Search
Menu

 

"Learn by Doing Things That Scare You"

Thanks so much to Valencia Graphics Graduate, Charles Caldwell, for bringing his video camera to our Pinup Girls, Killer Robots & Toast event with guest speaker Kevin M. Scarbrough from the Robot, Monster and Ghost Company .

This event provided lots of laughs and Kevin did a great job of providing business suggestions for freelance and aspiring freelance graphic designers. Probably the the most refreshing talking points in the Q&A focused on how freelance designers can stay inspired and keep their passion for design while having to deal with the business side of running a sole proprietorship. Some of his great inspirational suggestions were to “Learn by doing things that scare you” and “Look at everything. Taste everything. Learn about EVERYTHING”. His suggestions to students focused on learning how to learn independently, learn about more than just design and to be less concerned with grades and more concerned about the quality of their work and making sure they’re learning.

He was quick to mention that being a freelance designer also comes with ‘perks’, like not having to worry about who’s lunch is in the fridge. He had some great recommendations on how to network, get and keep clients and also recommended some great project management software, Basecamp. Kevin spent a good deal of time, however cautioning those who might have an idealized perspective about what it’s like as a freelance designer by noting there will be times when you’re not working and said, “You’re going to get fired a lot”. No doubt being a successful freelance designer means having a great deal of courage.

If you’re sad you couldn’t be one of the 55+ people in attendance or if you just want to relive the event (in case you wish you had taken good notes!), then you can check out the video here (CAUTION: This video contains language some might find offensive): http://www.vimeo.com/9836851

Information regarding Kevin’s Call for Entries (Windy City Rollers – Roller Derby Team) can be found at about minute 30 in the video (and in Kevin’s comments below).

Categories:   achievements, events, general info

Comments

  • Posted: March 2, 2010 10:57

    Kevin M. Scarbrough

    Following the event, a huge number of students from Valencia gave me the most incredible gift any speaker can receive: Tons and tons of attention. To everyone who has spoken to me after the event, thank you so much. Please, anything you think I can do to make it better, let me know To everyone who has friended me on Facebook or Twitter, I'm adding you as I see you. If I've missed you, drop me a note. To all the comments, questions, emails, etc. that have come through, I promise to respond to you. No one gets ignored. If you don't hear from me in the next few days, drop me a note. "Hey K, haven't heard back from you, just following up." I have to do this regularly with other people and have no problem being reminded myself. I ABSOLUTELY MEAN IT when I say: 1) Don't be shy. 2) Any thing, any time. kevin@robotmonsterghost.com 3) I am never too busy for VCC. 4) I like lists. 5) A lot. 6) Regarding the Windy City Rollers, it is in the video, at around 30 minutes in. 7) Don't wait until the last minute to start sending me things. You can send me notes, sketches, doodles, thoughts, questions, whatever. 8) I said "12:01 a.m." and "12:01 p.m." as the cut off, I mean "12:01 a.m.". Ergo, just after the clock makes it April 1.
    Reply

  • Posted: March 3, 2010 01:27

    bigrick1228

    kevin, that was an awesome event and i wish i would have been like a monkey picking at your brain more while eating vast amounts of pizza.... because pizza is good... i will definitely be following you via the twitter and facespace when i have five minutes to get on those two sites
    Reply

  • Posted: May 12, 2010 12:12

    Ash Schultz

    Although it's 2 months hence the event, I found the article helpful and look forward to watching the event. The bit of info I managed to syphon from the article is helpful with what to expect, i.e. Expect to get fired a lot, and trying to sample and learn everything one can. The tools and industry is constantly evolving and it's important not to get left behind.
    Reply