Original articles, design and site news, bonus interviews, and other great info!
At 94 years old, Dr. Samella Sanders Lewis’ long, rich life holds many accomplishments: four degrees, five films, seven books, and countless works of art in many mediums. She is the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate in fine art and art history, which was groundbreaking for many who aspired for higher education. She has taught in several universities, and her art has inspired generations.
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A good personal brand is key to setting yourself apart from the crowd. It should reflect your talents and personality, while also showing what you can bring to the table. Many times, a first impression will come through your brand, so it’s important to make it as strong as you can. I’ve been working on refreshing my personal brand, and wanted to share the following tips that have been the most meaningful for me.
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As the summer draws to a close and the fiscal year begins for many agencies, job and business opportunities abound. For creative types, seizing these opportunities will rely, at least in part, on having a strong portfolio to show potential employers and clients.
In nearly 10 years of working for the government, for agencies, and as a freelancer, I’ve evaluated hundreds of portfolios. Unfortunately, there are more than a few designers I’ve seen who lack either the knowledge or the desire to market themselves effectively through their body of work. Attracting success doesn’t have to be a difficult prospect, though. Here are some steps you can take to put together your best portfolio.
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Q: What are some resources for self-taught designers to improve our craft? What tools are the best for starting a freelance business?
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A little over ten years ago, I quit my job at AT&T and started my own design studio called Lunch. Since then, I’ve worked with hundreds of clients all over the world from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses from solopreneurs, and have gotten to work on some truly great projects. But if there’s one thing I’ve found which potential clients have in common, it’s this: sometimes, they really have no idea how to hire a designer.
While I don’t run my design studio anymore, I do still hire designers and other creative, talented individuals for projects from time to time. So whether you’ve hired a designer before or you’re looking for one and don’t know where to start, I’ve got you covered. I’m going to give you some tips on what to do and what not to do when it comes to hiring a designer. (And for you designers reading this, hopefully these tips may give you some insight into leveraging difficult client interactions so you can close the deal.)
Let’s get into it, shall we?
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