Jim Smith - How to Start a Home-based Graphic Design Business

Lisa Polce is an accomplished graphic designer with over twenty years experience. She has worked for public and privately owned companies as well as starting her own graphic design firm in 2009. Throughout her career, she has worked with small to midsize companies and is very involved with the Advertising Club of Connecticut, West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and Business Network International, in which she has served in leadership roles. Lisa lives in Connecticut with her son, Hunter. Her website is hjgraphicdesigns.com

Jim Smith is an accomplished Web designer and trainer who owns a home-based business specializing in website design and hosting. Jim speaks frequently to groups on Internet-related subjects. His presentations range from introductory training sessions at local libraries to Internet seminars and workshops for Fortune 500 companies. Jims company is Blarneystone, LLC, and his company website is blarneystone.com. He is also the author of How to Start a Home-based Web Design Business (Globe Pequot Press).

From Jim Smith

My deepest respect and thanks goes to my coauthor, Lisa Polce. She has a refreshing sense of integrity in everything she does. Writing this book with her has been an inspiration and has reinvigorated me as a Web design business owner to apply some of her great insights to my own business. As you read this book, I hope you find Lisas sincerity and experience to be helpful as you start your new venture or improve upon the one youve already begun.

From Lisa Polce

When I was asked to cowrite this book, I was humbled and honored. The success of this book certainly will be due to the help and advice of my coauthor, Jim Smith. He never batted an eye in response to my endless questions about how to tackle each chapter. I am grateful for his constant support, friendship, and enthusiasm on this journey. It is not an easy road to get a book published.

Jim is a friend, colleague, and business confidant. We have worked on many projects together and have built a lasting friendship. I wouldnt be writing this book if Jim hadnt so graciously invited me to explore this opportunity. Im honored and flattered that he thought enough of my work and skills as a graphic designer to join him as coauthor of this book.

Jim made each step seem easy to understand, and we worked together seamlessly. We make good book partners. What makes us work so great together is that we are good at what we do and we respect each others talents. We sincerely want the other to succeed. I cant beat that when it comes to colleagues.

And, as always, I am grateful for the love, support, and understanding from my son, Hunter. May he enjoy the benefits of good, old-fashioned hard work. I spent many hours on my computer and laptop writing this book. I appreciate his patience. And to my mom and dad for teaching me that with hard work and steadfast determination, you can reach your goals. I try to be the best I can be every day, even when nobody is looking.

Here I listed websites that have been mentioned in this book or that I think will be valuable to you. This list is presented for convenience and is by no means exhaustive.

Change This

(changethis.com)

This website consists of quality, well-written articles. Most are geared toward small marketing and graphic design businesses. For a good starting point, find the article on The Design Funnel by Stephen Hay.

COLOURLovers

(colourlovers.com)

Here is a wonderful site with everything youd ever want to know about colorshow to blend them, how to use them, even which colors to use in your themes. The site has color palettes, articles, tips, and more.

Fotolia

(fotolia.com)

Fotolia is similar to iStock Photo, but I find some of the prices to be better. They offer a full range of images, videos, and some vector art.

Graphic Designers at Home

(homebaseddesigner.com)

This website is an addendum to this book put together by the authors. It contains additional articles and tips shared by the authors and others in the industry. Stop by and share your own tips or ideas.

Iconfinder

(iconfinder.com)

This site is handy if you are looking for ideas for representational icon art for your project. Search for Twitter if you want to see an example of some of the creative icons available.

iStock Photo

(istockphoto.com)

Here you will find photography, video, illustrations, and audio that are supplied by industry professionals. Buy credits to obtain the rights to use the material.

VectorStock

(vectorstock.com)

Vector images on this site can be easily expanded and reduced in size due to their structure. VectorStock is similar to iStock Photo but for vector images. You can buy credits to use these images.

You the Designer

(youthedesigner.com)

This website is full of good articles and tips for graphic designers. Look for the article How Designers Use Color to Influence Consumers as a good starting point.

American Institute of the Graphic Arts (AIGA)

(aiga.org)

AIGA was established in 1914. With over twenty thousand members, it is the largest membership-driven professional association for graphic design.

Art Directors Club (ADC)

(adcglobal.org)

The Art Directors Club has been around since 1920. The club offers various programs, awards, and educational opportunities, including student scholarships.

Business Network International (BNI)

(bni.com)

This organization helps generate business through structured word-of-mouth referrals. The organization focuses on building relationships and truly helping others succeed. Visit the website to find your local chapter.

Chamber Groups

Join the chamber of commerce in your town to kick-start your local networking.

Graphic Artists Guild

(graphicartistsguild.org)

The Graphic Artists Guild, founded in 1967, has six regional chapters throughout the United States. It is well known for its excellent reference book, The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines, for graphic designers.

International Council of Graphic Design Associations (ICOGRADA)

(icograda.org)

ICOGRADA is an international graphic design organization active in over sixty countries worldwide.

Meetup Meetings

(meetup.com)

Search for a graphic design meeting in your vicinity or a business networking meeting nearby. If there is nothing available, perhaps you should try to start one. Meetup listings are a great way to get to know like-minded individuals in your area.