"I’m not saying you’re fat, but…" That’s what a strange man said to me the other day. Yep, someone I don’t know stopped me in the street to talk about my weight. It’s not even an isolated incident - stuff like this has happened all sorts of places over the years, like: At school. In …
success
Why your small business needs strong branding
Branding is vital for your business. In fact, your brand is one of your most valuable assets. And it’s not just important for the big players, like Coca Cola, Starbucks and Apple. We small businesses need a strong brand just as much as they do. Sometimes even more so. But what is your …
10 things I’ve learned in 10 years of freelancing
Today is a very special day. Exactly five years ago I left my day job as an in-house designer and went full time freelance. And it was around this time 10 years ago that the offer of some freelance animation work made me start a business. This business. Fiona Robertson Graphics is 10 years old …
Overwhelmed? Here’s how to get everything done
Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the things you need and want to get done? If the length of your to-do list has you breaking out in a cold sweat, you’re not alone. Pick any typical week. As well as your admin, blogging, networking, meetings and emails, you need to actually do your work, whether …
Are you too available? How to set boundaries with your clients
Are you too available to your clients? I sure am. Or rather I have been; I’m working on fixing that. Being available for your clients and making it easy for them to contact you is a good thing, obviously. But you can take it too far and make yourself way too available. Being available to …
The Benefits of Side Projects
Side projects are awesome! I've got a few and I think everybody should have at least one, because a side project offers you a valuable creative outlet that has several benefits for both you and your business. Many businesses, both large and small, have recognised this and actively encourage their …
Hare or tortoise? How to win at marketing
When it comes to marketing your business are you a hare or a tortoise? The story of the race between the hare and the tortoise is familiar to us all: the hare rushes ahead and then, confident of victory, takes a nap, while the tortoise slowly overtakes him and wins the race. How does this apply to …
What to do when a client hates your work
It’s every designer’s nightmare: you spend ages on a design, getting all the details just so, send a proof to your client... and then they tell you they hate it! It’s absolutely devastating and an awful situation to find yourself in. What do you do? [Tweet "Client hates your work? Don't panic …
Top Freelancing Myths – The True Story
Many people choose to start their own business as they have a romantic view of the lifestyle it will offer them - leisurely afternoons in coffee shops, spontaneous holidays, less stress and of course no horrible boss breathing down your neck. Sounds great, doesn't it? However, the reality can be …