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“I enjoy every page of the book, even with the fact many of the pages feel like a hard-copy of my existing knowledge, and some is redundant. I can see how a little redundancy is not bad, however, since I can open the book on the fly at any give spot and get your points within one or two pages either way of the section I read. Plus, it hammers these things into my head, with some things I just never thought of about, like how to do a retainer that way for more regular cash flow. Now, bolstered by the news in your book and your encouragement within, I am setting out to correct the problems it helped me identify.
One of the ways I am correcting my problems is using your WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER forms templates you offered, which I never took the time to really make myself, and these have more thorough and succinct content than I would have written...I know I'm just one little designer in a sea of same, but I feel grateful enough for your book, forms and special additional thing, that I wanted to take time to let you know how your material has helped me, and what an amazing value it is for the cost. Thanks Jeremy!” - click here to read the rest of the letter.
- Sherry Bay, Owner, SB Designs
************************************************************************************************************** “Over the conversations we have had, I’ve found Jeremy’s pragmatic & practical knowledge in business to be quite profound and this is clearly shown throughout his books & resources.
The information inside is invaluable and I have referred to it many a time. The "Verbal Kung Fu for Freelancers" book tells you how to talk and deal with your clients needs, but done in a very to the point way. I haven’t come across a book like this before and I highly recommend it. Its 166 pages are well categorized for easy referencing and is a ‘keep in your top draw’ kind of book.
Jeremy's, "Being a Starving Artist Sucks" book deals with such things as how to find clients & how to run your design business including thorough expert advice in areas that designers struggle in: pricing, marketing, negotiations, customer service and sales. It’s a complete resource on how to be a successful freelancer.”
- Jacob Cass, Just Creative Design
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“One heck of a book to help the wanta-be freelance design professional create an awesome business plan and marketing plan! I loved this marketing and client interaction book aimed at freelance design professionals. Interestingly, it is just as applicable to solo practitioner attorneys and other self-employed professionals. It's really a wonderful small business resource that provides practical advice from an author who has been there and done that. Included between its covers are six chapters and two appendices as follows:
0. Introduction
1. Mastering client interaction
2. Running an effective design business
3. Marketing & promoting your design business
4. Negotiating, pricing & protecting your work
5. Real stories, real clients, & some really hard lessons
7. Conclusion (pp 495-496)
A. Workbook exercises for the success-driven designer (pp 442-494)
>>Managing client relations
>>Running an effective, money-making business
>>Marketing & promotion
>>Money, pricing, & more money
B. Recommended resources for designers (pp 497-498)
Technically speaking Appendix A was listed in the book's Table of Contents as Chapter 6. But I thought it was misplaced there. I didn't really have a favorite section or article in this book. I liked the whole book.
I could have used the instant book back then and not learned the hard way as the author of this book says he also did. The price of this book and the time spent reading it will definitely be a drop in the bucket for any young professional venturing out on his or her own as an entrepreneur. This book definitely is packed full of value for such a person.
Although I think a lot of this book, I must disagree with any claim that it is a "Total Resource." Marketing and client interaction are two very important aspects of a small business. The author categorizes these things as pricing, marketing, contracts, client management, and time management. But I think of a small business as needing quality integration of the following: (1) doing the work, (2) marketing & sales, (3) operations, & (4) keeping records. This book does not (nor should it) cover "doing the work." But it does not do a very good job covering operations or keeping records.
I would have liked the book much more if there had been at least three more chapters, and maybe four. One on business plans, one on Web sites, and one on blogging. And there probably should have been a chapter on how to use the business plan and the company's financial statements and other financial reports (Statement of Cash Flows) to monitor the fitness level of the company and to do strategic planning. These were not included.
When "Billing Strategies" were discussed in the book I kept looking for the advice that you must regularly send out bills so the clients will know they have to pay on a timely basis. This was a big problem I had when I ran my first law office. The author didn't actually stress this point in the book. He did say to send an email two days before the due date as a reminder. And another email on the due date, but what about the original billing?
You will have confidence in your ability to run your small business if you take the time to investigate and research the business before you start it. You will have even more confidence in your small business if you take the time to prepare a sound 25-35 page written business plan. Keep in mind that a failure to plan is a plan to fail. And also note that much of what is covered in the instant book is priceless info you should be considering and including in your business plan. 5 stars!
