Maybe not all feasible for you... but I think you get the idea... (brainstorming...)
And feel free to add you own ideas to the list.
Ok, the reason for this thread - I'm paranoid!Nah, perhaps not... but it really gets to me when I see posts here at TG by "businesses" having "logo competitions" (without any published rules, criteria and guarantees.) "Businesses" looking for free logo designs (as they can't afford to pay anyone anything at the time...) but you do get credit for your own design...
Here is another favorite: I need a logo design, I can't pay you for this one, but if we chose yours, we'll consider you for the next job...Or - we are having a logo competition (with a prize to be determined - if we like one of the designs.)
I do find it odd that Xara endorses these kinds of ads, especially with a specially designated forum...Or any ads of similar nature, actually!
So, instead of wasting time on businesses that don't want to pay you anything, or on competitions that don't have any prizes... or rewards (monetary or the "satisfaction of having accomplished something worthwhile") ---
Here is my completely free advice, which could result in paying projects - but even if it doesn't, you will get free advertising, you will help humankind, you will feel great about yourself - and you will sleep really well at night! And they are more productive than anonymous (and free) transactions with a hotmail account on the web, if you put some effort into it. This I guarantee you!
(1) There are a thousands of non-profit organizations out there, who need help with logos, flyers, posters, letterheads, illustrations, websites etc. etc. etc. Just give them a call! This is a great way to get things in your portfolio, and to get your work seen. Volunteer/non-profit organizations have people from a wide variety of backgrounds; some are business owners, some work for larger organizations... Here’s a shocker --- Business owners often know other business owners!
Hey, even if the non-profit work didn’t lead you to a paying one, you will feel good about having helped autistic kids to learn their numbers with your flash card designs, or to save a great park with your poster designs, or to make a school, hospital, clinic a bit more colorful with your brushes and paints etc.
(2) Listen to the radio/tv! There are a lot of local fundraisers that get great attention – why not volunteer your talents to a great cause – and maybe get some great attention for your talents as well?
(3) Schools always need help with something – you help your kids, or kids in general (directly or indirectly)… and you could get your work seen by all the parents in that school (or all schools in the city) – which some are business owners etc. etc. etc.
(4) Churches have a lot of members of a wide variety of backgrounds… You can be rewarded on many levels (perhaps even from the HIGHEST level...
(5) Trade shows etc. can get hundreds of thousands of visitors... Some of them allow a few non-profit organizations to plug their cause – help them and you get your work seen by A LOT of business owners and individuals. If nothing else, you helped a great cause – in my book it beats helping strangers making money for them selves using your sweat and talent.
(6) Amateur - sports clubs, theater companies, public television/radio etc. are seen by a lot of people.
(7) Some organizations have "offices" and "display windows" in places where hundreds of thousands of people pass by every year.
(8) Your local super mall at Christmas time gets visited by a lot of people – and most allow for few non-profit organizations to raise funds – and to be seen.
(9) Instead of spending time creating free designs for someone who will make money off of them (in one form or another) – create free designs and give them to everyone who wants them, on a website. This way you at least get to be seen by more than just one individual... and you can plug your services as you see fit, and give yourself any credit you wish. Do be careful with what you chose to give away though... No use giving away something that you might be able to sell, if the right individual stumbles onto your site.
(10) Organizations, schools etc. are always looking for raffle prizes – why not donate a service - a design, poster, print, website design... etc. etc. etc?
(11) Nothing wrong with helping a friend.
My main point: There are better ways to spend your time than an anonymous (and free) transaction with a hotmail account.
Don’t underestimate "word-of-mouth." It can be much easier to build up contacts locally (and through friends and family), as not only do you get to sell your services, but yourself as well, in person. The more contacts you have, the more leads you will get... You can get your leads in the most unexpected places... and they could take you places you never expected.
Anyway, my coffee rush is over.
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