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| icon set created for the app |
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Web Banners
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| Brent Anthony Blog Slider |
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| Family Dermatology November Specials Slider |
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| Family Dermatology December/Holiday Specials Slider |
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| Anfesa Jewlers "Let it Snow" Campaign |
Thursday, August 15, 2013
NCACPA Work
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| infographic for the cover of "The Source" |
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| Inside of the Emerging Leaders Conference Brochure |
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| Front/Back of the Emerging Leaders Conference Brochure |
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| Front/Back of the Mountain Cluster Conference Brochure |
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| Inside of the Mountain Cluster Conference Brochure |
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| Postcard for Don Farmer Tax Seminar |
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| Invite to the Charlotte Chapter Networking Social |
Monday, June 10, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Start Following Your Dreams
Start Following Your Dreams, Stop Worrying About What You're 'Supposed to Do'.
"Once a young person has chased a dream, built a team, and changed his or her small world, he or she has the power to express love and respect in action..." Bill Drayton, CEO at Ashoka, explores what making mistakes can do to help your success. He begins talking about how much he hated math and Latin in school but new he loved to start things. So what did he do? He began a newspaper business after obtaining a small printing machine. He wasn't worried about whether the business would be successful or not, he just followed his dream.
Drayton says the same can be applied to the design world. You have to take risks and be willing to fail to succeed. "The only way they can do so is by practicing, failing, collaborating, learning from mistakes, and taking responsibility for making a difference." Empathy, teamwork, and leadership are the core values here. Offering the future leaders (US) the opportunity to invent and reinvent things is pertinent to success. He suggests, take risks, don't be afraid, and try something new. It is not all about the education you have, but what you are willing to do with it.
“If we want children to be inventors, we have to give them opportunities to invent…If we want them to be problem solvers, we [must] give them moments of independence to figure out things for themselves.”
"Once a young person has chased a dream, built a team, and changed his or her small world, he or she has the power to express love and respect in action..." Bill Drayton, CEO at Ashoka, explores what making mistakes can do to help your success. He begins talking about how much he hated math and Latin in school but new he loved to start things. So what did he do? He began a newspaper business after obtaining a small printing machine. He wasn't worried about whether the business would be successful or not, he just followed his dream.
Drayton says the same can be applied to the design world. You have to take risks and be willing to fail to succeed. "The only way they can do so is by practicing, failing, collaborating, learning from mistakes, and taking responsibility for making a difference." Empathy, teamwork, and leadership are the core values here. Offering the future leaders (US) the opportunity to invent and reinvent things is pertinent to success. He suggests, take risks, don't be afraid, and try something new. It is not all about the education you have, but what you are willing to do with it.
“If we want children to be inventors, we have to give them opportunities to invent…If we want them to be problem solvers, we [must] give them moments of independence to figure out things for themselves.”
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
How to find your freelance niche
How I found my freelance niche and how you can find yours
In this article April Greer explores the idea that finding your freelance niche can actually help you gain more clients and more income. Often times we hear the phrase, "If you try to be good at everything, you will be excellent at nothing." This phrase never has rung more true to me then now, when I am dealing with needy freelance clients. I have been seeking something that could help me separate the "good" and the "bad" clients. Greer suggests narrowing your focus to increase your clientele.
First, Greer suggests taking a look at one’s self and thinking about what projects make you giddy and excited. Finding the projects you are truly passionate about can help you find your niche. To do this you need to be able to understand your design strengths and weaknesses, find your passion, and understand your client relationships. One of the biggest aspects of these steps is to understand your business. To do this, you have to be able to take your hobby of design and transform it into a business. Start marketing yourself as designer and make yourself known as a professional. How to do this? Name your business, create an identity for the business, and characterize your audience.
Taking a look at this article, I can definitely make some exceptions when it comes to my freelance clients. I need to find the type of projects that really get me excited to do the work, rather than taking any project that comes my way. Defining what exactly I want to market myself as and what types of services I can provide will also help me. Take a look at the article, I’d love to hear what you think!
In this article April Greer explores the idea that finding your freelance niche can actually help you gain more clients and more income. Often times we hear the phrase, "If you try to be good at everything, you will be excellent at nothing." This phrase never has rung more true to me then now, when I am dealing with needy freelance clients. I have been seeking something that could help me separate the "good" and the "bad" clients. Greer suggests narrowing your focus to increase your clientele.
