A Must Have Resource Hub for designers
There are lots and lots of design resources you can find today on the internet, searching for the good resources could be overwhelming. Resources are a must have part for any designer because they aid them in completing or perfecting their project. Lot’s of times a designer will find himself in a dead end situation and needs that tutorial, or a brush, or a plug-in, or an idea even, to complete his work. I will not be naming a list of sites, although I do keep all my favorite design resoures bookmared and backed up just in case of loss. After doing hours of research for the best resource HUB for all types of design resources I came accross one that I use everyday. I made it my hobby to visit this resource site everyday to see whats new and cooking.
The site which I’m talking about is Digg.com
Although the whole site is broad in perspective, what should interest you at the moment is the design section of the site. Why is the site so special? Because instead of googling for hours to try to crawl through the swampy websites full of Ads, you could use the HUB which displays only the user submitted content. Users submit the content which they think is best for you to have and know.
Here is what you need to know when using Digg.com. The design section displays popular rated content, and upcoming content(which is what you should always use) click on UPCOMING link at the top-right hand corner to view upcoming content. You can also search for design resources that are recent or old.
I hope this resource helps you succeed in your business. Let me know how it goes for you
Introverts will hurt their business
Let’s face it folks a lot of designers out there are either freelancers or part-timers always hoping to make it big someday. Not a lot of designers survive in this market, or get to the point of great profits. One problem has to do with designers themselves. Another problem is their business philosophy.
Most artists/designers have characteristics of an introvert. They love to spend time on their own, they enjoy solitude. That also means that artists/designers tend to be anti-social in nature, and I’m not talking about them hating chatting, I’m talking about socializing in public, especially meeting new people. Most designers who made it big had a business partner who was a lousy designer but was a good social person who could shed his skin quickly and easily. Although his design products were crappy, you an introvert always knew that, but he managed to make more money than you. Ultimately your business depends on the social personality or people likewise who can drive your business towards success. A lot of wives whol love to talk helped their husbands succeed this way.
Every anti-social designer brags about the niche. They say something like this;
“I got to find that one niche, and when I do I will fly high.”
In my experience this niche thinking only amounts to 10% of success. So quit bragging and read on.
Those of us who feel uncomfortable about criticism will have a hard time in this business. Your clients will criticize your works, your ideas, and your ability to design. You ought not get offended but take it for what it is, and there will be those clients who will always be amazed at your artistic abilities…that’s just life. Those of us, who are anti-social and have no partner to help, must develop social skills on their own. The development phase is a hard phase to graduate from, but will pay off greatly in the future.
To began:
- 1. You need to meet your clients in person.
2. Come prepared, rehearse in your head what you will talk about.
3. Speak passionately about your ability to deliver. Please no mambo jumbo stuff.
4. Learn whether your client is a cheapskate (this will help in your design process)
5. State your price and terms determinately and even bump the price a little bit to leave a room for some negotiation.
6. Don’t be desperate when a potential client backs-off, politely show him/her the door cause there is a chance he/she may come back later.
Another, A MUST, factor to consider is networking with other designers. Find Designer Networks, or Clubs where these guys meet. Go there, learn from them, and teach them a few of your tricks. Many designers swap jobs that they know their friend can handle or can use. Networking helps one gain confidence and security.
…because at the end of the day it is not how great you design, as it is your ability to sell and market your design. I’ve asked myself many times, how can this guy whose design work literally belongs in the dumpster manages to stay in business? That’s because he knew how to sell his garbage; he knew how to convince his clients that his garbage is better.
