Network Growth

     In the world of graphic design, sometimes you just need to know the right person to move forward. That of course, is the beauty of networks. You might start out with a friend in the business who helps you out, before having an entire community standing behind you. Networks are a great way to get support and to get yourself out there! With that said, let's jump into today's topic!

     

      It's been said before that a network is one's net worth, and that you'll want to surround yourself with successful people to be successful.  In a sense, that is true, as you can learn from different techniques from those around you. This doesn't just have to be your friends either, coworkers the people you live next to, can all influence you in some way. In the case of graphic design, influence will be a big part to how you develop your styles and how you work. Especially since the more people you have in your network, the easier it is for you to be advertised, and more customers you will have! 

     Keep in mind though, you will need to manage your network. Not everyone you come across will be perfect for joining it, and that's ok. Just remember that you need your network to work best for you. Also remember that it's best not to bother people to join yours on a regular, if not obsessive, basis. Not only does this reflect badly on you, but it causes your network growth to go down. It's best to look for people around your level at the time, then try for the big names right away.

   

      Only thing I have left to say is, remember that your network doesn't automatically build friendships. While building good relationships with others is important for getting your name out there, and developing skills, it shouldn't replace your social life. On the flipside, don't let your social life get in the way of work, and building your skills. Friends are great, but if they don't have any project ideas, it's best to look for actual clients. So, balance things out, and your network is sure to be a sturdy and safe foundation for your business.

Backlogs

       Always be prepared for anything! If that means having a backlog of work to put out, so be it! However, when is it best to move on from the backlog? Well, if you've read this blog long enough, then you'd know that's what we're going to talk about today. Without further ado, let's get started with another quick blog.

     To begin, I think that backlogs are generally good for making future plans for yourself. Know what ideas you want to put out, or things to follow up on. If not just ideas, it could give you work to fill time between your next project. Better yet, it could be your way of filling a weekly requirement. It all really comes down to you preparing in case of any circumstance. Whether that be something you intended, wanting to cram in unused ideas, or just have to do something on the spot.

     However, keep in mind that backlogs aren't always the answer. Sometimes you'll have a backlog of work that comes off as dated. This could be because it was made with less stellar technology, or at an earlier point in your career. Another problem is that you don't want to just focus on making work to fill in for later. You let that pile up, and you'll find that you have less storage space for when you need to make something for the now. So, while it can be helpful, don't rely on it too much.

     Overall, while a backlog can be good to keep, remember not to go overboard. Make projects with what you have at the moment to show people what you can do at the moment. On the flip side, don't forget you might always be finished on time.

      

Conclusions

  

     When everything thing is said and done, an end needs to happen. The finishing touches to any form of media is important to graphic design. Given the purpose, the message, or the product, what ends things off needs to be brought into questioning. Do you want something grand and impressive, or do you just want to do a once over? Let's discuss that on this week's blog.

      Now traditionally, when we think of conclusions, it's usually the ending of a story. The grand finale to a tale people have followed all this time. With that in mind, as they say, don't jump to conclusions.  While there's always the argument that it's about the journey, not the destination, the reddit needs to fit. For example, if your story was a horror novel, maybe tease the audience that the killer is still alive. Whatever the case may be, the conclusion needs to be thought out well, and be a good piece for the narrative, as to leave the audience the way you want them.

       Another type of conclusion you might not think about though is the conclusion to a project. The finishing touches for a picture, or the way you want the contract to play out. While it might not seem as grand, it is still important. Keep in mind, it's always nice to put in as much work into graphic design as possible, so the finishing details, like what file you'll send it as, or giving it a quick once over, is technically finishing up a job. Also, again, it's best to find a good way to conclude with a client for future work!

        With all of that said, let's remember to always envision  the finish when we begin. Don't focus on it to much, just have a realistic idea where you want to be once something is done. With all of that said and done, I'll see you here soon for another sort of sequel, going over beginnings! Stay tuned!

Anniversaries

      So, it's been a year or so since you've began your career/did this big project! What are you going to do to celebrate this? Will you make a little video to celebrate this accomplishment? Will you ignore it in favor of another celebration? All this and more, I wish to answer in this week's blog!

     Now, of course we have to ask why anniversaries are so special? Well, that's your legacy continuing! That is an achievement for continuing on this far! So, yeah, there is a good reason to celebrate it, whether it's been one year, ten years, or one hundred! A cause for celebration, whether big or small might be on the mind. Of course, you'll still need to evaluate how special the event is. The number 10, will always feel more important than 11.

    In other words, don't make a big anniversary celebration every year. While it's good to acknowledge it when you do, too much will exhaust people. Also, while you might have big events planned, don't force them to happen. If you have a project that needs to come out after a big anniversary,  do it. I know it may not line up with the more important anniversary, and you should set goals, but that doesn't mean to kill yourself. 

Or, you know, rush something out.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia. 

     At the end of the day though, how you celebrate it is up to you. You might not want to focus on that aspect, and that's fine. If you do though,  think about how you want to do it, and how you want the audience to feel.