Archive for May, 2010
Win a free copy of an awesome book about design: “DESIGN” by Tom Peters
A while back Hatchwise creative Violet contacted me (George) and said she had an extra copy of a really good book about design (“DESIGN” by Tom Peters) and that she would like to give it away to one of the designers here on Hatchwise. I thought it was an awesome idea and we decided to make it a little competition. I left the whole idea of what the competition would be up to Violet and below is what she came up with:
Freelancin’
by Violet
A couple years ago I had set out to become a freelancin’ freewheelin’ designer. I mean really, what else could I do with an Art degree?
So I set out into the vast World Wide Web, with my skimpy portfolio, advertising my services as a graphic designer. I started at craigslist: the only replies were spam and scam offers. Next, myspace. I sent messages to every musician who lived in a 100 mile radius, offering custom cd designs. I got a few who were interested, one who I worked with a little bit, but in the end, nothing developed. All I had to show for it were two uncompleted designs, a free sushi dinner. I felt defeated, but still searched. Then elance. I had hopes for it, made my portfolio, placed bids, but having to compete for a job with a sub-par portfolio, needless to say nothing came of it. I figure, “Maybe I should create designs to beef up what I had?” I spent days thinking up fictitious businesses that I could make designs for. Forget about it. After all that, put aside the notion of freelancing and just focused on my 9-5 job.
A few months ago, I don’t know what I was thinking, but figured to type “logo contest” in Google. Right now I feel like they are the two best words I ever searched. Hatchwise popped up first. I went through the site, signed up and stumbled around it for a few days. My first several submissions were, I admit, really crappy. Then one week, when my husband was out of town I said to myself, “Put all you can now, or nothing.” So I lived on Hatchwise for the next seven days, submitting to every contest I could, spending time brainstorming, planning designs and working them til’ my head was about to explode.
Four days later I won my first contest! It was the kind of boost I had wanted and needed. A couple days later, another. For this one the Contest Holder wanted my personal email, he was so happy with his logo. We start talking through email and phone conversations about the logo uses, website and such, next thing I know I’m freelancin’. I wasn’t even trying at all! Life’s weird, huh? Another thing that’s funny: one day we were talking about branding and Tom Peters’ book called DESIGN. I hadn’t read it, but wanted to, so the client sent me some scanned pages. For the next few days we kept bringing up the book. What so neat about the book was that it discussed the changing of businesses, the beauty of functional objects and the selling of experience. Harley-Davidson doesn’t sell motorcycles. They sell “the ability for a 43-year-old accountant to dress in black leather, ride through small towns, and have people be afraid of him.” LOVE IT! I ordered the book for me…so did the client. Now I have two copies and looking to pay it forward.
I’m writing this postto know “Why Hatchwise?” What made you join and how has it affected your life. I would really love to know. As an incentive I’m giving away a copy of Tom Peters’ DESIGN to the designer who lets his/her voice shine. You don’t have to be the best at English, or worry too much about grammar or spelling (lord knows this post is a mess). Let me hear your honest words, I’ll choose a winner and the book is yours.
Sincerely, from your fellow HW creative,
——-
To enter, simply tell post a comment below and tell Violet why YOU chose Hatchwise and the role it has played in your life! Entries are welcome until June 7th, after which Violet will pick a winner and get in touch with you. We all look forward to learning more about you!