You are your hardest client
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- Sugary
Has anyone else ever had this problem? That when it comes time to do work for yourself you end up being the hardest client to work for. I run out of motivation pretty quickly when I do stuff for myself, maybe because I'm not going to pay myself. Or I'm never happy with what I come up with and end up spending all of my time changing things. Either way it takes way too long to get things done. I've tried to approach it as if it's for a separate client but it's difficult to successfully fool yourself. Anyone have some good tips?
- version30
set deadlines
- scarabin0
took me three years to make a logo mark for myself.
been "working on" my mother's book for two...
- boobs0
If it's a web site, start telling people the date the new one will be up. Or send out announcements to put deadline pressure on yourself. I do this for my fine art work, and it's a big help getting the shit done.
- d_rek0
Yeah, helps to have a list of goals / milestones you want to reach. Something about putting it in writing makes it a little more tangible than you just batting it around in your brain. I know my tendency is to dive into something and be high-intensity for a short period of time and then I seem to lose some steam.
For some reason i'm still putting off making my own business cards (maybe that's cause I know i'm printing and hand-stamping them) and i'm trying to justify it because i don't have a rolodex or whatever it is to show them off in.
But i did turn my site around in a few weeks, very happy with it. I still have a few projects to add but they need to be shot and shopped a little, but it's all timing.
- OSFA0
I hear you...
- Sugary0
Yeah, I had some success before when I sat down and really explained to myself what I wanted just like you would with a client. It was a great start and got me going in the right direction but finalizing it seemed to impossible. Will definitely set up deadlines now though, although I fear it's easy to justify when you don't reach em.
- boobs0
It's like inviting people over for a party will get you to clean the house: send out 200 invitations to the launch party, and you'll get that site done.
- hellojeehae0
title... THATS WHAT SHE SAID
- invisiblechamber0
i never had my own business card.
- the use of others are much better for the environment. :-)akrokdesign
- fabricio2k0
I must have around 30 psd's on my website's folder... trying to decide a design for it, and brace yourselfs... im almost considering heading over to Krop portfolios to get this done! Would it be too bad?
- dyspl0
It's also due that most of the time, we tend to act like our worst clients: no brief. Working for clients can be very frustrating and when it comes to work four ourselves we usually want to do "something uber cool".
And well, "cool" is not a concept and what's nice at 4am after a whole night spent on the computer looks shitty the day after....
- rupedixon0
Don't forget to start with the basics. Get everything down, as rough as possible then refine it from there....
Good luck :)
- fabricio2k0
It is true...
but it seems that even if we brief ourselves, we might fall into that loop of brief changes/ new ideas. I dont know about you guys but the brief thing doesnt work with me either :(I am also considering having a friend doing my own website, in flash and etc... although, that will cost me :( But at least, its something that I dont have control of... so it might just happen a lot faster.
The downside of this is that I am a designer too.. and not doing my own page.. well, dont know if that says something about me in a negative way.
- A friend would probably have a better idea of how to show off your workAnders
- FallowDeer0
This is too true!
try and set yourself deadlines, treat it as being freelance and manage your time - saying that im just the same as what everyone else has said, Im just never happy with what ive done, as a result ive being "doing" my gf's website for well over a year now
- mistermik0
get someone else to do it.
- gramme0
I'm ruthless.
- scarabin0
i was working on a site for myself once but i demanded the working files so i fired me
wanker
- nadnerb0
yes. I was trying to get a portfolio done for like a year, could never be happy with it, and eventually gave up. About a month ago I REALLY needed to get new freelance work so I got one together in like 4 days.
All you need is some desperation. Then maybe you'll cut the bullshit and just get it done.
I suggest waiting til you're late on all your rent and bills, then give all your money away to homeless people. This will truly inspire you.- yes, I'm aware it looks dumb. I am not a designer.nadnerb
- CALLES0
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- CALLES0
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