Whether running a small studio or searching for a new job, selling your own value is one of the biggest challenges most designers face. You've spent years developing your craft but talent alone doesn't pay your bills or create a sustainable future. That requires comfort talking money, often with people who have been trained to negotiate away your value to get your best price.
Many of the most talented design role models speak openly from stage about doing great work while still struggling to make ends meet. But being undercaptialized is not a badge of honor that proves they haven't sold out. It simply proves they don't yet know how to adequately sell their own value.
Like your craft, business skills must be learned and practiced through commitment and dedication. The beginning of a new year is a great time to set the intention to sell more, negotiate better and make more profit. Sherra Bell would like to help.
Visiting Austin from Atlanta, Sherra has offered to host a free, low-key roundtable workshop and conversation to start you making profit a higher priority for yourself and the profession.
Join us on Wednesday, January 16th from 6:00-8:00pm at Lewis Carnegie Gallery. Space is limited so don't hesitate on this opportunity!
Bio:
Sherra Bell is a career and business development consultant to creative professionals. She provides encouragement and non-judgemental candor that helps others develop the expertise, habits and confidence they need to more effectively navigate the business side of creativity. Her clients are solo practioners and small business owners who understand that their sustainable success requires learning to sell, hire and manage better.
A long-time leader in the design community, Sherra served as president of AIGA Atlanta from 2005-2007, followed by 2 terms on the national nominating committee and continues to serve the chapter as Education Co-Chair advising the Student Board created under her presidency. She earned her BFA in design from Auburn University, her MA in diversity and social change from Iliff School of Theology. She also participated in the 2004 AIGA/Harvard Business Perspectives for Creatives and consistently invests in her own professional development.
