CV of the week

This weeks CV of the week award goes to the person who emailed me this when applying for one of my design roles.

lol.

Top 5 tips for Freelance Designers time management

Hey folks!

Has this happened to you?

You’re busy beavering away. All of a sudden it gets to about 4 O’clock in the afternoon and you wonder where the day has gone.  You realise you still have a chunk more work to do, before you complete your projects. That awful *gulp* moment comes over you. I’m never going to finish on time!

Meeting deadlines can be tricky. It can also consume you, if you don’t develop a strategy for hitting them on time.

That’s why time management is so important.

Forget burning the midnight oil just to scrape the submissions in. Focus on completing tasks with time to spare, allowing you to make last minute changes and amends.

Here I’ve listed just some effective time management tips, worth considering:

If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail

Or, in the words of Yogi Berra “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else”. 

Planning may seem elementary to you, but it’s vital and so effective for making sure we stay on track. Any activity in life needs planning. Make sure your (or your client’s) goal is clear, and write it down. Make lists, flow charts, spider diagrams. Stick to them. Work through them and keep coming back to them. Be sure to only include key criteria, and deadline driven issues.

Prioritise

I sometimes feel like I’m spinning plates and trying to keep them all going at once isn’t easy. We’re constantly juggling our workload and tasks throughout the day. Decide what needs to be done first. Focus on what is most important, and necessary to move forward with the project. Start with the heavier tasks and get those out of the way early on. Come back to smaller, less import work later. Think about the amount of time you need to spend on something and factor that into your day. Give yourself goals and timeframes for completing stuff. Plot your key dates and milestones into your calendar, so you’re always thinking ahead. 

Don’t push it

Sometimes you need to be brave and turn down work, or say ‘no’ to a job. I know that’s really hard when you’re self employed or freelance, and you never really know where your next pay cheque is coming from. But, if you deliver substandard quality cos you’re overstretched, chances are they won’t re-book you anyway. Instead, give your best efforts and honour commitments you already have, rather than drowning yourself in multiple briefs.  

Don’t get obsessed

Analysis paralysis can be a massively debilitating and it’s happened to us all, at some point. You’re squandering considerable amounts of time over-thinking the project or the situation. Nothing gets done.  You overcomplicate it, there are too many detailed options, a choice is never made, and you can’t find the perfect solution. We’re in the crushing grip of this dreaded condition and we can’t see the end-zone… STOP! Listen to your gut. Ask for a second opinion. Do a mental dry run. And then take the leap. Remember, even if you commit now, it’s not 100% of the final outcome. You can always fine tune later.

Reward yourself

Make working fun and enjoyable, by rewarding yourself when you do a good job, or when you’ve completed something you didn’t like doing. Keep sweets in your drawer. Go and make a herbal brew after each task. Try to choose projects that you’re passionate about. This can help motivate you and help instill a sense of urgency, which helps to get you over the finish line and helps to make you feel that sense of achievement.

Being a freelance designer is a balancing act.  But through good time management it is possible to balance it all.

If you have tips of your own, feel free to add them to the comment section below.  Whilst you’re there, you might like to check out the following for new freelance roles!

Market rates (Digital Design)

Hi all, I recently had a very high profile client invite me to assist them with their recruitment of a high level digital designer.

The requirement was straight forward:  I need a freelance senior digital designer who can work independently on both external and internal internet and intranet based projects to start asap.

Obviously the ideal candidate needed a commercial folio that showcased their understanding of design principles, use of colour, imagery and typography coupled with seamless usability. Add to this strong CS skills, people skills and a can do attitude and the match is made right?

Brilliant client, brilliant job, brilliant freelancer only one set back – the rate… unfortunately well short of going market rates!

Hopefully the following market data will help you if you find yourself in the same situation:

Freelance bench marking:

Junior Digital Designer: £120-£160

Midweight Digital Designer: £225-£250

Senior Digital Designer: £250-£300

Digital Art Director: £250-£350

Digital Creative Director: £350-£600

How do I manage multiple agency representation?

Ever found yourself asking that question?

The truth is that all astute job seekers are going to get their credentials out there and begin dipping their toe in the water, as quickly as possible. And the way to do this is via multiple applications (which can often blur into one), numerous registrations with recruitment agencies and getting signed up onto as many job boards as humanly possible. 

This 3 tired approach is often fruitful, resulting in several avenues leading to roles that you’re applying for. Great, if you’re an active candidate eagerly seeking a new role.  Not so great if your details repeatedly land on the same hiring managers desk.

So, try and consider the following when using the 3 tier approach: 

Ask yourself when you last applied directly or via an agency to the potential hiring company?

If I was given a pound for every time I heard someone say “I can’t remember” or “I think I applied”, I’d be quids in. My point is you need to be diligent and pin this down. Keep track, make a note in your calendar or diary. In most cases a period of 6 months is suitable to be reintroduced to a firm and submit another application.

