It seems only the bigger fish (larger ad agencies) are getting all the jobs.
Smaller businesses pass all their graphic design work over to their relatives, kids etc...

So really it is a dying field that does not make much money for the one man band.

This is my opinion from my experiences, prove me wrong.

I disagree. Yea, the industry is definitely saturated.. but there's PLENTY of work to be had. My firm made good money last year and we're looking to double it this year... keep the faith wabbit. It does take time. You can do it.

Third year in business as the sole person and if the next two months are like the last 10 months, I will have trippled my profits compared to my first year. I am absolutely amazed.

So it is 180 turn for me, Wabbit. I think its a location thing. Or you are not networking. Or you are unlucky. Who knows. I'd like to hear how others feel about your opinion.

Have you taken action on the recent advice I gave you? If you feel this way about the big firms then you certainly should consider my advice.

Thanks guys, today maybe I am a bit discouraged, I think like you said it is the location problem where I am. There are too many graphic design companies around here.

On the happier side my business has tripled profit in the last year, but maybe I am rushing things. I have only been in business 1.5 years.

I am keeping up with all your wonderful suggestions and reading, networking and so on.....

Today maybe I should take time off and go for a walk since it is nice and sunny here and do some pondering. Having you crazy friends around is good to have.

Oh what percentage marketing effort would you say you have been putting into your business (we are talking about sending out marketing materials)?

Thanks.

I'm busy all of the time. I see no signs of it letting up.

None. All word of mouth.

Keep your chin up. Take a walk. Ummmm, triple the profit in 1.5 years? That's good stuff. Unless you're talking about $100!! lol

few thousands that is, not bad not great either.

It takes time, confidence, talent, and a bit of luck in the first 5 years, just keep at it, dive in as many rabbit holes as you can find looking for clients, and make sure to eat lots of carrots to keep you healthy

Your biggest issue, from what i have seen is confidence. Bounce that up a bit more and you'll probably see a heavy increase in client's as well. New company wants to hand a large job to a design firm that 'thinks' they 'might' be able to do it how they want it done. They want a firm that 'KNOWS' they can do it well.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, I guess you were all in my shoe back when you just started. I will keep at it. I am lucky to have a few good clients and will rack up more.

Wabbit, can I ask YOU a question? I want you to come up with 10 things, 10 skills that you're proud of or confident of. List them for us. Give us 10 reasons for clients to LOVE you.. because i'm sure that your regulars do .. we do.

Skills or personal traits?

I had a big mac and fries
yummy, when i get mad I eat junk.

but it was good.

skills .. or traits needed to be a designer/business owner.

Well, do not let me bore you to tears.

outgoing and peoples person, good with money matters, communicate well, technical, work under pressure, perfectionist, organized, leadership skills, illustration 2D/3D skills, Web and print skills, multimedia and video skills well I better stop

SEE!?! You have all of that inside you.. and you're proud of it. Show that to others and you'll NEVER have to find work again, it will find YOU. Gladly show everyone your website and your work, be PROUD of it. You worked hard to get where you are. Go back and look through your old stuff, see how much you've grown. Spread that enthusiasm...that passion. I see it in you.