Customer Reviews

Selling Graphic Design, Second Edition

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Both the title and description of this book are horribly misleading. As the owner of a small graphic design company i was looking for a book that would provide pointers for improving my company's positioning, marketing, proposal writing, and client relations. Imagine my dismay when i flipped the book open to a page devoted to describing serif vs. sans-serif type (according to the book, serif type has "little feet!"). other useless information includes chapters that skim the surface of topics such as proofreading content, conducting photoshoots vs. buying stock art, and how to select an envelope ("a self-sealing envelope is just what the name implies!" ). not to mention that a good quarter of the book is dedicated to glossaries that define such terms as "magenta," and "the internet." any self respecting designer should know this stuff cold. any one else might want to consider another line of work.

I bought this book while thinking it had methods and techniques for freelancers to promote their work.
It turned out to be addressed at people whose job is "sales" at larger design firms. In other words, this is a book for salespeople, not a book for designers.
It has some useful techniques inside, but it's certainly not the stuff designers would like to do (like cold calling).

A Business book does not have to be boring, this one is. And, if you can keep your eyes open long enough to read it, you will be lucky if you learn two new things per chapter. This book may be suitable for someone who is thinking about changing profession from lumberjack to design sales person, but there are still better choices. To be honest, I only read half of it and now I am back on Amazon looking for another book on the subject...

I found the title of this book misleading. I purchased this book with the goal of learning how to sell my design skills and grow my business. This book is for sales people without any design knowledge. Its main purpose is to arm sales people with design skills, not designers with sales skills.

Selling Graphic Design was a recommended read in a national industry newsletter that I subscribe to. The credibility for the book was already "5 stars" in my mind due to the fact that this newsletter has saved me many, many hours of wasted production and research time which ultimately turns in to $$. I picked up the book and was fascinated with the information that was covered. Again, I looked at what I paid for the book and felt like I got the bargain of the year! Not only are business issues covered in this book, but a lot of graphic and printing basics that we all need to be reminded of now and then. The volume of resources provided to the user is beyond words. Thanks Mr. Sparkman for writing such a great motivational and great reference tool that we all can understand and relate to.

I started my own graphic design business three years ago and I don't think I could have done it without this book. Although I had worked for other people for years, I had never written a proposal, sought out clients, or had to promote a company before. Selling Graphic Design explains the terms and trade customs, as well as the best-practices that can make all the difference between being a money-making designer and being a starving artist.

If I ever meet Don Sparkman personally, the first words out of my mouth will be "Thank you!"

I have been in the graphic arts industry for over twenty years. As director of client services for a successful design firm. I found the information in Sparkman's book to be invaluable. He gives advice on how to position a company for maiximum results. He also shares his knowledge of how to conduct business in both the print and internet arenas. I would highly recommend this book to designers and marketeers.

I found the title of this book misleading. I purchased this book with the goal of learning how to sell my design skills. The book was geared toward educating new sales people with no design skills and servicing existing clients. I was very disappointed and would not recommend this book.

A good foundation to build on!
I manage a full-service printing facility catering to both the design community and surrounding tech industries. I read this book afer a local designer passed it on to me. I have encouraged my sales staff to read it and use the strategies found in the book that are common to all visual communication companies. The book is filled with common sense rules that can make a difference in success or failure.

Don Sparkman's book, Selling Graphic Design is a quick read, very informative and easy to understand. While much of the information is aimed at the begining designer as well as the non-designer sales rep, there are plenty of fresh ideas for even an old-timer like myself. I liked the conversational tone of the book. Sparkman doesn't preach, he informs. Based on his years of experience, he lays out information in a straight forward manner that can be turned into successful sales strategies by anyone.