Last week, I posted part 1 of an interview with Tracey Halvorsen. Tracey is a blogger, painter, author, speaker and Principal and Creative Director at Fastspot, a Baltimore, Maryland-based interactive agency. In the second part of my interview with her, we cover building a portfolio (without existing clients), tips on project pricing, dealing with client requests, the importance of failure and more.
- On Pricing: "Budgets are complicated, especially when you are getting started. The value something has in dollars may be outweighed by the value a project presents in terms of your portfolio, connections, future work, etc. I recommend doing a pros / cons list for every prospective project and ask yourself the following questions, before you think about budget..." Read more
- On Portfolios: "Feeling uninspired? Do a search for local non-profits. Believe me, there are hundreds of organizations that are dying for some website assistance. You just have to reach out to them. Don't be disappointed if you don't hear back, because people working at these non-profits are incredibly busy and wearing multiple hats..." Read more
- On a Happy Studio: "Yes, great design is the goal, and profits, and stability and health benefits and all that good stuff. But NONE of the good stuff matters if people aren't happy. Being a creative person means you need to be challenged, and you need to feel you are constantly evolving. This is important to fostering the happiness within a creative agency. Seek work and clients that will allow you to do those things, and to remain happy, and the profits and stability and good stuff will follow. So don't forget about the fact that you are running a business full of people, who create things for other people..." Read more
- Miss last week's Q&A? Want to bookmark or share the full interview? Go Here
In response to your interview with Tracey Halvorsen: This article was right on time for me! I just finished two outdoor signs for a neighborhood Salon (barbor shop)and I was a little discouraged because there was no real monitary profit. The question “How much do you want to do the work?…” and the answer “Go for it at any cost” made me feel a lot better about the deal. I am just getting started in my graphic design career, and I’m talking about an outdoor sign on a busy road – to be seen by hundreds of people whenever the shop is open. I told the lady who runs the shop “You are going to have the best looking sign on Elmwood.” And with my logo at the bottom, it’s good for everyone involved. The money will come in later, but this kind of exposure at this point in my career is piceless!