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.
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