Running a Design Business: Self Promotion
1h 24mBeginner2016-03-08
Authors

Sean Adams
Chair of Graphic Design at ArtCenter
Course details
You probably know the names of many design greats. Chip Kidd, Marian Bantjes, Debbie Millman—and Sean Adams. What do they have in common? These designers know how to promote themselves. Self-promotion is essential for freelancers and studio heads alike. Fortunately, there are more and more ways designers, and creatives in general, can get the word out about their businesses, from business cards and Behance, to blogs and design conferences.
In this course, Sean takes you through the steps of determining what your design identity is and developing the essential pieces every promotional system needs. He takes a deep dive into some of the more complex and critical components, such as developing an effective and elegant website, and also touches on topics one might not think of—such as writing an effective bio and working with colleges to give back and brand build. Learn how to let the world know who you are and what you do. Start promoting your design career now.
Learning objectives
Compiling brand assets: your CV, images, and project descriptions
Creating a website to showcase you and your portfolio
Creating business cards
Sending thank-yous
Managing your social media presence
Joining AIGA and other design organizations
Participating in events and conferences
In this course, Sean takes you through the steps of determining what your design identity is and developing the essential pieces every promotional system needs. He takes a deep dive into some of the more complex and critical components, such as developing an effective and elegant website, and also touches on topics one might not think of—such as writing an effective bio and working with colleges to give back and brand build. Learn how to let the world know who you are and what you do. Start promoting your design career now.
Learning objectives
Compiling brand assets: your CV, images, and project descriptions
Creating a website to showcase you and your portfolio
Creating business cards
Sending thank-yous
Managing your social media presence
Joining AIGA and other design organizations
Participating in events and conferences
Skills covered
Small Business MarketingPersonal BrandingSmall Business and EntrepreneurshipCareer DevelopmentMarketingLimited Series
Concepts
0. Introduction
- 01 - Welcome
1. The Brand Assets
- 02 - Your identity and brand
- 03 - Image assets
- 04 - Image asset organization
- 05 - Project descriptions and language
- 06 - Your bio, CV, and headshot
- 07 - Brand and identity - Naming
- 08 - Brand and identity - Visual system
2. Your Website
- 09 - Designers' websites
- 10 - Organization and site architecture
- 11 - Homepage
- 12 - Projects
- 13 - Making your website
3. Print Materials
- 14 - Print materials 101
- 15 - ID system
- 16 - Business cards
- 17 - Cards and postcards
- 18 - Thank-you
4. Communications and Social Media
- 19 - Online presence overview
- 20 - Your blog
- 21 - LinkedIn
- 22 - Facebook, Twitter, and the social media world
- 23 - Getting published
- 24 - How to contact editors and authors
5. Community
- 25 - AIGA and other design organizations
- 26 - Conferences and events
- 27 - Competitions and juries
- 28 - Speaking engagements
- 29 - Maintenance
Conclusion
- 30 - Next steps
Related courses
- Running a Design Business: Freelancing
- The Business of Graphic Design: Protect and Perfect Your Passion
- Running a Design Business: The Staffing Rule Book
- Running a Design Business: Designer-Client Agreements
- Running a Design Business: Starting Small
- Running a Design Business: Presentation Skills
- Running a Design Business: Creative Briefs
- Running a Design Business: Pricing and Estimating