9 posts tagged “design”

OK! I'm finally in the running. I'd appreciate any votes. You'll need a threadless account to vote.

Here's my first ever Threadless design. At the moment, I'm just putting it through the critique system to get some feedback on it, but if you generally like the design, please keep an eye out for my blog. Once I submit it, I'd appreciate your scoring. If you don't have a Threadless account (to score and buy and so on), you SHOULD! Threadless is an awesome site. [ check out the critique ]

Flora

For the past few years I've had a lot of discouragement as far as a career was concerned. The only jobs I could get were part time retail positions making minimum wage, which was hardly enough to put gas in my vehicle. Eventually, I was able to branch off on my own and freelance, although rewarding to do what I wanted, the money was really not enough for the time I spent working -- but I really wanted it to work out so I kept trying to make ends meet. For the most part, all of my clients were extremely pleasant and a pleasure to work with, however there were a few that discouraged me on my pricing and abilities. Knowing that I was barely making the bills as it was, it was offensive to me, as if the person was saying that I don't deserve to have things like health insurance, to have dreams of ever owning a home or having children someday, that my skills were not valuable enough to warrant being paid more than minimum wage for, etc.

I've had employers and friends ask why I want to stop freelancing. It is simply this: running your own business is not for the faint of heart. I had no capital to work from, so I was doing everything myself. I never had enough time to work on anything else I enjoyed because I was constantly working on things that were going to bring income. I couldn't afford to take any risks, but risks are something you need to take in order to expand and grow. My business didn't grow, it just sort of ebbed and flowed without ever pushing the envelope, and by the time December rolled around all of my current client disappeared and I didn't have any new ones knocking on my door, to top that off, my fiance has been looking for work since October without any success. Feeling completely miserable and helpless, I began applying for jobs during the first week of December. Aside from that, most of my customers were one-time clients who didn't have a large budget (though a lot of them had a big heart and I treasure their kindness and support!), but it just wasn't enough means for a sustainable income. It was nerve wrecking wondering each month if I would have enough to pay bills.

I put a great bit of effort into the job search, knowing full well that this is the worst time of the year to be seeking employment. However, I did get an interview within the first week. That job looked promising, but they never called back after the second interview. I never stopped searching for other jobs -- I didn't want to put all of my eggs in one basket. Finally, I had set up two interviews set up this past week and got 2 offers on Friday (yesterday). I didn't know what to make of it -- I knew that the position I was in was extremely lucky, especially since every other time I've attempted to get a job in the field never returned any replies. Because, I don't even have my BA, and most places look past me once they see I don't have that. Because, it's around the new year and not a lot of places are hiring. But thank GOD all of the things from the past few years are coming together to this point -- one job actually said they liked me BECAUSE of all of my experience working with crafters, small businesses, etc, which totally floored me. The other liked my creativity, talent, and the fact that freelancing for as long as I have showed them that I have the initiative to get things done.

What if I succumbed to what my dad wanted me to do and went back to school while working some boring job that didn't pay very well? I wouldn't have the experience that made me valuable enough to these employers to be willing to make better offers to ensure I worked with THEM (read: I'm going to be making some pretty decent money for someone without a degree!). It's not that I don't want to get my BA -- I definitely intend on getting it, even if it takes awhile. I am certainly not above learning, either. I actually try to learn something new with each project I work on, you really have to in this line of work. The web, and all technology for that matter, is constantly evolving.

It would be very easy at this point to consider myself the best thing since sliced bread, but instead, I take the route of humility. I believe that every good thing comes from the Father above. All of my talents, creativity, knowledge, wisdom, and blessings come from God, and He alone. I am not going to take the credit for this -- there is always someone who is better than you. Self-gratification won't last long, and if anything it will make me lose the confidence I now have once the fact that there IS always someone better sinks in. All I know is that there is Someone out there who thinks enough of me to take care of me, and I am (literally) eternally grateful.

This entry comes from my heart. I am just feeling so blessed and thankful right now. I know I was not the only one searching for jobs right now -- my fiance, like I said, has been looking since October and is just now starting to get call backs and interviews. I am definitely fortunate that it took me less than 2 months to get some offers and accept one. For those of you who may be searching -- I know how difficult it is, and there is something out there for you. Be diligent and explore every opportunity. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone (that was a big one for me to overcome), and BE professional! And look on craigslist -- both of my job offers came through that website.

I haven't posted in awhile so I thought I'd give an update. It looks as though I'm going to have to purchase another computer for home shortly, because I think my Mac has just about had it. I have done clean up after scan after disk repair, even replacing the Ethernet cord and I simply cannot figure out why my internet connection is not working. Well, it works ... I suppose, but it takes a few minutes just to load google, which we all know is a really difficult website to load, with all of it's extensive and large graphics, embedded flash, music playing shenanigans.

