Archive for March, 2007
Dylan Hears A Who
Take a listen at: Dylan Hears a Who
Near-Mint Heroes
For a blog that is refreshing take a look at: Near-Mint Heroes
Rethinking the Potential of Pro Bono
Contributed by David C Baker, ReCourses (see information about upcoming speaking engagements at the end of this article).
Pro bono publico is a latin phrase that refers to the application of your professional expertise to some “public good” as a service rendered, without pay. It’s long been a part of the creative services industry, but it’s not typically managed well in three particular aspects.
First, it’s often reactive rather than emerging from a considered approach that would bring greater benefit to everyone involved. Second, the recipients are sometimes chosen for the wrong reasons: they asked first; they were the most persuasive; they offered the most interesting opportunity; there was some personal connection; or they didn’t object to enduring the work of less experienced employees cutting their teeth on hapless victims. In other words, the work is not taken as seriously since these deserving entities must be content with the scraps. Third, pro bono work is often viewed as a diversion instead of a strong contribution that aligns with your mission, culture, and expertise.
Interview: Cat of the No!Spec
Have you ever heard this: “We don’t pay until we see the final design” or “Can you do this project cheap, and we will make up for it with a bigger project later.” Would you ever see a doctor and tell him/her that you will pay him/her only if the results are good? No, as design professionals we bring value to a project by creating a unique solution to the problem, and therefore, we should be compensated fairly.
More and more the design profession is being damaged by organizations that do not understand the value we bring. Additionally, with the proliferation of “design contests” we are being pulled into giving away work under guise of “great exposure.”
Today we will be discussing the topic of speculative work in the graphic design profession with Catherine (cat) Morley, founding member and editor of NO!SPEC (www.no-spec.com). NO!SPEC was created to not only inform and educate clients but to also educate designers. All too often what might look like a good opportunity to get exposure is just another way for an organization to get free work.
Houston AIGA: Design Business Free Teleforum Series : Nitty Gritty
OK, so now you have a pretty good idea of who your ideal client is and what’s so special about how you can help them. Now what?
Where and how do you actually find new clients?
The answer is “Lot’s of different ways, and at least one will be right for you.”
Come join us at the March 7th AIGA Nitty-Gritty TeleForum and learn more about “Six Proven Ways To Get New Clients.” Join your fellow AIGA members and Pam Bryan to discuss:
* Why rust matters, and how to build it
* 6 marketing tactics that work
* How to choose the ones that are best for you.
Yes, you do have to have to do more than one thing!
Get the low down on the Nitty-Gritty TeleForum
The Nitty-Gritty TeleForum series is a great learning opportunity brought to you by your AIGA chapter. A TeleForum is a form of distance learning where you use your telephone to call a pre-assigned phone number in order to participate in an interactive educational seminar. TeleForums provide a great learning experience with your design industry colleagues, without the time, expense and hassle of travel. Just close your door, pick up the phone and join us. You can choose to actively participate or just listen and learn. The choice is yours. Several chapters participate in the Nitty-Gritty series so you can exchange views with design professionals across town and across the country. All without leaving your own office. Oh, and did we mention? They are free! The Nitty-Gritty series is sponsored and delivered by Pam Bryan of Future Results Now. Pam is a business coach dedicated to making life as a design professional more fun and more profitable.
