This is approximately the one-year anniversary of my little business enterprise. (Do I count from the time I got my first job? The date on my legal paperwork? The date I put up my website? Those things all happened May-June-ish last year.)
I am so very happy with the way it’s been going. I’ve hesitated to blog about it much, except for updating my list of babies, because some of my clients are also bloggers and because I don’t want to seem to be using this blog for self-promotion. In fact, the blog came first. I knew nothing about web design before I started blogging. Back then, I had it in mind that one day I would start a print-only desktop publishing business. I can’t beLEEEVE how much technical stuff I’ve learned this year, about both print and web production. Color separations. TIFF versus JPEG. Cascading Style Sheets. PHP. Everything Adobe. Acronyms galore. Wow! I’m always happiest when I’m climbing a steep learning curve and boy, this one’s been a doozy!
Best of all has been working with clients. Every one so different and interesting. I really had no idea what to expect when I first hung out my shingle. Would work come pouring in faster than I could handle? Would I just sit around twiddling my thumbs and feeling like a fool? As it happened, the jobs trickled in at the perfect rate: just enough to keep me busy without having to put the toddler in daycare. Also, they’ve trickled in with the perfect variety: some print, some web, some personal, some commercial. Different issues every time. Love it!
This work takes up all of me. It’s my right livelihood, I know it. I love the technical side. You wouldn’t believe how the hours fly by when I’m struggling over a CSS layout. And of course I love the creative side. I really do put my heart and soul into every job. When a client likes my work (and they usually say that they do) it’s a huge boost to my self-esteem. I can totally understand how actors get addicted to the applause. It’s not just some product I’m selling. It’s me. God, what a heady feeling!
7 Comments
One of your babies checking in. As evidenced by the reviews from when you gave me a makeover, I’d say you’re doing just fine. (Do you hear the applause?)
When I’m ready to cut my hair, I’ll call you for a new look.
Fred, don’t you dare cut off that ponytail!
I’m so glad to hear your first year has gone so well! And you know this particular baby is thrilled with the work you did (I still get compliments on it…).
I think you are very lucky/blessed/deserving to have found such a good fit in your work. You do it very, very well, as far as I can tell. Wish you could teach me!
Proud to be your firstborn!
Even if I wasn’t another seasoned (and spicy…) enterpreneur, I’d still be twirling cartwheels for you. See my huge grin of pride. Julie rocks! It’s obvious you love what you do. That’s a rare gift. :D
Don’t worry Julie, it won’t be soon. My original plan was to keep it until my 50th birthday, which is in August, 2007. We’ll see how I feel about it then.