Comments by Graham Smith

I am not fussy about monitoring actual stats. The only thing i am interested in is if work is actually generated. So on my online quote form, I ask the client to note where/how they found me. So it could be Google, Coroflot, word of mouth, Twitter, Logopond etc. This is the most valuable information. YOu can get too bogged down my thinking numbers and stats are important but they are not really relevant to the realisation of a actual lead. I could have 100 visits a day on my site portfolio and 1 visit in a week on some obscure portfolio site, but that one visit might be from a potential client wanting to work with me, opposed to just casual glances.

So this is why I focus more on expanding my reach opposed to obsessing about per site stats,
Hope that makes sense.

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I’m not entirely sure I want to see the reasons for the naming process, might be too frightful. May damage my sensitive nature.

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Regardless of all the above, it still performs a function that I will find very useful, see my comment above. I for one, would be happy for a oversized, faster iPhone. Perfect for days when I am out and about, but not in the mood for ‘proper’ working. Having a device that allows me to email, surf, tweet for hours without having to look at a tiny iPhone screen and not lug around a hefty laptop is very welcome. I spend a lot of time doing social media stuff, marketing my own business. A laptop is overkill for these moments, and a iPhone lacks the spirit for anything more than half an hour.

I don’t need multi-tasking on my iphone, yet I am able to work effectively via it, except eye strain for the small screen. I have a phone for phone calls, can’t imagine wanting to hold up the iPad to my ears! :)

It’s certainly not lousy just because it doesn’t feature the specifics you want.
Perfect :0)

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Time will change the ‘fence sitters’ I’m sure… :) Not sure I will move to ebooks, still prefer taking a nice solid paperbook to bed. :)

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I don’t actually expect to ’sketch’ on the iPad, I was more describing some of the things I do when I do work out of the office. I specifically use my MoleSkine for sketches anyway.

Obviously there are things I will not be able to do on the iPad that I can do on the laptop. But, for the most part, when I am out and about, not with the laptop, the iPad would make a much more accessibly device than the iPhone. Just yesterday, I spent 2 hrs on the iPhone, using Twitter, Facebook, surfing and emails. After 2 hours on the iPhone, one pair of strained eyes.

I tend to always go out with my shoulder bag, if the laptop was smaller and lighter I would take it more often. So the iPad actually does fit a gap in my routine. Not saying its right for everyone, but the iPad is a device I will use. :)

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I think the issue is that it’s not really meant to be taken seriously. The reason it was designed was more for casual, fun use.

It just got adopted and used more than I think was intended by people that don’t fully understand or ‘get’ design and typography. The more common and prolific something is, the more likely the masses will follow suit.

Not sure it’s really ever been in fashion… :)

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Availability of the Typographic Playing Cards, see update in this post.

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Not sure about the availability of these, was under impression they were more of a one off project/concept. But happy to be proven wrong. The closest I have seen are Type Trumps http://www.face37.com/

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Good for you that you have not been a victim of this too often. But as I said in the comment below, it’s worth having it in mind…

Sometimes it can be good for the soul to take preventative measures… anticipate how you would feel and cope if two big paying projects failed to settle the invoice. How would that affect you and your life.

I am very cautious now, but the full payment up front as released all those burdens and crippling thoughts. It’s been the best decision so far. :)

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I found the incremental method too time consuming, not just practically but from a more emotional energy sense.

Nothing like getting the money upfront, all invoices clear and done. No stress during project wondering if you will get paid in full in part or not at all.

Try it, see how it goes. The feeling of calm and peace of mind is astonishing. Helps ones really focus on the job at hand.

But I think it also depends how many times you have been burnt in the past. If you have been fortunate not to get burned, then no reason to change I guess.

My actions came about after repeat non or partial payment. My whole motivation to work and put myself out for clients quickly evaporated. New clients were suffering as a result. And self confidence took a nose dive the last few months.

But keep with what works for you, but do bear it in mind. Because the first time a major project doesn’t pay up, you may of wished you had taken further provisions. :)

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It’s proving ‘not’ tricky at all. All I see recently are overseas clients appreciating and acknowledging this is actually becoming the norm.

Many designers actually do ask for full payment, even from local clients.

I tried with higher percentage deposits, but they just pay that then don’t pay the remainder. The bonus aspect I feel is a bit ‘dodgy’, just feels a bit tacky in my view.

My guidelines are all set out for all to see before they commit to getting in contact. SO ultimately it’s their choice. I trust my reputation and portfolio help convince some to go ahead and work with me.

Thanks for your comment :)

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It’s true, I think design just has that ‘air’ of being cheap and ‘everyone’ can do it.

It is a very busy place to compete, which also doesn’t help with prices. So many ‘designers’ trying to make money, all competing with each other and also the client.

All I am doing is trying not to think about others, but focus on what’s right for me, what’s good for my soul and for my wallet. And hope that clients will still come.

So far, since these changes, work is flowing in… so there has to be a clue there somewhere. Full payment up front does work. who knows how many clients I am loosing who are not prepared to pay upfront, but as I mentioned, I am probably better off without them.

Bear in mind, being solo, only so much work you can take on anyway.

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I have also worked on a number of large brochure projects, but for my previous company. Some of these also didnt’ see the light of day as the client either went bust or just cancelled.

Quite soul damaging, worse when you are solo tho and have no means to swallow the loss.

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Anywhere you live you can try this, it’s not just the UK. So for any client that is overseas to you, suggest asking for full payment up front. But explain and justify the reasons, so it doesn’t seem such a odd thing to request.

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It certainly is becoming more common though amongst freelancer types, not sure about companies and agencies tho.

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