About us pages that rock

Note to self: when creating an About Page for our site next time, find inspiration in these few examples.

Don't be afraid to try something different. Be yourself.
Tell your story. About us - is definitely a story.

http://desizntech.info/2012/01/a-showcase-of-creative-about-us-pages/

Chris Guillebeau's six steps to establishing a new income

Step 1. First, Stop Killing the Dream
Step 2. Make a Plan By Focusing on What You’re Good At
Step 3: Create an Offer
Step 4: Get Your Offer Out to the World (ASAP!)
Step 5: Tell People About Your Offer
Step 6: Figure out what comes next

Read this awesome article here on Chris's blog - the Art of Non-Conformity.


He also outlines a few guidelines on having an Escape Plan

• Don’t worry about expenses; increase income instead.
• Never compete on price.
• Sell at more than one price.
• Ignore the competition.
• All things considered, some businesses are easier than others.
• Value means helping people.

Always go back to this article especially to remind yourself of steps 3,4 and 5 especially!
Also some good points on pricing.

Tips on building a portfolio

These tips are from Adrian Valencia.
Make the work you want to get hired for, and hit the pavement.

Twelve years ago I was very new in London and when I decided I wanted to test myself as an illustrator, I didn't know where to start. I spent two months building my portfolio ( let me tell you…it wasn't amazing ) and once it was ready I took notes of art directors' contacts from the magazines I wanted to work with. My English wasn't great and on top of that I was clueless about the industry but in a way I guess I had nothing to lose. I had a business card and a few printed pages with my illustrations to be remembered.  No website just a printed portfolio. I called every single publication in London and I was lucky that most of them agreed to meet me. My first editorial commission came from Red magazine, to draw a horoscope, from an art director that now I consider my friend.  Email was optional so I faxed the rough. I didn't own a computer so when the rough was approved I went to work on someone else's computer who kindly lend it to me. Since then I have been lucky enough to never stop working. 

Go to Draw Adrian, Draw to read the rest... but here's the gist.

1. Do mockups

2. Draw more than one character

3. Be style consistent