The Hardest Thing is Getting Started

The hardest thing about doing anything is getting started. My guess is that it’s simply inertia. When I’m at rest, I tend to want to stay at rest—and when I’m working, I tend to want to continue working. Then again, I’ve always been a creature of extremes.

I’m interested in freelancing more. Thus begins the “Elance.com” experiment. I bought a $10 membership (10 connects), and I’m going to see where that gets me this month. Who knows, maybe I’ll find some inspiration. J

I was reading an interesting blog by one of my favorite fashion designers, and what she said really hit home. As a designer, your portfolio is constantly going out of date, and its very easy to find yourself years later, stuck at a job you have outgrown, without being able to really show how your skills have grown.

At some point, you just have to make time to build your own work. I know it’s hard with a full-time job, family, dog (and a few cats and fish in my case), but it’s something that needs to be done. Not only is it good for you (who doesn’t like doing the work they love the way they want it?!), it’s also a showcase for your message. It helps you to connect with those buyers out there that really “get” what you’re trying to do, and understand the niche you’re in. It helps you to find clients that want the things you’re passionate about (not just the same old generic graphic design).

Here is a picture of my first paying Elance project. There is a variation with axes and without, though I think the simpler one (without weapons) will be used for the site.

It’s a logo design for a WOW (World of Warcraft) Guild. What do you think? I really enjoy the fantasy subjects. Maybe I should look into doing more of these designs.