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Week 13 Progress

For this week, I was contacted by Long Innovative, which operate a printing store. They were looking for a new logo for the billboard in front of their store. First I created the little logo for their business card, and a higher resolution one for the billboard. They’re hoping that I can design them the cover for their small booklet. I got $25 for the small logo, with the other two I’m still drawing at the moment.

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Week 12 Progress

This week I delivered another logo for a sports website called Biển Wave. Their company operates close to a beach in Vietnam and focuses on advertising the children's playground and food stands. While there wasn’t anything unique this week, it's fun to hear stories about kids with their parents at the playground.

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Week 11 Progress

This week I worked on a logo for a label company called PJHN. They focus on shipping clothing labels (for jeans and jackets). I drew the layout after a few design discussions and finished the logo on Wednesday. The logo comprised the title and a fabric-style label positioned back and below. Phong Phu Design Department contacted me about my proposal from last week. I was close, but they finalized with another design.

Working with overseas clients taught me different methods to receive payments from other countries. There are a few challenges with the conversion, but I managed to resolve them quickly.

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Week 10 Progress

For this week, I'm currently designing an email signature for Phong Phu International. The new design involves color changes and an increase in the use of shapes compared to the previous design. I'm one of many that the company contacted, and after a few evaluations, they will let me know whether my concept is approved or not. Then I can start on creating the signature.

There's still no contact from the ground (a.k.a Welland and Niagara Falls). After the last few weeks, I learned that it's good to seek customers actively sometimes to keep the business flowing.

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Online Customer Showcase Assignment 

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Week 9 Progress

At the beginning of the week, I got a friend in college reaching out. He needs a logo for his website. It was a biology-fundamentals knowledge site. He didn't want the hassle of online auto-generated designs. I quickly sketched a garden design and completed the work in one afternoon.

There hasn't been anyone getting me from the Welland area. The Indian client who contacted me last week is yet to reply. I'll put that client on hold for now. My business primarily focused on logo design, and it probably doesn't look as appealing to a broader audience. Some might prefer a graphic design business that offers more printing and billboards services.

It's great to have my business become more efficient overall than when I first started. I discuss designs and complete a logo with a client within a day, saving a lot of time that I can use for my college work.

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Week 8 Progress

Recently, Tien Hung firm in Vietnam reached out to me for a logo upgrade. The design was a $20 TH rounded symbol and the company title right beneath it. The discussion was smooth, and it took two days to complete the procedure. It's great to work with them because they're small businesses, taking less time to decide on a suitable logo.

A client from India contacted me for suggestions on a new logo. Their company is called Mayla Digital. However, after I replied with recommendations, they went silent for three days. I'll keep my eyes on them, but the chance of them responding is low.

It's great to see clients contacting me for consultation. However, some have me questioned the validity of their inquiries since their company is obscure and can't be located online. Sometimes, I have to rule out specific customers who might not pay after completing the service.

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Progress of Start Up Venture

First off, the purchase of Adobe was smooth. Currently I'm creating logos with Adobe Photoshop. The student package allowed me to use multiple Adobe applications without paying separate subscription fees for individual apps. It's working out better than I expected.

There is a connection problem between my domain and the website host server. I'm currently working to resolve the issue. Going around and delivering flyers is problematic without a car, but eventually, I can finish the work.

The business is coming together. Despite the tight college schedules, it's great to design and produce professional logos for my clients.

To run a business, many components are required - new things like laws and the market, taxes, and advertisement methods. The first week works out alright, but things might slow down later. I might need to be more active in searching for new clients.

Besides rekindling my interest in graphic designs, going out and trying new things builds the confidence I need to run a small business later on in life. Now I know that I can manage a small start-up confidently, even when I'm busy, with the proper skill set.

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Where Will I Get the Money?

Currently, I alone operate VoSymbol. However, if I plan to expand my business, I might consider bank loans. They're a prevalent source of capital for small firms with additional benefits. Generally, bankers prefer firms with a proven track record, an effective business plan, and a personal guarantee from the business owner, things that I can manage. It's much easier than government grants with strict criteria or venture capitals where investors are eying on leading tech businesses. Another source would be a personal investment. After all, I should already have enough budget when starting a company. Lastly, I could negotiate some money from my family to assist the growing business, aka the "Love money."

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Business Operation Plan

VoSymbol won't require a permit to operate on a physical location for an online business. I'll have to register the business under sole proprietorship under the Ontario Business Names Act. Then I'll receive a registered business number for taxes such as GST/HST. The company will primarily operate and deliver products online, so I need to purchase a domain name to host the VoSymbol website. The general location will be around the Niagara Region, but not limited to other countries. Besides the tax and limited work hours for an international student, there shouldn't be more paperwork to go through. I'll also have to renew my subscription to Adobe and use it to design logos. The website is promoted online through adverts and SEO, though I might have to deliver flyers physically to houses on the ground.

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Creative Advertising

The Silver Bridge - Achieving the gentleman look.

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Creative Advertising

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Customer Persona

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Competitive Analysis of Local Competitions

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VoSymbol Message Map

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Strengths and Weaknesses

One of my main weaknesses would probably be my lack of confidence. I was relatively quiet as a child. For primary school, they were bullies. Kids that prevent me from playing sports and talking with other classmates. For high school, they were my host parents. Living overseas below 18 years of age meant I needed guardians who guided me through my teenage years. Sadly they weren't the best role model for me to advance my confidence in speaking. One method I used and continue to this day is to form healthy friendships to build my overall confidence. Also, I don't function well under even a small amount of stress, which entrepreneurs experience all the time. To handle anxiety, I frequently exercise. Sports such as boxing and martial arts are phenomenal at relieving stress. I also find myself coping with anxiety better via prolonged exposure to low-stress levels. Finally, procrastination also comes into the discussion. I'm easily distracted from my work, especially in the current age of technology. I offset my reading habit offline, away from the computer, to combat this. Furthermore, I seek enjoyment in my study and work, reducing the need for distractions.

MarieTV mentions that special abilities are often overlooked when they come naturally. I love to present, lecture, and make jokes to entertain people. I love to smile. I'm grateful for what I have and spread the happiness around to other people if possible. Another is the ability to teach and assist, though it's not noticeable right away. But it only works when I'm confident with the subject I'm discussing.