PS. I know of a few books that I think should be read along with the instant book if you want to avoid running your graphic design company by the seat of your pants. Successful companies are not run that way. You don't have to read them all in order to create a well-oiled business machine, but at least take a look at the book reviews I have written for most of them and posted on Amazon. The list of these resources is included in Comment #1 to this review.”
- Jeff Lippincott, Top 500 Review on Amazon.com
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“Jeremy, I've read your books and listened to your iTunes downloads, and I have to say "You Rock!" The information has been invaluable as I rebrand my business and move in the direction I've always wanted to be. I owe you a great debt of gratitude for putting all of this info together for us freelancers. Thanks to you, my business is starting to boom again, and I'm really loving what I'm doing. Thanks again.”
- Stephen Hadley, Inkspot Creative
************************************************************************************************************** “Brilliant book! Kudos to you for writing 'Verbal Kung Fu For Freelancers'. Ever since I came across the title I was eager to see what the book provided and reading it was as much fun and informative as I imagined it to be.The illustrations are fun and break up the worded pages nicely.
Kudos to Jeremy for compiling and writing a resource that we all live each and everyday but don’t really share with each other.”
Read the full review for "Verbal Kung Fu for Freelancers" here >
Read the full review for "Being a Starving Artist Sucks" here >
- Sney Roy, Creative force behind Little Box Of Ideas. Co-founder of Stars We Love & Gel's Kitchen
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“How I wish I’d had such a wonderful resource as this book when I first started my freelance business. This book can easily qualify as a new freelancer’s Bible. It
took a lot of time, money and headaches to learn some of the valuable
lessons that were covered in this book. It was also a wonderful
refresher for me, it made me look at areas of my business that could
use some tightening up. This book could potentially save a new designer thousands of dollars. Now if only we could get the schools to teach some of these lessons.”
- Jennifer Walter, Freelance Graphic Designer
************************************************************************************************************** “It’s Jeremy’s pragmatic, almost utilitarian approach to the business side of graphic design that I found notable. He's published several books, including Being a Starving Artist Sucks and Verbal Kung Fu for Freelancers, both of which would be excellent additions to any designers’ arsenal.
You can gauge how much you’ve learned once you’ve finished reading the book. And you will learn a lot. The book is written in a designer’s language, and deals with concepts, business concerns, client and day-to-day issues that are exclusive to the creative profession.
I particularly liked the section that dealt with saving a gig that’s gone completely and utterly off the rails (had a few of those in my day) and even as an ‘Old Dog’ I found several of the chapters fairly enlightening. The thing that stood out the most for me is that Tuber’s main focus is how a designer can remain competitive and profitable.”
- Steve Douglas, The Logo Factory
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“Wow. I usually roll my eyes when someone labels a purchase as an investment, but that's what this book is. Seriously, Kudos. I will be positively reviewing this book for you, and even better, I will be doing it honestly. Hey Jeremy, thanks for everything, I have posted the review for you, and it just becomes truer as I read and re-read on. I really appreciate your personalized attention. I will definitely invest in the rest of your offerings. That is a promise, more to myself than to you. Thanks for everything and I wish you continued good luck.”
- Ryan Dika , Professional Illustrator
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“I must admit; this book is huge. Weighing in at 500+ pages, there is a ton of information to absorb. What struck me first about the book was the way it’s written. Have you ever had a friend, colleague, or co-worker who seems to explain things clearly and simply in easy-to-understand language? That’s how BASAS conveys itself.
The amount of information provided in this book can be daunting at first, but it’s put together in a way that is very easy to read and learn from. The Workbook Exercises are a great way to put the material you’ve been reading about to the test. Ratings are provided which can guide you to read a bit more on an area you may be unclear about.
I think Being a Starving Graphic Artist Sucks by Jeremy Tuber is a fantastic resource for both new as well as seasoned graphic artists. There are many lessons taught which can really save you from having to learn them the hard way; which can be devastating to a new freelancer and his or her career.” - click here to read Jon's entire review on his site.
- click here to check out Jon's site, browse around...he's got some great info in there.
- Jonathan Christopher, Web Development Guru and Owner of Monday By Noon
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“I feel your book provides a realistic view of what a designer can expect when working freelance or just entering the field of design. This book can help designers identify their strengths, weaknesses, as well as help them address issues they haven't previously thought about. It can assist them in determining whether or not they are truly "prepared" to work as a freelance designer.
