graphic design, freelancing, illustration, advertising, web design

Awesome idea Tara!

Unfortunately, this country (USA) is filled with what I like to call “Knowledge Whores”. I don’t know if you experience it in the UK, but here it is almost like an epidemic. People tend to keep knowledge under lock and key with the fear that someone may get a hold of it and advance above them, like some deity ascending into the otherworld. It is merely one individual sharing some advice with another like-minded individual. Sometimes asking a simple question is like asking for the secret of life.

My opinion goes something like this. In the world of “the arts”, there is intense competition. BUT, no matter how much advice or tips you give someone, it is still YOUR individual work that sells.

I like to use the analogy of a photographer. You can have thousands of dollars of equipment, but if you do not have “the eye”, the equipment is useless. I witness it first hand everyday.

I think sharing different work flows and advice is a great idea. We all get stuck for ideas, and personally surfing the “inspirational” sites for me almost always produces the same results; an hour or more of wasted time, and winding up on some site that has nothing to do with the goal I set out to achieve.

Enter “Freelancer Focus/Designer”, and now you have like-minded individuals exchanging thoughts, ideas and some tips thrown in for good measure. Now you have a community of designers trying to help one another succeed! Like the camera analogy, it all boils down to the same thing. You can have the latest and most expensive software and the talent to go with it, but in the end if you do not have original thoughts and ideas that will blow the client away, then it is all for naught.

Thanks for the space . . .

Bryan Z

Thanks Bryan

I will have to get writing some questions, and a few people would like to take part.

All great ideas Tara. I am always interested in posts that walk through the entire design process, and I think featuring other designers is a great idea. I am most interested in other designers’ “process”. How do you get the clearest idea about what a client is looking for, where do you start in a design, what tools do you use, etc.

Thanks Randa I will add your question suggestions to my list.

Hi Tara - I think opening up the site to guest bloggers would be a great idea! A variety of voices and perspectives is probably the best way to get a well-rounded view on any particular subject.

I’d definitely be interested in contributing - I’ve already sent you a note.

Hi Verne,

Got your email thanks and mines on its way back to you

I look forward to reading.

I think this is a great idea. Bryan is right about people not wanting to share knowledge. I don’t know how many times I asked my professors about certain business issues and they would change the subject! They are profs! They are supposed to TEACH!

I think of it like this: I share what I know about graphic design on my blog (still getting set up, I know, I know… soon!!) and that shows me to be an authority on the subject.

People will come to me to learn, and perhaps they will realize I know more than they do and it’s best to let the professional do her job, but now they have more confidence because they know I know what I’m talking about.

If they think they can use my advice, perhaps they will share how or what they do differently and then we can all learn. There may be a few people out there just looking to take what they can and run away to make their millions, but most are looking for community and mutual sharing.

Hi Lauren, glad you think its a good idea, hurry up I’m waiting to read your first own blog post .

I know, I’m sure you’re not the only one. I was modifying a nice theme I found but I did so much to it I broke it and couldn’t figure out how to fix it! I thought it would be easier to just create my own from scratch… we’ll see. Design’s done, now on to building. Writing up some posts in the meantime.

Great ideas on guest blogging, Tara. I was actually thinking about contacting you in that regard. Would you be interested in bringing a web designer’s perspective to a Graphic Design blog?

Lauren, I know it’s a bit too late to remind you about it, but please, don’t forget about backing up your files. It’s better to have 10 versions of the same file and being able to go back when needed, than losing all your work and not being able to UNDO all steps.
Good Luck with the blog - I too can’t wait to read it. We should have a virtual party-celebration on the Launch day of your blog, and pretend that it’s a champagne flowing instead of an electric current in the wires

Hi Vivien

I would difinitely be interested in a web designers perspective. Drop me an email if you have some ideas.

Lauren I will get the electric current on ice (maybe not)

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