28/12/2020
Excited to spark the Mac up and get back designering in the new year (I literally unplugged for Christmas)
With New Year approaching it's got me really thinking about what comes next? So what's Kelly Whitaker Graphic Design going to look like in the next 5years, and looking even further forwards what's happening in the next 10 years. So making a mind map and a work plan/rough outline is a great place to start!
On reflection this year has been a gift. I proved I can go alone, but also have a credible professional reputation - nailing a contract with a recommendation from a previous work colleague :)
As it's a set term contract, having an action plan is a no brainer. The cogs have been slowly turning in the background with a possible collaboration, which is I've been beavering away researching and discussing (shoulda turnt my phone off!) a bespoke Kelly Whitaker WP Template ready to build and release brand new baby websites into the world! With essential and recommend plugins that I know inside and out and know will work in perfect harmoney together - minimising the risk of issues. I have been very linient with access so going forwards and after alot of consideration - all my sites will only come with a monthly maintenance contract for a minimum of 6/12months to ensure I know exactly what's happening with the site, keep everything tip top and updated and keep the Gremlins and idle fingers at bay!
I also know I have to rethink my worth, so will be adjusting my pricing accordingly (sorry no more £50 logos!! lols). Unfortunately having spent hours designing logos, leaflets and setting up pages for people who then change them or don't pay isn't on! All my time will also be chargeable with a 50% up-front fee.
Looking at my client base is also something that really ensures continuety, cherry picking who I want to work with and knowing they appreciate my worth, believe in me, knowing boundaries and importantly can work with me. This is a plan of action that will be running in the background so will keep you posted on all developments. Learning to be open to change, changing direction, knowing what's working, and how to change what's not working, will be an interesting journey.
My main focus right now is being the best I can be in my contracted position and am excited to see what I can deliver for them over the next few months. Again being open to new directions that this could take me...
Nothing is set in stone, but having this rough idea of where I'm going is the best point to start 2021 from :)
Here's to exciting times - happy new year everyone