I found it to be informative and helpful for freelance/new designers. I particularly liked the various tips, lists (identifying the designer's responsibilities), and the questions you pose to designers regarding a project they are considering. I also liked your chapter on quick introductions, this is extremely important. Finally, I appreciated your breakdown of the essential items a designer would need. Overall, I felt you did a good job in providing the "do's" and "don'ts" of design. ”
- Lisa Pena, Arizona State University Faculty: Visual Communication Design
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“Becoming a freelance designer or writer so easy my elderly father’s girlfriend, who is 80-ish and who doesn’t have a clue what freelancers do, could set up shop within 24 hours including the time it would take to hang a shingle outside the door of her condo and get her business cards printed.
The fact is, anyone can become a freelancer. The trick is making a living doing it. If you’ve been successfully working as a freelancer for any length of time, you know what I mean. You spend more time hunting for work and dealing with clients (few of them are appreciative sweethearts) than actually putting a stylus to a tablet, a mouse to a screen or your fingers on a keyboard.
Freelance designer and author Jeremy Tuber has written two e-Books: Being a Starving Artist Sucks and Verbal Kung Fu for Freelancers. Both a similar (they overlap in many sections). While the emphasis is on making a go of being a freelance graphic designer, much of these two e-books apply to most kinds of freelance work. They’re not just for designers, in other words.
BASAS is geared toward would-be and experienced freelancers. You’ll learn how to price projects, negotiate the best price for any project, use advanced techniques your competitors might not know, how to market yourself and win new business.
VKFFF picks ups where BASAS leaves off, and that is, how to deal with clients. I know from experience that dealing with clients is often the toughest part of the job. They’ll whine about the price, they’ll try to get more work out of you than you’ve agreed upon, and there’s often politics going on behind the client’s desk so that the person you’re dealing with doesn’t really have the authority to make decisions. Worst, some clients will simply try to cheat you out of your dough, which is where preparing a contract or a proposal can help you get what you deserve.
As a long time, full-time freelancer (I write/edit Web copy via The Editorial Engine) I can tell you with certainty that both books will sharpen your freelance chops. Depending on how long you’ve been at the game, you might find much of the territory these books cover to be quite familiar. For example, at one time or the other, I have dealt with every single kind of client that Tuber mentions. I learned the very hard way how I should work with these Philistines and even know when to make the painful decision to dump some of them. I only wish I had read these books first. It would have saved me not only time, but would have taught me how to successfully resolve some tough situations.
Both books are clearly written, easy to follow and to pick up, put down and pick up where you left off without losing your train of thought. They’re the kind of how-tos that you can refer to again and again. Both are well organized into chapters that are readily accessible, especially in the form of e-Books on your iPhone/iPod touch or using an Amazon Kindle.
If you do a search for Tuber on iTunes, the two books will pop up selling for $4.99 each. If you go directly to the App Store description, however, you’ll find BASAS priced at $1.99 and VKFFF at $4.99. I’m not sure why that is–it may be an unannounced sale or a glitch in the system. Either way, and at either price, both are worth paying for. If you aspire to be a freelancer, start with BASAS; if you’re experienced, go with VKFFF. Bonus: They’re tax deductible if you file a Schedule C with your taxes (and you should be filing a Schedule C if you are self-employed).”
- Michael Alexander, Contributing Reviewer at tutorialblog.com, as well as long-time freelancer and Web copy writer/editor via The Editorial Engine
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“Just wanted to say thanks, I bought BASAS book, Verbal Kung Fu, & Work Smarter not Harder Contracts & More. All these things helped me out so much, I'm more confident about myself when I'm in front of a client and I'm also not scared to turn customers away when they just want to rip me off, lol, I'm also getting more work and getting busy, I might have to hire someone to help me. oh, and thanks for recommending the Seth Godin Marketing stuff.”
- A. Gonzales, Owner, DC Studio
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“I bought your Verbal Kung Fu for Freelancers a few weeks ago and I have to tell you what a huge help it already has been for me!! Keep up the great work and thank you for offering these very useful insights in one, convenient spot. It's the little tips and insights that you mention that can and will, make the difference between a struggling business and a successful business. Thanks again.”
- creative:gröth, creative strategies :: brand gröwth
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“I wish I had this book when I got started as a freelance designer and business owner. It would have saved me countless hours, and would have prevented numerous potentially fatal business mistakes.
