Selling UrSelf as a Cre8tive "Professional"...

Welcome freelancers and consumers alike. Whether or not one is new to the business world, the first thing an individual should consider is what type of business entity is suitable for his or her practice. In doing so, deciding on an accounting method is the next. Becoming educated about business development is the most professional thing we will do when starting creative practice. With these major items out of the way it is easier to research and build a method of record keeping that helps you track expenses, client list and revenue. These few items make it possible to determine profit and how well your business is doing. Good practices make it easier to obtain business credit, also. Prominent and established businesses look for these things in vendors. There is an art to selling yourself as a professional and good presentation is 50% of what people see from your initial approach and the rest is good business practice. This is definitely communicated through good records keeping and the ease of locating things in timely fashion. Until you can hire someone to do this for you, it will be your primary job!

Types of Business Entities

Sole Proprietorship - (Schedule C/1040 tax return) 1 person

Partnership - (Schedule K/1040 tax return) 2 or more persons

Limited Liability Company - (can elect to be taxed as partnership or corporation)

Corporation (C) 1120/941 or 944 and/or 940 tax forms all monies stay in business

Corporation (S) 1120 S/Schedule K/1040/ Similar to partnership

Accounting Methods
Cash
Accrual

Comparison of cash and accrual basis accounting. There are more links available on google.

Educating yourself on the difference between these methods are important. It gives you a sense of how to do business and the terms associated with payment. As a creative professional developing an impeccable method of presentation unique to our practice can assist clients to distinguish customer service. As a result the ability to document clients request for services and billing, gives a snap shot on what is expected and directly contributes to the best use of time across multiple projects. Project planning goes a long way to seeing your business through its first five years and beyond!

Once you have laid a foundation for a growing business, creating an image that represents your company to the consumer is up next. While I'm venturing into my 14Th year of self employment, I have come to realize that many self promotion efforts have been trial and error. Most importantly, understanding that we "sell ourselves" within the early years of business is the truth. This is because we are wearing many hats such as working with the clients, generating new business, and completing projects.

At Cre8tive Media, we provide small businesses a 2ND chance to make a 1st impression because "Presentation Is Everything". Advertising media has expanded beyond print and websites alone. Social networking chopped things down to size. Now its all about personality!!!! Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linked In and Blogger in combination with a brand can create recognition for new products and services. Business development is a serious matter and with reliable graphic designer and social networking our business can get noticed.

As a freelance artist going from a sole proprietorship to sub chapter S corporation, I understand the protection associated with hammering out the details. I definitely encourage other artists to take an interest. Setting business goals is good, but measurable goals are better. A hands on approach keeps us abreast of whats going on with our business but the ability to research the industry, helps us better articulate our goals and experiences. This is how I sell myself and Cre8tive Media has been able to grow over the years as a result. Until next time...Cre8, lean, and grow

The Purpose of Your Logo

Brand recognition is important to a business as it is the key ingredient in determining the return on releasing products and services to the consumer market. In other words it helps the customer distinguish your products from another company's and helps to create value for goods and services.

A lot of synergy goes into creating effective branding for new and existing products and services. Some of the most successful brands are new spins on familiar items. One of the most primal method of building recognition for a product, company or service is through use of a logo. The identity of goods and services can be found in the selection of colors used in marketing and what the perceived and implied value of those elements mean.

Assessment of Color for Implied Value

1. Green -(Cool color) Nurturing, Nature, Recycled


2. Blue - (Cool color) Trust, Masculinity, Emergency


3. Red - (Warm color) Power, Strength, Stop, Vibrant


4. Yellow -(Warm color) Sun, Light, Uplifting, Caution, Happiness

A logo is a symbol designed to represent the body of efforts promoted by a business, whether that be a company itself, a person, products, services or an idea. A good logo is able to communicate set values in a organized manner. Copyrighted logos are used as service marks and trademarks. Ownership of a mark begins the earliest date it is put in to commerce or use. In other words to first day you use the mark to represent or present your product demonstrates implied ownership. Legal registration of a trademark or service mark can be done federally or local through your Secretary of State.

My designs bare purpose to build character for products and services based on the use of key words that highlight what the creator intends to communicate to his or her audience. Case study for Beauty N' Locs reveals the personality of a personal stylist looking to build brand recognition for cosmetology.

Ms. Merriweather is a young, stylish and energetic young woman who wants to communicate a sense femininity and beauty through her brand! The color pink is perceived to represent femininity and subtlety (Tinted) . When changing the intensity of the color it plays on a youthful and vibrant message. As a result these colors may really appeal to a specific audience. Although her predominant target audience is female "Beauty N' Locs" also offers services for children and men. The goal of her branding is to solicit to a targeted crowd and allow them to be a reference point for extended services. (Referral for men and children services)

Overall, your logo should be unique to your product or services and encompass what you want your audience to know about what you are promoting. Clever plays on words and effective use of icons, type, and colors can truly aid in creating a good logo. For more tips on elements of logo design or for an estimate, contact Cre8tive Media at info@cre8tivemedia.net. or visit us onling at http://www.cre8tivemedia.net/

Ms. Rae Lowrey

Ms. Rae Lowrey Profile from LAS Project

Powerful Presentations

I am always open to new ideas which reflect a professional standard and marvel in the creation of a "Powerful Presentation" because it channels me to the client and the client to his or her audience. Multimedia presentations present ideas with visually pleasing companents that reach it's intended target audience. This can compell consumers to act. The goal of designing effective marketing and media, is to arm companies with a brand recignition for product and services that transfers into revenue. This starts with a simple idea!

Five steps to creating powerful presentations

1. Collect project details and refer to notes.

2. Use keywords to identify project objectives

3. Select color scheme that matches desired impact

4. Use professional standards and current industry trends

5. Be imaginative

Brainstorming sessions with coordinated team efforts are the best assistance when working with tight deadlines. Be sure to organize information collected for easy sorting. Overall select a creative professional who understands your project goals and make your next presentation as powerful as it can be!