First, Greer suggests taking a look at one’s self and thinking about what projects make you giddy and excited. Finding the projects you are truly passionate about can help you find your niche. To do this you need to be able to understand your design strengths and weaknesses, find your passion, and understand your client relationships. One of the biggest aspects of these steps is to understand your business. To do this, you have to be able to take your hobby of design and transform it into a business. Start marketing yourself as designer and make yourself known as a professional. How to do this? Name your business, create an identity for the business, and characterize your audience.
Taking a look at this article, I can definitely make some exceptions when it comes to my freelance clients. I need to find the type of projects that really get me excited to do the work, rather than taking any project that comes my way. Defining what exactly I want to market myself as and what types of services I can provide will also help me. Take a look at the article, I’d love to hear what you think!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
How to Make Sure You Have Clients Year Round
How To Make Sure You Have Clients (and income) All Year Round
By April Greer
In this article April Greer explores the reason why many designers have high times of business and other times are low. Greer says, "The big problem with this statement (and similar ones) is that you’re not marketing yourself when you’re busy." Once you run out of client work then you will have plenty of time to market because you did not secure clients when you were busy. Failing to make sure you have clients that are lined up, even when you are busy, can lead to loss of money and loss of clients in the long-run.
I seem to deal with this a lot. I will have three to four clients during high times and almost none during low times. I think I should take Greer's advice to heart and start marketing for the next big project as one ends. Instead of waiting until the last minute when all my current projects are complete, I should begin to find more work as the projects end. This will ensure that I always have someone to do work for and have a year round income.
One way Greer suggests you do this is to make time and deadlines for yourself just as a client does for you. Taking time out of the day to market yourself and make sure you have an appropriate amount of clients/work will ensure a secure income. She also suggests that you don't just make this a time block but you also focus on certain issues during this time. Certain issues can be fixing website bugs, planning your social media strategy, or creating topics for blog posts ( much like this one).
By April Greer
In this article April Greer explores the reason why many designers have high times of business and other times are low. Greer says, "The big problem with this statement (and similar ones) is that you’re not marketing yourself when you’re busy." Once you run out of client work then you will have plenty of time to market because you did not secure clients when you were busy. Failing to make sure you have clients that are lined up, even when you are busy, can lead to loss of money and loss of clients in the long-run.
I seem to deal with this a lot. I will have three to four clients during high times and almost none during low times. I think I should take Greer's advice to heart and start marketing for the next big project as one ends. Instead of waiting until the last minute when all my current projects are complete, I should begin to find more work as the projects end. This will ensure that I always have someone to do work for and have a year round income.
One way Greer suggests you do this is to make time and deadlines for yourself just as a client does for you. Taking time out of the day to market yourself and make sure you have an appropriate amount of clients/work will ensure a secure income. She also suggests that you don't just make this a time block but you also focus on certain issues during this time. Certain issues can be fixing website bugs, planning your social media strategy, or creating topics for blog posts ( much like this one).
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
When to turn down projects
When and how you should turn down projects
by Brent Galloway & filed under Client Advice, Freelancing.
It seems this happens to me a lot. Many times I find that I am working for client X with $N budget and client Y comes along to offer me a more suitable budget. Brent Galloway explains the best way to think about giving up a job is to think of the better job that may come along. By saying no to the job that you are taking just to make some extra money, you can simply open yourself up to more opportunities. Galloway also suggests that scenario where client Y does not come along. "But, what if client Y never comes along? What if you had turned down client X and then been without work for that week?" Instead of thinking of the project that was lost, think of the time as time to invest in learning something new that may help you with future projects. Learning to say no to projects can be hard but I think it is a lesson learned over time. Being able to say no when the time is right is important because you could end up wasting time doing something that is not worthwhile in the long run. Galloway says the best thing to remember when declining clients is, "Just because you’re declining the project, doesn’t mean you need to decline the relationship." This is a great article that shows the advantages of turning down a client once in a while.
by Brent Galloway & filed under Client Advice, Freelancing.