Being a great graphic artist is only a small part of running a successful design business. Most designers are great at what they do, but just aren't trained to channel that into a successful business. This book is a must-have resource for anyone getting started or finding it challenging to run their own design business. They should hand it to you as you're walking out of your last class.
Jeremy
writes with integrity and experience, and clearly has a heart for
helping people. His business and marketing background, coupled with his
design experience, make him the perfect mentor for designers just
starting out or looking to take their business to the next level. Even
after five successful years of running my own freelance business, BASAS
is still chock-full of useful resources and tips that will help improve
my everyday business operations.”
- Tom Lempner, Owner, Radiant Design & Animation, Inc.
************************************************************************************************************** Nominated: "Verbal Kung Fu for Freelancers" in their
13 Books Freelancers Should Read Before They Die. "Your book is an inspiration to all freelancers and for us it was a no brainer to put it on our list".
- Freelance Creative Media Alliance | FCMA
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“Being a Starving Artist Sucks is a great resource for all designers who wish to begin a freelance design business but are terrified of having to do all the things that go along with having a business, such a client communications, promotions and pricing. A plus to this book’s approach is that it comes from the standpoint of someone who has made mistakes and isn’t afraid to share what normally takes beginning freelancers a couple of years of hard knocks to figure out for themselves.
The first couple of years of having a business is usually the make or break for success and longevity; this book helps to increase the odds of surviving in an always competitive market in a friendly, honest, easy to apply manner. This book is one you can pick up and read just a section of to get help when you need it on what you need; it is like having a personal business coach at your fingertips and I look forward to sharing this resource with my graphic design students.”
- Brenda Newhouse, Media Arts Instructor, Mesa Community College
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"This book is fantastic. I devoured it. It's very funny, loved the kung-fu theme.
It is quite useful to me - wow, I get those questions a lot. :::sigh:::
I have already utilized the "How much for a website" answer, with great success. : )"
- L. Ross Creative, CE Design Instructor at SCAD Atlanta
************************************************************************************************************** "...bottom line: this is a great resource for common client questions/issues and how you might deal with them. In fact, I think one of the biggest values of the book is the simple matter of exposing you to the wide range of situations a client can throw at you. And by reading his suggestions on how to deal with them, you’ll start to form your own responses based on your experience, your personality and your situation at the time.
If you have no ideas of your own about how to respond, go with what Tuber suggests. The advice is coming from someone who is having success as a freelance designer. So when you have a book that lays out over 100 possible scenarios and how to deal with them… well, I trust you can see just how valuable that is."
Read more here >
- Mike Klassen, Owner/Lead Designer of Klassen Communications
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“Being a Starving Graphic Artist Sucks is an indispensable tool that both new and experienced graphic designers alike should utilize. Many designers enter the world of freelancing without a solid understanding of the business end of our great industry, causing them to struggle greatly until they can figure it out - reading this book will greatly speed up that process.
With this book's help I believe many readers will begin to overcome low self confidence and lack of direction that many graphic designers often experience. Personally, this book has inspired me to take further action in promoting my own business. I am confident that due to reading this book I will be a better business owner and designer...”
- Geoff Woodburn, Owner, Woodburn Designs
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“Being A Starving Graphic Artist Sucks is a 500 page eBook that I have the pleasure to review for my online friend Jeremy Tuber. It is a book dedicated to providing freelance designers the inside scoop on how to take advantage of what they already have to maximize their earnings and help grow their business.
This book starts by defining what it is that most freelance designers struggle with: Pricing, marketing, contracts, client management, and time management. Throughout the 500 pages, Jeremy goes in-depth with each and every one of these topics and shows designers how they can improve upon their work to create a more relaxed, enjoyable, and better paid freelance career.
Being A Starving Graphic Artist Sucks is an extremely well-written, easy to read, and concise method of getting the information you need to perform better as a freelancer and designer. It is written in a very conversational tone, with lots of illustrations, real-world examples, quotes from designers like you, and a workbook section to test your knowledge and skills.
This review of Being A Starving Graphic Artist Sucks has not been paid for. I am sponsoring this book because I truly feel that the information contained within its pages will help anyone who chooses to read it become a better artist, businessman/woman, and freelance designer.” Read the entire review by clicking here...and check out Brian's blog - he's got a load of expert advice and free stuff!
