| |
What are Others Saying About the Being a Starving Artist Sucks book?
If this your first time on this page click the audio below:
“It actually "feels" like I'm sitting with you at lunch getting some tips about how to tighten up my act. The chapters do have straightforward instructions and anecdotal style is makes for very easy reading, which is especially great for the second half of the book with all the stories.
I just read through your BASAS workbook exercises, and I think they are great! These are the "How To" steps and procedures I was looking for. I like how they're spelled out clearly and there's little I the way of storytelling or asides. I especially like the how you added the rationale for client-qualifying questions so it's clear why these questions are asked and what to do with the responses. In all cases, I think you do a good job of explaining the “Why” as well as the “What”.”
- Rich Arnold, Graphic Artist, Illustrator
“I enjoy every page of the book, even with the fact many of the pages feel like a hard-copy of my existing knowledge, and some is redundant. I can see how a little redundancy is not bad, however, since I can open the book on the fly at any give spot and get your points within one or two pages either way of the section I read. Plus, it hammers these things into my head, with some things I just never thought of about, like how to do a retainer that way for more regular cash flow. Now, bolstered by the news in your book and your encouragement within, I am setting out to correct the problems it helped me identify.
One of the ways I am correcting my problems is using your WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER forms templates you offered, which I never took the time to really make myself, and these have more thorough and succinct content than I would have written...I know I'm just one little designer in a sea of same, but I feel grateful enough for your book, forms and special additional thing, that I wanted to take time to let you know how your material has helped me, and what an amazing value it is for the cost. Thanks Jeremy!” - click here to read the rest of the letter.
- Shirryl Bayless, Owner, SBI Graphics Services
“How I wish I’d had such a wonderful resource as this book when I first started my freelance business. This book can easily qualify as a new freelancer’s Bible. It took a lot of time, money and headaches to learn some of the valuable lessons that were covered in this book. It was also a wonderful refresher for me, it made me look at areas of my business that could use some tightening up. This book could potentially save a new designer thousands of dollars. Now if only we could get the schools to teach some of these lessons.”
- Jennifer Walter, Freelance Graphic Designer
“I must admit; this book is huge. Weighing in at 500+ pages, there is a ton of information to absorb. What struck me first about the book was the way it’s written. Have you ever had a friend, colleague, or co-worker who seems to explain things clearly and simply in easy-to-understand language? That’s how BASAS conveys itself.
The amount of information provided in this book can be daunting at first, but it’s put together in a way that is very easy to read and learn from. The Workbook Exercises are a great way to put the material you’ve been reading about to the test. Ratings are provided which can guide you to read a bit more on an area you may be unclear about.
I think Being a Starving Graphic Artist Sucks by Jeremy Tuber is a fantastic resource for both new as well as seasoned graphic artists. There are many lessons taught which can really save you from having to learn them the hard way; which can be devastating to a new freelancer and his or her career.” - click here to read Jon's entire review on his site.
- click here to check out Jon's site, browse around...he's got some great info in there.
- Jonathan Christopher, Web Development Guru and Owner of Monday By Noon
“I feel your book provides a realistic view of what a designer can expect when working freelance or just entering the field of design. This book can help designers identify their strengths, weaknesses, as well as help them address issues they haven't previously thought about. It can assist them in determining whether or not they are truly "prepared" to work as a freelance designer.
I found it to be informative and helpful for freelance/new designers. I particularly liked the various tips, lists (identifying the designer's responsibilities), and the questions you pose to designers regarding a project they are considering. I also liked your chapter on quick introductions, this is extremely important. Finally, I appreciated your breakdown of the essential items a designer would need. Overall, I felt you did a good job in providing the "do's" and "don'ts" of design. ”
- Lisa Pena, Arizona State University Faculty: Visual Communication Design
“I wish I had this book when I got started as a freelance designer and business owner. It would have saved me countless hours, and would have prevented numerous potentially fatal business mistakes.
Being a great graphic artist is only a small part of running a successful design business. Most designers are great at what they do, but just aren't trained to channel that into a successful business. This book is a must-have resource for anyone getting started or finding it challenging to run their own design business. They should hand it to you as you're walking out of your last class.
Jeremy writes with integrity and experience, and clearly has a heart for helping people. His business and marketing background, coupled with his design experience, make him the perfect mentor for designers just starting out or looking to take their business to the next level. Even after five successful years of running my own freelance business, BASAS is still chock-full of useful resources and tips that will help improve my everyday business operations.”
- Tom Lempner
, Owner, Radiant Design & Animation, Inc.
“Being a Starving Artist Sucks is a great resource for all designers who wish to begin a freelance design business but are terrified of having to do all the things that go along with having a business, such a client communications, promotions and pricing. A plus to this book’s approach is that it comes from the standpoint of someone who has made mistakes and isn’t afraid to share what normally takes beginning freelancers a couple of years of hard knocks to figure out for themselves.
The first couple of years of having a business is usually the make or break for success and longevity; this book helps to increase the odds of surviving in an always competitive market in a friendly, honest, easy to apply manner. This book is one you can pick up and read just a section of to get help when you need it on what you need; it is like having a personal business coach at your fingertips and I look forward to sharing this resource with my graphic design students.”
