Archive for April, 2009

There are so many things to think about when you start your own business. Things that we fail to think about, unless due planning and research is done before we even get started.

For example, let’s say you start a advertising design business (hey – I’m writing about what I know, just like my High School English Teacher taught me!).

4 Obvious things to remember would be:

1.  Computer

No matter which way you try to swing it, OF COURSE you’re going to need a computer, this one is a no brainer.

2.  Printer

Again, a no brainer – but this time it gets more complicated, have you considered print quality, ability of printer to handle different stocks, size format allocations, and volume? Suddenly that little desktop inkjet doesn’t quite cut it.

3.  Tablet

No, I’m not talking about stress pills here! But if you’re fresh out of advertising design school, then chances are you’ve been using the schools equipment, and you need to remember that you’re going to be a fish out of water without one.

You could start with something small like a Wacom Bamboo Fun Tablet, but if you’re taking yourself seriously as an advertising and graphic designer, then go for one that has a minimum 6×8 ” work space. You will not regret it.

4.  Belief in Yourself

Naturally if you’re going it alone, then you have enough self belief to make a go of it. If you’re not a confident person, it will show, and you’re going to scare clients away by not coming across as somebody who can get the job done.

4 Not So Obvious Things to Remember

1.  Clients!

Yes you need clients, even if you’re brilliant, and have won countless awards if you do not have clients who love you enough to be confident that ‘leaving’ with you from your current place of work will improve their business, then you need to rethink things, or go after a different market. Or have a spouse who supports you, but I recommend a dedicated client base first!

2.  Internet Connection

You would not believe how many times I hear people shocked at the price of broadband plans. Advertising designers and graphic designers need constant, big bandwidth capabilities to handle large file transfers that continually flow back and forth as work progresses. Your quick, cheap R49 a month 50mb plan won’t even cover one day’s email if you have just one project.  If you’ve been at a thriving studio, the cost can be surprising once it comes out of your own pocket.

3.  Insurance

Do NOT neglect to take out business insurance to cover your equipment, and other items. Just imagine you’re going back and forth from printer to client with samples and heaven forbid the final shipment of ’stuff’ when it gets stolen by some idiot out of the back seat of your car. Who is going to pay for a reprint of 2000 letterheads for corporation X?  You may even need to get high risk auto insurance if you’re using your car for business.

4.  Space

Sure everyone sits at a stressful job in a cubicle at some point in their lives, and envisions a brighter future where they’re working from home in a plush surroundings, achieving their dreams. That *can* happen, but only with careful planning and consideration.  You need to consider, particularly if you’re a mom – how the kids will be entertained while you work. Where will your clients proofs and samples be safe from sticky hands? How much extra space can your household afford?

Lastly, if starting your own advertising design business is an all consuming passion, be sure to research, plan, and strategise carefully, it can make all the difference between success and failure. But ultimately, go for it.

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