- Brian Lovin, Owner of Elite by Design, Expert Web Designer and Blogger
************************************************************************************************************** “Thank you so much for sending a copy of your book. It's been quite a hit with all of the Career Advisors and we've even shared it with a couple of students...you have a lot of pertinent information to share - our students will eat this up! I think you have a wealth of expertise to share with students...”
- Ginny Lopez, Assistant Director of Career Services, the Art Institute of Phoenix
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“I wish I had known about this book before I started my freelance graphic design business! There is so much practical advice about what works and what doesn’t, and what to watch out for. I realize now that I am not making the money I should be making – or getting as many clients – as my talent deserves, because I have not been marketing myself effectively. In addition, Being a Starving Artist Sucks has given me tons of tips on how to reduce my costs and use my time more effectively.
I bought the ebook because it was only $29 but I probably should have bought the printed book because I have been printing out tons of pages! When my husband learned I had spent $29 on a book – and not even a physical one – he thought that was really expensive, but I know it will save me hours of wasted time and frustration, help me earn more money for my efforts, and get my business going strong.
Because it is not a general business book but is focused on graphic design in particular, the price is a steal for the value it provides! Thank you so much for this business-saving resource!”
- Sara Korn , Triple E Creative, LLC
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“It actually "feels" like I'm sitting with you at lunch getting some tips about how to tighten up my act.
The chapters do have straightforward instructions and anecdotal style
is makes for very easy reading, which is especially great for the
second half of the book with all the stories. I just read through your BASAS workbook exercises, and I
think they are great! These are the "How To" steps and procedures I
was looking for. I like how they're spelled out clearly and there's
little I the way of storytelling or asides. I especially like the how
you added the rationale for client-qualifying questions so it's clear
why these questions are asked and what to do with the responses. In all
cases, I think you do a good job of explaining the “Why” as well as the “What”.”
- Rich Arnold, Graphic Artist, Illustrator
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“I finished reading Verbal Kung Fu for freelancers Master the Art of Defense against Difficult Clients, by Jeremy Tuber, over Easter.It’s short and informative. It’s full of valuable pointers that help designer’s build the confidence and framework to handle themselves in the professional environment. It’s not a collection of snappy comebacks, but educates the reader how to effectively manage difficult situations with clients. I’d recommend it to any aspiring designer. It’s available by book, iPhone & the trendy Kindle.”
- http://hkcreative.wordpress.com
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“I am a design student and I recommend Jeremy Tuber’s valuable resources he has to share to help graphic designers navigate through this field. I’ve worked in various fields (some were tough like commercial real estate) and I can tell from experience that what Jeremy has to say regarding how to best work with clients in a diplomatic and win-win way is true.
Current designers will be able integrate their experiences with Jeremy’s to gain a new perspective on successful client interactions, and design students may for the first time get a head start on preparing for their careers. It’s not only talent and skill that will help you do the work successfully; in addition you need to be able to work with clients professionally, so that optimally both parties win in the end. Through learning from Jeremy’s insights, you can do both. I highly recommend designers and especially design students check out his materials.”
- John Stulich, Graphic Designer, Pratt Institute
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“Jeremy hits the nail on the head when it comes to freelance
situations. I've been a designer for a long time now, but reading
through this book I still found areas I knew I should improve upon, and
the book helped me realize I could.
From something as simple as a reminder to have empathy when talking
to clients, to reminding us that it's OK to say no to jobs that don't
fit, this book is full of handy information for freelancers new and
old.”
- Amber Hartmann, Two-Turtles Multimedia Design
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“48 hours after studying
your products, I was able to get a client who usually takes weeks to
get back to me to not only respond immediately, but enthusiastically. I
successfully turned it into an upsell at the same time! I am
definitely much more aware of how clearly my e-mails can be worded and
used the techniques in Verbal Kung Fu for Freelancers and From Zero to Graphic Design Hero to help him transform from unsure about the upcoming project to enthusiastic.
I have been doing this for 5 years and wish I had this sooner. I think the biggest part of your resources is confidence building. By learning the tools to learn how to effectively handle with clients, my communications with them come off as far more professional, I sound more like someone they trust to bring a good ROI for them. I can tell that in just two days, the clients that I have spoken to are already regarding me as a better fit for them than in the years past that I have been working for them.”
- Jill McCanney, McCanney Innovative Solutions
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"First, I have to say, thank you for creating the BASAS Book. I have been reading it religiously since I received my package. It is exactly the type of book I had been looking for and it is a great resource! Your book has proven very helpful, especially since as I read each chapter is seems to relate miraculously to things that I do the very same day or next day!