Ask your recruiter for the name of the company they’re sending your details to.

If they can’t disclose the name due to confidentiality then try to find out as much info as possible about the company and role. Common sense questions like ‘where are they based’, ‘length of contract’ and ’what market they’re focused on’, should stand you in good stead. This way you can use your powers of deduction and identify similarities, if briefed by another agency. If you think it’s one you’ve been to already, then tell your recruiter right away and they can decide if it’s worth putting you forward again.

Show loyalty.

For some reason this seems to be a quality lacking in today’s job seekers. Maybe this is down to the extremely competitive conditions of the job market at the moment, but as a senior recruiter, I can tell you that I’m naturally drawn to job seekers who show integrity and ones I can see myself partnering with. No one will hire you if they think you’re going to jump ship if another exciting opportunity presents itself. So try and be selective about where you’re sending your CV and go for top choices first when applying for roles.

Be honest.

This is my top tip for you. Recruiters always appreciate an honest approach, so don’t be afraid to be open and up front from the get go. 

If you have any questions about how to handle multiple representations, feel free to comment below or get in touch via twitter @deancousin 

Happy job hunting.

Creative Mailer

Once of my freelancers sent me this mailer.

I love it :-)

Evil freelancer

Third week back after the holidays and the first day of snow in London.

So what does one of my freelancers send me while informing me of their availability?

Evil lol.

5 must do freelancer tips for 2013

It is 2013 and the festive decorations should now be long gone. Get the recycling done and spark up the mac; it’s time to get back to work.
You might have been wondering where all your clients are and why the bookings have slowed down – usually NY hang over but these handy tips should help to get you back on track and start the year with a burst of productivity!

5 tips a freelancer should be doing for Jan.

Update your cv and folio – you have some down time so now is the time to allocate a few days updating your cv, folio, ipad presentation, blog or website.

Review your financial set up – work out your daily, monthly and yearly budgets / costings. Are you better off setting up your own LTD company as appose you another year of PAYE or Umbrella? Do the research and adjust accordingly.

Focus on an area you want to specialize in or develop – do you want to pick up more integrated projects, more pure play agency work or step up in seniority? Set your goals and work towards them 1 day at a time.

Update your clients – maybe a mail shot followed up by a call or a follow on email? Get pitching and networking.

Update your online profile / brand – Your career is for life so you must constantly be adding to your online professional networks. Have you added any new skills? For example HTML / CSS? Any new brands that you have worked on? Achievements or industry related activities you can now add to your LinktedIn, Twitter and G+ accounts?

I hope these tips help and feel free to add your comments below or contact me if you would like further professional career advise.

Dean.

The market so far…

As we come into August we are hitting the peak months within the freelance design and creative market calendar. So, the industry should be a hive of activity with relentless phone calls with offers of work, right? Well, perhaps not.  We have the Olympics to deal with and we’re still feeling the affects of a double dip recession. I found myself pondering over the level of impact such events have on the market?

I noticed a flood of activity and increased freelance requirements (10+ per day) during July, but as yet it hasn’t carried on into Aug . It’s usual for people to jet off on holiday and this is also a period of change from perm jobs over Q3, which leads to a demand for cover and personnel.

In short, I feel confident that the coming months will pick up rapidly and as a result it is vital to keep in touch with your agent(s) if your availability changes, as this will increase your chances of being called for bookings and briefs. 

My top tips so far are:

• Update your agent with availability weekly (if in short term bookings). We can’t read your mind and don’t know when you can work if you don’t tell us
• Stay professional and conduct yourself in an open and honest way. You make the type of candidate we want to work with
• If working offsite, make sure you are accessible and contactable throughout the 8 hour working day… you never know when that call will come in
• Freshen up  your cv and folio with a summer look and show that you’re current and in touch with the season
• Agents - if you book freelancers, make sure you have a strong relationship with people and offer the right rates 
• Honour your commitments. You might have been out of work for a week or two,  but a pencil still needs to be followed up before taking other bookings

If you are based in London and work as a freelancer with in the creative sector then why not join my group: http://ht.ly/cEw8v and get involved in the conversations?!

D&AD Newblood review

Had a great time at the D&AD Newblood exhibition today.

Here are some pics.

 Rach and me checking out the new talent!

 Some amazing stands including design, advertising and illustration.

 The juniors were really keen and seemed to be very motivated

 Nice bunch of people.

 Great place to check out some vibrant designs and mad new ideas.

 Me with my goodie bag!

 Rach and me networking and giving career advice.

 My old uni reppin as usual! Go team Kingston.

 We met with and are looking to register a number of Junior Creative Teams for live roles Yay!

 Creative Recruitment gets prime spot for the Ad Job Wall.

Overall the D&AD New blood event was a massive hit. The talent out on show was superb and I was really impressed by the 'can do' attitude and highly motivated young designers out on display. It was also really reassuring to see no egos on show and that the focus was about helping these talented young people find dream jobs or get a foot in the increasingly difficult door of the creative world.

