Freelancers Union: Hard At Work

LATEST NEWS

According to their member newsletter, the Freelancers Union.com is hard at work for its members. From helping freelancers get paid by companies or agencies who “stiff” them to a new Job Tracker on Facebook to lobbying for our cause, Freelancers Union has been involved.

In 2009, New York City’s Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT) imposed an unfair double tax on freelancers’ business AND personal incomes, draining $162 million last year alone. Freelancers Union waged an aggressive campaign for fair taxation – urging lawmakers to tax freelancers no less and no more than traditional employees. They heard our calls and they responded, eliminating the UBT for those earning less than $100,000, and enacting a tax credit for freelancers earning up to $150,000.

Another type of campaign Freelancers Union is waging is called Get Paid, Not Played and it protects freelancers from unpaid wages. The idea is that freelancers who are stiffed by a deadbeat company have the Department of Labor, as well as Freelancers Union, to help them get paid. You go online, name the companies that aren’t paying you or have not paid you and Freelancers Union does the rest! It’s totally anonymous. Check it out!

If you haven’t been to FreelancersUnion.com, it’s time to visit their site and check out all the services they provide to freelancers, free of cost. If you are a member, but haven’t been to the site in a while, here’s a good chance to revisit.

Please visit FreelancerUnion.com

Definitely Not A “YES” Man

Are You A "YES" Man?

Recently, I came across a question someone had posted on LinkedIn in staffing and recruiting under corporate governance about “yes” men and whether or not that type of person could be trusted?  And, I thought to myself, ,”in a city where there are so many good art directors and graphic designers out of a job or looking for new clients to add to their roster, is it important to always say “yes” to a client or boss’ every whim?”  I’m not talking about a serious, reputation-threatening type of whim where there is a lot at stake and the wrong decision could actually cost jobs and/or dollars. I’m talking about the type of whim when you are on a tight deadline, a tight budget and a short rope, when suddenly, someone comes over and asks, “hey, what do you think about this?”

I’m always thinking about ways to be a better art director, but is saying “yes” to your client or boss’ every whim part of being a better art director? Or, as a professional, is it better to give your honest opinion, creatively speaking?  I can honestly say that I am definitely NOT a “yes” man. I don’t just say, “yes, I love it” simply because someone else does. I have my own style when it comes to creating art and it is without a doubt, very commercial. If you are hiring me, I hope you have seen my work and know that I will apply my style to your project or vision and will always produce at film studio level. So, as an art director, are you paying me to be a “yes” man or for my professional perspective? Or, both?

Of course, I know the answer is both. But finding that balance between giving your client or your boss what they want and keeping your artistic vision, means knowing the right questions to ask and the right way to ask them. For example, I recently had a client mark up a proof with what I thought would end up as a strange-looking design edit, so I had to stop and ask my client what they are trying to accomplish by requesting that change?  Either, I will get a clear specific answer that I can interpret and, hopefully, turn into something genius or I will hear the dreaded, “I don’t know what I want, but I know what I don’t want.” If you hear the latter, run. That person will never be happy because they will never know what it is they want.

To me, the difference between a “yes” man and a person trying to get the best creative possible in the time allotted, is exactly the difference between an account executive and an art director. An account executive will always tell the client “yes,” when it is the art director’s job to play “therapist” and start asking real questions. Questions that could potentially give an art director a reputation as being a “diva” or “prima donna,” so be careful how you ask.

Ultimately, what good does a “yes” man do for any client or department at the art director level? In that case, why would you need an art director, at all? Wouldn’t a project manager due?

To read what other people think about “yes” men, in general, please go to the LinkedIn page at http://www.linkedin.com/answers/hiring-human-resources/staffing-recruiting/HRH_SFF/658263-7604647

A Good Art Director Is Like A Good Therapist

One of the many hats a good art director wears is that of a “therapist.” You must ask a lot of questions to get to the bottom of what the client really wants without disturbing the “patient” and without causing any emotional trauma. After all, some clients are only looking for what’s wrong with a design as opposed to what is right about a design. That is a recipe for disaster. If the first thing that pops into a clients mind is, “what’s wrong with this piece,” instead of “what works?” You’re in trouble.

If you are forced to work with someone who only know what they don’t like, make sure your budget coincides with the client’s expectations. Usually, a client will make a counter-offer to your first estimate, but if you break it down, phase by phase, hour by hour, you can then ask the client where they want to trim from your proposed estimate. People rarely have an idea of the value of your time as a designer, so make sure you break it down for them.

I’ve said it a hundred times, if not a thousand: never start a project with a new client without getting a non-refundable deposit first. New clients are quick to get a designer started on a project because they are on a specific deadline, but they are never as quick to pull out their check books to give you funds you might need to get the project started. Without that deposit, you are helpless to their demands. Some new clients will flaunt their wealth and credibility, but then getting paid is like tracking down an escaped fugitive. Consider yourself warned.

