Vulnerability SZN over here at MKW Creative Co. Throwing in the towel, sending the white flag, or squealing “uncle” are all ways to Q U I T a project that is just a poor fit for your biz. In this blog, I am outlining how to identify when a project is going south, how to approach quitting the project with your client, and how to end things gracefully so you, the freelancer, come out unscathed.
Read MoreIt’s no secret that I have got big ol’ juicy goals for 2019. In order to narrow in on what I wanted, I used the S.M.A.R.T. Goals method to map out my actionable daily tasks that would make the year long goal more possible. Happy to report that not only did I exceed my goals for January 2019, but that the new habits I’ve put in place (explained in detail in this blog) have changed the way I feel about my work, my productivity, and my creative flow.
Read MoreBeing a small biz owner is no joke, and statistically, the majority of Small Businesses will fail within the first 5 years. As I approach my own five year mark (full of failures, lessons, big oopses, by the way) I wanted to take the time to share the business books I have read that really changed not only the way I thought about my small business, but changed the way I thought about myself as a business owner. Here’s a breakdown of my top faves!
Read MoreYesterday on my #desIGnLIVE, (my weekly-ish instagram live series where I talk all things branding and entrepreneurship) I did a little #askmeanything and took your questions about starting my biz, adobe creative cloud, Pinterest boards, etc. Since I did not pull together a ‘2018 Year in Review’ Blog this year, I am opting for this as a blog instead!
Read MoreApproaching my 5th year in the brand design biz, it’s safe to say that I’ve trial-ed and error-ed my way around and through my new client on-boarding process. Based on the polls for what you all wanted covered on #desIGnLIVE (my weekly-ish instagram live series) this week, I’m sharing how a new client goes from total stranger to new client of MKW’s. Here’s the lowdown on how it goes down, step-by-step:
Read MoreNEW PRINTS ADDED to the MKW Graphics Art Shop! Original prints available as a digital download to add a personal touch to your home or office. These make great gifts for the holidays! So what are you waiting for...get shoppin'!
Read MoreRegardless of your Political affiliation, it’s pretty incredible how much art, design and social media have become a part of our culture. Today, I wanted to take a second to recognize how GRAPHIC DESIGN isn’t going anywhere, people! Here’s a giant round up of where I have seen graphic design influence our current culture and the impact it had on the 2018 midterm elections to further the conversation about design and design influence.
Read MoreRecently, I got to share my recent failure story at FuckUp Night in Encinitas. Here’s how I royally effed up MY OWN side hustle project, what I would do differently, and what I learned from the experience.
Read MoreHappy to announce the Fall 2018 Interns with MKW Graphics! These lovely leading ladies will be helping with brand design, creative direction and content marketing for the fall ‘semester’! Get to know them, what they love, and give them a follow!
Read MoreAfter many days, nights, drafts, designs, edits and iterations, the Small Biz Start Up Guide is NOW LIVE on www.startupguide.biz
I am sharing a bit more background on this project, why we decided to write it, and what you can except from SBSUG in the near, near future!
Read More2017 taught me a lot about being an entrepreneur, brand designer, and now, a digital-nomad! Here's a summary (infographic style, because...as a designer I couldn't have it any other way) + what's to come in 2018.
Read MoreBeing a self-employed freelancer can be lonely business! There is no guide book for when things go awry. Once I joined these facebook groups, I had an instant online community of like-minded professionals who could help me in sticky situations. Here are my favorite facebook groups that I use as a support system for my business.
Read MoreThe end of the year is near, which means it's time to start thinking about new goals for 2018! I interviewed Lauren Allen, professional goal setter (and project manager) of Right Hand Business Coach about how freelancers can set achievable goals and see them come to fruition.
Read MoreLet's call a spade a spade and say that contracts are a sucky part of owning a creative business. Legal jargon is not a language I speak, so I've enlisted the help of small business lawyer Braden Drake from Braden Drake Law to help explain the 4 kinds of contracts a freelancer might need.
Read MoreCreating content can be difficult, especially when you are new to blogging and social media. Since day 1, Libby Landry of Simple Wellness Co. has been killin it with cranking out quality content for her blog about Corporate Wellness. Here are her suggestions for blogging like a boss.
Read MoreAs a freelancer, I am constantly on-the-go and need easy access to work, photography, productivity and travel apps. Here's a round up of all my faves, ranked in order that I use them!
Read MoreA big ol' round up (+ discount links!) for the hardware, software and fun tech toys I use in my graphic design business.
Read More(Almost) Everything I've learned after 3 years of being in business. Trials, tribulations, teachable moments and high hopes for the future!
Read MoreLeaving for my next international adventure this Saturday and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about it. I don't have a concrete plan and why I am realizing that might be ok.
Read MoreI really would rather be on the other side of the camera...but here's why I invested in branded photography to help grow my business.
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