Saturday, July 25, 2015

HOW TO FINESSE YOUR FREELANCE BIZ WITH STYLE

If you own a business that affords you the freedom to work from anywhere you choose - you're a lucky one. I'm happy my own business allows me to do just that. As a freelance design brandstress, I enjoy the many days where pajama pants are my work attire, Skype is my office, and my kitchen is my local coffee shop.

The best thing about being a freelancer, I get to meet up in person and network with potential clients in my area. Unfortunately, rocking my favorite pair of pj pants won't make me look like serious business if I walked in for a meeting but there are a few ways I prepare to freelance in style and finesse my way into the heart of a new client. I plan accordingly and tend to keep a few things on hand when it's time to handle business.

TRAVEL COMPACT + LIGHT
This is a major go-to for me. I've had a few meetings where I've had to carry so much stuff to one place I simply could not be about that life. That lugging my laptop bag along with notebooks and presentations was a no no. I recently solved this issue by using an awesome backpack I received from the folks over at Incase. They're a company that designs various protective and mobile products for the everyday creative. I can be somewhat of a tomboy at times so rocking skinny jeans, a chiffon top, and some sneaks is normal for me. I have the ultimate ICON backpack and it's my baby!

I can legit keep all my freelance biz essentials from my pens, to client folders, a portable power charger, etc.
Perfect for those on-the-go creative masterminds or meet ups with new and veteran clients.
My Macbook has it's own special, cushy place, so I feel better knowing it's safely secured.
The bag is 19 inches tall and I'm a petite 5'3" so having the support in the adjustable and padded straps is a plus! My lovely lady lumps aren't compromised. WINNING!

KEEP YOUR MENTAL ON CHILL

It's okay to be yourself. When you're authentic in what you do and love what you do, that good energy you put out gives a great return to you and your life. Don't overthink things and don't be afraid to "keep it real" either. If how you act feels wrong, avoid it. With conviction of owning your craft, the people meant to come around will. Your business is already special - so don't look at what anyone is doing and feel you lack their "popularity". This too shall past...

CREATE YOUR OWN PARTY

I don't mean one that involves mixed drinks and lots of strangers but I do mean be your own hype-man, basically. Whenever I meet clients for the first time, you better believe I'm going toot my own horn. They want to know if what they heard about you is true.

You can't expect to have a growing business or awesome reputation as a person whose great at what they do if you don't own up to how awesome you are! It's always great when others share the great things you do or have done for them but there is nothing wrong with being shameless and saying, "Hell yeah, I'm damn good at what I do!" every now and again.

Great people love great vibes. The more you speak on your passion and how it can help others, the more you become infatuated with your purpose. Keep it cute though. A big head and a fast mouth will get your shamed. Keep that mental on chill but don't forget to stay true and make those coins!

HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT FREELANCING WITH STYLE IN YOUR BUSINESS?

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Disclaimer - This post was in collaboration with Incase in exchange for an honest review of their product. All opinions are my own.

CREATIVE BLACK WALL STREET SPOTLIGHT: MELISSA OF MELISSA COOK ART

design love

Creative Black Wall Street is an inspiring series focusing on the Young, Determined, and Ambitious Hustlepreneurs who are making things happen while building their amazing brands!

Today, we're cruising the streets with multi-talented artist, Melissa. I stumbled upon her Instagram profile some time ago an really enjoyed stalking her page for a wile Her artwork is very original and more than enough to keep anyone creatively satisfied with their art fix.

1. What is Melissa Cook Art and why do you make a creative difference?
A: Melissa Cook Art is a representation of myself and my name. Things that I love and what I like to do. When it comes to portrait drawings, I like to add a twist to it, combining different images into one, drawings things and people that represents me and people I look up to. I feel I can make a creative difference to help inspire others out there that want to draw, I have many people that say they look up to my work and want to be like me. I also have time-lapse videos of my work on my Youtube page.

2. You're a triple threat! Who or what would you credit that gave you the inspiration to become an artist?

A: I would say I would look up to Nigo, Pharrell, Brian Donnelly (KAWS), Takashi Murakami when it comes to stepping out the box and exploring the arts and realizing that boundaries and borders don't exist, letting your imagination run wild and be free. Marcello Barenghi and Heather Rooney are others that I look up too when it comes to art and time-lapse videos, they have made me say, "You know what, this is something that I want to do."

I've always been drawing my whole life but wasn't until 2013 when I visited an art museum and that's what made me want to draw again. I also give credit to my parents, family and friends for helping me to keep going when I didn't want to anymore.

3. You have a comic series - Urban Shokk. How did that idea come about?

A: Urban Shook Comics, I came up with the idea back in 2011, it started with me doodling in my sketch book of these characters. Didn't know where it would take me or what I wanted to do with it. At first it was strictly a clothing line but decided I want to turn it into a comic series with merchandise on the side. Being inspired by graffiti and the Hip-Hop culture specifically the 80s are what inspired me to push this forward as well as the Japanese culture, combining both cultures into one.

4. My art is never-ending imagination, destined for success and to be great.

5. Do you have plans of selling your work on your own site in the near future? I'd love to support.

A: Yes! I plan on doing more drawings, different types on my society6.com/melissacookart page of prints. I have yet to update my sites of recent work.

6. Any major projects in the works? What can we expect in the next 6 months from your creative vault?

A: I plan on working on my comic series and getting that launched. Also continuing to work on my portrait drawings and time-lapse videos. I want to make prints of some of my work as well.

7. To upcoming illustrators and artists, what is something you'd share with them to help them stay motivated and in love with their craft?

A: First things first, I would say, keep going! As hard as it may sound, sometimes I just want to not do it but most of the time I HAVE TOO! This is what we're destined for. Keep practicing on your craft, I wasn't drawing like I am now but still feel I have a ways to go.

I read many inspirational things such as The Alchemist, follow other inspiring artists, read quotes, cut the negativity out of your life. Have a niche and do something different that others aren't doing. Hang with others that will inspire you and help lift you up. If you don't have people you can look up too, watching rags to riches biographies of celebs can help out as well.

I believe in the power of the universe, what you think, will happen. It's hard staying positive in the negative world, but keep focused, stay true to your heart and love what you do ever single day. It may be tough in the beginning, but someone out there is loving what you do!