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How do you think most designers start off?

Thread title: How do you think most designers start off?
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08-28-2011, 06:58 AM
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emeyex is offline emeyex
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  Old  How do you think most designers start off?

I'm getting ready to sell me next design although, I would perfer I don't get wierd looks from my mom or my dad when I tell them that I only sold it for a small price ($50 for about 7-9 hours of work). $100 dollars for a design somethimes makes me doubtful to pitch at a high price. And I am aware from both my dad and a couple of people on this site that my time is worth about whatever my hourly rate is X 6 or 7. Is it smart to sell a little low at first and start raising prices?

btw here is my latest design ----> http://emeyex.deviantart.com/#/d47reeu

I have been on the skateboard forums trying to get to know the crowd and eventually I'm going to start posting my art and make pitches because I would love to see this on a skateboard deck. Any marketing suggestions based on the image or in genereal will help!

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08-31-2011, 05:27 AM
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If the work you produce is spectacular, the right clients will pay top dollar for it.

However, it takes a lot of time to get there, so it comes down to how willing are you to learn and apply the techniques, as well as push yourself and improve constantly.

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08-31-2011, 12:41 PM
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emeyex

to answer your direct question (Is it smart to sell a little low at first and start raising prices?) I'd say, it depends on your business model. (What! You don't have a business model, or not one that you recognize? I bet you're with about 60% of the people on this site.) Your business model would address such things as whether you will have repeat customers, who pays for you to gain experience, workflow, etc. Oh, and who your clients will be.

Regarding your skateboarder question: how likely are they to pay you, and pay you adequately, for your designs? It may be a thrill to think of your future life as Emeyex, the World's Most Famous Skateboard Logo Designer, but if this is a crowd that is not used to paying for such services, then you're not going to end up anywhere you'd like to be.

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08-31-2011, 03:40 PM
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  Old

I think you're a talented designer - and both Artashes and Lowengard make great points. It's all in how you brand yourself. I would not sell a little low at first, rather run limited time promotions.

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08-31-2011, 10:55 PM
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Thank you all. So for the most part I suppose I should continue to bulid my skills until clients find my work spectacular(i.e add more to my portfolio), and continue charging decent prices maybe $60-$70 dollar designs (if thats not considered too cheap). And offer limited promotions now and then.

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09-01-2011, 12:50 AM
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7hrs work 50$ is still above minimum wage and its TAX FREE =]

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09-01-2011, 03:59 PM
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Your work is definitely incredible, you are a great designer and I believe that Steve has made a great point that you could consider with the limited promotions that you could do, which may get you some recognition and allow you to make a name for yourself, since you'd be getting reviews and all. Others have made great points too, such as paying top dollar for spectacular designs, you could definitely always build on what you're designing. There is always room for improvement, and once you get there, you'll make much more than $50 for 7-9 hours work, even if it minimum wage.

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09-25-2011, 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Psychotomus View Post
7hrs work 50$ is still above minimum wage and its TAX FREE =]
No, income online ISN'T tax free. You still have to report it to the IRS.

As for the OP, I suggest you get on to freelance sites like elance, odesk, etc. and do work for clients on an hour basis.

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