Like a good therapist, you should always ask a lot of questions. And listen carefully to the answers. Some clients will unknowingly reveal themselves as a difficult client to work with, but you have to be listening and paying attention or you will miss the “red flag.”

A “red flag” is a signal that something is not right. Something will happen or someone will say something that will trigger a warning that trouble is near. Pay attention to your gut. Diagnose your situation. If you have more to lose from a project or a job than you have to gain, why waste your time at all? Move on.

Computers: Friend or Foe?

OMG…why does something always go wrong with my computer when ten clients all want something from me, right away? Is it fate? Is it karma or bad energy?? How is it that I can have virtually nothing to do with no computer problems, then suddenly – BAMM! All hell breaks loose and now my computer crashes. I get so frutstrated!!

This just happened to me this morning and it only took me two hours of restarting my computer, turning off all of my external hard drives, unplugging them, then restarting them, too. Why are my external drives so difficult to mount when I need them to most?

Either I need a new computer or I need to be rid of all computers, all together. But, that means my iPhone, my XBOX, my DVR (which I also  hate for not being smart enough) and of course, the computer – itself. Guess that’s not gonna happen.

Consider this my rant against the machine. Gen Y’s – put your young, creative minds at work to make things better.

It’s Always Best To Start At The Beginning

Is there such thing as "The American Dream?"

Last night, the House finally passed the long-awaited Health Care Bill, but not without protest from the people who are opposed. Personally, I’m happy they passed something that they (Congress) can work on and make it better. But, we have to start somewhere? And, this is it. The beginning.

But this debate seems to be more about perceived “handouts” than it is about helping our country and that is a talking point that has been addressed over and over again. When it comes to doing business, I hear it all the time, “you have to spend money to make money.” Why does that theory not apply to health care? I thought the Constitution was written to include everyone – to help the people who need it most and to protect the people who work hard and make an honest living. The underdogs of society. After all, isn’t that the foundation of the American Dream? No matter where you come from monetarily, with hard work and lots of effort, you can do well in America. And, you won’t lose it all if you get sick.

This is not a dream that can be achieved alone. One must have support along the way whether it be family, friends, or even in the least of ways, your government. No one should be left behind because they were born into a poor family or they lost everything because of a financial scheme or a disaster like 9/11. Lots of terrible things have been happening since 9/11 and there are families out there that still need help and support. I remember George W. Bush telling everyone to go shopping and spend their money after 9/11 to help the economy.  Spend money, it will make you feel better. People did and now a lot of them are in trouble, barely making ends meet. And where did their money go? Into the bonuses of the stock brokers who profited from all the spending.

The Constitution was created to protect People’s rights and to protect those who are unable to protect themselves, yet why do I feel like Congress has been trying to take things away from the People? Things like health care and marriage equality are major take-aways, don’t you think?  I don’t want our country to be in debt, but as I recall, when President Bill Clinton left office we were in the black. Maybe not our great state of California, but according to BBC News, we had a surplus of $4,000bn. To prevent further debate on Presidents and which one is better, President Clinton is not without his faults. BBC News also reported his failures, including the collapse of the Seattle trade talks, the growing inequality in government spending and no long-term reform of social security or Medicare.

I guess my point is directed to the people at the very top who make all the money have had their pockets filled in the last decade. Isn’t it time to give something back?

It’s a start.

House Passes Health Care Bill – CNN Politics, Alan Silverleib

Bill Clinton’s Economic Legacy – BBC News, Business, Steve Schifferes (1/01)

Virtual Design Agency: What Is Possible?

With all the creative people I know who freelance and are always looking for work, why aren’t there more of these virtual offices combining to make a virtual studio? I’ve been giving a lot of thought lately to virtual design agencies and I did a little research online  to see what is possible. What I found is that more agencies are doing this than I thought.

Take BraveBrands in Long Beach, California for example. Their core team is comprised of four individuals – a creative director, a lead designer, a managing director and a senior consultant/photographer.  – and according to their website they “harness creative anarchy.” They specialize in web, print, digital signage, marketing solutions for real estate and architectural firms, interactive and identity. Their virtual agency business model is to offer big agency work with timely fulfillment and affordable costs to their clients.

HOW Design posted an article last October of 2009 about an interactive agency making the switch to virtual offices. The agency, Dustin W Design, has made a successful transition to virtual offices and it seems, from the article, that everyone is happy. With freelancers working from various locations in the greater Los Angeles area and the creative director in New Orleans, the agency is able to offer competitive prices on their work.

There’s also OJO Agency which specializes in print, direct mail, packaging, exhibit displays, political campaigns, web sites and promotions. Their web site says that by using virtual technology to keep overhead low, they provide creative services without sacrificing quality, efficiency and effectiveness.