Thanks again for the great resources – I can already see a difference in my success and a large part of that is from reading your book! It has given me the understanding of how a designer needs to communicate effectively with their clients – which is HUGE and extremely helpful."
- Sandy Padock, Vibrant Designers
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“Jeremy is incredibly thorough and thoughtful in his conveyance on how to be a successful designer, but most importantly, how to be a successful business owner. Jeremy hit the nail on the head with most of his book focused on the relationship with new and existing clients. Knowing how to relate to people and how to handle critical situations is the key to any successful business. I found it intriguing that Jeremy did point out, in summary that it doesn’t matter if you’re a great designer if you can’t present a tailored presentation or product specific to a client’s needs and can’t direct the process in a professional manner.
I think any designer would find this book valuable in the fact that it touches on how to deal with just about any situation imaginable, as well as the tools needed and how to structurally set up a business down to your bank accounts. This book would be an essential tool for any new or established business owner.”
- Candace McGovern
, Graphic Designer
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“From the perspective of an artist new to freelancing, reading this book was really an eye-opening experience for me. When I look back on my college experience, I recall that a majority of the curriculum was focused on developing a portfolio and teaching artistic technique. However, it did not really touch on the business aspect of designing. Knowing how to deal effectively with clients, present ones self as a professional and deliver a high quality product that meets the expectations of the client are all critical factors in success, not just art theory. The 'Being A Starving Artist Sucks' eBook showed a freelancer like myself that the best way to win over clients is to demonstrate how their business stands to benefit and grow from the design services being provided. Additionally, the book showed a number of helpful tips on differentiating ones self from the competition just by simply focusing on the client.
Personally, I found the tone of the book to be enjoyable and upbeat. While reading through the initial chapters, I found the information and anecdotes to be relevant to me and enjoyed the helpful tips scattered throughout. The honesty was refreshing and there were many times where I had to stop and reflect on what I can do to become more effective and valuable as a designer from the client's perspective.
I think the guide is a great resource and could double as a marketing/business primer for the freelance designer.”
- Matthew Hein, Freelance Illustrator, Graphic Designer, 3D Artist
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“This is a must read for any graphic designer contemplating freelancing as well as those who are already running their own design business. There is a wealth of information found here that could save the inexperienced freelancer from costly mistakes the rest of us all made by learning the "hard" way.
I wish this book had been available before my husband and I started our first graphic design business. I'm sure it would have saved us a lot of wasted time and a lot of money! I highly recommend to anyone trying to succeed in this business!”
- Nancy Combs , Graphic and Production Artist
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“The best thing about Being a Starving Artist Sucks is that it’s not a book that would just sit on my shelf after reading. It allows me use it as a 'guide' to help me with anything that I may run into (the table of contents makes this extremely easy to do so). This book is extremely easy to read. While reading it, I felt it was a lot smaller then 500 pages. Basically this book is my gun in the Wild West; I can quickly draw it out any time that I need to. This book is one of my favorites, and one that I will probably continue to read until I myself am making 100k a year.
Yes, this book definitely is worth every penny! It's a great resource to turn to when you get to a spot of your freelance career that you are stumped on. This book would definitely help a designer make at least $1000 in just 2-3 months rather than 6 months. I loved how in the book you put the pros and cons of some marketing strategies - one of my favorite parts of the book that I have gone back to several times.”
- Joseph Vanlandingham, Freelance Designer
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“Many of the graphic design books I have found were either tech books on how to run an applications or examples of work made by noted designers -- nothing about running a graphic design business. Being a Starving Artist Sucks discussed topics that took me years to figure out or have never thought of. Its common sense approach gave me a clear approach on a variety of topics. It reinforced what I already knew and touched on what I needed to know. This book is one all aspiring graphic designers and artists should have in their libraries.”
- Eddie Matthews
, Graphic/Multimedia Designer
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“I've only recently started working as a freelance print/web designer. I knew I was making many mistakes starting out, but had no real idea where to find out what they were and how to fix them - until a friend referred me to this book. It's a great resource that emphasizes the business side of design - something that I know many of my classmates and colleagues look over or ignore completely, and then wonder why their design firm is failing.
