en patrick@96studios.com Copyright 2009 2009-07-01T19:38:46+00:00 http://96studios.com/site/starting-over-from-scratch/ http://96studios.com/site/starting-over-from-scratch/#When:19:38:46Z Since I’ve been freelancing the last six months, I’ve been using my past body of work to attract new clientele but I think its time to turn the page. With two large projects underway — with a few more on the way — I’ve decided to look forward and remove all work prior to January 1, 2009. I look forward to add some new items in the next few weeks and I wrap up these big projects. I’m tired of living in the past, because the past hasn’t be kind the last few years professionally. This will put the pressure on me to produce better work. 2009-07-01T19:38:46+00:00 http://96studios.com/site/the-vendor-client-relationship/ http://96studios.com/site/the-vendor-client-relationship/#When:10:19:30Z I’m grateful I’ve been working with great clients as of late, nothing like those portrayed in this video. I have, however, had experiences like these: 2009-05-28T10:19:30+00:00 http://96studios.com/site/my-ncaa-bracket/ http://96studios.com/site/my-ncaa-bracket/#When:14:00:36Z Call me crazy, but last time I made a prediction like this (circa 2003) I was right!! 2009-03-19T14:00:36+00:00 http://96studios.com/site/its-back-and-im-not-happy-with-it-yet/ http://96studios.com/site/its-back-and-im-not-happy-with-it-yet/#When:16:43:36Z ...but I won’t redesign, I’ll let the site evolve. Re-branding and re-booting this site has been a four-month process thus far. Along the way I’ve changed directions more times than I would like to admit and I’m not 100% satisfied with the end product. So three weeks ago I sat down to try and figure out what I ultimately wanted to achieve with this site. 96’s goals and values Before I began conceptualizing form and function for the site, I came up with three goals for my future as a freelancer/potential business owner: Work with Triangle based customers/business Work with customers/business I have a personal connection with Work with customers/business that understands why they need a website, print products Perhaps I’m too ambitious but if I can’t achieve these simple goals for every project I don’t want any part of it. Its not going to be easy being an idealist, especially in the current economic climate, but I think I can produce great work if I stick to these principals. In reality, I could re-write those goals like this: I want to be able to visit a customer’s business I want to work with companies where I’m already a customer or I know employees personally I want to work with smart people that will let me do my thing. Taking those philosophies and rolling them over into design has not been easy, especially since I’ve spent the last 9 months focusing primarily on development work. Its a big reason why I probably wasted so much time in getting something online. And without having my portfolio online, its impossible to find/bring-in new work. I don’t want to go out of my way to solicit clients (with one major exception, which you’ll see soon) so I want the site to properly reflect my skill set — so I hope to tweak/improve things slowly over time rather than scrap my work to date. I’ll add a portfolio, a contact form and an article archive, but other than that the content will drive this site. Once the content starts flowing, everything will begin to take shape and everything will begin to evolve. 2009-03-06T16:43:36+00:00