And then something inevitably goes wrong

What does this (F+W Media bankruptcy filing) mean for the little people like designers and tech editors (...and of course everyone who works there, but I am speaking from my own perspective, my own experience as a contract worker for F+W)?

It is not clear how this will affect us. But I’ve already reached out to check in on the status of payments coming due soon for projects I’ve worked on (I still haven’t received a definitive answer, but we’ll see)👀🤞🏾

So just months ago we got word that Twist Collective had closed down. Now we’re seeing this instability with F+W Media. Where does that leave us, contractors? 🤷🏾‍♀️

👩🏾‍💻I’ve always run my design and tech editing business like a BUSINESS with the mentality that things can go pear-shaped quickly and at any time without warning. While we can’t predict these things, we need to keep a steady hand when we think about our businesses.

✨What does that mean? Well, it means not putting all your eggs in one basket. Maybe you only self-publish on Ravelry or you design for only one publisher like Interweave Knits.

The problem with this, only having one revenue stream is that you’re leaving your business vulnerable😩

💥The answer to combat these industry uncertainties is to DIVERSIFY your portfolio, that way if one source of revenue shut down like in the case here, you have other areas to fall back to. Right now I have EIGHT sources of revenues from courses, to one-on-one coaching, to designing, to tech editing. What do all these revenue sources mean? Well, if one area should fail, I have others to fall back on to make up the revenue deficit. I really think you should consider doing in your business. If you self-publish, look into publishing with magazines. If you self-publish on Ravelry, look at other sites besides just Ravelry, like Etsy and Craftsy. Of course, it can be overwhelming to think of doing all at once, thinking of promoting your work on all these different platforms, but that's the thing... you don't do it all at once. You strategically grow each arm of your business, one at a time and I can show you how.
❓❓❓
• So, have these recent events influenced how you run your design business?
• Have you made any changes?
• Do you plan to make any changes to how you go about business, and if so, how?
If you just don't know, have no clue what to do, I'd like to hear that as well.


P.S. Psst. I know you can tell me anything, right? I want to hear your insight into this conversation.
I've been stuck in this same space where a project ended and I didn't have a way to continue and had to start from scratch to get more projects. So, I've totally been there and understand how difficult it is to land that first project, for something to go wrong, it ends and not having a backup plan.
So, if you're struggling. If you would like some help diversifying your portfolio, I have slots available for my One-on-One 1-hr Strategy Session. It's risk-free because you will first book a FREE 15-min Discovery Call. In this initial call, we will figure out what you need help with, discuss some options of how I can help you, and pretty much figure out if we're a good fit to work together. So, hop on a call and let's chat.
    

Talk to you soon.

- Tian

 
 

P.P.S. Your pattern deserves to be treated special. I'd love to help you with your next design.
Book a tech editing spot today - fast turnaround available.
Want more information? Click here to hire Tian to tech edit your next pattern(s)! 

 

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Want to keep up with all my crazy antics, tips, my knitting, and crocheting?

Find me on IG @Knitdesignsbytian (click here)

I'd love to connect with you and see what you're up to!

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Pattern Launch Plan PDF book and bonus chapter

 


Hey,

A lot of people have been wondering if the Pattern Launch Plan will help bring in their specific, dreamiest customer.


So many people were wondering if they can use this whether they’re offering knit or crochet patterns.  


The answer is, that the launch plan works great for both kinds of businesses.


Like it worked great for Laura G, who is a knitwear designer who self-publish and design for publications.

Laura G designs both accessories, as well as garments.



We used the Pattern Launch Plan for bringing in new customers when she has a new independently published pattern as well as a re-release of a previously traditionally published design.


Now, here’s what I recommend just like I recommended Laura.


Don’t try and decide if this is right for you… if you know you're ready for this and you've stuck with me - it already IS.


Start by grabbing your copy of the Pattern Launch Plan. It’s risk-free.


I'm with you every step of the way. Go through the material and email me anytime you fell struck.


So when you’re ready, go here now to start working less and getting bigger results:


BUY NOW>> Pattern Launch Plan (PDF book) 
*Once you go through and pay you'll be asked to enter your email, that will give you access to the book and bonus chapter. 

When you purchase Pattern Launch Plan (PDF book), you will receive a BONUS CHAPTER on Email Signatures and Thank You Pages, the most under-utilized areas in our daily lives that can generate repeat sales. 

BUY NOW to be sure to get the bonus.

 
  

Talk to you soon.

- Tian

 

P.S. I love helping other designers achieve their goals so if I can help or you have a question on anything, please do not hesitate to reach out. I can't wait to see you win!

I lost track

So, I've been struggling with my self worth and my value lately. Maybe it's the winter blues finally catching up or something else, but it has all led to questioning myself... a lot.

Do you ever wonder what the heck you’re doing? I do (a lot) sometimes.

Some days I really wonder why I’m here and what am I even doing. What is any of this for?

Sometimes, I lose track of the value of the work I do as a designer and tech editor, but particularly as a tech editor. Does what I do even make a difference in the greand scheme of things?

I'm not looking for pity and sympathy, but the truth is that some days I don’t feel the value of designing and tech editing... like what I do isn’t really worth it. Well, I’ve heard some (many) designers say they just use test knitters and that’s enough 😒because they don’t want to spend💰 on a tech editor, cuz no lie, testers are free and TEs are not... so why even bother with a TE?



But, then I get a message like this back from a TE client and I know that what I do is important. I know my dogged attention to details, always asking questions, and treating that designers’ pattern like it was my own with great care is what helps me to want to make that final pattern as good as it can be.


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The truth is, we all go through these phases, whether you're a knitter/crocheter, a designer, a mom, heck, just by definintion of being a woman! So, what’s one thing that happened to you in the last week that really made you second guess your purpose? AND what’s one trick you have for overcoming it?

So, for me it's having a folder of kudos that I can refer back to when I've having those down period and just can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. 
    

Talk to you soon.

- Tian

 
 

P.S. Your pattern deserves to be treated speical. I'd love to help you with your next design. Book a tech editing spot today - fast turnaround available.

Want more information? Click here to hire Tian to tech edit your next pattern(s)!

 

---

Want to keep up with all my crazy antics, tips, my knitting, and crocheting?

Find me on IG @Knitdesignsbytian (click here)

I'd love to connect with you and see what you're up to!