VC 283 Business of Graphic Arts

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces best practices of creative businesses for both freelancers and small organizations, and skills for entering the job market for creatives. Includes discussions around project management, including rate setting, project estimating and billing, production schedules, client communications, record keeping, and customer service.

Prerequisite: Second-year standing in the Visual Communications program and consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Determine overhead costs in a graphic arts business.
Examine the pros and cons of setting up your own graphic design business.
Establish a budget and production schedule for a project.
Write a project proposal, including an estimate of time and materials.
Keep accurate time and expense records, and invoice a client for work completed.
Write a cover letter and resume for a job opportunity.
Identify and evaluate marketing techniques for freelance and small graphic arts businesses.
Communicate and present effectively and professionally with clients and suppliers.

Content Outline

Maintaining Business Records
- Time tracking
- Production schedules
- Cost accounting
- Client invoicing
- Asset management
Determining Overhead
- Supplies and materials
- Personnel
- Physical space
- Technology upgrades
Working as an Individual and as a Team Member with Clients
- Communication
- Schedules
- Budgets
- Ethics
- Trade practices
- Customer service
Project Proposals
- Communications
- Business letters
- Formal estimates
- Project proposals
- Revisions and changes
Applying for positions
- Job search sites and resources
- Letters of application
Maintaining a Freelance Business
- Getting started as a freelancer
- Advantages and disadvantages of freelancing
- Self-Promotion and marketing
- Creating a business plan
- Estimating start-up costs
- Self-promotion