Your freelance business does not need to feel like a circus. But you do need to be the ringleader. Here are 6 types of problem clients and how to fire them. I’ll also talk about when it’s you, not them, who is the reason for the breakup. …
Some types of free work are good, while some hurt you and the design industry. You don’t have to pimp yourself out doing free work to build a portfolio. Find out what to consider before doing any free design work. …
Are you making any of these mistakes when presenting design work to clients? Find out and learn how to present your design work, so you get more respect and less pushback on your designs. Also, find out mistakes you might be making when asking for critique from other designers and others in general. Plus, don’t miss this one seemingly harmless question you should stop asking clients. …
7 Mistakes When Presenting Design Work and Asking for CritiqueRead More »
Client relationships and getting clients are not that different from dating. Learn how to identify your ideal client, attract them, approach them, spot deal breakers, nurture the relationship and more. …
Fellow longtime graphic designer Evelyn Powers and I talk about lessons learned from bad client experiences (you might gasp or guffaw at some of them), how to identify red flags with prospects and clients, and how to fire bad clients. …
What should you consider before going out on your own as a freelancer? How should you present your work to get objective feedback? When should you push back with a client? How can you earn more respect from clients? Should you specialize? Creative business guru Cameron S. Foote shares his insights on all of these topics. …
Do you know what to include in your design contracts and estimates? Do you know if your projects are profitable? Do you have trouble pricing your work? Do you suck up out-of-scope work that you should be charging for? Do you wonder if your contracts are protecting you? Find out when I use a contract, what I take into consideration when pricing work and what I include to protect myself from scope creep or potential legal issues. …
Are These Essentials in Your Design Contracts and Estimates?Read More »
Are you getting what you need—and want—from clients?
Learn how to improve your processes for a smoother, more enjoyable and efficient workflow for yourself and the client, so they keep coming back. …
Improve Your Processes and Your Client’s ExperienceRead More »
Are your design contracts helping—or hurting—you? Do clients understand your contracts? Do you? If you don’t have a solid contract, you may be unknowingly giving away your design rights or taking on liability you shouldn’t be. Even worse, if you don’t operate as an LLC or corporation, your personal assets could be at risk if you make a mistake. Learn how to prevent a contract catastrophe, get your contracts signed faster and protect your design rights—and yourself—from a legal crisis. …
Are You Protecting Your Design Rights and Covering Your Assets?Read More »
If you’re not marketing, you’re at the mercy of taking whatever work comes to you, whether it’s work you want or not. You also don’t get the clients you want. When your marketing is targeted and consistent, you demonstrate to prospective clients that you understand their needs and remind them of you so they reach out when they have a need. In this interview with Ilise Benun, you’ll get marketing tips for designers and learn how to cultivate your marketing efforts to avoid feast or famine and to pick and choose the clients and work that you want. …
