Start & Run a Creative Services Business [Paperback]

Susan Kirkland (Author)

Book Description

Series: Start & Run ... | Publication Date: July 2005

Geared for the electronic age, the book shows how a freelance designer can run a successful business without leaving her computer. With the tips and step-by-step business plan in this book, anyone with creativity and design skills can run a successful business while doing something they enjoy.This book is different than desktop publishing in that it focuses on graphic design. It shows readers how to make money designing such things as book covers, logos, and advertisements. The book acts as friend and advisor in the competitive world of the self-employed designer and teaches them how to advocate for themselves.Industry specific information is presented in a logical order, appealing to the novice as well as the seasoned designer who needs advice on a particular situation. Through a series of personal experiences, the unpredictable nature of the business world is explored from a designer's point of view. For example, there's a chapter on what to do when clients don't pay, and another that offers tips for designers in economic slumps.

Editorial Reviews

Review

It's the one book you really need if you want to be a successful freelancer. Believe me, I know. -- Richard Laurence Baron, 30-year advertising veteran

From the Publisher

Make money from your creativity!

Geared for the electronic age, this book shows how freelance designers and other creative professionals such as writers, illustrators, and photographers can run successful businesses without leaving their computers. With the tips and first-person accounts in this book, you can run a successful business working for yourself and doing creative work you enjoy.

Start & Run a Creative Services Business shows you how to make money designing such things as logos, corporate promotional materials, websites, and advertisements. Industry- specific information is presented in a logical order, appealing to the novice as well as the seasoned professional. Relating her personal experiences as a freelance designer, the author acts as your friend and advisor in entering the competitive world of the self-employed. For example, there’s a chapter on what to do when clients don’t pay and another that offers advice about freelancing during economic slumps.

Start & Run a Creative Services Business offers cutting-edge information for creating an electronic portfolio, targeting your market online, and distinguishing yourself from the competition. Susan Kirkland shares tips and techniques to overcome self-doubt, find and keep clients, buy the right equipment, team up with professional peers, and make more money.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 174 pages
• Publisher: Self-Counsel Press; 1st edition (July 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155180607X
• ISBN-13: 978-1551806075
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,761,628 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She Knows What She is Talking About, July 14, 2005

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Start & Run a Creative Services Business (Paperback)

Starting and running your own business is often not something you want to do, it's what you absolutely have to do. Perhaps you have to do it because of some kind of internal drive that simply won't accept anything else. Perhaps you have to do it because you're tired of working for someone else, or tired of getting laid off because the owners kid got your job.

Once you make the decision to get started, there are a couple of things to remember:

One is that the only thing you have to sell is your time. Therefore don't waste time on trivia, that is, if you can find out what just what constitutes trivia. You obviously have to take time to set up an office, get the computer working, all that kind of stuff. But you don't have time to paint the house, wash the car during business hours, etc.

Two is that you have to treat this seriously as a business. Begin doing real accounting, so that your relationship with the IRS can remain smooth - remember they are your partner in this venture.

Three specialize in something. You may be the greatest thing in web design (a popular new business area), or TV ad production. Play to your strengths, don't try to be all things to all people.

Four, take advantage of the services offered by things like the Small Business Councils, often funded by your state university.

Realize that it's going to be difficult and plan for Murphy to screw things up, for it to cost more than you expect.

This book covers many of these areas, but just keep these points in mind as you read the book. The author knows what she is talking about.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn these lessons NOW... before it's too late, August 2, 2005

By 

Fred Showker "DTG Magazine" (The Design Bookshelf) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Start & Run a Creative Services Business (Paperback)

Having been in the design and advertising industry since 1972, I attest that this book has what it takes to teach you the ropes of freelancing. Susan relates so many scenarios -- working with clients -- that I remember directly from my past experiences. She's right on the money with dozens of hard-learned lessons of how to be a successful freelancer; or how not to. If you're starting or running a creative business... be it freelance or not -- you need this book. Don't delay.

This month's "EDITOR'S CHOICE" in the Design Bookshelf

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative Services Business, February 15, 2007

By 

Lynda Asprinio - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Start & Run a Creative Services Business (Paperback)

Great advice because it comes from one with experience.
Inspired me to continue on my creative business path.