Entry 5 of 12: November: How many hats can I actually wear?

This month has been one of the busiest months I've probably ever had, and I can see all future months being busier. No new illustration jobs, hopefuls or leads, but a slew of design work, and my husband and I purchased a business. So, now I'm the marketing coordinator and designer for the business. Let's see, I am a full time wife, mom, designer, freelance designer, illustrator and now a marketing coordinator. Whew! No wonder I'm so tired. But, I'm happy. Even though I'm not getting much (well, any) response from my illustration promotion from prospective clients, I have been creative with my design work, so I'm feeling creatively fulfilled and not as discouraged as I would normally be.

This month I mailed out a few more postcards to some people I found by word of mouth on the Internet and mailed out two promo packs to people who have shown interest in my work before. But I still haven't received any of my SAS reply cards I included in them. I also set up a paid (yes, I spent some money) account on Portfolios.com. It's for a four-month trial and it was super cheap, so I thought I'd try it out. I don't know how many people have looked at my section since they don't supply stats, but I've only gotten about five hits on my site from there. The key to having a portfolio on Portfolios.com is to update your info whenever you can since the search feature pushes newly revised sections to the top. Your can see my portfolio here.

Sadly, that's all I've had time for this month. I didn't even participate in the online costume contest for Illustrators or the SCBWI contest I told you about last month. I'm kicking myself for not getting the SCBWI done! So, what's next? Well, I have a couple of design projects that require some illustrations, so that will be fun. I have my Christmas cards to do (illustration will be involved somehow). I also have a job to design and illustrate a collection on gift cards (gift certificates) for Christmas. All these jobs came through my graphic design promotional efforts, but I'm glad I get to sneak some illustration in to build my portfolio.

I'm sorry I don't have much this month, and really don't know what my promotional plans are for next month, but I'm still dedicated to plugging away at it!

Click here to read Holli's previous installment.