Story: Business of design

I registered a business, Open Bookmarks Co., in May 2016. First 2 years after immigrant to Canada, I was so struggling with how I make business steady. I was busy enough, but I couldn’t make enough profit. Living cost and profit were almost  even. I thought something wrong, but I couldn’t figure out what was wrong.

Thanks to technology, A.I.?, YouTube suggested me what I may like. Then, I found @TheFutur. This is a good simulation of designer grows. I have been implemented this study in my business in late 2018.

How To Run A Creative Business: In-depth breakdown w/ Melinda Livsey

So many number you can hear,
– 1 inquiry a week(really?),
– 40 hours per week, US$1,750 per 2 weeks(she wants to grow US$7,000 per month),
– Logo project, US$5,500(-6,000) / 40 hours =US$137.5,
– Tiny project, US$800 / 8 hours = US$100(still good, I think),
– US$75 pre hour at company.

I watch the episode. At first, I admire that her rate is plenty good. It may subjective, but Vancocver is also high living cost. I feel a little sympathy what she struggles about pricing even though she has set good rate and husband’s income. I’m nothing. No family, no relative in Canada. I have to survive in this situation. 

The knowledge doesn’t make a fruit if I don’t apply it in my life. I believe what Chris Do says and I would like to do it little by little. Compare strength Malinda and me, she may have a talent and design sense more than me, but I can cover it on my experience. I know the process of web design project. I can do by myself. It’s advantage.

Opinion: My plan in 2019

I made a plan in 2019. Once I achieved them, my career in abroad would be fine(I hope).

ToDo List:
– Update portfolio (less work and quality of case studies)
– Social proof (Linkedin, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook)
– Networking (Find creator at Meetup)
– SEO (Blog, ideally YouTube)

I could update portfolio in the end of October 2018. I have already taken an action for 2019. I’m looking forward to seeing my improving next year.

Recap: What did I learn?

1. Responsiveness. Not bring A-game. Just be a good business parson.
2. Don’t afraid you are said no from client. Indifferent.
3. Talking monty at front before estimate.
4. Develop a system. Networking and find graphic designer, Web developer and programmer.
5. Create something and share for free.

Reference:

Trello: Infinitely flexible. Keep track of everything, from the big picture to the minute details.
Dropbox: A file hosting service
Win Without Pitching Manifest: Official Home Page