- Running a design business is like any other business.
It's not easy, but can be incredibly rewarding.
Self-promotion is one
of the most difficult elements of the job.
It feels awkward, gets in the way of paying jobs,
and goes against our upbringing,
where humility is a virtue,
but it has nothing to do with self-aggrandizement.
It is the same thing we do for our clients:
build a brand and get the message out there in the world.
Let's recap.
The most important piece of the puzzle is your brand.
What makes it special, different, and compelling?
You've defined a set of attributes
and built an identity
and visual system to match these.
You've avoided cheesy names
like Fliberdee Gibet Designs spelled with a Z,
and you've created something that can evolve over time.
You now should be accustomed
to documenting each project
as the last step of a job.
You've learned how to create a simple image asset library
and continue to update it.
As a reminder, add project descriptions as you go.
Don't wait until you're up against a deadline
and need to send a project out immediately.
You're ready to track down a photographer
and get a good head shot.
Most photographers need design help,
so a trade can be a good way to maintain a relationship
and keep your head shot up to date.
You're ready to build a website
using great images of your work
from the image asset library.
This is an ongoing job
and you'll be adding to it
and modifying it for years.
So, don't wait until it's done to launch it.
It never will be.
If you can't build it on your own
and you aren't specializing in web design,
go ahead and use a template option
from a company like Squarespace or WordPress.
You need to be in control
and able to make changes
without calling a developer each time you add a project.
By now, you've created profiles
and become a user on LinkedIn, Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter.
Each one reaches a different audience.
Again, LinkedIn is the anchor
for professional communication.
The others are great
to augment your professional message.
We covered the idea of a blog
that reinforces you as an expert
and provides changing content,
which search engines like.
It's not a new novel, it's just a blog,
so post often.
Just make sure you're staying close to brand attributes.
It's time now to start compiling a contact list
of editors, writers, and websites you admire.
Contact them with story ideas and new thoughts.
Make sure you aren't making them do the work.
If you have an idea, flesh it out,
offer to write it, and provide images.
When the time comes for you to do speaking engagements
or judge competitions,
you'll be ready too.
This has been a huge amount of information to understand.
Don't worry.
If you need a refresher,
go back and watch that specific movie.
It's time for you to reject the path
of the tortured and unknown artist in a dark loft,
let everyone know who you are, what you do,
and what makes you unique and amazing.
Now, go out there,
and let the world hear from you.