Over the past few months I’ve been making the switch from web graphics consultant to unemployed, to freelance design guru. I’ve found oodles of information that has aged my intuition and knowledge faster than I ever imagined. I have a few books pending delivery, and with the ever increasing amount of info on the web I’m sure I’ll have to post one of these every month or so just to keep them all fresh in my own mind. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
My Accountant
Not only a current client of mine, Wineland Tax & Accounting has been a HUGENORMOUS help. I got this huge long email from Rebekah with all these steps I need to take to officially run my own business. Before starting this whole process I was a Business Illiterate. Now I’m well on my way to writing my 10-page business plan (still the most daunting task of all) and getting a bonafide LLC.
If you’re starting your own business, having an accountant that specializes in small businesses and start ups can be your greatest asset. Though the fees might be more daunting than the business plan, I’ve been lucky enough to find terms on which to barter: a website for business advice. If you can’t afford a business consultant, this might be a viable option for not cutting corners on the truly necessary and important things.
The Graphic Designer’s Guide to Pricing, Estimating, and Budgeting
For just $20 you get insight from a seasoned designer on all things monetary.There are plenty of further resources that I cannot wait to get my hands on. One just arrived yesterday, Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers (which will most definitely be on my next list), which is the book where she got all of the form samples from that are in the back of the book. Another resource provided is the Graphic Artist’s Guild, which offers a Handbook of Pricing & Ethical Guidelines. (One of the books pending delivery; should be on the next list as well.) Yet another was Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, which I have yet to check out.
The best advice I received from this book was to not take it personally when a client balks at your rates. Before reading it, I had a friend ask me about my rates on behalf of a family member’s business. When telling her, I felt I had to make an excuse for myself. She’s not familiar with the industry, and my hourly rate as a consultant was already more than I had ever dreamed of (despite the fact that I was still severely underpaid). So, as the words flew out of my mouth, I felt my face growing red even though we were on the phone and my breath catching in my chest. I was embarrassed because most people don’t realize just how much design work truly costs just to create.
Freelance Switch
Freelance Switch is a blog and resource center for freelancers in general, though most of their posts revolve around design or writing. Some of my favorite posts include 12 Points to Include in Your Design Contract, 9 Steps Towards Genuine, Effective Networking, and Tips for Handling Multiple Projects.
Rates Calculator
Provided by Freelance Switch, the Rates Calculator is a great, easy, and straightforward way to develop or reevaluate your hourly rates. It provides the suggested hourly rate based on the amount of profit you wish to make as well as a minimum hourly rate which you will merely break even with.
Just Creative Design
Jacob Cass is an Aussie designer that has created quite an effective and informative resource at his site Just Creative Design. Much like the tall, blonde, and beautiful friend you have, he’s a designer you love to hate in the absolute best way possible because at the mere age of 21, he’s accomplished what many of us are aspiring to. When I first started reading his blog I was slightly envious, mostly because I never in my wildest dreams pictured myself going freelance or creating my own company. Now that I am, all envy is gone and he’s become one of my main inspirations.
To Conclude
With the book orders pending, the few books sitting next to me waiting to be finished or even started, and the ever growing amount of information available on the web, I’m sure I’ll be bringing even more resources to the table over the next few months. Coming soon will be reviews of Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers, Sexy Web Design, and Graphic Artists Guild’s Handbook for Pricing and Ethical Guidelines. Also coming soon will be some blogs on the logo design process I’m currently undergoing, as well as some updates to my portfolio. Until then, may the horse be with you. 