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10+ Ways a Designer can make some extra $$$

asoldier — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:28:14 +0000

If you haven’t seen it yet, Jacques van Heerden posted a priceless article on his star blog CreativeOverflow.net with the magnetic title “10 Ways A Designer Can Make some Extra Money“. The article introduces you a list of websites that allow you to take something you’re already good at(photography, design, art etc.) and turn it into some $$$ I think that’s awesome. However, I think we could add a couple…

Cafe Press

CafePress.com offers a plethora of products to append your designs to. Whether it’s word art, vector, abstract, concept, or anything else, you can get it printed on CafePress. CafePress does charge a royalty, but they make it clear how much they get, and give you the power to set up your own store, advertise how you like, and potentially make a killing from your skill/style.

You can customize everything from t-shirts to mouse pads. Literally hundreds of options. You’re pretty much limited by your creativity by this one.

SpreadShirt

Spreadshirt does what CafePress does, only it’s all shirts… well there’s a few other bits too, but mostly t-shirts. In some ways, they do it better too.. but it’s all a matter of opinion.

Threadless

Threadless offers what SpreadShirt does, but they seem to have a much more active community. There’s a bunch of contests, challenges and such. You can win free tees, sometimes money. Heck you could even score a job if you’re lucky.

There’s a few others, but don’t spread yourself out too much. Your best bet is to build your portfolio up on one site at a time. Once you’ve reached your potential, don’t sit around and wait for results, continue building on another site. Consider creating multiple accounts as well, and focus one account on a particular type of art or design. This way you can gear your customers/visitors towards you, and you won’t have to gear yourself towards them. Now spread your wings and fly.

Relax, it’s only a recession, not a crash.

asoldier — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:07:56 +0000

It’s hard not to freak out and lose your cool when it comes to your job, income, business, and way of life being in jeopardy. Here’s a piece of advice, relax. If you don’t have a job because of layoffs or whatnot, no worries. New jobs are being created by the thousands and there are government benefits that will help you get back on your feet in no time.

Starting a business isn’t a bad idea right now either. No money you say? If your credit isn’t too bad, talk to your local realty company ( I recommend Prudential if there’s an office near you ) and ask about using your home for equity on a small business loan. No home? No worries. If you or a family member are military, you may not be out of options. VA home and business loans are still available… after all, the government prints money.

A piece of advice for those considering it… if you’re going to join the military, do it soon. Very soon, options for bonuses and long enlistments will disappear. Soon only 2 year reenlistments will be available for “needs of the army” meaning you will get the job the Army decides. The Army is chuck full of enlistees. Recruiters did their jobs a little too well, and more people are trying to stay in than ever.

Internet/Web-based startups aren’t doomed to fail, but it might be a good time to start considering other options. Here’s a little light reading if you’re thinking about it.

Site5 is hiring.

asoldier — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:32:56 +0000

Site5 is one of (if not the) best website hosting companies out there. They offer massive deals for next-to-nothing prices. I’ve been with them for years and they’re the best I’ve found so-far.

They’re looking for a couple of skilled pros willing to step up. Site5 needs an advanced ROR coder and a Xen/VPS expert. If you think you’ve got the stuff, send them your resume and/or background. Interested?