That’s true, but as designers’ careers progress, they tend to specialize, both in terms of the jobs they get and the work they do, and that work typically entails a style that the designer has developed that is appropriate for the niche they’ve found themselves in.
For example, I spent 15 years as the design director and website editor for a newspaper. I was subsequently recruited to work as the CD of an outdoor recreation publishing company — not because of my outdoor recreation portfolio or style (which was non-existent) but because of my design, publishing, and web coding experience. When the company went belly-up, I was suddenly in high demand as an outdoor recreation designer since my portfolio was full of the stuff.
Utah is sort of a mecca for outdoor recreation, so even the agencies that hired me seemed to specialize in that niche. They liked the aggressive, colorful outdoor style that I had developed. To this day, I’ve been sort of typecast as an outdoor recreation designer. Subsequently, my portfolio is full of it, which solidifies the impression that this is my specialty and I get work because of it.
Sounds like you got typecast for the outdoor recreation work rather than developing an actual style.
I knew a designer, did the same freelance gig for the same company for 6 years. The 7th year rolls around and the company hired a new designer. I asked the first guy what happened. He said, “They wanted something different this year and didn’t think I could do it. They didn’t even ask.”
Looking at these numbers this would be definitely the wrong platform for me. It’s hard for me to offer logo design below 2000€/$. A good Logo as part of the communication foundation ideally for eternity but at least a decade in my opinion it’s worth even more to the client.
Handling competition in the design business requires a combination of strategies and a focus on your unique value proposition. Here are some steps to effectively manage and thrive in a competitive design industry:
Define Your Niche: Specialize in a particular area of design. This can set you apart from competitors and establish you as an expert in that niche.
Know Your Audience: Understand your target audience’s needs and preferences. Tailor your designs to cater to their specific requirements.
Quality and Innovation: Maintain high-quality standards in your work. Strive for creativity and innovation in your designs, keeping them fresh and appealing.
Market Research: Keep an eye on market trends and competitor offerings. Being aware of what others are doing can help you identify gaps or opportunities in the market.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Clearly define what sets your design business apart. Whether it’s your unique style, exceptional customer service, or a particular skill, emphasize your USP in your marketing.
Networking: Build and nurture professional relationships within your industry. Collaborate with fellow designers, attend industry events, and engage with potential clients and peers.
Client Relationships: Focus on building strong client relationships. Satisfied clients are more likely to return and refer your services to others.
Online Presence: Create a professional website and establish a strong online presence. Showcase your portfolio and provide valuable content to attract potential clients.
Social Media: Utilize social media platforms to showcase your work, engage with your audience, and stay connected with industry trends and peers.
Pricing Strategy: Set competitive yet fair pricing for your services. Consider the value you provide and the market rates when determining your prices.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest design tools, software, and techniques. Continuous learning keeps your skills relevant and enhances your competitiveness.
Feedback and Improvement: Solicit feedback from clients and peers and use it to improve your work and services. Continuous improvement is key to staying competitive.
Marketing and Promotion: Develop a marketing strategy to reach your target audience effectively. This may include online advertising, content marketing, and email campaigns.
Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service. Be responsive, attentive, and accommodating to your clients’ needs.
Adaptability: Be open to change and adapt to new market dynamics and client expectations. Flexibility is essential in a competitive environment.
Legal Protection: Protect your intellectual property and design work through appropriate legal measures, such as copyrights and contracts.
Resilience and Patience: Building a successful design business takes time. Be patient and resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks.
Remember that competition is a natural part of the design industry. Embrace it as an opportunity to grow, innovate, and refine your skills and services. By focusing on your strengths, unique offerings, and client relationships, you can thrive in a competitive landscape.
Same issues with my site Same issues with my site REMOVED
At first, I thought some of it was scrapped off LinkedIn, but I couldn’t find any direct quotes — just a lot of paraphrasing. Since that’s pretty much what ChatGPT does, I think you’re right.
I think I’ll leave the post since it’s a slow day, and just remove the advertising link at the bottom. As you said, the answer isn’t a bad one, despite it being copied and pasted from ChatGPT by someone or something from Pakistan (who is now blocked).
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