A Designer's Marketing Mayhem

I've been reading this great book...The Designer's Guide to Marketing and Pricing...very informative! It's also a kick in the booty for a small business owner like me. I am a creative. I am not a numbers cruncher. I am not alone in this. As the head dreamer/designer for my firm I would much rather be meeting with clients and working on their design needs than drumming up more business.

Sound crazy? It's simply because I don't want to analyze :) I want to CREATE! But thanks to the book above I am learning how to attack the "building my business" side of my company without losing my designer soul.

I'll let you know how it goes. I've already identified my three desired markets and have begun assembling my prospect list. After Thanksgiving...the cold calling begins!

Go get those clients!

Technology's Affect on the Advertising Industry

Really interesting video! Kind of mind blowing actually.

Veering into Inspiration's Path

Veer.com had a competition. I just saw the winning entry - what!?! It's amazing! Just had to share it :)


Veer Contest Submission from J.D. on Vimeo.

The CMYK Christmas of it All

It's that time of year again. You know, the time to start making your wish list for family and friends. Laugh if you like, but my family does this every year (now that we are all grown up and don't believe in Santa anymore).

The plus side: I like to get lists from my family that inspire me.

The minus side: I have to write a list too! Buying things on a budget for a graphic designer (that's me!) is not the easiest job in the world. Of course, any time my fam decides to go in together and buy me a Mac or iPhone they are welcome to it! But what other options do they have...hmmmm!

Like most graphic designers, I like unique items that you can't get at Wally World or the mall. You more than likely could find some of my favorite gifts at a junk yard, thrift store, used furniture shop or antique store. Then all I would need is a can of paint and I'm totally in love with my find for the day.

But how do you buy things for us - we graphic designers of the world - with our kooky sense of design humor. I delved into the internet and found some really noteworthy items. They may not make sense to the non-designer individual, but trust me, they're fabulous!

1. Kern Jacket from Veer: If you don't know what kerning is it's because you don't speak "designer"

2. Typography Coasters from Veer: You have to be a type geek to truly appreciate the beauty of these coasters


3. CMYK 95-0-85-25 Jacket: If these letters and numbers mean nothing to you - just take my word for it - this fantastic!

Now I shall veer away from Veer.com. Next item:
4. Pantone mugs! and they have plates too!


5. We use USB drives all the time. Some lose them - others...um...hit them with their foot while it was plugged into a tower and well, it got a little bent out of shape...oops! But maybe if it was really special we would take better care.


Websites with a wealth of design paraphernalia to keep your design geek plenty happy!
1. Graphic Tees, Clocks, Calendars and more at CafePress.com
2. Etsy.com has amazing AMAZING stuff created by all kinds of artists
3. Zazzle.com has some pretty cool CMYK shirts
4. For some art inspired pieces go to MOMA.com

And make certain you find out what makes your creative individual tick, what inspires them and what makes them smile even when no one is around. These answers are sure to lead you to ebay or a thrift store in search of that illusive item that will totally surprise and thrill your graphic designer on Christmas morning.