Last July 10 2009, I attended the 1st Philippine Web Design Conference (Titled: Form Function & Class) at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), together with my colleagues at O&B.
This was the first conference sponsored by the Philippine Web Designers Organization, in which by now I would encourage as much Filipino Web / Graphic Designers to be a member of.
Among things I have particularly noted from the conference; aside from Lola Techie's current popularity in the local media and YouTube (as noted by Aileen Apolo of Google), here are a couple of few notes I have managed to key-in my phone during the event:
Yes, the fact that Bad habits and how to fight them, breaking your instincts
DESIGNERS - are inclined to do things a certain way
On to THE BUSINESS OF WEB DESIGN
by Gail dela Cruz-Villanueva
Exposure - Getting the Clients:
Online Opportunities: SEO, Directories, Link ADs, Placements, Blogging, Microblogging, Social Networks, Portfolio
Offline Opportunities: Tri-Media, Sponsorships, Word of Mouth
ONLINE PORTFOLIO should always contain:
- About Page
- Resume (for Freelancers & job seekers)
- Services
- Contact Info
- Work Showcase
QUALITY vs. QUANTITY? it's actually QUALITY = QUANTITY
DEALING WITH CLIENTS:
Before the Project:
- Gather as much project details as possible
- Make proposals clear and concise
- Include a cost breakdown (stock photos are billed later)
- Prepare a Contract/ MOA
* See samples of Project Cost Breakdown
During the Project:
(!) The Customer knows best...SOMETIMES
- Usability Issues with Clients:
- Artist + Programmer + Businessman
- Compromise Approach with Clients' desires
- Added Costs Approach
- Try to understand the client's requests
- Respect client's existing brand
- Be patient with disgruntled client IT reps and Webmasters
- Don't have the rockstar / diva attitude
After the Project:
- Provide Support
- Keep communication lines always open
Next Steps:
The 3 Types of Web Practitioners
- Employee
- Freelancer
- Business Owner
...and 3 Types of Business Registrations
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership (General & Limited)
- Corporation
Expanding your Business
Through Outsourcing, Direct Clients, and Other Online Ventures
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And what really stuck to me, is what Luis Buenaventura II presented in his talk on Strawberries, smlieys, and sheep - That there are only 3 things that should be kept in mind for a successful design and/ or business:
Promiscuity
Simplicity
Conformity
...and one last thing, a nicely put perspective that Tweeter has indeed evolved to a micro version of the web itself.
Posts
I really enjoyed Rico Sta Maria's talk on habits and how it's hard to break them. This is not only true for designers but even for analysts. Just because the requirement is similar to something else doesn't mean it will really be like that or should it be treated that way.
ReplyDeleteGail has had a lot of experience in the industry as well and I am not surprised with how she reacted. I was amused with how they answered my question during the Q&A though XD