From offices in the San Fernando Valley and Austin, Texas, there’s Patrick Ortman, Inc., specializing in web design, film and video production, interactive applications and social media.

My point is, there is a whole new generation of successful virtual offices out there, making a living and servicing their clients to the best of their ability. So, I’ll ask it again. With all the creative people I know who freelance and are always looking for work, why aren’t there more of these virtual offices combining to make a virtual studio? Fear? Lack of funds?

Check out the “ARTIST LISTINGS” page of this site and tell me we don’t have the talent or the capabilities to create a virtual office specializing in entertainment? Music? Or, whatever we want it to be?

This is my quest – to gather enough talent through this blog to create a virtual agency that is always getting work through this network. If you or someone you know wants to be a part of it or if you would like to share your thoughts and/or experience with virtual agencies, please feel free to let me know. With the way of doing business reshaping its form, I would prefer to be on the cutting edge than left in the dust looking for scraps. Wouldn’t you?

Let Them Eat Cake – The State Of Our Healthcare

I don’t know about you, but I had to let my health insurance go over a year ago. I couldn’t afford the premium any longer. Now, I try to stay healthy by working out, eating right and washing my hands – a lot. But, what happens to me if and when I do get sick? What if I get into a freak accident? Then what?

This week, Anthem Blue Cross (my old provider) announced rate hikes of up to 40% for individuals with health coverage. Next, President Obama met with congress to debate the healthcare bill – which is going nowhere. What I don’t understand is, why do the people in charge of our health have the best healthcare with no restrictions, then vote for the rest of us to have less than or none at all? That doesn’t make any sense. That doesn’t sound like anyone is “providing for the common defense” or “promoting the general Welfare” of the people, to me. It sounds more like a dynasty telling the peasants to just eat cake, instead. As if?

In doing my research, I revisited our Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to refresh my memory and what I saw and heard in Congress today did not sound like it was for the greater good of the people. It sounded more like the greater good of a party – Congress. It’s all easy for them to say – one party wants this and the other wants that. In the long run, in the big picture, these guys have nothing to lose. Sure, we can vote them “out-of-office” but even then, they usually get work with big corporations and become a bigger part of the problem.

So, why can’t we have what they have? Why would we settle for less? Taxes are taxes and everyone pays them, sooner or later. As Joy Behar would say, “So what? Who cares?” As a consultant going without health insurance, it would sure be nice to have something. Two visits a year, shots, preventative medicine – that’s all I need. I’ll do my part, Congress, why can’t you do yours?

The Constitution of The United States – National archives

The Declaration Of Independence – National archives

Health Care for Members of Congress – Factcheck.org

Inspired by…Frank Ockenfels

One of the things I like to do to keep myself in “the know” of what projects are happening out there is to visit the International Movie Awards website and look at all the upcoming films and their posters for inspiration. Last month, what inspired me were the posters for, “The Wolfman.”

This month, what inspires me is the man behind the big movie poster photo shoots, Frank Ockenfels. There is a wonderful new section on impawards.com called, “Peer-to-Peer,” where one artist will talk to you peer-to-peer. This month, Darryl Shelly, a partner at Greenlight Design in North Hollywood, interviews Mr. Ockenfels at his studio and shows us some of the original photographs before someone starts to fuss with them. Original works that include original shots from the upcoming, Wolfman, to Van Helsing, to Harry Potter – and the interview was pretty good, too.

Mr. Shelly asks some good questions and we get good, clear answers from Mr. Ockenfels, who is currently living and working in Los Angeles. The article discusses Ockenfels favorite way to shoot – on set or in a studio – as well as his favorite talent to shoot and his views on post-production. There is a photo of John Hamm, from Mad Men, sitting in an office with water up to his neck that Mr. Ockenfels shot for a poster that was all one shot with no post-production compositing. It’s pretty cool. Makes me want to run out and buy a better camera for shooting.

If you don’t know who Mr. Ockenfels is, take a minute to look him up. I’m sure you are familiar with his work and don’t even know it. Make sure you visit impawards.com and check out Mr. Shelly’s interview with Frank Ockenfels, as well. It is truly inspiring. For more information on Frank Ockenfels, or to view his work, please go to http://www.fwo3.com.

For more on Darryl Shelly, go to www.greenlightdesign.net.

Whose Award Is It, Anyway?

Which Came First?

I was talking to an artist friend of mine whose work was recognized with a Key Art Award last year, but the award went to the agency where this person is employed. They created the key art, which is what won the award, yet the award went to the owners of the agency. Should my friend be able to claim the win of the Key Art Award for their resume even though it is not their name on the actual trophy?

Lots of things in design have changed over the past 30 years, including how departments work as a team, the tools they use and who gets recognized for what. These days, only if you are lucky do you get the opportunity to work on a project from start-to-finish, all by yourself. Actually, it is rare.