It seems this happens to me a lot. Many times I find that I am working for client X with $N budget and client Y comes along to offer me a more suitable budget. Brent Galloway explains the best way to think about giving up a job is to think of the better job that may come along. By saying no to the job that you are taking just to make some extra money, you can simply open yourself up to more opportunities. Galloway also suggests that scenario where client Y does not come along. "But, what if client Y never comes along? What if you had turned down client X and then been without work for that week?" Instead of thinking of the project that was lost, think of the time as time to invest in learning something new that may help you with future projects. Learning to say no to projects can be hard but I think it is a lesson learned over time. Being able to say no when the time is right is important because you could end up wasting time doing something that is not worthwhile in the long run. Galloway says the best thing to remember when declining clients is, "Just because you’re declining the project, doesn’t mean you need to decline the relationship." This is a great article that shows the advantages of turning down a client once in a while.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Pricing Strategies
What your Pricing Strategies say About you as a Freelance Designer
In this article Preston Lee explores what your freelance prices can say about you. I know that this is something I constantly struggle with and thought you might also struggle with this as well. Lee concentrates on what a high price and what a low price says about you as a freelance designer. I think I am more on the lower priced side of things. I seem to always charge too little for the amount of work the client wants completed.
Lee says that charging too much for a simple project can make you appear cocky and/or inexperienced. "Having a ridiculously high pricing strategy doesn’t make you look like more professional, it makes you look like you don’t know what you’re talking about."
On the flip side of things charging too little for projects can make you seem like you do not have much to offer or you do not spend much time on the work. I think I need to pay special attention to this because I always end up spending more time than I originally anticipated on projects doing revisions and making final decisions. Coming off as not having much to offer is also another point I need to steer clear of . Lee says, "You don’t bring very much value to a client/designer relationship and you don’t really know why anyone would even pay you at all."
In this article Preston Lee explores what your freelance prices can say about you. I know that this is something I constantly struggle with and thought you might also struggle with this as well. Lee concentrates on what a high price and what a low price says about you as a freelance designer. I think I am more on the lower priced side of things. I seem to always charge too little for the amount of work the client wants completed.
Lee says that charging too much for a simple project can make you appear cocky and/or inexperienced. "Having a ridiculously high pricing strategy doesn’t make you look like more professional, it makes you look like you don’t know what you’re talking about."
On the flip side of things charging too little for projects can make you seem like you do not have much to offer or you do not spend much time on the work. I think I need to pay special attention to this because I always end up spending more time than I originally anticipated on projects doing revisions and making final decisions. Coming off as not having much to offer is also another point I need to steer clear of . Lee says, "You don’t bring very much value to a client/designer relationship and you don’t really know why anyone would even pay you at all."
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Worst Client Comments
Worst Client Comments Turned into Posters
These are the best or rather worst client comments turned into some great poster designs. I'm sure you all have heard many of these things said to you. The first one is the best, "I really like the color but can you change it." Enjoy!
These are the best or rather worst client comments turned into some great poster designs. I'm sure you all have heard many of these things said to you. The first one is the best, "I really like the color but can you change it." Enjoy!
Monday, February 4, 2013
4 Major Website Problems that are costing you
4 Major Website Problems That are Costing you Clients
In this article Preston Lee explores some major reasons why your website may be costing you clients instead of getting you clients. He touches on four main reasons why this may be happening including; No call to action, Mediocre "About" page, Limited contact methods, and a Mobile unfriendly site. Lee makes some great points in the article that made me take a closer look at my site.
Going through my site I looked for a call to action first. I have a contact section but immediately it should say "Contact Me". Only after the initial click do you come to a section called, "Let's Get in Touch!". I think adding something a bit more direct could help me gain clients faster and more efficiently.
The next thing I looked at was the "About Me" page on my site. Lee says, "One of the easiest ways to capture potential clients through your web site is to beef up your “about” page." He suggests taking a more objective approach and talking about what you can offer instead of what you have been doing. Instead of saying, "I am a web designer" you should say, "I have been making websites for over 10 years" or "Giving website to small businesses for 10 years." This is something I can definitely work on. I talk a lot about myself where I can talk more about what I can do for you as a client.
My contact methods seem to be in good standing according to Lee's guidelines. I have a contact form as well as links to three different social media sites. My facebook page, twitter, and linkedin page can all be accessed from my site. I have also included a link to this blog in my "About" section. I think I am doing well in this area.
The last thing that Lee takes an important look at is having a mobile friendly site. To be honest, I wasn't sure if my site even played in my mobile browsers web, so I checked it out. It does!
Overall I would say that I need to beef up my "About" section and add a more aggressive call to action and I will be in good shape!
In this article Preston Lee explores some major reasons why your website may be costing you clients instead of getting you clients. He touches on four main reasons why this may be happening including; No call to action, Mediocre "About" page, Limited contact methods, and a Mobile unfriendly site. Lee makes some great points in the article that made me take a closer look at my site.
