Sink or Swim

Just got off the phone with a client. I need to design about ten photo cards and then find a printing company that can print up to 1000pcs for each design and have it delivered in two days. Not so bad if only the two-day schedule didn’t include the conceptualization. I know I’m awesome but I’m not a miracle worker. Good thing he said try because I am 100% positive that what he wants is impossible. The shipping time alone would take 2 business days based on the printing companies I’ve worked with so far.

Finding jobs in the midst of economic crisis is not as hard as you think. You just need to evaluate your skills and expected salary to see if you can lower it and still live comfortably. After all, having a job with a salary less than what you’re used to is way better than not having any income at all. Still, most companies will still meet your needs if your skills are unusual. Let’s say you are part of the 10% of professionals who can program a certain language, then your odds are high that you’ll get a job immediately. Whereas if you’re sharing the spot with thousands of employees who can do the same thing yet willing to accept salary lower than yours, then it’s time to re-assess your career plans.

Just saw how much my client paid me today. When I told my husband about it, his eyes got huge. But that’s because it’s about three months worth of design work and if you think about it that way, you wouldn’t be as surprised. Still, I’d like to give him a few Rocky Patel cigars or a really great wine just to show my thanks. After all, he still have so many projects lined up for me this year that I can consider everything I purchase for him a future investment.

Just finished a design job for an identity theft protection review site and I’m trying taking it easy now. There are so many projects lined up next week so I need all the rest I can get. Weekends are supposed to be spent with my family yet here I am at 8PM, just getting ready to shut down my computer. Lucky for me, my husband is out on a basketball game and my daughter is busy playing with her cousin who’s having a sleep over. Instead of “ME” time, I spent three hours working just to be able to lessen my to-do list for next week. It’s all good though. We’re going out of the country at the end of this month to see Disneyland and will definitely get the much needed vacation that I deserve.

Currently doing some background research for a design I need to work on. It’s for a company based in Florida and they want to pitch their location so I had a look at some photos to get a feel for the possible visuals for the Sunshine State. Florida looked like a great place to visit and I was soon looking at Orlando vacation packages, as if we could afford the trip. Who knows?

I’ve been helping my friend in her DC Job Search since last week. She said she wants to move to greener pastures but won’t be quitting her job until she finds a better one. She badly needs to relocate as she’s tired of the city she’s living in. All I can say is, how wonderful it is to have choices like that. To decide to move to one place without thinking of changing someone’s life or being courageous enough to live in a new place without knowing anyone. I don’t think I can ever do that unless I already have an offer that I can’t refuse. And I should be single too because I want the decision to affect my life alone, not my family.

Research about rv repair for a client of mine. This is one of the tasks that is part of my being a virtual assistant to him.

Order business cards for the same client. This has been in the back burner for a week now.

More meetings this week. I hate going to meetings mainly because of having to travel and battle traffic. Thank God for good food though. I had a medium-rare steak during our last meeting which made the travel worth it.

Design 12 user interface screens for a twitter like application that I’m working on.

Take it easy on Friday.

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Pardon the Yoda-speak. I just came across EPISODE 1 on TV and it seems I caught an L-M-S (last movie syndrome), if such thing exists. I am feeling lucky though. It’s only the first week of October and I’ve already booked three design projects. I have so much to be thankful for. Although I am still unemployed (that word makes me cringe), I’m doing well just by being a freelancer. So much that when an old colleague offered me a job, I had to think twice before applying. I’m not sure if I can handle all the stress that came with that old job but luckily, he mentioned a part-time schedule – around 20 hours a week while I’m trying to get the hang of things. Suits me right and I hope the outcome will be a positive one.

I hope the blessings will continue to pour. Not just for me but for those who have been affected badly by typhoon Ondoy.

Things a web designer should invest on when working from home.

1. A powerful enough machine that can handle multiple graphic software and web development tools.

2. You can never have enough file back ups. Aside from your extra hard disks, go get an online backup service as well.

3. Although you can get cheaper or even free photo editing tools, nothing beats Adobe Master Suite collection – Photoshop, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Illustrator.

4. An antispyware software to protect not just your files but your clients as well when uploading to their servers.

5. Hosting and domain name for your portfolio. You can also use the hosting space for uploading your artwork and assets.

6. Generator or UPS for unexpected power shortages.

7. Fast and reliable internet connection.