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“I know that this advice may seem a bit wide-
open and perhaps even a little existential; but
the point is to realize what kind of person
you are and how that will affect your expecta-
tions, hopes, and preconceptions about being
in business as an independent. I’m no rebel
and I worked many years in-house and at
studios, but the truth is, I knew early on in my
career that I was going to eventually venture
off to do my own thing. Being aware of this
helped me get the most from my jobs and also
curb behaviors that could have been mistakenly
seen as an attitude problem or pinned me with
a hard-to-work-with reputation. Instead, know-
ing my own long-term intentions allowed me
to treat my early career stops as scholastic
environments. I concentrated on learning every-
thing I possibly could, keeping in mind that I
always had the intention to take this postcol-
legiate, professional education with me in my
own independent endeavor.
As you prepare to move out on your own, it
is highly probable that you will also be simul-
taneously working for another company. It’s
important to consider how you want to man-
age your own plans with the responsibilities of
your current job. Perhaps you can be up front
about your long-term goals; perhaps you have
to keep your budding business under the table.
Whatever your situation, leaving in a huff is not
the move to make. Once you go out on your
own, you may need recommendations from
your former employer, so be sure not to torch
the bridges you crossed altogether.”
KNOW THYSELF
STEVE GORDON, JR
23
Here are some points to remember:
• Don’t put down your current employer to
potential clients. It might feel good, even
necessary, in the short term to vent frustra-
tions and bash what you perceived as poor
practices, but clients are not the people to
do that with. Talk to your spouse, your pals,
or your dog instead.
• Avoid actively pursuing clients currently on
your employer’s roster. It’s one thing if they
follow you of their own accord, but recruit
ing them results in bad creative and profes-
sional karma that could follow you right
along with the client.
• It’s generally not a good idea to admit to
your boss that you’re just biding your time
at his or her studio. He or she will likely
shorten your time-biding days.
• Don’t pull a Jerry Maguire by making a big
dramatic statement and storming out of the
office. That only works in Hollywood; in real
life, you may someday need or want help—
or even a recommendation—from your
previous employer.
S
TEVE
GORDON, J
23
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365 HABITS OF SUCCESSFUL GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Job: 02762 Title: 365 Habits of Successful Graphic Designers (Rockport)
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Lorain County Visitors Bureau, OH, Back Roads and Beaches logo design by Nicole Block, NicEvents
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