Going through my site I looked for a call to action first. I have a contact section but immediately it should say "Contact Me". Only after the initial click do you come to a section called, "Let's Get in Touch!". I think adding something a bit more direct could help me gain clients faster and more efficiently.
The next thing I looked at was the "About Me" page on my site. Lee says, "One of the easiest ways to capture potential clients through your web site is to beef up your “about” page." He suggests taking a more objective approach and talking about what you can offer instead of what you have been doing. Instead of saying, "I am a web designer" you should say, "I have been making websites for over 10 years" or "Giving website to small businesses for 10 years." This is something I can definitely work on. I talk a lot about myself where I can talk more about what I can do for you as a client.
My contact methods seem to be in good standing according to Lee's guidelines. I have a contact form as well as links to three different social media sites. My facebook page, twitter, and linkedin page can all be accessed from my site. I have also included a link to this blog in my "About" section. I think I am doing well in this area.
The last thing that Lee takes an important look at is having a mobile friendly site. To be honest, I wasn't sure if my site even played in my mobile browsers web, so I checked it out. It does!
Overall I would say that I need to beef up my "About" section and add a more aggressive call to action and I will be in good shape!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Brainstorming is Dead
Brainstorming - Good or Bad?
"Creative ideas actually happen in the mind, as the whole brain takes in past elements, then selects and combines them — and that’s how creative strategy works."
Here's a great article on why brainstorming is a thing of the past!
"Creative ideas actually happen in the mind, as the whole brain takes in past elements, then selects and combines them — and that’s how creative strategy works."
Here's a great article on why brainstorming is a thing of the past!
Design Mondo - Charcters and Mascots in Web
I think this is a great article! The use of characters and mascots as well as icons within the site can be quite useful! Allowing the user to identify with something instead of heavy texts is great. It will keep users coming back to your site and keep them from getting bored with copy. Design Mondo
Question I saw in the Design Forum
Design Forum
Check out this question I saw listed on the Graphic Design Forum. The user had posted a question about how to manipulate an image onto another image he already had. Using a quick Photoshop download and the selection/path tool this can be simply created.
Check out this question I saw listed on the Graphic Design Forum. The user had posted a question about how to manipulate an image onto another image he already had. Using a quick Photoshop download and the selection/path tool this can be simply created.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
50 Stunning Design Portfolios
Awesome Design Portfolios
Lately, I have been in need of updating my own online portfolio. I have been getting a lot of comments back from potential employers saying I need more web concepts and UI design concepts on the site. In my search to make my own site better I have stumbled across this great article on Graphic Design Blender. (This is a great blog to take a look at for any designer.) April Greer takes a look at 50 sites that use their online portfolio as a way to connect with others. These sites range from great use of color to extreme minimalism. My favorite is Chris Thurman's portfolio. He uses great colors to highlight the most important things within the site and it is very easy to follow. Right away, he introduces himself and leads you into his page.
I am striving to make my site look more like this. A single page layout with easy navigation like Thurman's would be ideal. I think it will make it easier to showcase my web skills if my site looks more refined. His logo is also great! It is simple, concise, and easy to follow.
I'd love to hear any and all comments on how I can improve my site www.alisonhamiltondesigns.com
Lately, I have been in need of updating my own online portfolio. I have been getting a lot of comments back from potential employers saying I need more web concepts and UI design concepts on the site. In my search to make my own site better I have stumbled across this great article on Graphic Design Blender. (This is a great blog to take a look at for any designer.) April Greer takes a look at 50 sites that use their online portfolio as a way to connect with others. These sites range from great use of color to extreme minimalism. My favorite is Chris Thurman's portfolio. He uses great colors to highlight the most important things within the site and it is very easy to follow. Right away, he introduces himself and leads you into his page.
I am striving to make my site look more like this. A single page layout with easy navigation like Thurman's would be ideal. I think it will make it easier to showcase my web skills if my site looks more refined. His logo is also great! It is simple, concise, and easy to follow.
I'd love to hear any and all comments on how I can improve my site www.alisonhamiltondesigns.com
Sweidsh House Mafia Music Video
Using Premiere and scenes from Project X as well as some stock videos I recreated a video for Swedish House Mafia's "Don't You Worry Child".
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
More Music Seminar Flyer Ideas
Changed the name to North Raleigh Music Seminar as well as color changes and slightly different logo with the new NRMS acronym. The second features sponsorship levels
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