Overall, a wonderful book that I'll keep around for reference for a long, long time. Great for designers who, like me, didn't go to school for design. Keep up the good work, Jeremy.”
- Karl Parakenings
, Student Graphic Designer
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"It has great information for all designers in general - not just specifically freelancers, or would-be freelancers and is laid out in a simple, easy to read format with lots of nice white space and readable fonts, so my eyes don’t ache! There’s so much valuable information and as a resource book, you will find yourself picking it up frequently to refer to relevant chapters. It’s easy to thumb through sections at random, since some topics will be more relevant to the reader than others...
Jeremy provides a common sense approach to communicating what he’s found to be the best way to deal with these issues and to ensures the job goes as smoothly as possible so there’s few surprises (there’s always surprises!)...Jeremy is a big proponent on utilizing strategic marketing and business planning to help shape the creative talents you may have into a successful design business. In summary, there’s really a lot of information packed into this 500 page book, my wife really likes it, and she’s not a designer, so what can I say? I know that as I go forward, I feel better prepared to handle situations as they happen rather than in hindsight and I highly recommend it for that peace of mind alone."
- Julian Hough, Graphic Designer
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“I'm about to page 60 in BASAS, and already I've learned so much! Having this information is helping my confidence-level, and I feel like I'm already a lot more prepared to handle working with clients. I also have come to realize that I've got a lot of work to do on my website! I want you to know, again, how very much I appreciate your advice and input; having access to someone who knows the ins and outs of the EXACT business I'm in is incredibly helpful.”
- Mel Bond , Graphic Designer
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“When I read Verbal Kung Fu for Freelancers, I couldn't believe how it really hit home with me. Several of the examples Jeremy used could have been my clients...and my experiences. I am an experienced designer, but I had no idea how to handle some of the specific situations that were covered in this book. But now I know...that sometimes it just takes a little Verbal Kung Fu...a bit of enlightenment, if you will.
Sometimes it's not just what you say to a client, but how you say it that can make all of the difference. Whether you are just starting out in the freelance business, or have been at it a while, I would recommend keeping a copy of Verbal Kung Fu on hand. At some point in your career, you are going to need it. Verbal Kung Fu for Freelancers: Master the Art of Self Defense against Difficult Clients.”
- Tammy D. Fink, Owner and Lead Designer, Blue Water Designs (Branson, MO USA)
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“The material is very easy to read and keep my interest with
interesting "in-the-field" stories. The book highlights important facts
that are pulled from experience. The format makes it convenient to go back anytime to read over the pieces of wisdom. Keep a copy handy.”
- Philippe Schneider, Web Designer
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“When I want to learn something, I consult the advice of an expert in their field.
This book is exactly like having a seasoned graphic design pro sitting right next to you, providing guidance and showing you the pitfalls to avoid.
This is a course that anyone who is serious about succeeding in graphic design MUST own.”
- Bill Gluth, Commercial Writer
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“Instead of leading me through concepts and theory - asking me to follow blindly, this book did a wonderful job of explaining why I should follow its advice and how to do it.
That makes me feel I am on the right track.
I own some designer books, and I was nervous that this book would just tell me a bunch of stuff I already know, but every time I picked it up I learned something that I didn’t know before. Great book!!!”
- Susan Borowitz, Freelance Communication Designer
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“Jeremy takes everything a freelance graphic designer needs to know including real world situations and puts it all into an easy to read book. Being a Starving Artist Sucks is perfect for the new or struggling graphic designer. Follow Jeremy's sound advice and you will get business. I have.”
- Alicia White
, Founder/Creative Director of JDawg Design
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"These resources hit dead on in several areas I'm struggling with. The pages of the book I have read have been very helpful. I was able to put them to practice right away and I can see the impact they have. I'm looking forward to remainder of the book, because I do feel I have gained plenty of knowledge in the small section I have read so far."
- D. James, Freelance Graphic Artist
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“I think this book can potentially have a huge amount of value to a reader. It addresses all the major (and minor) points of how to handle yourself and succeed as a contractor. Anyone starting out would be very wise to pick up a copy of a book like this one and memorize it.”
- Robert Hoekman, Jr., Author of "Designing the Obvious"
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"I really liked the book. It lays out many pitfalls that I had to struggle through the hard way in my development as a designer. I think it will help beginning designers avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes, and more quickly and efficiently build their clientele. Going through the book, I found one familiar scenario after another, and see literally hundreds of hours I could have saved myself over the years; the thousands of dollars in free work I essentially gave away because I didn’t know to handle clients and manage projects properly.
