Comments on: Finding your voice in the design community http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community The perfect blend of business and design Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:48:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Cairns Logo Girl http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-1008 Cairns Logo Girl Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:15:05 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-1008 Thanks for the articl. It can be really hard to break into the industry! I'll definitely give your tips a try and bookmark this page! Keep writing, cheers! Thanks for the articl. It can be really hard to break into the industry! I’ll definitely give your tips a try and bookmark this page!

Keep writing, cheers!

]]> By: Is your design blog hurting your design business? | Graphic Design Blender http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-1007 Is your design blog hurting your design business? | Graphic Design Blender Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:58:03 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-1007 [...] you manage your SEO properly) by potential clients. Lastly, as you build your reputation and find your voice in the design community, other designers are more likely to approach you with projects they need help with which translates [...] [...] you manage your SEO properly) by potential clients. Lastly, as you build your reputation and find your voice in the design community, other designers are more likely to approach you with projects they need help with which translates [...]

]]> By: Mischa Rodermond http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-1006 Mischa Rodermond Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:38:21 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-1006 Good article, nice read. And now for my 2 cents: It can be quite overwhelming, starting in the online designer metropolis that you mention. When a new designer comes online to add to the community for the first time, there are so many great places to look and that gives out the impression that it shouldn't be so hard to establish yourself. But soon enough it becomes obvious that there are literally hundreds of thousands that have tried, and eventually stayed back in the suburbs because there was no way they could make it in the city. This can be very discouraging. This is why I like articles like this one. I'm fresh off the boat myself. But in this city, people are more than welcome to give you advice and tell how they did it with a few basic things: persistence, passion and an open mind. Good article, nice read. And now for my 2 cents:

It can be quite overwhelming, starting in the online designer metropolis that you mention. When a new designer comes online to add to the community for the first time, there are so many great places to look and that gives out the impression that it shouldn’t be so hard to establish yourself.

But soon enough it becomes obvious that there are literally hundreds of thousands that have tried, and eventually stayed back in the suburbs because there was no way they could make it in the city. This can be very discouraging.

This is why I like articles like this one. I’m fresh off the boat myself. But in this city, people are more than welcome to give you advice and tell how they did it with a few basic things: persistence, passion and an open mind.

]]> By: Lisa Raymond http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-1005 Lisa Raymond Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:42:46 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-1005 I'm not sure I've found my voice yet, but as I read articles I try to write a short note about it. If I run across something I agree or don't agree with, I may write a little more but from my viewpoint. I try to blog or tweet about networking articles I follow to give others a chance to read how it's done (or to disagree). My hope is those who have chosen to follow me have found some value, and I am committed to continue providing as much value as possible. I’m not sure I’ve found my voice yet, but as I read articles I try to write a short note about it. If I run across something I agree or don’t agree with, I may write a little more but from my viewpoint. I try to blog or tweet about networking articles I follow to give others a chance to read how it’s done (or to disagree). My hope is those who have chosen to follow me have found some value, and I am committed to continue providing as much value as possible.

]]> By: Rob Cubbon http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-1004 Rob Cubbon Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:55:05 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-1004 I've been the little guy for 20 years so I must be doing really well! All good advice, though. Thank you! I’ve been the little guy for 20 years so I must be doing really well! All good advice, though. Thank you!

]]> By: Sam Evanson http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-1003 Sam Evanson Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:33:56 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-1003 Thanks Preston, some good words there. I have been in 'The Game' for about a year and have had to learn fast. I think being genuine and having some integrity can really reflect well in this industry. Nice article. Thanks Preston, some good words there. I have been in ‘The Game’ for about a year and have had to learn fast. I think being genuine and having some integrity can really reflect well in this industry. Nice article.

]]> By: Jared White http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-1002 Jared White Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:36:18 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-1002 Great article, Preston. I like the part about it's OK to be the little guy. When I got on Twitter a while back, I was all worried about having such a low "follower" count because I thought people would deem me to be a nobody. Now it turns out that having something interesting to say and caring about people is more important than a number. I should have known that to begin with. Cheers, Jared Great article, Preston. I like the part about it’s OK to be the little guy. When I got on Twitter a while back, I was all worried about having such a low “follower” count because I thought people would deem me to be a nobody. Now it turns out that having something interesting to say and caring about people is more important than a number. I should have known that to begin with.

