
Anda dituntut tidak hanya profesional dalam hal kreatifitas dan design, tetapi anda juga harus tampil dan bersikap profesional. Bisa saja anda sedang stress dengan pekerjaan anda, tapi di saat yg sama anda juga harus melakukan presentasi terhadap client dan pekerjaan anda yg lain. Dalam hal ini anda harus bisa meninggalkan konsentrasi pekerjaan anda di rumah dan berkonsentrasi penuh terhadap apa yg akan anda presentasikan. Pada saat melakukan presentasi (bertemu client untuk keperluan apapun), usahakan anda berpakaian sedikit formal. Anda boleh saja menganggap diri anda seorang seniman, tetapi jangan lupa bahwa sebagai ‘freelancer’ anda juga dipandang sebagai seorang ‘business-man’. Sikap dan penampilan anda sangat mempengaruhi penilaian client terhadap anda dan business anda.
6. Well organized
Untuk menjalankan bisnis anda seorang diri, anda harus menjadi orang yg ‘well-organized’. Mulai dari filing system di computer anda, filing system untuk ‘paper works’ sampai dengan persiapan untuk presentasi.
7. Sarana pendukung
Sebaiknya anda memiliki fasilitas: pesawat telephon, facsimile, dan e-mail, ditambah dengan koneksi internet yg memadai. Untuk e-mail, sebaiknya anda men-check inbox anda minimal dua kali dalam sehari.
8. Dukungan lingkungan
Dukungan dari lingkungan sangat anda butuhkan. Jika anda bekerja di rumah, maka orang seisi rumah anda harus memahami profesi anda, sehingga mereka dapat menghargai kesibukan anda dan tidak melakukan hal2 yang dapat mengganggu konsentrasi dan aktifitas anda. Walaupun sehari-hari anda berada di rumah, bukan berarti anda “do nothing”. Tunjukkan bahwa anda tetap produktif dan menghasilkan (uang!).
9. Disiplin
Kunci dari keberhasilan anda sebagai seorang freelancer adalah DISIPLIN. Hal ini tidak mudah karena anda harus mampu mendisiplinkan diri anda sendiri. Tidak ada orang lain yang akan menegur anda melainkan diri anda sendiri! Disiplin dalam hal ini ada beberapa aspek:
a. Disiplin terhadap waktu, walaupun anda bekerja sendiri (di rumah), anda tetap harus memberlakukan jam kerja. Anda tidak bisa bangun siang (dengan alasan apapun!) dan baru menghadap meja/computer jam 10-11. Apa yg terjadi seandainya client anda menghubungi anda pada jam 9.00 sementara anda masih tertidur lelap? Apakah anda akan menerima telp tersebut sementara suara anda masih jelas terdengar spt orang baru bangun tidur?
Sebaiknya anda juga tidak terlalu sering meninggalkan rumah (kantor) anda apalagi untuk kepentingan pribadi. Karena kalau hal tsb terlalu sering terjadi, maka di saat client anda membutuhkan anda, anda selalu tidak ada di tempat dan hal ini dapat memperburuk citra anda/perusahaan anda.
b. Disiplin terhadap uang, walaupun semua keuntungan usaha anda adalah untuk diri anda sendiri, tapi sebaiknya anda tetap memberlakukan system gaji. Kalaupun seandainya dalam sebulan anda dapat menghasilkan untung sebesar 10 juta rupiah, bukan berarti anda bebas menggunakan uang senilai tersebut untuk kepentingan anda dalam sebulan! Sebaiknya anda menghitung dulu seberapa besar kebutuhan hidup anda sehari-hari dalam sebulan, seandainya kebutuhan anda dalam sebulan sebesar 3 juta rupiah, maka anda dapat menggaji diri anda sendiri sejumlah 3 juta rupiah, sementara sisanya dapat anda simpan dalam rekening bank. Kenapa hal ini sangat penting? Karena sebagai seorang freelancer anda akan sering dihadapkan pada kebutuhan uang yg sifatnya mendadak. Beberapa contoh misalnya: dalam beberapa bulan anda dapat menghasilkan untung bersih sebesar 20 juta rupiah, tetapi tiba-tiba saja beberapa bulan berikutnya anda sama sekali tidak mendapat proyek !!! Belum lagi kebutuhan operasional, misalnya anda beberapa kali mengikuti pitching/tender, dimana anda harus menyiapkan beberapa lembar FA untuk dipresentasikan. Kebutuhan ini sudah membutuhkan dana yg tidak sedikit, tapi ternyata tidak satupun tender yang anda menangkan!!! Saya yakin, berapapun besarnya keuntungan yg anda perloleh setiap bulan, kalau anda tidak memberlakukan system gaji, maka pada saat anda “sepi order” anda tidak akan dapat bertahan hidup ! Apa yg akan terjadi seandainya dalam waktu 1-2 bulan anda mengalami sepi order, atau kalaupun ada untungnya tidak besar?! You’re killing yourself…..
