car info for dummies image
lazarus336
I was in a scooter accident and also another car accident (both at the other persons fault) and I am about to come into a lump sum of money. What would be a good way to take that money and keep it flowing. A friend of mines told me you can buy parking meters in downtown areas or buy vending machines....these both seem slow and time consuming so thats why im looking for another venture. What are some other ideas?
Answer
You should invest it according to your financial situation, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
You didn't give any info on that, so you need to think it out yourself.
Try reading Investing For Dummies or The Complete Idiot's Guide to Investing. You can probably find them in your local library. Before doing anything, make sure you have enough in savings in case things go south for at least 6 months.
You should invest it according to your financial situation, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
You didn't give any info on that, so you need to think it out yourself.
Try reading Investing For Dummies or The Complete Idiot's Guide to Investing. You can probably find them in your local library. Before doing anything, make sure you have enough in savings in case things go south for at least 6 months.
How do I start finding clients as an graphic designer..?
hanna
I have bought 2 programs, Photoshop and Illustrator (big investment to me) and I am talented and a fast learner ( I have years of doing graphic work at school). Now how do I start finding clientele? Should I make up a dummy portfolio? Any thoughts? Thanks!
Answer
Yes, you do need a portfolio, but you also need to know how long it takes you to create certain things so you can quote jobs.
Start by giving yourself "assignments," as if you had customers. Keep a time sheet on each project, like you would for any client. Use the finished pieces for your portfolio.
Design your portfolio to appeal to the kind of customer you want to approach. Most of my customers when I first started were small businesses and hospitals, so my portfolio reflected the types of things that they actually needed... logos, business cards, letterheads, brochures, newspaper and magazine advertisements, in-store signs, 8 1/2 x 11 handouts. Have a small, very professional book form portfolio, no bigger than 11x14 inches (so it can open on a counter or desk easily) and only your very best 8 or 10 pieces (or campaigns) backed on black and in plastic sleeves. You can make up a second, more extensive portfolio (carry in your car in case), or a website to show more work, but most clients are too busy to flip through 30 or 40 pieces.
It is good to have a few real, published pieces to show clients. Get in contact with a couple of non-profit organizations and offer to do a piece for free. Don't take on a project way beyond your abilities, because you want to do a good job and be able to use those non-profits as references.
When you have your portfolio ready, have YOUR promotional pieces ready (don't forget your own business cards and brochure), know about how long it will take to do certain projects, and know what you will charge hourly, then get out the yellow pages. Make a list (I used 3x5 index cards) of businesses to approach, and call each one. Ask for the name of the manager (or marketing director or publicity manager, if a larger business) so you can call that person by name. Introduce yourself and ask for an appointment to see them to discuss their advertising needs. Most will say "no." Don't sweat it. Just write all the info about the call on your list (or card) and send them an upbeat postcard to remind them who you are.
I think the trick is to always seem interested in what they need, not act like you desperately need the work. Stay friendly and cheerful, no matter what they say. I have had people who said "no" call me months later to have work done.
Another source of clients are the people who actually have client work to do but don't have the talent or time to do the entire job. I got alot of work from print shops without in-house designers by just dropping in, introducing myself to the manager, and leaving a bunch of my business cards. I would promise to have any work they sent my way printed at their shop. So, think about the ad agencies, photographers, or other businesses who can use someone with photoshop and illustrator skills from time to time.
Carry your business cards with you at all times. Hand them out whenever anyone asks "What do you do for a living?" Let your friends and relatives, everyone you meet that you are a professional designer. The word will get around.
Good luck! It may take six months or a year to get really rolling, but don't give up.
Yes, you do need a portfolio, but you also need to know how long it takes you to create certain things so you can quote jobs.
Start by giving yourself "assignments," as if you had customers. Keep a time sheet on each project, like you would for any client. Use the finished pieces for your portfolio.
Design your portfolio to appeal to the kind of customer you want to approach. Most of my customers when I first started were small businesses and hospitals, so my portfolio reflected the types of things that they actually needed... logos, business cards, letterheads, brochures, newspaper and magazine advertisements, in-store signs, 8 1/2 x 11 handouts. Have a small, very professional book form portfolio, no bigger than 11x14 inches (so it can open on a counter or desk easily) and only your very best 8 or 10 pieces (or campaigns) backed on black and in plastic sleeves. You can make up a second, more extensive portfolio (carry in your car in case), or a website to show more work, but most clients are too busy to flip through 30 or 40 pieces.
It is good to have a few real, published pieces to show clients. Get in contact with a couple of non-profit organizations and offer to do a piece for free. Don't take on a project way beyond your abilities, because you want to do a good job and be able to use those non-profits as references.
When you have your portfolio ready, have YOUR promotional pieces ready (don't forget your own business cards and brochure), know about how long it will take to do certain projects, and know what you will charge hourly, then get out the yellow pages. Make a list (I used 3x5 index cards) of businesses to approach, and call each one. Ask for the name of the manager (or marketing director or publicity manager, if a larger business) so you can call that person by name. Introduce yourself and ask for an appointment to see them to discuss their advertising needs. Most will say "no." Don't sweat it. Just write all the info about the call on your list (or card) and send them an upbeat postcard to remind them who you are.
I think the trick is to always seem interested in what they need, not act like you desperately need the work. Stay friendly and cheerful, no matter what they say. I have had people who said "no" call me months later to have work done.
Another source of clients are the people who actually have client work to do but don't have the talent or time to do the entire job. I got alot of work from print shops without in-house designers by just dropping in, introducing myself to the manager, and leaving a bunch of my business cards. I would promise to have any work they sent my way printed at their shop. So, think about the ad agencies, photographers, or other businesses who can use someone with photoshop and illustrator skills from time to time.
Carry your business cards with you at all times. Hand them out whenever anyone asks "What do you do for a living?" Let your friends and relatives, everyone you meet that you are a professional designer. The word will get around.
Good luck! It may take six months or a year to get really rolling, but don't give up.
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