Success Story:
Dennis Rome Proves You Can Really Make a Living in Graphic Design
Can you REALLY make a living as an AWAI-trained graphic designer?
Yes you can – and there's probably nobody better to tell you how than Dennis Rome.
IFD: Dennis, tell us about what attracted you to graphic design.
DR: I'm a native of southern Louisiana – right in the middle of Cajun country near Baton Rouge – where I've run a successful computer consulting business for 15 years.
I've been interested in design and layout for a long time, but aside from personal projects I didn't have any real experience. Before starting the AWAI course, I did a Christmas newsletter every year and I always looked forward to that! Back in 2003, I was looking for a way to expand my skills. So when I got the DM piece about AWAI's Graphic Design course, I jumped at the opportunity.
IFD: How long did it take you to go through the course?
DR: About 5 months. It didn't take long, because I was very motivated to get going professionally.
IFD: What was the most important thing you took away from the course?
DR: Other than the core information,it was discovering that there's a real need for direct-marketing designers – and that there's no better place to get started than with AWAI. The staff was very helpful. I really appreciate their recommending the Design Bootcamp and mentoring programs to me. Both made a huge difference in my career.
IFD: You started working professionally before you finished the course. Tell us about that.
DR: As I was approaching the end of the course, I knew I needed to learn how to promote myself. Bob Bly had a "Selling Yourself as a Copywriter" course, so I contacted him and asked if I could use the same principles to promote my graphic design business. Most of my questions revolved around how to market myself, what to charge, and the like – so, of course, the answer was “yes.”
Bob could see that I was ambitious and wanted to get my business going. So one day, out of the blue, he called me. He asked if I'd be interested in doing a few small projects for him. The first was a special report he wanted as a premium.
After I sent the final design to Bob, he called and told me he liked it and had seven more projects for me. I was on my way! Those projects turned into several more, which turned into referrals to other people he knows … and a great testimonial from Bob.
IFD: What projects are you working on now?
DR: Several: A full direct-mail package. A paperback book & cover design. 3D e-book covers for another client. And several premiums for a vitamin supplement company.
IFD: Are you designing full-time now?
DR: My design business brings in about 75% of my income now. The other 25% comes from computer work. But I plan to go into design full-time very soon. It pays a lot better … and designing is far more fun than dealing with computer woes.
IFD: What have you done to get clients?
DR: Most come through referrals from satisfied clients. I recommend that students use the self-promo strategies discussed in the Graphic Design course and that Bob reveals in his teleconferences. Do a stellar job early on. Word gets out about the caliber of your work.
IFD: What's the most exciting thing that has happened in your design career so far?
DR: Working with a mentor –in my case, one of the top pros in the world! And getting a printed copy of a 228-page paperback book and cover that I designed. I even got an autographed copy for my portfolio. That was really exciting!
IFD: Before we go, any other words of advice for our students?
DR: That's pretty simple. The best way to get your design career off to a fast start is to give the course assignments your very best effort.
I still have my AWAI assignments as part of my portfolio. Just last week, a very experienced copywriter asked about an 8-page sales letter in my samples. I had to confess that it was a class assignment. He liked it and said it was great work!
IFD: Students and potential clients can learn more about your work at www.romegraphics.com. Thank you very much for your time.
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 »
“I was thrilled to find I’d broken the $20K mark with minimal effort, but more than that it was incredibly satisfying to know I’d earned that money independently - using only my mind and a computer.”
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.