- Brenda Newhouse, Media Arts Instructor, Mesa Community College
“Being a Starving Graphic Artist Sucks is an indispensable tool that both new and experienced graphic designers alike should utilize. Many designers enter the world of freelancing without a solid understanding of the business end of our great industry, causing them to struggle greatly until they can figure it out - reading this book will greatly speed up that process.
With this book's help I believe many readers will begin to overcome low self confidence and lack of direction that many graphic designers often experience. Personally, this book has inspired me to take further action in promoting my own business. I am confident that due to reading this book I will be a better business owner and designer...”
- Geoff Woodburn, Owner, Woodburn Designs
“Thank you so much for sending a copy of your book. It's been quite a hit with all of the Career Advisors and we've even
shared it with a couple of students...you have a lot of pertinent information to share - our students will eat this up!”
- Ginny Lopez, Assistant Director of Career Services, the Art Institute of Phoenix
“I wish I had known about this book before I started my freelance graphic design business! There is so much practical advice about what works and what doesn’t, and what to watch out for. I realize now that I am not making the money I should be making – or getting as many clients – as my talent deserves, because I have not been marketing myself effectively. In addition, Being a Starving Artist Sucks has given me tons of tips on how to reduce my costs and use my time more effectively.
I bought the ebook because it was only $29 but I probably should have bought the printed book because I have been printing out tons of pages! When my husband learned I had spent $29 on a book – and not even a physical one – he thought that was really expensive, but I know it will save me hours of wasted time and frustration, help me earn more money for my efforts, and get my business going strong. Because it is not a general business book but is focused on graphic design in particular, the price is a steal for the value it provides! Thank you so much for this business-saving resource!”
- Sara Korn , Triple E Creative, LLC
“Jeremy hits the nail on the head when it comes to freelance situations. I've been a designer for a long time now, but reading through this book I still found areas I knew I should improve upon, and the book helped me realize I could.
From something as simple as a reminder to have empathy when talking to clients, to reminding us that it's OK to say no to jobs that don't fit, this book is full of handy information for freelancers new and old.”
- Amber Hartmann
, Graphic Designer
“Jeremy is incredibly thorough and thoughtful in his conveyance on how to be a successful designer, but most importantly, how to be a successful business owner. Jeremy hit the nail on the head with most of his book focused on the relationship with new and existing clients. Knowing how to relate to people and how to handle critical situations is the key to any successful business. I found it intriguing that Jeremy did point out, in summary that it doesn’t matter if you’re a great designer if you can’t present a tailored presentation or product specific to a client’s needs and can’t direct the process in a professional manner. I think any designer would find this book valuable in the fact that it touches on how to deal with just about any situation imaginable, as well as the tools needed and how to structurally set up a business down to your bank accounts. This book would be an essential tool for any new or established business owner.”
- Candace McGovern
, Graphic Designer
“From the perspective of an artist new to freelancing, reading this book was really an eye-opening experience for me. When I look back on my college experience, I recall that a majority of the curriculum was focused on developing a portfolio and teaching artistic technique. However, it did not really touch on the business aspect of designing. Knowing how to deal effectively with clients, present ones self as a professional and deliver a high quality product that meets the expectations of the client are all critical factors in success, not just art theory. The 'Being A Starving Artist Sucks' eBook showed a freelancer like myself that the best way to win over clients is to demonstrate how their business stands to benefit and grow from the design services being provided. Additionally, the book showed a number of helpful tips on differentiating ones self from the competition just by simply focusing on the client.
Personally, I found the tone of the book to be enjoyable and upbeat. While reading through the initial chapters, I found the information and anecdotes to be relevant to me and enjoyed the helpful tips scattered throughout. The honesty was refreshing and there were many times where I had to stop and reflect on what I can do to become more effective and valuable as a designer from the client's perspective.
I think the guide is a great resource and could double as a marketing/business primer for the freelance designer.”
- Matthew Hein, Freelance Illustrator, Graphic Designer, 3D Artist
“This is a must read for any graphic designer contemplating freelancing as well as those who are already running their own design business. There is a wealth of information found here that could save the inexperienced freelancer from costly mistakes the rest of us all made by learning the "hard" way.
I wish this book had been available before my husband and I started our first graphic design business. I'm sure it would have saved us a lot of wasted time and a lot of money! I highly recommend to anyone trying to succeed in this business!”
- Nancy Combs , Graphic Designer
“The best thing about Being a Starving Artist Sucks is that it’s not a book that would just sit on my shelf after reading. It allows me use it as a 'guide' to help me with anything that I may run into (the table of contents makes this extremely easy to do so). This book is extremely easy to read. While reading it, I felt it was a lot smaller then 500 pages. Basically this book is my gun in the Wild West; I can quickly draw it out any time that I need to. This book is one of my favorites, and one that I will probably continue to read until I myself am making 100k a year.
Yes, this book definitely is worth every penny! It's a great resource to turn to when you get to a spot of your freelance career that you are stumped on. This book would definitely help a designer make at least $1000 in just 2-3 months rather than 6 months. I loved how in the book you put the pros and cons of some marketing strategies - one of my favorite parts of the book that I have gone back to several times.”
