We’re About To P*ss Graphic Designers Off; But Who Cares?
Despite the view amongst some graphic designers, that lower cost logos and cheap logo sites devalue design, we at Project Woodward HQ *know* that there’s a market for them.
Unfortunately in graphic design circles, what we’re about to launch is tantamount to sacrilege and supposedly devalues the whole design industry.
But if you’re a designer and you’re reading this, then hear me out (and don’t forget, there’s nothing stopping you from doing the same either)…
The thing that is likely to ruffle feathers is our recently launched solution: Marketing Selfstart.
It’s our new site which provides lower cost (but still professionally designed) logos available for immediate purchase (logos on tap, if you will) that can be customised with your own business name. Do bear in mind, that all of these logos have been designed by a fully qualified and experienced graphic designer (the husband).
You see, here’s the thing…in the past we’ve struggled to price the branding/logo solutions we offer - not wanting to price small businesses and solopreneurs out of the market completely but trying to juggle that with the challenging process of developing logos and custom brands and wanting to be fairly compensated for that skill and experience.
Our current offering is fairly valued and competitive; but it’s still beyond the budgets of some people. Add to that, the fact that there are many people who have multiple business projects and can’t afford custom-designed logos for each one yet still want a professional look and feel for these projects, then there’s most certainly a market for this kind of solution.
And if we can help provide a decent solution to a common problem amongst our prospects and clients, then we’re bloomin’ well going to, whether that will p*ss other designers off or not.
Freelancer or Business Owner?
I had a great question in my inbox recently from someone who bought my book, reads the LI blog and would like to set themselves up in business…here’s the full question:
“I’m a designer primarily, my passion is really web design and development. What I’m wondering is if, early on, it makes more sense to incorporate as a business or to brand my name? Should I be freelance or should I be a small business?
I like the entrepreneur aspect that both freelance and business offers. I see the two of you and Project Woodward and Collis Ta’eed with Eden and all his various side projects. Then on the other hand, I see someone like Ian MacKenzie who operates under his own name but also has many side projects. And this ability to have side projects is really appealing to me.
So, I’m sure both are completely viable options for a wannabe location independent professional, but does incorporating as a business offer more benefits? Are people more likely to take you seriously as a business?”
As a business strategist, mentor and also a former freelancer-turned-business owner, here is how I’d respond if you were one of my clients…(it’s quite a long post but I think it’s important to work it out thoroughly given that it’s such an important thing to get right from the start).
The Perils Of Having Multiple Websites & Blogs
At the last count here at Project Woodward HQ we were the proud owners of 5 active blogs and 10 live websites (almost, we’re about to launch 3 of them).
For me, being a blog & website junkie that’s nothing new and actually not that many but there is one major difference these days…but before I tell you how we do it now, let me tell you how I did it then (and why it was doomed to failure)…