When I started working in design and illustration – back in the 80′s – it seemed like there was more of an “art” to design and the way design firms worked as a whole. I remember a time when an artist got recognition for the work and efforts they contributed. Today, the agencies and the studios that produce the films get all the recognition, leaving the artist “out of the picture.” So, when something you work on wins an award, who’s award is it, anyway?

Unless you are working at a design agency where awards for individuals are as important as awards for the agency, chances are, you won’t be winning any unless you enter yourself. Award competitions can be expensive and in todays economy, agencies and studios are not shelling out the cash they once were for award season. Especially, in entertainment. Unlike the Key Art Awards or the Communication Arts Awards, the focus for some of the other big awards is the overall program or campaign, making it difficult to pinpoint one person as the sole contributor to the overall success of a project. But, that’s okay. Being part of an award-winning project is just as important – and impressive – as actually winning the award yourself.  As an artist, it is important for you to remember that your skills are a valuable asset to the advertising and marketing of products. The overall look and presentation of a product is a huge part of how well that product does in the market. Take pride in your work and keep track of all of your projects and any awards they may win. Whether you are a production artist, a designer or an art director, unless the award is for a specific role, your individual contributions have as much to do with the success of the products you produce as do the agencies and the studios, themselves. However, if you are going to boast about an award your project may have won, it is vital to be clear about what your individual role was in the process, so that there are no misunderstandings regarding fraud or plagiarism. Make sure you clearly state your role in the project, but go ahead and flaunt any awards your projects may have won. After all, it takes a village…

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Cold Calls Can Equal Hot Results

Making “cold calls” is not an easy thing to do. It can be a full, part-time job to do it right. When executed correctly, however, you will generate profits while cultivating new clients. But there is a definite process when it comes to learning the art of the “cold call.”

Before we begin, you must realize, and be ready for, what work may come from your calls. If you are going to sell yourself as a brand or a product, it better be good. You must be ready to take on the job that you will eventually get from cold calling and you have to show up and do what you do best. Sometimes, you hit it off with the client and they love you and your work and you love them and everyone is happy. Other times, not so much. “Cold Calling” usually means you are willing to take whatever you can get for a first project and you must do the best job possible, no matter what. Otherwise, why bother at all?

I think of “cold calling” as an exercise of my assertiveness and ability to follow-through. Ultimately, it is your reputation as an artist, that is at risk with this exercise and you are not in control of that. The only thing you have complete control of is the level of design, service and professionalism you are going to give your new clients to be. Do your best and most likely the client will hire you again. There’s nothing better than getting a cold call from the right person at the right time. Especially, if the person doing the cold calling turns out to be great.

Where to begin? First, think of what types of companies you would like to offer your services to (e.g., ad agencies, entertainment agencies, etc.), Google the top 100 of that type of business in your area and print out the list. You may have to do some research to find the right list for you, but if you are good with Google searches, you can do it quickly. You must remember to keep the print-out of the companies you intend on calling so that you can take notes about the day you call, as well as the result of your call. You will need this information to follow-up later.

What are you going to say? It is important to know what you are going to say, before you pick up the phone to call, because you have a very short time to tell whomever answers the phone who you are and why you are calling. I would definitely practice your calls with a friend first if you are unsure of your calling skills. It is good to know what you are going to say, but it should be natural and not like you are reading from a script. When you call, ask for the person in charge of hiring whatever it is you do. For example, if you are a freelance graphic designer, ask who the person is in charge of hiring freelance designers. If they are unavailable to talk to you or you are asked to go to voicemail, make sure you get the name, title and email address of the person you are trying to contact. Ask the person who answers the phone for that specific information, if you don’t already have it from your research of the company.

What are you going to do? If you get the opportunity to talk to the hiring person in charge of freelancers, be prepared to speak up. This is your opportunity to sell yourself. Make sure you remain calm, keep it short and use your professional business voice. You will want to ask educated questions that pertain to your expertise and you will need to email them a copy of your resumé, as well as your website URL and/or any files or links that showcase your work. If you are transferred to voicemail, you will still need to send the email with your resumé and links.

Follow up. The biggest mistake you can make is to not follow-up on efforts put forth to make “cold calls.” Projects will not come down from the sky like rain, so you have to keep reminding people that you’re out there. If you don’t tell someone you are looking for work, how will they know to consider you for the job? Keep track of who you actually talk to or who you send an email to – don’t send duplicate emails or forget to include someone who doesn’t want to be contacted again. It is just as important to respect any requests that you do not send something via email or if the company policy forbids giving out email addresses. There is nothing in it for you to beat a dead horse.

Cold calling works. But, you must be ready to run when the starting gun blows. Read what two of the top business magazines say about it, below.

Tips and Techniques for Cold Calling – Inc.com

Tips for Successful Cold Calling – Businessweek