Design Posts:
Now It’s Presentable
I finally got my Portfolio page up and running.
Now I can start doing some local publicizing and get a few more projects going.
Along with the portfolio page, I have done quite a bit of tweaking:
Now every page is a WordPress page and the template is a lot cleaner. My version of WP Framework, BlankPress can now be downloaded here.
I’ve implemented a few new plugins: Google Analytics, WordPress Mobile Edition, WP Super Cache, and Social Profilr.
I made an Ultimate page where local players can sign up to receive sms text message updates on their phone whenever there is a game.
And lastly, I made my wp test page install able to preview client’s templates via Theme Test Drive.
All in all, I feel a lot better about the look and functionality of the site.
Working a Day Without the Internet
pretty rough so far
Well, most of the day anyways.
It almost drove me crazy knowing I couldn’t work on anything.
The best I could do is code locally, but I couldn’t do much testing since I was working with php.
Sure, I’ve got WAMP installed, but I need to know it works on the server, before I go too far into the code.
It turned out OK though. I spent the whole time developing a client dashboard for those who purchase web-development from us.
Through the “Mothership” dashboard, they can choose their favorite concept, track the production of their site, and upload their content to us.
Now I just have to make it work.
Balancing a Full-Time Job and Web Design
Balancing a full-time job and staying busy with web design is tough.
You want business, but you don’t want to slack at your job either. The way the economy is right now, it’s probably all too easy to get fired.
I have an extra factor in my equation, I work for company who offers web design. I don’t want to take business from them, but I do get approached about sites while away from work, and these people know that I freelance.
It’s not so bad, because most of their sites come from up-state, since I work in a satellite office. And web design is just a small part of their profits, since they spcialize in computer repair and phone systems.
A few things that help me balance are :
Making lists
This reminds me of the things that need to be done ASAP. That goes for work and freelance. Don’t put too much detail on your list, it’s just to jog your memory. Also keep it short. 3 or 4 top items will help help you push through easier than an overwhelming 20 items. When those 3 or 4 are done, make the next list.
Stay Separate
Don’t answer freelance emails at work, even if it takes 2 seconds. Conversely don’t answer work emails at home. (unless it’s an emergency, on both of those, of course)
Get Enough Sleep
You wont do well at two jobs if you can’t think straight. Don’t stay up too late finishing that layout. It will still be there in the morning, and so will your other job, so get some rest!
Take Breaks
Do this for both. Take time to collect yourself, fix a drink, and look at your next set of tasks. Walk away if need be. Go outside if you have designer’s block. Look at pictures. Just unwind a bit.
*Bonus for Married Guys*
Love your wife.
You’ll need her support in all of this, and she needs yours in what she does. When you work full time and freelance on the side, it’s important to set aside time together.
Follow this, and you’re well on your way to balancing out your tasks and canceling out some bad stress.
It’s All New
Well, it’s a new year, with a new theme, and a new set of goals.
Included in those new goals are:
Get certified (HTML & CSS)
Better brand myself
widen and sharpen my skill set (SEO & PHP at the top)
& enhance my portfolio
The branding is going pretty well so far. I want something that stands out, but is also simple. I’m pretty satisfied with my new theme.
After I finish up my site, I’m going to look at doing some business cards. I’d love to get some inspiration like these guys did.
I was able to do a new design for the company I work for too. Data Unlimited Hosting, or DUH!
(either you love the cow, or you hate it)