Perhaps it's my Ethernet port going bad, but I'm not sure about that either, because I did the speed test via my modem and my computer is *supposed* to be downloading at 215k. At any rate, I haven't really used the internet at home for quite some time now because the only way I can do that is by using John's computer, which he is typically using when we get home from work, plus after sitting at work all day on the computer, my enthusiasm for going home and sitting at the computer further is not exactly appealing. So, while I am frustrated with my Mac's performance, there isn't a huge rush to replace it quite yet.

Other than that, it looks like I may have some new horizons for my business opening up very very soon, which I am thrilled about because it may give me some consistent work week after week, though just like anything, nothing is guaranteed. At any rate, a repeat customer is definitely a sight for sore eyes so I am looking forward to it. Though we are having a world of difficulty with John's document imaging project... which is much more drama than I care to share, but if you are of the praying sort, I'd appreciate your prayers on the resolution of this matter, especially because it concerns getting paid, which we desperately need.

I've also had the chance to make my first round of successful lip colors and I must say they really turned out fantastic! I need to get some better product photos as that the ones I have more or less SUCK, but the product is really top notch. I have impressed and superseded my own expectations! Check it out here, ladies! And if that one is sold and I haven't relisted a new one in my shop, send me a message if you want one!

When Stevie Nicks is right, she is really right.

Anyway! Last week John & I ended one of our records management projects and started a new one. Turns out that it's a lot more work than the previous, so we are hiring one of our friends (on salary!) so I don't have to work on that project full time. Which, is good because I really want to focus on expanding my slice of the pie. It should be a pretty easy job for her. It'll be slow at first, but she'll eventually pick up speed and maybe go from working 30 to 40 hrs a week to 20 to 30.

We'll be moving into a larger (and much nicer) office July 2nd, so I'm really excited about that! We've been talking about moving into one for awhile, especially this particular building, but there have been delays on it. We finally signed the lease a few days ago. It's a lovely stand-alone brick building that's about 900-1000 sq ft with well manicured trees and bushes outside, wrought iron posts, wood paneling inside, and the front door is carved wood with flowers. I didn't have my camera on me (for shame, I know!), but photos are forthcoming! Aside from buying a new computer and a 11x17 scanner, we will probably hold off any major purchases until after we've settled in. However, I did buy some 8x10 frames so the walls won't be *completely* bare.

John & I have some plans on what we want to do with this space, but the most immediate need are our records management and web & graphic design projects. Our goal is to use these as a springboard for other things. I love what I do, but John is not completely thrilled. Although document imaging pays well, which is perhaps it's most redeeming quality, it is the epitome of boring. I will say that when I prep the documents for scanning, it can be rather tranquil, but I don't intend to spend the rest of my life spaced out. You can totally listen to music and audiobooks to make the time go by faster, too, though sometimes your speed suffers if you get caught up in a story or find yourself playing air guitar with headphones on in the next room (iPod commercial anyone?). I can't say that has happened yet but believe me, it is tempting.

Oh, and FINALLY, something that isn't (directly) work-related! I have officially started an Indie blog with a friend. You can check it out here: f*indy -- be sure to bookmark it and check it out daily for cool indie shops and artists!

Considering that I'm an artist/designer and my boyfriend is a musician, I tend to think about the two industries a lot. I hesitate to call myself a "professional" artist, as that I am not currently in any galleries or associated with the local art community, however, I spend a lot of time honing my craft and gathering freelance web & graphic design jobs for income. Although John has both a band and immense talent, they haven't gone anywhere because they can't seem to hold a lineup for long, and not everyone in the band is dedicated enough to pursue the career. Which, by the way, is a lot more glamorous than that of an artist. Not to say that it's easy to BE an artist or designer, but it's a lot easier to have creative freedom and get out there than it is in the music industry.

The music industry has been totally ruined with greed. Instead of seeking to find original and creative music with exceptional musicians, the record companies are looking for marginally skilled, good looking, and ignorant youth that will do anything for a glimpse of the spotlight, which paints a picture of hormone pumped chickens getting ready for the slaughter. They'll give you a formula to use when writing material i.e. you must reach the chorus in 30 seconds, under 4 minutes long, the chorus must be repeated at least 4 times, etc. Not to mention, your music must fit one of the already "proven" genres, which explains why every song on the radio sounds the same.