What I really enjoyed was balancing general project and business concepts with real world examples. There are some aspects to the business that can be daunting for both new designers and veterans alike, so having concrete figures and tactics can offer the confidence needed to run and grow your business. I have no doubt this book will pay for itself with the first project, in saved time and increased revenue. I’ve found it useful in understanding new techniques for how I manage projects and clients, and crystallizing other things that I’ve had to learn the hard way."
- David Gould, Graphic and Web Designer
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“It is a steal at double the price. If the designer is serious about doing what it takes to make money, he will have all that he needs to help him get there.
The BASAS book is filled with time tested valid tips and suggestions for making a freelance designer’s business work and offers valuable advice for anyone entering the field. The writing flows with an inviting style, and the situations examined reveal a wealth of knowledge that comes from years of struggle, stress, stamina and success. By weaving these experiences from the trenches into a guide of numerous survival tactics for budding entrepreneurs, the book sheds welcome light into the shadows of this often foreboding yet incredibly lucrative pursuit.”
- Richard Sandoval, Freelance Graphic Artist - 20 yrs experience, Expert on Kassamba.com
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“Your book has fantastic information in it for startups as well as people that want to grow their business. Great ideas on how to obtain, retain and contain clients. The information in the book, if followed, would certainly increase the revenue of a new or growing business.
I like your conversational style and the enthusiasm you used to get your point across.
With a few minor adjustments you could make this a great ‘Being a Starving Consultant Sucks’ book. The information you share is applicable to many new consulting businesses. There are a lot of people that are considering starting their own business and this book would save them a lot of time avoiding the mistakes you point out in the book.”
- Michelle Segal, Professional Typesetter, Web Designer. Changing Hands Bookstore and Page Perfect Productions
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“I currently do small freelance projects & I am planning on opening my own design studio in the very near future. Buying Being a Starving Artist Sucks has been from the best purchases I've made. I find the advice practical, enlightening & easy to read. Opening my own design studio has been something I always wanted to do, however I've always worried about the many practical issues of running & building a design business.
Reading your book was like having a good friend share the secret recipe for success. Your book has given me the confidence & the tools that I now know I can & will succeed!”
- Sara Drillman, Graphic Designer
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“All of the information in this books is right on and helpful. Truly an amazing resource for designers looking to break out on their own. You clearly but a lot of time and thought into this en devour. I know you said that you wanted a complete reference tool which it is. Overall I think you did an excellent job.”
- Michael Alonzo, Publisher/Owner of Provoke Magazine
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iTunes Reviews - International
Canada
The subject matter is supposed to be boring.., right?!? - by Coffee Stained
"Nobody told Jeremy Tuber that books on business management and customer service are supposed to be dry and uninspiring. Instead, he went and created a very readable tome filled with practical knowledge and stories of field tested experience to back it up. Covering a variety of topics a beginner wouldn’t think to consider and even more that a beginner wouldn’t know how to handle, BASAS is a must have for the inexperienced or unconfident designer who wants to step up their game."
Excellent mentor - by Christopher H
"This is support that I can use,.. very practical. Not just for artists. I recommend a visit to the author's website."
United Kingdom
Brilliant!! - by Rubes:)
"I'm starting college soon (hoping to become a graphics designer) and this app really does have some great advice, even for me...someone who does not own a business, thanks, I would recommend all designers to buy this."
Imagine - by M....
"Amazing if your a freelance designer, buy this now. Some of the best advice around."
Profitable app ***** - by Arjunarandall
"First app I bought, tailored to my filmmaker freelancer problems with clients - used the advice and made £60 instantly!"
You have to have one of these!! - by Lauralil
"This book is fantastic, full of really useful information, tactics and it's very easy to read. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and felt that Jeremy’s advice was so good that I took down notes so that I wouldn’t forget them!
I am sure that this book would be a great aid to designers at entry or senior level, as ft has been a great help for me. I particularly like the section on negotiating and protecting your work....invaluable advice and hopefully will help to improve my business income! Jeremy’s book is clearly well researched, and demonstrates a really good understanding on the industry which I think will give an insightful and fair view of the world of freelancing.
I wonder how many designers out there wished that they had this book at the beginning of their career? Plenty I am sure’ Nice work Jeremy, keep ‘em coming."