Satu hal yang tidak kalah penting adalah, bahwa anda harus membayar pihak ke-tiga (supplier, separasi, cetak, dll). Adalah kewajiban anda untuk membayar mereka terlebih dahulu, SEBELUM anda menikmati keuntungan anda !
c. Disiplin terhadap keputusan anda sendiri, menjadi seorang freelancer bukan hal yg mudah, dibutuhkan komitmen yg harus anda junjung tinggi dan harus anda jalankan sendiri. Sebelum anda memutuskan untuk menjadi seorang freelancer, sebaiknya anda pikir berulang-ulang untung ruginya, enak atau nggak enaknya, karena begitu anda terjun ke industri sebagai seorang freelancer, maka anda sudah mempertaruhkan hidup dan nama baik anda sendiri.
1. Pemilihan nama
Sebaiknya pilih sebuah nama supaya anda terlihat lebih professional, hindari pencantuman kata2 ‘freelance’ pada nama usaha anda.
2. Sediakan tempat untuk bekerja
Tidak bisa dipungkiri bahwa anda akan membutuhkan satu tempat khusus untuk bekerja dimana anda dapat bekerja dengan efisien dan efektif. Jika anda bekerja di rumah, usahakan menyediakan satu ruangan khusus supaya anda terhindar dari aktivitas lain yang ada di rumah anda. Memiliki satu ruangan untuk menempatkan 1 set computer anda sudah cukup baik, tetapi akan lebih baik lagi jika anda memiliki space/area untuk menulis, menggambar, printing, membuat dummy dan aktivitas lain yg menunjang pekerjaan anda, karena sebagai freelancer anda akan mengerjakan semua aktifitas yg dilakukan oleh lebih dari 1 orang. Usahakan anda menempatkan pesawat telpon anda di dekat anda bekerja, sehingga anda tidak perlu beranjak untuk menerima/menelpon client anda. Usahakan anda memiliki ‘filing cabinet’ untuk menyimpan semua ‘paper-works’ anda.
3. Anda adalah perusahaan anda (…perusahaan anda adalah anda)
Sebagai freelancer, anda tidak hanya bertanggung jawab terhadap masalah seputar ‘kreatif’ saja, tetapi anda juga dituntut untuk melakukan (bertanggung jawab) terhadap masalah marketing, briefing, presentasi, pembukuan/keuangan, administrasi, filing system, dll. Anda juga sekaligus bertindak sebagai receptionist, telephone operator, membuat appointment dan menangani semua keluhan client anda. Anda juga bertanggung jawab terhadap pemasaran perusahaan anda. Menjadi ‘freelance graphic designer’ tidak hanya tentang kreativitas dan design…. Tetapi juga dibutuhkan komitmen yang tinggi dan tanggung jawab yang sangat besar.
4. Anda dituntut untuk menjadi orang yg sangat sabar
Semua aktifitas tersebut di atas sangat membutuhkan kesabaran, tidak tertutup kemungkinan di saat anda sedang sibuk2nya dan membutuhkan konsentrasi tinggi, pada saat yang bersamaan anda juga harus menerima telphon dari client anda yg mengeluhkan masalah yg ada dari pekerjaan yg sedang anda tangani (bad service, bad quality, etc.) Belum lagi masalah teknis yg sering timbul di saat yg tidak tepat (computer bermasalah, printer mengalami ‘paper-jammed’, koneksi internet sangat lambat, kertas atau tinta habis, dan paling parah adalah aliran listrik tiba2 mati !) Masih banyak lagi masalah teknis lainnya yg akan anda hadapi dan dalam hal ini anda harus menangani sendiri, mulai dari masalah computer, beli tinta/kertas sampai tanggung jawab anda terhadap client mengenai keterlambatan pekerjaan anda.
5. Be a professional
Anda dituntut tidak hanya profesional dalam hal kreatifitas dan design, tetapi anda juga harus tampil dan bersikap profesional. Bisa saja anda sedang stress dengan pekerjaan anda, tapi di saat yg sama anda juga harus melakukan presentasi terhadap client dan pekerjaan anda yg lain. Dalam hal ini anda harus bisa meninggalkan konsentrasi pekerjaan anda di rumah dan berkonsentrasi penuh terhadap apa yg akan anda presentasikan. Pada saat melakukan presentasi (bertemu client untuk keperluan apapun), usahakan anda berpakaian sedikit formal. Anda boleh saja menganggap diri anda seorang seniman, tetapi jangan lupa bahwa sebagai ‘freelancer’ anda juga dipandang sebagai seorang ‘business-man’. Sikap dan penampilan anda sangat mempengaruhi penilaian client terhadap anda dan business anda.
