Tips: Working for yourself

I thought I would blog about something a little different from my usual. I think it is nice to talk about the subjects people always wonder when they skim through your stuff. I know when I find someone new to follow, I want to know all about them as a person, who they are, what they like, why they do what they do. Here is a little bit about me.

I grew up loving to paint, write stories and sing. My plan for life was to either be a singer or an artist. As I got to high school I realized becoming an artist was not a very logical career path. I went to college studying science to prepare to be a dental hygienist while taking drawing classes on the side. I secretly knew it was my passion, I loved where it took my mind and how amazing I felt when I created something beautiful.

Finally after what seemed like another life, I realized that I needed to do what made me happy. If art was it, then I was doing it. My mom told me to consider this thing called “graphic design”, art on the computer. I was terrrrrrible at the computer and had never even turned on a Mac before. Nevertheless I did it. At first I hated it, I was so far behind and I couldn’t figure out how to put my ideas into design. I knew I needed a game changer in order to make it work. From Gods grace, I received an internship in NYC at an amazing studio (link in bio). I went literally knowing nothing, and after five months I returned ahead of my class. Suddenly my teaches used my designs as good examples instead of bad. I gained the confidence I needed to become good at what I do.

I graduated in 2012 with my BFA of Graphic Design and this year in March, I went off on my own( one of the scariest things I have ever done). It has now been seven months and business is growing (thank goooodness). What I have learned throughout this process is:

1. Believe in Yourself: Trust me if you truly have the desire to do something, there will be a way. It’s easy to have self-doubt and fear what people may think, or how much money you might not make. I still don’t know what I am doing but I know I can figure it out.
2. Work Hard: It’s definitely not a piece of cake going out on your own and figuring out how to pay your taxes and write things off and of course find clients. You need to put in the time with your portfolio and social media so your image looks appealing to potential followers and clients.
3. Collaborate: Reach out to people who are in your area or have similar interests and work together. This by far has made the biggest difference for me. It really is all about who you know. If there are networking parties, make sure you go and be open to meet new people. You could end up meeting your next big client.
4. Give stuff away: Everyone loves free stuff. It’s important to give freebies on your blog like printables or giveaways through social media. This will not only show how cool you are but it will also attract followers and help spread the word of your business.
5. It takes time: It really does. Don’t expect your business to blow up in three months, it happens but it is very rare. This was a fallacy I believed in until it didn’t happen (haha). I thought, if my posts are good I will have tons of followers but it is hard to spread the word. Be consistent in your posts and make sure to Pin all of your content so you get as much exposure as possible. I get about 50% of my clients from Pinterest. Don’t forget to just be patient.