Cheers, Jared

]]> By: Katy Dwyer http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-1001 Katy Dwyer Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:26:10 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-1001 This has been an inspiring read for me. As a designer who is just now starting my own blog, I've been feeling like I'm coming a little late to the party. I've been fascinated to find this large online design community. As a freelance designer who is used to the collaboration of a team of designers in an agency, I often miss that dynamic in the confines of my home. It's comforting to know that this community is out here. Makes me realize my "back-alley shop" really is nestled in the "thriving metropolis". I just hope I can find my voice as well as you clearly have! Great post! This has been an inspiring read for me. As a designer who is just now starting my own blog, I’ve been feeling like I’m coming a little late to the party. I’ve been fascinated to find this large online design community. As a freelance designer who is used to the collaboration of a team of designers in an agency, I often miss that dynamic in the confines of my home. It’s comforting to know that this community is out here. Makes me realize my “back-alley shop” really is nestled in the “thriving metropolis”. I just hope I can find my voice as well as you clearly have! Great post!

]]> By: Michael http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-1000 Michael Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:47:20 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-1000 Thanks Man, this was a great read. I really needed to hear this, thanks a bunch! Thanks Man, this was a great read. I really needed to hear this, thanks a bunch!

]]> By: Preston D Lee http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-999 Preston D Lee Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:46:41 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-999 @Anne, This is so true! I think a lot of designers lose focus of what they want to do with their careers. If you love to design, focus on finding customers and managing projects. If you love to write, spend a lot of your time blogging and contributing to the online community. But ONLY do what will help you achieve your goals in the end. Thanks for the great addition. Cheers. @Anne, This is so true! I think a lot of designers lose focus of what they want to do with their careers. If you love to design, focus on finding customers and managing projects.

If you love to write, spend a lot of your time blogging and contributing to the online community.

But ONLY do what will help you achieve your goals in the end.

Thanks for the great addition. Cheers.

]]> By: Jack Keller http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-998 Jack Keller Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:34:19 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-998 Great post, it is difficult to find a voice in what can sometimes be considered a saturated market. Finding a niche is surely a great perspective but can be difficult. Thankfully with new technology emerging daily it's not impossible. Great post! Great post, it is difficult to find a voice in what can sometimes be considered a saturated market. Finding a niche is surely a great perspective but can be difficult. Thankfully with new technology emerging daily it’s not impossible. Great post!

]]> By: Logo Design Monster http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-997 Logo Design Monster Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:36:02 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-997 I think being genuine is certainly the way to go. People will know if your are passionate about what you do and being passionate about an area of design requires a genuine love. Great post, thanks for sharing. I think being genuine is certainly the way to go. People will know if your are passionate about what you do and being passionate about an area of design requires a genuine love. Great post, thanks for sharing.

]]> By: Leighton Taylor http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-996 Leighton Taylor Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:33:30 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-996 Awesome Preston! Just what I needed to hear. Thanks for the reminder to be persistent and be genuine. Awesome Preston! Just what I needed to hear. Thanks for the reminder to be persistent and be genuine.

]]> By: Anne http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-995 Anne Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:45:26 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-995 Spot on! I especially like your comment "It's OK to be the little guy". I have never understood the drive to be 'popular' in the design community - this is not High School. :D I'm of the opinion, as a freelancer, that the ultimate goal should be to become popular with your customers - present and future, to focus on your work and to do it well. Honestly, I could care less if I'm "heard" in the design community or not, I'm too busy working on real projects. That's not to say that the design community is not a valuable resource, and a great 'place' to make connections and new friends. One is never too old, or too educated, to learn something new, especially from one's peers. ;) Spot on! I especially like your comment “It’s OK to be the little guy”. I have never understood the drive to be ‘popular’ in the design community – this is not High School. :D

I’m of the opinion, as a freelancer, that the ultimate goal should be to become popular with your customers – present and future, to focus on your work and to do it well. Honestly, I could care less if I’m “heard” in the design community or not, I’m too busy working on real projects. That’s not to say that the design community is not a valuable resource, and a great ‘place’ to make connections and new friends. One is never too old, or too educated, to learn something new, especially from one’s peers. ;)