6. Well organized
Untuk menjalankan bisnis anda seorang diri, anda harus menjadi orang yg ‘well-organized’. Mulai dari filing system di computer anda, filing system untuk ‘paper works’ sampai dengan persiapan untuk presentasi.
7. Sarana pendukung
Sebaiknya anda memiliki fasilitas: pesawat telephon, facsimile, dan e-mail, ditambah dengan koneksi internet yg memadai. Untuk e-mail, sebaiknya anda men-check inbox anda minimal dua kali dalam sehari.
8. Dukungan lingkungan
Dukungan dari lingkungan sangat anda butuhkan. Jika anda bekerja di rumah, maka orang seisi rumah anda harus memahami profesi anda, sehingga mereka dapat menghargai kesibukan anda dan tidak melakukan hal2 yang dapat mengganggu konsentrasi dan aktifitas anda. Walaupun sehari-hari anda berada di rumah, bukan berarti anda “do nothing”. Tunjukkan bahwa anda tetap produktif dan menghasilkan (uang!).
9. Disiplin
Kunci dari keberhasilan anda sebagai seorang freelancer adalah DISIPLIN. Hal ini tidak mudah karena anda harus mampu mendisiplinkan diri anda sendiri. Tidak ada orang lain yang akan menegur anda melainkan diri anda sendiri! Disiplin dalam hal ini ada beberapa aspek:
a. Disiplin terhadap waktu, walaupun anda bekerja sendiri (di rumah), anda tetap harus memberlakukan jam kerja. Anda tidak bisa bangun siang (dengan alasan apapun!) dan baru menghadap meja/computer jam 10-11. Apa yg terjadi seandainya client anda menghubungi anda pada jam 9.00 sementara anda masih tertidur lelap? Apakah anda akan menerima telp tersebut sementara suara anda masih jelas terdengar spt orang baru bangun tidur?
Sebaiknya anda juga tidak terlalu sering meninggalkan rumah (kantor) anda apalagi untuk kepentingan pribadi. Karena kalau hal tsb terlalu sering terjadi, maka di saat client anda membutuhkan anda, anda selalu tidak ada di tempat dan hal ini dapat memperburuk citra anda/perusahaan anda.
b. Disiplin terhadap uang, walaupun semua keuntungan usaha anda adalah untuk diri anda sendiri, tapi sebaiknya anda tetap memberlakukan system gaji. Kalaupun seandainya dalam sebulan anda dapat menghasilkan untung sebesar 10 juta rupiah, bukan berarti anda bebas menggunakan uang senilai tersebut untuk kepentingan anda dalam sebulan! Sebaiknya anda menghitung dulu seberapa besar kebutuhan hidup anda sehari-hari dalam sebulan, seandainya kebutuhan anda dalam sebulan sebesar 3 juta rupiah, maka anda dapat menggaji diri anda sendiri sejumlah 3 juta rupiah, sementara sisanya dapat anda simpan dalam rekening bank. Kenapa hal ini sangat penting? Karena sebagai seorang freelancer anda akan sering dihadapkan pada kebutuhan uang yg sifatnya mendadak. Beberapa contoh misalnya: dalam beberapa bulan anda dapat menghasilkan untung bersih sebesar 20 juta rupiah, tetapi tiba-tiba saja beberapa bulan berikutnya anda sama sekali tidak mendapat proyek !!! Belum lagi kebutuhan operasional, misalnya anda beberapa kali mengikuti pitching/tender, dimana anda harus menyiapkan beberapa lembar FA untuk dipresentasikan. Kebutuhan ini sudah membutuhkan dana yg tidak sedikit, tapi ternyata tidak satupun tender yang anda menangkan!!! Saya yakin, berapapun besarnya keuntungan yg anda perloleh setiap bulan, kalau anda tidak memberlakukan system gaji, maka pada saat anda “sepi order” anda tidak akan dapat bertahan hidup ! Apa yg akan terjadi seandainya dalam waktu 1-2 bulan anda mengalami sepi order, atau kalaupun ada untungnya tidak besar?! You’re killing yourself…..
Satu hal yang tidak kalah penting adalah, bahwa anda harus membayar pihak ke-tiga (supplier, separasi, cetak, dll). Adalah kewajiban anda untuk membayar mereka terlebih dahulu, SEBELUM anda menikmati keuntungan anda !
c. Disiplin terhadap keputusan anda sendiri, menjadi seorang freelancer bukan hal yg mudah, dibutuhkan komitmen yg harus anda junjung tinggi dan harus anda jalankan sendiri. Sebelum anda memutuskan untuk menjadi seorang freelancer, sebaiknya anda pikir berulang-ulang untung ruginya, enak atau nggak enaknya, karena begitu anda terjun ke industri sebagai seorang freelancer, maka anda sudah mempertaruhkan hidup dan nama baik anda sendiri.
By: anton ardjanggi / www.anarddesign.com
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