Out of Work

Hello -
I'm a freelance writer so I understand the challenge you're facing. Everyone in graphics and publishing has been feeling the pinch in this economy, so it's not an easy environment right now.

There are a lot of things you can do to drum up business, but they require consistent effort and they don't always produce instant results. I've joined a bunch of groups on Linked In and I'm getting great connections/leads there, so I'd recommend joining groups in any potential area that might have a use for your services - which frankly could be a very wide range, in graphics. Think out of the box for that one. If you've done lots for golf, could you reach out to existing country clubs? golf publications? equipment manufacturers? What about other sports? What about other fields entirely? Hot air balloons? Children's publishing? skateboarding or skiing or camping? churches in the area? sky's the limit there. There are probably many graphic designers groups on LInked In, but I'd join groups in other industries that would NOT have many designers as members, so you'll be able to offer your services when appropriate postings go up.

Meanwhile, begin a list of any and all potential contacts. Do up a postcard you can send - announce to everyone that you're back in business. Maybe offer a special to encourage new clients to try you out. Be active and find new people to contact on a daily or weekly basis, and just let people know you're looking to build up your client base. If you put the word out that way, very matter of factly, then I bet you will see clients begin to show up. Just expect that it will happen. Network with anyone and everyone you know. You can also look for postings on craigslist and such, although as you probably know, take all of those with a grain of salt and be careful of the many scams out there.

Finally, you need to have a stellar web site that shows your portfolio. I would suggest one in Flash, because it will look the best. (If you need help with a site, let me know.)

As far as pursuing your children's books, the most accessible thing is to self-publish. You could certainly contact publishers and try the traditional route of finding a 'real' publisher. In either case, I would suggest that you treat that as an extra or a hobby, probably not something you should expect to be a huge income producer.

If you have other questions I can help with, feel free to email me. Take care and good luck with everything!
S.

Hi T.,
Are you willing to try something new or are you wanting to stick with what you know?

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C.
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T.,

Hi my name is R. I am mother to a beautiful 15 month old son. I work full time and my husband is a firefighter for the City of Westminster. Just recently he decided to further his education and get a degree in paramedicine. I was worried about the rising cost of daycare because of his school our son would have to go 5 days a week instead of 3 which we are used to. So of course I was concerned with how we were going to make up the difference. I just wanted to share with you what has brought me some extra income and more joy and friendships than I expected. I went to a home party around the first on December and purchased a warmer from "Scentsy". Scentsy products are wickless and flameless warmers that are safe to use around kids and pets! Initially that was what really excited me about the product. Now I love the product and have had such a good time sharing them with family and friends! I have also been able to supplement the rising cost of daycare with my commission checks!! I have had a blast with this product and maybe it could help you as well. Please let me know if you would like to talk or see any of the products. You can also view the products online at my website at http://olson.scentsy.us Good Luck I would love the share the products/opportunities with you.

R.

I'm totally drawing a blank, but the guy who wrote the Left Behind series has a really good program from Christian authors wanting to be published. You might check that out. They help you with all the prep stuff, etc. Also, I think Baptist Publications is still at 6th and Simms. They used to take a lot of local Christian authors from the area as it was easiest to work with them. It's been over 20 years since my grandma died, so the policies my have changed, but it might be worth at least looking into. I understand the tough times. I'm also in a market that gets cut first in difficult times.