]]> By: Laneth Sffarlenn http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-994 Laneth Sffarlenn Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:13:55 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-994 Preston, this is excellent. It's great for people like myself who are just starting on their path to know exactly how to move forward - with a genuine, positive and passionate "face" online. Honestly, I couldn't think of any other way to engage other designers and community members other than sharing openly my thoughts and discussing the feedback given - it just seems a natural way to behave. Besides, trolling is so '00s! Preston, this is excellent. It’s great for people like myself who are just starting on their path to know exactly how to move forward – with a genuine, positive and passionate “face” online.

Honestly, I couldn’t think of any other way to engage other designers and community members other than sharing openly my thoughts and discussing the feedback given – it just seems a natural way to behave. Besides, trolling is so ’00s!

]]> By: Design Informer http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-993 Design Informer Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:02:06 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-993 I really like how you use the analogy of a city. Very clever, but I think it paints the picture perfectly. I know exactly how it feels when first starting out. It seems like nobody is listening to you, and when you do get started, that's probably true. But sooner or later, if you put time and effort into it and you really show people how passionate you are about it, you'll start turning heads, people will start to listen and follow, and before you know it, your little "mom and pop shop" will be filled with happy customers. ;) <blockquote>"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."</blockquote> -Judy Garland I really like how you use the analogy of a city. Very clever, but I think it paints the picture perfectly.

I know exactly how it feels when first starting out. It seems like nobody is listening to you, and when you do get started, that’s probably true. But sooner or later, if you put time and effort into it and you really show people how passionate you are about it, you’ll start turning heads, people will start to listen and follow, and before you know it, your little “mom and pop shop” will be filled with happy customers. ;)

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”

-Judy Garland

]]> By: Duane Kinsey http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-992 Duane Kinsey Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:54:04 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-992 There is no doubt that finding your own voice is very difficult. Authenticity and Patience go a long way. People can generally see through someone who isn't being genuine - even online you can only hide for so long. Also, don't expect to be an overnight success. While some blogs explode in a matter of months, most have taken a year or more (sometimes longer) of hard work to get to where they are. More often than not, there is no easy route. There is no doubt that finding your own voice is very difficult. Authenticity and Patience go a long way.
People can generally see through someone who isn’t being genuine – even online you can only hide for so long.
Also, don’t expect to be an overnight success. While some blogs explode in a matter of months, most have taken a year or more (sometimes longer) of hard work to get to where they are. More often than not, there is no easy route.

]]> By: Matt Hernandez http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-991 Matt Hernandez Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:50:52 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-991 I have been in the design field for a while now, but I am just now getting started with social media and bogging. I've never utilized these tools before, but I'm glad that I decided to give it a shot because the info I can gather is priceless. I am also in the process of redesigning my site and thinking of incorporating a blog. Posts like this are great for people like me who are just getting going in the blogging world. Nice work! I have been in the design field for a while now, but I am just now getting started with social media and bogging. I’ve never utilized these tools before, but I’m glad that I decided to give it a shot because the info I can gather is priceless. I am also in the process of redesigning my site and thinking of incorporating a blog. Posts like this are great for people like me who are just getting going in the blogging world.

Nice work!

]]> By: George http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/finding-a-voice-in-the-design-community#comment-990 George Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:38:53 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2088#comment-990 Preston, nice write up about finding your own voice! It is always difficult in the vastness that is the internet to get yourself heard or even on the radar. I think that when i share information it is to share insight with the community and to promote, but mainly i do it to just be a better observer, thinker and creator of design. To your point, I think being genuine is the biggest thing. It helps when people like to come back to you based on your specific voice and how you view things.. just my 2¢... take care Preston, nice write up about finding your own voice! It is always difficult in the vastness that is the internet to get yourself heard or even on the radar. I think that when i share information it is to share insight with the community and to promote, but mainly i do it to just be a better observer, thinker and creator of design.

To your point, I think being genuine is the biggest thing. It helps when people like to come back to you based on your specific voice and how you view things..

just my 2¢…

take care

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