Know-How Exchange : Student Questions

Dear crriickiamit,

Don't let not having a background in advertising put you off.

If you're creative and can produce ideas that sell, you'd do well to set up shop as a copywriter and art director all rolled into one on a couple of sites: www.elance.com, together with a presence on
www.99designs.com

You might also want to put an online portfolio together via the service on the Communications magazine website. You'll find the main site here:

https://www.commarts.com/

... and the portfolio link here:

https://www.creativehotlist.com/index.asp?linktarget=homePort.asp

You'll need to log on and there is a fee.

Likewise, check out the services offered by How magazine:

www.howdesign.com/ -

and Print:

www.printmag.com/ -

But note this: having ideas is one thing: making them relevant to the customers of the clients you're working with is another thing entirely.

And on top of this, your ability to make money will depend on how good you are at solving people's problems.

I hope this helps. Good luck to you.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA

You won't make any money unless/until you can demonstrate that you can deliver for your clients. So the place to start is by doing some pro bono work ... for non-profits, for local businesses that otherwise couldn't afford professional help, etc.

Once you have demonstrated your skills, the next step is creating awareness among your primary target audience. Some of that will happen because your work will be noticed (i.e., word of mouth), but you'll also want to create a website and perhaps a brochure that you can use to attract more prospects.

Don't put step #2 ahead of step #1 though. Make sure you're operating on a solid foundation.

I agree with Gary and Michael. Both offer good tips.


Corpcommer - MC