Green Leaf Design

Economy Woes

2009-03-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

The economy is rather bleak. No secret there. The first of many hit the hardest, advertising budgets. Why do I have to love such a hot/cold profession? Work comes in waves and leaves as quickly as it's landed. Some work on the horizon but not enough for my taste. I feel myself getting rusty. I have been reading more design magazines with my free time, trying to stay abreast on changes and trends. It inspires me but with nothing for a creative outlet to fill my time, I find myself yearning for even the smallest of opportunities. I know it cannot last forever...the economy is bound to come full circle, where I'll find myself knee deep in work. God, I love that feeling! Being on the hot seat to turn jobs around and get creative, NOW. Quickly, off the cuff...usually able to produce my best work when the pressure mounts. I miss those days and can't wait for them to return!

I have a blog?

2008-06-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Someone mentioned to me that they were "reading my blog". Blog? What blog? Oh yeah, that blog. Right? So here I am to fill in those who read (and I am sure you are few and far between but I aim to please).

So, work has been slow going in the freelance business. Unfortunately, not much time recently for marketing efforts. I have gotten several referrals, a couple of one-time-only clients, but not much is left in the hopper. I have been updating a couple websites, including my own. Oh, and the redesign of a business card that has been a complete overhaul with new challenges.

I also am spreading my wings and going back to work outside my home. I am ready for a change, for adult contact, for a new challenge. Indeed, indeed! We shall see where this road leads and where I end up. I am ready for more...

Been awhile

2008-03-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

I've got to start forcing myself on my blog at least 3-4 times a week but where do I find the time? How about after the kids are in bed, the house is quiet, and I'm exhausted. Sure, why not? A lot has been happening. I've tried out some new advertising this week, we'll see what kind of responses I get. Moving a business across country has been like a new start but stressful. I have been hammering new leads, following up, and following up some more. If nothing else, the lull is allowing those unfinished and lingering office projects to finally see completion. Our new tables were finally ordered - woohoo! I keep telling myself that when I finally have them delivered and set up, I will re-train my brain to keep it tidy, with no esxcuses. No loose papers, no sticky notes placed in random positions, hoping not be overlooked. I can do it, I can do it!

Wow - what a week!

2008-02-21T18:25:00.000-08:00

Coming back from a stretch of out of state travel has left me a bit frazzled. Playing catch up is not a position I like to find myself in but then again, I had to do it. Lots going on, bids, bids, bids - "fill the hopper", my husband reminds me. Sometimes we forget that once we finish a project, there needs to be more work waiting. No one sells "me" to get "me" jobs. I have to find them, submit proposals, then land them (hopefully). Not to mention filling out the contract paperwork.

I am definitely seeing the benefits of strong organizational skills recently. An important key to business success, I do believe. Taking the time seems ridiculous but pays off in the end. I'm really trying to keep on top of paperwork that gets shuffled around my desk. It's so nice to come into a clean office in the morning. Before kids, I had all the time in the world to organize. Now I find myself picking and choosing "what" to organize. Office space, yes. Pantry, no.

Another late night...

2008-01-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

No time today to add any pages to the current website I am working on. So, here I am doing research on CSS style sheets. I also am helping to collect a list of links and resources for a new leap into the web world. I finished up some 4 color flyers today, made a delivery, & managed to get some b-cards ordered online. Organized my office space and threw out all of the little stickie notes that begin to collect and close in on me. I love starting a morning with a clean palette (no pun intended). I'm thinking of ways to creative-fy my office space. Hmmm...

Managing Time as a Freelancer

2008-01-24T11:32:00.001-08:00

While it may seem that a freelance artist has the freedom to work at their leisure, this can cause many to fail miserably. Scheduling work time and being diligent to honor that time is critical. You'll find time slipping past you to finish that one project you told the client would be done lat week. There is no one cracking the whip to make you work and no one watching (except the client), to make sure you putting in the necessary time to complete a job. Being a freelance artist requires motivation and a great work ethic. Unless you have will power as a freelance graphic artist, you may find yourself slacking and that doesn't pay the bills or impress clients.

Marketing

2008-01-23T10:01:00.001-08:00

Please forgive me, but I'd like to try my hand at increasing traffic to my site. I am listing services that offer to the Charlotte, NC area as well as a nationwide (with the streamlining of digital services these days) graphic designer. My services include logo design, layout, magazine and other periodical design, letterhead, envelopes, corporate newsletters (including digital newsletters), poster design, marketing materials including brochures, postcards, doorhangers, direct marketing, flyers, etc. Please consider my affordable, personal service from an in-home based designer. I am able to keep my prices low with little overhead. I pride myself on making new business design something everyone can afford!

My New Adventure

2008-01-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Family -

Unfortunately, you won't find a whole lot of personal insight into my life from this blog but it will follow my path along freelance designing. I finally am able to put a little more effort into my design work now that we are settled and moving forward in Charlotte, NC. As you know I am actively seeking out new accounts and clients in the area to add to my plate. I am ready to go with lots of energy and drive!

My latest success is of course, getting this blog up along with my portfolio. I'll be updating some key elements of my site to reflect new insight and information. My focus is to have it evolve, much like a designer would (or should). So come back soon and notice some cool changes as I launch my new southern adventure.

Still testing to verify path

2008-01-18T13:43:00.001-08:00

Hi y'all!

I think I am getting close

2008-01-18T07:08:00.001-08:00

With a little perserverance, anything is possible. This blog is the proof! Wee-hee...

Testing Today

2008-01-18T07:05:00.000-08:00

I am attempting to get my blog working through Blogspot.com.. Technical limitations in my brain are giving me issues - ouch, this hurts!