From the IFD Mailbag …
Program Assignment Layout, and Resources
Hello, everyone! Katie has already welcomed you to this first issue of IFD – now it's my turn to welcome you to our first IFD Mailbag.
Let's start with an email we recently received from a new student who writes:
“I'm a new 'Graphic Design Success' student. I've just finished studying Part 1 of the course and am currently working on Send-in Assignment #1. There are a few things concerning Assignment Submission that I'm not sure about. (1) Is Assignment #1 confined to a single page layout? (2) Is it alright to send more than 1 version in for grading/critique? And (3) should rationale be included to complement my rendering?
“I'd appreciate your guidance to the above points, and any additional advice that you can give to a new student will also be most welcomed.” – Anthony
Congratulations on finishing Part 1 of the course, Anthony – and good luck with the rest of the course! Sounds like you are well on the way to success. Now, to answer your questions …
- Although the instructions do not specifically state it, the letter for Assignment #1 should be kept to a single page. If you absolutely cannot fit it on one page, remember to put a note at the bottom of page 1 that says “over please.” Also, make sure you have enough copy on the second page. If the copy is skimpy, the page will look empty and badly designed.
- Send in only one version of your design. Our experts will review your work and return it to you with specific comments for improvements. You can then submit an improved design based on those recommendations.
- You do not have to include any rationale with your design. If you apply the design guidelines provided by the course, no explanations will be necessary.
We frequently get questions from students that are similar to those that Anthony just asked – because when you actually start working on an assignment it can be a little intimidating. Don't forget that the course is giving you all the tools you require to do a good job. Be confident in your skills and have fun!
And remember, if you have any questions regarding any of the assignments – or you need further information before sending in your assignment – you can always contact us.
Here are three more questions that may be on your mind, too – these sent in by Jamie …
“Which magazines do you recommend subscribing to? Any associations that I should belong to? And in regards to the mentor program, what do I get out of it other than the phone calls and email once a week?” – Jamie
Welcome, Jamie! Here is a brief list of magazines that our students have found useful:
- How Magazine
- Before & After
- Inside Direct Mail
- Mac Design (This magazine is useful whether you own a PC or a Mac.)
- Computer Arts
- Liquid Library (Expensive, but includes design suggestions, stock photos, and PowerPoint templates.)
If you are just starting out and can only afford only 1 or 2 subscriptions, I recommend Before & After for graphic design tips and Inside Direct Mail for information on the direct-mail industry.
As for associations, the Graphic Artists Guild http://www.gag.org/ is one to look into. (They issue a handbook on pricing and ethical guidelines that might be of interest to you.)
And, finally, a few words about our mentoring program. If you join, your mentor will critique your designs and work with you to make it the best it can be. You will not only get professional help on your assignments, you will get help with your self-promotional materials – and tips on how to get clients and how to price your work.
Students who have taken the program often tell us how valuable it was as an investment in their careers. Here, for example, is what Mike Classen said: “I just wanted to let you know how thrilled I am to be taking part in the Graphic Design Mentor Program. What makes it so exciting is that my mentor is Lori Haller. I got to meet and learn from Lori at last year's Bootcamp, so the chance to get one-on-one help and advice from her through the mentor program is fantastic!”
That's it for this week. But before I sign off, I want to encourage you to participate in our online student forum. You can post questions on the forum, and exchange ideas and experiences with your fellow graphic design students. You will also often find postings from copywriters who are seeking to team up with GD students to work on projects together. The link to the GD forum is: http://www.awaistudents.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=9
And please don't hesitate to write directly to the IFD Mailbag. I look forward to hearing your questions, comments … and success stories.
Until next week …
Kristin
How to Land Clients in 21 Days with Just Your Computer
How do I land my first client? It’s a question every aspiring freelancer asks eventually. Now, there’s a proven system for landing clients that removes the guesswork. Best of all? No cold calling. Learn More »
“That moment when you close your eyes, suck in your breath and say a silent "yes!" happened just recently when I got a royalty check in the mail. That one project has turned out to be quite profitable.”
If yes, you could be in big demand, earning big money, writing just a few hours a day from anywhere in the world you choose to be.
Get Nick Usborne’s step-by-step system for creating money-making information websites.
In just 6 hours and 35 minutes, you can be in business earning $60 – $150 an hour writing simple resumes.
Learn the secrets behind succeeding in this in-demand career.
The work is plentiful … the pay scales are generous and the competition is scarce!
Get the answers to the hundreds of questions and concerns commonly asked in specific, step-by-step details.
Use this eight-step plan to make the leap from aspiring copywriter to professional copywriter this year.
Let your fellow AWAI members show you firsthand the easiest, most powerful way to land your first client … BEFORE you finish the program.
Writing for the web is a huge opportunity for copywriters. Let web expert Nick Usborne show you how to write blockbuster web copy in record time … even if you're a complete internet “rookie”!
It’s an opportunity to make $50,000, $75,000, $100,000 a year or more … working just a few hours a day.
A once complicated profession is now something you can do on a standard computer – even if you have little or no “artistic” ability.
It’s one thing to have a website. But if your website can’t be found by the search engines, it may as well not exist.
The Internet creates new income possibilities every day. The biggest among them: online video marketing.
Get the very techniques top-performing copywriters use to rattle off one groundbreaking control after another.
In his new book, Michael Masterson teaches you his very own formula for powerful persuasion and how to apply it to direct mail sales letters as well as online promotions.
Guest, Leave a Reply
Please Note: Your comments will be visible by everyone.