The highlights for me were the advertising and illustration stands - really high level and credit goes to the tutors who had a nice mix of traditional and new contemporary approach to their design.

It was a real honor to be welcomed so affectionately and I can’t wait to go back.

Website vs PDF folio

Ever wondered which is better for improving your chances of being hired, when seeking a new job as a graphic designer? PDF folio or a Website? 

Let’s look at the pros and cons of both: 

Website: 
Modern 
Knowledge acquired when learning how to build it 
Able to update and refresh is with little cost or effort (depending on if it is bespoke or off-the-shelf) 
A great platform to showcase all of your work as and when required 
Searchable, so people can find your details immediately, in just a click 

PDF folio: 
Can be viewed by almost anyone with, or without an internet connection 
Acts as an extension of your book
Can update and refresh with minimal cost or effort 
Convenience of not lugging a heavy book around with you 
Can be tailor made to showcase the specific job you are going for 

I review folios and websites on a daily basis and unfortunately, I’m noticing that the majority of your personal websites aren’t standing out enough. They need to be well crafted and original. I estimate as much as 70% are failing to enhance the applicant’s chance of being hired. Off-the-shelf online folios can work to an extent, but after a while they all look the same, after being blurred by the actual hosting sites own branding. 

The same can be said with a PDF folio but in my opinion they hold more weight and can have a bigger impact for someone who is an integrated designer, rather than purely digital. 

In short, if you want to cover all bases, the answer is having both.

Application fail!

The other day I was sent this for an application for a freelance to perm eCommerce retoucher position.

I think the intentions were good (despite not fully understanding the job advert) but take a look and let me know if you would send such an application and reason for doing so?

Mad busy!

So we got through Jan—not that getting through Jan was particularly difficult (aside from being after Xmas)—merely there was much talk in the media surrounding the global downturn, Greece and its monetary crisis, and the never thawing possibility of a double dip reception. Does it ever end? Despite the groans and grumbles in the press and on the news, I’m pleased to say that the sectors that I specialise in keep on kicking ass! 

Feb has been uber busy. Key areas I am focusing on are: 
• Supporting my clients by setting up in-house retouching studios (increasing image output by 50%) 
• Assisting with the development, brand guidelines and consistency of key clients graphic output 
• Building a network for professional who specialise in graphic design for luxury brands 
• Assisting with a rapidly increasing amount of experiential marketing agencies pitch wins 

In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m extremely proud, not to mention privileged, to be involved with such great projects. Matching genuine talents’ career goals, while addressing my client’s personnel needs is the biggest reward I could ask for. 

If you are interested in finding out more about my brand new networking group for luxury brand designers, art workers, e-commerce designers and retouchers, then feel free to stop by at my new group

Chat soon!

2012 already…

Happy New Year and Happy 2012 Everyone!

 
Still sulking about all the extra money you’ve spent over the festive period?  Try not to worry too much about being in the red. We’ve got lots in store at Creative for 2012 and we may even have something for you!

Firstly, I wanted to give you a quick update on what the team’s been up to.

We have been busy beavering away on our new website: www.creativerecruitment.co.uk make sure you stop by and catch up on some of the most exciting creative and production based roles within the UK. Your next venture could be right around the corner.

We are also updating all of our social media output streams which means more tweeting, google+ing and facebooking like mad (feel free to follow me on any of my online profiles).

Lastly, the team is growing at quite a pace.  We have taken on more digital consultants and are rapidly running out of desk space. Loving the buzz in the office though!

So, as you can see, January has turned out to be a busy month. We’ve got some amazing freelance bookings available and quite a bit of motion graphics work. Stay tuned for more details and briefs in the coming weeks.

Watch this space to hear more about the world of integrated design, advertising and my usual updates about my thoughts and the inspiration around me. 

Chat soon!

Amazing clients

Sometimes I pick up a new client and it’s a dream come true. Over the last 3 years I have been lucky enough to partner with media owners, record labels, fashion brands, broadcasters, ad agencies, and football clubs. For me, this is right up my street¬–I love all forms of media, fashion and home entertainment! So, recruiting creative teams and managing studio support for my clients, is always a pleasure.

No matter what your industry is, or client base, always try to find out as much as you can about the key people and sectors your business serves. It helps if you are passionate and have a genuine interest in the brands you support and work with. Make life easier on yourself by keeping up to date with current market trends, pitch wins and ad spend.

In today’s competitive world, every company tries to attract clients by providing a low cost service and high quality delivery.

Here are my top ten tips to retain your fab client base:
1. Always under promise and over deliver
2. Inform, don’t harass
3. Be personal, yet professional
4. Be interactive and engaging
5. Deliver a quick service
6. Deliver with added value
7. Always follow up, not chase up
8. Be honest
9. Work with your clients, not for them
10. Find out as much as you can about their business

Finally, keep updating your services. Add new features to keep your clients interested and the hopefully they will never think of any other services again!