02/26/09: Time to Turn Off the TV
Most jobs are just not that interesting to watch other people do. Why do you think there are so many television shows about doctors and lawyers but none about accountants or consultants or um, graphic designers? Have you ever visited a design studio or the graphic department of an ad agency. it’s a bunch of people staring at macs listening to headphones (ok, often within striking distance of a wacky, irreverant tchotchke).
Well, if that sounds exciting to you, get ready for the new reality show CMYK-America’s Top Graphic Designer. Seriously. According to the press release, “Our goal is to present graphic designers in a quality, professional manner concentrating on the art of design. The show will incorporate twists and turns that entertain and educate, spotlighting the designers’ skills working as individuals and as teams.” As a graphic designer, I frankly cannot imagine a more boring concept for a television show. Watch the designers go to meetings! Watch them move the mouse on their Mac! Watch them wear their ironic t-shirts and chunky glasses (Ok, guilty, i have chunky glasses.) I predict this show is headed straight for the trashcan. Have you ever seen Bravo Top Design? Oh, right no. Now take that concept and add computers. Whee!
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02/11/09: Love a Freelancer
Yes, it’s a bad economy. Budget slashes, marketing cuts, job losses—is there any hope? Surprisingly, yes. It is precisely during these troubled economic times that small companies and nonprofits need to remind their audiences of their mission and reinforce their services and offerings. Rather than spending a fortune on a full-time employee or a big-name design studio, it makes sense for these companies and organizations to outsource marketing and design needs to the freelance community (ahem…) Why?
We have low overhead; we don’t micromanage the process; we cost less than a big agency; we don’t require insurance and benefits; and we can provide excellent service on a needs only (i.e. project) basis. Plus, freelancers handle every step of the process so there is no middle man. If you give me a project, I’m your client contact, the designer, the production manager, and the trafficker. Streamlined service ensures that the project goes smoothly. Spread the love. Hire a freelancer or recommend a freelancer to a colleague. I’m available.
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02/05/09: Career Alternatives?
The past couple of weeks have been a little slow for me (thank you financial crisis), and while this is fairly normal for freelancers, I tend to freak out.
Anyhow, my first reaction is to panic and think about what kind of jobs I’m qualified for besides being a graphic designer (unfortunately magazine reader and cat petter are not real jobs). Shown here is a job that I didn’t know existed—doll eye assembler. I thought my waitressing jobs were bad…
When I was young I used to babysit for a woman with a freaky old doll collection and after they’d leave, and the kids would go to bed, I’d get all scared that the dolls were watching and judging. Their glassy-eyed stares would always remind me that I wasn’t totally alone. This frightening experience pretty much cements the fact that I would not be able to handle inserting glass eyeballs in doll heads. So I’ll have to keep searching for alternatives. Fortunately, I’m safe for now. But when you listen to the news, who knows what 2010 will hold? Limb attacher?
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