Madi's Musings

Semester Reflection

When this class first started, I admit I was a bit skeptical. Thinking about careers and interviews was a bit overwhelming at first. But at the same time, I found it to be a helpful push. Getting helpful advice from my classmates in creating a matching set of a resume, cover letter, thank you card, as well as organizing a professional portfolio that I can be proud of was a great experience that I appreciate and learned a lot from.

I found some helpful information in the process in preparing my blog, as well as reading other student’s blogs. I am hopeful that this will help me as I start-up my own businesses. I felt that the critiques were helpful to fine point my work to improve it; however, I feel that it would be more helpful if specific suggestions were made for improvement after just a critical statement.

I found this class to be a great capstone class to wrap my degree together, and enjoyed the process and all the helpful suggestions that were given.

Top Business Trends

There are some top trends in the business world being noticed for 2018, and these trends are worth looking at if you want to stay current and successful in your business. Once you study these top trends, you can determine what your focus should be for your business in the coming year.

E-Commerce

Making purchases online has become greatly popular in recent years. The positives of this are greater convenience, easier access to a wide variety of products, and greater opportunity for other businesses selling online. You can even order products from around the world from the comfort of your own home. This however, has negative impact the physical stores and malls, and makes it a challenge to draw people into their stores. Many of these stores are also selling online now. Overall, there are huge advantages of putting your business on the internet.

Tax Laws

There are many different tax laws. Some for corporate and some personal tax laws. Taxes can change drastically over the years, so it is important to keep up to date when planning and preparing for your yearly taxes. Also, It is good to have advice from a professional if your taxes are complicated.

Copyright Law

As a graphic designer, knowing the copyright laws and abiding by them can keep you out of a whole lot of trouble, as well as save you a whole lot of time and stress. There can be a lot of confusion surrounding copyright laws, which makes them all the more important to study and be aware of. The following articles are good guides to knowing your copyright laws. Read up, because there is a fine line between copying and inspiration.

Running a Studio

There are many things to consider when running a studio. From budgets, materials, and marketing strategies to employees, clients, and finding the perfect location; the work it takes to run a successful studio can be daunting, but also rewarding. One of the most important things that may make or break a studio is the location. The studio should be in a creative and artistic business district with lots of other traffic and shops. The studio should have a warm, inviting, and creative atmosphere.

Self Employment

Self employment can have its high advantages if you are self motivated, are able to assume some risk, and are willing to work long, hard hours. You wont have a boss telling you to work certain hours ,and always looking over your shoulder. However, you have to work as long as it takes to get the job done, and be responsible for your employees work and pay. If the business doesn’t succeed right away, you’ll have to accept the risk and the debt, but you also reap the benefits of any profits and success of your business, as well as pride in a successful business.

Interview Tips

When preparing for an interview or throughout an interview, make sure your appearance and mannerisms are professional. Look people in the eye, and be open, honest, and positive. And most importantly, don’t forget to smile!

Interview Portfolios

Interview portfolios should be easy to transport, clean and neat, well put together, and artistic in their presentation. They should be pertinent and specific to the job you’re interviewing for, and represent your best work while showing your personality.

Job Hunting

Job hunting can often be a very time-consuming process. However, there are many helpful tips and strategies, some often overlooked, that can help you find the perfect job.