SELF PROMOTION
So this is taken from my Enterprise blog but it directly affects my PPD work I think
How will I promote myself – what do they want to hear?
These tasks are proving ever more difficult without knowing exactly what kind of designer I am/would like to be. I understand now is not the time to be pigeon-holing myself, but maybe I should be more focused? Maybe its good to be ambiguous for now? I guess time will tell. However I think I can adequately fulfill this task without such a focus, though some important factors such as whether I promote for print or screen might be important later on.
Marketing Communication Mix
Using the 6 methodologies in the marketing communication mix, here are the ones that I feel I would apply to my personal professional practice. As a new designer and not a brand or business I would be looking for, as my potential clients, design agencies or companies looking for freelance work or new employees.
Personal Selling
For any new and aspiring designer it is important to not only get your name out there, but your face as well. While a website of work examples may be useful, more importantly would be for me to physically meet/track/find potential clients, so they can meet me and view my portfolio personally. Whether successful or not in terms of paid work, hopefully I would impress/pursue them enough to be considered in future or recommended to others, and build a personal relationship with the client.
Advertising
As a designer this would be more relevant for previous work used in advertising, which potential clients would see and then contact me through past employers. It is rarely, if ever, used for personal designer promotion.
Direct Marketing
This is a very important aspect of a graphic designers personal promotion, especially freelancers/unemployed and searching. If used successfully it can be used as a fantastic first point of contact with potential clients where first impressions last. Innovative and interesting greetings cards/business cards/personalised packages well designed can stick in the mind. Personally I would, especially starting out in the business, focus on making use of this kind of promotion.
The Internet
Obviously a massively useful tool in todays society there are many ways in which it can be used efficiently and effectively, starting with web design. A well structured, easy to navigate and good looking website can be invaluable to any business, and for a new designer trying to attract potential clients. Another bonus is it is a 24 hour tool with a portfolio that can be viewed at any time, where a personal meeting for example, would last a short amount of time.
How will I promote myself – what do they want to hear?
These tasks are proving ever more difficult without knowing exactly what kind of designer I am/would like to be. I understand now is not the time to be pigeon-holing myself, but maybe I should be more focused? Maybe its good to be ambiguous for now? I guess time will tell. However I think I can adequately fulfill this task without such a focus, though some important factors such as whether I promote for print or screen might be important later on.
Marketing Communication Mix
Using the 6 methodologies in the marketing communication mix, here are the ones that I feel I would apply to my personal professional practice. As a new designer and not a brand or business I would be looking for, as my potential clients, design agencies or companies looking for freelance work or new employees.
Personal Selling
For any new and aspiring designer it is important to not only get your name out there, but your face as well. While a website of work examples may be useful, more importantly would be for me to physically meet/track/find potential clients, so they can meet me and view my portfolio personally. Whether successful or not in terms of paid work, hopefully I would impress/pursue them enough to be considered in future or recommended to others, and build a personal relationship with the client.
Advertising
As a designer this would be more relevant for previous work used in advertising, which potential clients would see and then contact me through past employers. It is rarely, if ever, used for personal designer promotion.
Direct Marketing
This is a very important aspect of a graphic designers personal promotion, especially freelancers/unemployed and searching. If used successfully it can be used as a fantastic first point of contact with potential clients where first impressions last. Innovative and interesting greetings cards/business cards/personalised packages well designed can stick in the mind. Personally I would, especially starting out in the business, focus on making use of this kind of promotion.
The Internet
Obviously a massively useful tool in todays society there are many ways in which it can be used efficiently and effectively, starting with web design. A well structured, easy to navigate and good looking website can be invaluable to any business, and for a new designer trying to attract potential clients. Another bonus is it is a 24 hour tool with a portfolio that can be viewed at any time, where a personal meeting for example, would last a short amount of time.