I designed a dog calendar with the photos I have taken of the dogs from the park. I had 100 of them printed up and have sold all but a few. It's been a fun project and I've learned a lot along the way.
1. People don't know how to tell you "no." As in, "No, thanks I don't want to buy a calendar." I hear "no" all day at my job so I'm used to it. I don't need an excuse - plllleeease people, it's just a calendar. I can take it.
2. People say they'll pay you - but they don't. You have to begin to nag. I hate nagging.
3. Some people I NEVER suspected ever wanting a dog calendar bought one... or four of them! Other's did not. People are unpredictable.
4. I'm not comfortable in the sales arena.
5. I had forgotten the joy of designing. Getting to do WHATEVER I want. Seriously, it's been since college days when I designed something without a client to please. For this reason alone, the project was completely worth the effort.
6. Non profits need design help. Big time. They also need more volunteers for their big ideas. Fabulous, fabulous people who volunteer thousands of hours who go on doing what they do because they are passionate about the cause. I've meet some really great people. I have formed a new set of friends. And I hope to continue to make a difference in some way by volunteering more.
So more to come on this new found adventure. I'm anticipating more projects like this one for 2011. Stay tuned.
