2 Outta 3 Ain't Bad

> Ever heard the of saying "When God closes a door, he opens a window"? Well, recently, I experienced both—luckily I didn't have to look around for the window. 

> Recently, after a couple days of questions, answers and discussion, I successfully negotiated a great book project—giving me an ego boost. I always feel a surge of confidence when I get a new client! Shortly after, an ongoing client emailed to ask about my availability to work on a project for them (I always find a way to be available for my clients!) I told her to send the files when she was ready and I'd get started. 

> Just after sending that response, I received a disappointing email that shook my confidence a little. I was told I wasn't a good match for something I really and truly felt I was a PERFECT candidate for. Ouch! 

> I know, it's business, don't take it personally—right?

> I try to invest my "everything" when I work on projects—I believe it's one of my strengths. Unfortunately, it's also a weakness when I don't get to do a project I'm really excited about.

On the positive side, during the very same hour I received that disappointing news, I also got 2 big projects—one from a new client where I get to prove that I can beautifully bring life to the book concept she's so passionate about; and the other from a great ongoing client who gives me repeat work, which tells me that I'm doing a great job for them. 

> I know I'm not the perfect fit for every business' design needs, but I love working with the ones who feel like I'm perfect for them.

Keep it Current

> Any designer will tell you how important it is to keep your online portfolio up to date. I know, I know...I won't make excuses here, I need to (and want to) update my site. Bigger project photos, bigger type with fewer—but carefully chosen words. Mostly I need to make it easier to upload new projects. I considered going with a blog format, til I read about Adobe Muse. I've been pleasantly surprised with how easy it is to use, since it uses the same tools as other Adobe products I use all the time, but somewhere in the middle, despite my lack of programming knowledge, code gets "magically" added, and it will become a real live web site! 

> In the meantime, I've started updating an online portfolio site called Behance. It's easy to upload work to, so I've added a few projects there. Many of them are already on my current—but not current—site, but there are a few that aren't, and I'm glad they have a home while I keep plugging away with Muse. Check them out here. I guarantee there's at least one you haven't seen before!