- Joseph Vanlandingham, Freelance Designer
“Many of the graphic design books I have found were either tech books on how to run an applications or examples of work made by noted designers -- nothing about running a graphic design business. Being a Starving Artist Sucks discussed topics that took me years to figure out or have never thought of. Its common sense approach gave me a clear approach on a variety of topics. It reinforced what I already knew and touched on what I needed to know. This book is one all aspiring graphic designers and artists should have in their libraries.”
- Eddie Matthews
, Graphic/Multimedia Designer
“The material is very easy to read and keep my interest with interesting "in-the-field" stories. The book highlights important facts that are pulled from experience. The format makes it convenient to go back anytime to read over the pieces of wisdom. Keep a copy handy.”
- Philippe Schneider, Web Designer
“When I want to learn something, I consult the advice of an expert in their field.
This book is exactly like having a seasoned graphic design pro sitting right next to you, providing guidance and showing you the pitfalls to avoid.
This is a course that anyone who is serious about succeeding in graphic design MUST own.”
- Bill Gluth, Commercial Writer
“Instead of leading me through concepts and theory - asking me to follow blindly, this book did a wonderful job of explaining why I should follow its advice and how to do it.
That makes me feel I am on the right track.
I own some designer books, and I was nervous that this book would just tell me a bunch of stuff I already know, but every time I picked it up I learned something that I didn’t know before. Great book!!!”
- Susan Borowitz, Freelance Communication Designer
“Jeremy takes everything a freelance graphic designer needs to know including real world situations and puts it all into an easy to read book. Being a Starving Artist Sucks is perfect for the new or struggling graphic designer. Follow Jeremy's sound advice and you will get business. I have.”
- Alicia White
, Founder/Creative Director of JDawg Design
“I think this book can potentially have a huge amount of value to a reader. It addresses all the major (and minor) points of how to handle yourself and succeed as a contractor. Anyone starting out would be very wise to pick up a copy of a book like this one and memorize it.”
- Robert Hoekman, Jr., Author of "Designing the Obvious"
"I really liked the book. It lays out many pitfalls that I had to struggle through the hard way in my development as a designer. I think it will help beginning designers avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes, and more quickly and efficiently build their clientele. Going through the book, I found one familiar scenario after another, and see literally hundreds of hours I could have saved myself over the years; the thousands of dollars in free work I essentially gave away because I didn’t know to handle clients and manage projects properly.
What I really enjoyed was balancing general project and business concepts with real world examples. There are some aspects to the business that can be daunting for both new designers and veterans alike, so having concrete figures and tactics can offer the confidence needed to run and grow your business. I have no doubt this book will pay for itself with the first project, in saved time and increased revenue. I’ve found it useful in understanding new techniques for how I manage projects and clients, and crystallizing other things that I’ve had to learn the hard way."
- David Gould, Graphic and Web Designer
“It is a steal at double the price. If the designer is serious about doing what it takes to make money, he will have all that he needs to help him get there.
The BASAS book is filled with time tested valid tips and suggestions for making a freelance designer’s business work and offers valuable advice for anyone entering the field. The writing flows with an inviting style, and the situations examined reveal a wealth of knowledge that comes from years of struggle, stress, stamina and success. By weaving these experiences from the trenches into a guide of numerous survival tactics for budding entrepreneurs, the book sheds welcome light into the shadows of this often foreboding yet incredibly lucrative pursuit.”
- Richard Sandoval, Freelance Graphic Artist - 20 yrs experience, Expert on Kassamba.com
“Your book has fantastic information in it for startups as well as people that want to grow their business. Great ideas on how to obtain, retain and contain clients. The information in the book, if followed, would certainly increase the revenue of a new or growing business. I like your conversational style and the enthusiasm you used to get your point across.
With a few minor adjustments you could make this a great ‘Being a Starving Consultant Sucks’ book. The information you share is applicable to many new consulting businesses. There are a lot of people that are considering starting their own business and this book would save them a lot of time avoiding the mistakes you point out in the book.”
- Michelle Segal, Professional Typesetter, Web Designer. Changing Hands Bookstore and Page Perfect Productions
“I currently do small freelance projects & I am planning on opening my own design studio in the very near future. Buying Being a Starving Artist Sucks has been from the best purchases I've made. I find the advice practical, enlightening & easy to read. Opening my own design studio has been something I always wanted to do, however I've always worried about the many practical issues of running & building a design business.
Reading your book was like having a good friend share the secret recipe for success. Your book has given me the confidence & the tools that I now know I can & will succeed!”
- Sara Drillman, Graphic Designer
“All of the information in this books is right on and helpful. Truly an amazing resource for designers looking to break out on their own. You clearly but a lot of time and thought into this en devour. I know you said that you wanted a complete reference tool which it is. Overall I think you did an excellent job.”
- Michael Alonzo, Publisher/Owner of Provoke Magazine
“These are some good subjects, I really got into it. I enjoyed reading what you have, there is quite a bit of good info in there.”
- Jeremy Podborny, Graphic Artist
|