The only way you can effectively influence mainstream music or get signed without giving your soul to the devil, is by going indie and selling a ton. However, this is also not easy, since you have about a million high school students flooding the local music scene. What I notice, is that John's band will play a show that is brimming with high school kids, yet when they get on stage to play they are looking at an empty room, simply because, oh I don't know, they don't scream or their hair doesn't cover their eyes and their drummer is pushing mid fifties and well, maybe because they don't sound or look like My Chemical Romance part XXIVXX. Then, you have venues who act like they are doing you a favor by allowing you to play there. Apparently, the Social won't let you play there again if the bar does poorly.

Excuse me? It is not the bands job to bring people to the show, you are the venue -- get a good band and promote them! Playing a show is not a freaking pyramid scheme. You'd think they would make enough money from the $8 cover (which, mind you, the bands do not see), but no, you expect the band to lure 100 people 21+ who should:

1. Pay the $8 (or whatever) cover
2. Buy at least 2 to 3 drinks
3. And hopefully buy some stickers, a CD, tshirt, whatever to actually support the band.

This is at LEAST $15 to $20 a person, if not more. I'm not a real drinker so I'm not too sure how much a night of drinks costs. But here's the thing: they are a BAR, it is their JOB to sell drinks. What about all the bars that DON'T have live entertainment? Gosh, the more I think about it the more I wonder how bars ever existed before 2001. The real problem is that you've got a bunch of wanna-be rock stars flooding the market, so you have a ton of businesses trying to capitalize and take advantage of them, knowing full well that their band may never succeed, will most likely break up in six months (or less) and probably start yet another band and so the process continues.

I took a break today from all of my webdesign projects and worked on a new wallet design. It started out as a DS case, but it was way too small. Then it hit me, it was the perfect size for a wallet! I changed the outerflap to hold some cards and an id slot, and presto! I'm still tweaking out the pattern/construction, but it's so close. Once I get it, I'll be making a dozen or so to test out in my shop. I'm pretty excited about it, because I've more or less given up on wallets. I've only made one good one, all the others came out too big or too small. Sewing is such a precise art. I really have to take great care to make it perfect, but I think I'm getting a lot better. I've seen a lot of wallets on Etsy, and I've never seen one quite like this. I could be wrong, but I think it's a pretty original design. Whoo hoo!

In other news, I got the sniffles today. I'm not full blown sick, but my nose is stuffy and I have a slight headache. I had to keep getting up to wash my hands after I blew my nose... it was quite annoying, but the less germs I spread, the faster I'll get better. When John got up today he couldn't even talk, and it sounded like he was hacking up a lung. Poor guy :(

Well, for walking up at 12:30pm, I certainly am pooped. I think I'm going to crawl under the covers and get some rest.

But before I go... happy Monday everyone!

Today John and I are going to pick up a woman from the Orlando airport. She's a new widow of a late baptist preacher and has come to stay with us because the parsonage she was living in is full of mold. She also has to find a new place to live. She's originally from Kentucky or Tennessee, some place like that. She's going to be staying with an elderly woman in our church. I think it's kind of cool we (as a church) can do this for her, and I'm looking forward to meeting her.

In other news, my freelance web and graphic design is going pretty smoothly. I'm getting a somewhat consistant trickle of business, I just hope it keeps up this way and builds. I another (potential) client contacted me today about some of my services, so I'm hoping all goes well for that. I have a few more things I need to get done today as far as designing for clients, then I hope to get some sewing done. I wanted to do some over the weekend, but as I predicted, I only got 2 things done on my list: cleaning and designing. The cleaning was pretty much a prerequesite before I could do anything crafty, though. I also have some art I should scan and put up in my shop (originals & reproductions).

I really like working for myself: I can go at my own pace and get things done that I've always wanted to do, such as getting my room in better order, and hopefully getting into some advertising, keeping a blog, that sort of thing. There isn't a lot of security in it, I've already had one person cancel and others aren't responding with my followup emails, but I am getting new people to replace them, so all is well. There may also be times when I am working all day on things, but it's so much different when you're doing it for yourself and not punching a clock. I'll say it's a lot more interesting and fun, and I don't even realize that I'm working. I could definitely see myself doing this for the rest of my working life.

I have a wholesale lip balm order I need to fill (100 tubes, 4 flavors), but I can't get started on that until my special-ordered supplies come in. I'm pretty excited about this opportunity, because not only is it my first wholesale order, but it's going for a good cause. The person selling it will be donating 50% of the profits to FORCE (for breast cancer). I'm creating a special label design with their logo/name on it (though it is still branded as my product, and still has my URL on them and so on). I also need to make some for selling in my own shop. I recently purchased a bunch of new flavor oils, and a few of my loyal customers are getting impatient... so you know, I should *probably* make up a few batches tonight instead of sewing.

ANYWAY. I am sure you are all totally bored with this, so I shall end it here.