As of August 5, 2015 I've accepted a one-year renewable position with Upper Iowa University as a Lecturer of Graphic Design. Although this will be my primary focus during normal working hours, I will continue to provide service to existing clients in regards to updates, maintenance, etc. The only major outcomes of this change will be my availability during traditional work hours and I won't be seeking out new business at this time. I have been blessed to have cultivated some wonderful relationships with clients over the years, so I plan to honor that trust and service in conjunction with my new role at Upper Iowa. This is an opportunity I could not pass up and I thank everyone who has been part of Studio 91 LLC's past success, as well as being a part of Studio 91 LLC's future success.
Regards, Harold The last four years have been a whirlwind of experience. From starting out to this very day, to moving locations and to this very moment, each day has presented itself to be a valuable learning experience. From this experience, I will share with anyone who by chance reads this, are a few bits of advice.
1. Be wary of business partnerships. Best intentions don't equate to success. Having a partner who doesn't commit the same level of work, dedication and honesty is a recipe for hard feelings. Most won't see it right away, I know I didn't. 2. Customer Service is a lost art. 3. Dealing with clients gets easier over time. At first however, talking to prospective clients can be somewhat of a daunting task. Be honest and upfront. Under-promise and Over-deliver. 4. People will talk. Referrals are absolute "gold" in terms of getting new business. See #2 above. 5. You don't get two weeks vacation. You have to put in time. Lots of it. 6. Design for the client, not for yourself. 7. Be on time. Deliver on time or ahead of schedule if possible. Be accessible and most of all, be there for the client when they need you. 2014 flew by way too fast. Projects and updates along with various video projects kept me on my toes, so much in fact, that I didn't make even one blog entry for the entire year! 2015 will be better, rest assured.
2013 has shaped up to be a banner year for Studio 91, as the limited amount of blog posts suggest. From numerous weddings, websites and video conversions right before the holidays, we've been busy here at the shop and on various locations. We've met many wonderful people along the way and look forward to more adventures in 2014!
With that said, Studio 91 LLC wishes each and everyone a wonderful Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Studio 91 would like to add Brian Mitchell Voiceovers to the S91 family of clients! Although this was a complete revision of an older site, the opportunity to work with a talent like Brian doesn't present itself everyday. Plus, I got to work with Bob Merkel, CEO of VoiceZam, the industry innovator/leader in professional online audio playback media. Check both Brian's revised site and VoiceZam.
www.brianmitchellvoiceovers.com www.voicezam.com June 1st marked Studio 91's 2 year anniversary. With all the work coming into the office, today is the first day I've found some time to acknowledge this milestone.
First off, I want to thank all of my family & friends for supporting me in this endeavor, keeping me focused, yet humble. Without your faith and support, no of this would even be possible. Secondly, I want to personally thank all of the clients I've had the pleasure of working with the last two years. Whether it's been a website, video, logo design or other art related request, these projects serve not only to "keep the lights on" and help to support my family, but it also allows me to do something I truly love and to express myself artistically in some capacity on a daily basis. So with that said, my most sincere "Thank You!" to all of the extended Studio 91 family. 2 down and hopefully many, many more to go... Harold Studio 91 would like to welcome D & J Toppers & RV and the City of McGregor Iowa to the family of Studio 91 clients! You can see their new websites out at:
www.djtoppersrv.com and www.cityofmcgregoriowa.com I've done a lot of business with friends, especially considering they needed my assistance. I've done pro bono work, work for non-profits at discounted rates and other options. I usually get a deposit on work to be performed, but recently I've learned that some "friends" you just can't trust.
A logo needed for a new business venture was requested by a "friend". I obliged, offering a reduced rate. However, I didn't ask for anything down. That was my critical mistake. After a few hours of work, several revisions and email correspondences, I was assured a check was being dropped off after completing a couple of final versions last week. The alleged check (or payment) never came. Come to find out, the business venture never got going and this individual thought that since the logo wasn't used or didn't get final approval, he wasn't obligated to pay for my services. However, he could afford to attend a rock concert and expensive dinners (via his Facebook news feed) while shafting me on my payment for services rendered. So keep this in mind doing business, friends or not, payment is required at the time of service. Things around the S91 office are hectic to say the least. Several projects lined up and website updates are a routine aspect of my daily routine. All the hard work is really paying off in many, many ways. I want to personally thank Computer Support Plus, as well as Studio 91 clients, for their referrals over the last several months. It is greatly appreciated.
The 2013 Swing with the Legends website is fully operational! Visit http://www.swingwiththelegends.org/index.html
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400 West Center Street
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