Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with promotion and design

Emperor's new clothing designer

relucent — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:20:37 -0800

PromotionFilter: What's the best way to convince the company that they need to create a new position - and that I'm the person to fill it? I work at a small software company (less than 50 employees) that creates industry-specific database applications - the kind of company that sells its products for hundreds of thousands of dollars and by necessity involves a long RFP process for each sale. Since our software is not sold to the public, we have no standards for design: the software works well and fits the specs of our clients, but the user interface is unintuitive, hard to use, and looks like it's from 1998. Our developers are the sole 'designers', with no one else having any input in what the software looks like (or even caring).

I am employed in a technical capacity, but I have what I feel is a good eye for design. I have complete confidence that, given a bit of time, I can bring the company's software from 1998 to at least around 2005: not cutting-edge or progressive in its design, but at least clean and modern instead of dull and clunky. This would be my dream job in the company: a chance to be creative, and a chance to contribute to the company something that no one else can do. (I like my current position, but I'm not passionate about it.)

The problem is that I have only been here two years, and this is my first job out of college, so I don't have prior work experience in a professional capacity. I am also a full decade younger than the average age of the people who work here, which stacks a few more cards against me. Any way I approach this, it will be hard to avoid coming across as critical or pretentious just because of these factors.

I have a lot of supporting materials to make my case: numerous examples of other related things I've done for the company in order to showcase my attention to quality and detail, as well as a very long list of specific things that I'd change for each application, which I've been compiling for the last few months. I did some estimating, and I figure that I have a little over a year's worth of work mapped out just right now, to say nothing of how plans and priorities change over the course of a year. That is, it would take a year just to bring them up to date, but I anticipate still having plenty to keep me busy after that, so I wouldn't be working myself out of a job.

I do have the benefit of small business on my side: I would have no trouble talking directly to the VP or even the president of the company about these issues, and they both know me personally so it wouldn't be out of place.

So my question is this: What is the best way for a junior employee (both in job position and age) to convince the higher-ups that we need a new position at the company AND that I am the person for the job - all without sounding brash or pretentious?

What blogs/online magazines can I contact to promote a firm that specializes in modern residential architecture?

serial_consign — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:47:53 -0800

I'm compiling a list of architecture sites/blogs/magazines to promote the architecture firm I'm working for. The firm does idiosyncratic, residential work that is a modern take on generic residential vernacular (their houses look a bit like Atelier Bow-Wow's residential design). What publications and blogs should I get in touch with? I'm looking for sites like Daily Dose of Architecture, but not also more accessible less design-cognoscenti sites as well.. so any "progressive housing & interior
type resources. Any suggestions and links would be appreciated.

Examples of good Flash work?

_sirmissalot_ — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 12:53:18 -0800

I'm producing a short Flash piece and am looking for inspiration. Could you point me to examples of good < 1 minute, basic promotions that artfully weave text motion with good music and photography/video? Not looking to get interactive here, just a simple but intriguing, inspiring motion piece.

How can I promote my graphic design and web development business?

robotspacer — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 11:56:08 -0800

I have a freelance graphic design and web development business that I'm working hard to make a living off of. I've been fairly successful thus far but I'm not quite there yet. Where can I advertise my business on a modest budget, either online or in print? Other ideas for promoting my work are quite welcome as well. To be more specific, if it will help with suggestions: my business is a one-man operation, although I do have another designer/illustrator I work with on occasion. So I'm looking for clients/jobs where that fits well... Mainly small to mid-sized jobs for small to mid-sized companies. While I might be able to pull off a million dollar ad campaign, or a huge, complex site like Amazon.com, I'm probably not the best man for the job! If you'd like to see some of my work and current clients, have a look at my site.

Most of my current clients I've found through word of mouth and a little bit of luck. I've tried some online advertising (on MetaFilter and the Morning News, for example) and some print advertising (in a local magazine) but haven't had much luck with either. I plan on keeping at it, but the more options the better.

I've also tried Google's AdWords program, but I found the whole setup a little confusing. In particular I've had a hard time coming up with appropriate, specific keywords. I can't use something simple like "graphic design" because I just can't afford such a common search term. So any tips on using AdWords would be greatly appreciated as well. (Not to mention your own thoughts on whether it's worth using.)