Solar Dragons LLC

I hate being sick. It throws off everything. I thought that I would be able to get back into the swing of things after comming from the covention I had to go to out of town. As soon as I got back, I was sick in the bed. I forced myself to go outside wednesday. That might not have been the smartest move. I basically did nothing. Finally finished KOTOR 2. I didnt know I was that close to the end until I saw Joel’s game. Picked up St. Elsewhere and some movies while I was out.

Ran into Jared at the convention. He introduced me to a friend of his that draws. He told me at the convention he was going to call on Wednesday. He was supposed to call last week. Didnt happen.

I didnt get a chance to tak to Ian or Vince about their sites, even though I saw them. Ian got engaged this past weekend, so I dont know when he’ll have time to do anything. Two fridays ago I talked to this guy in St. Charles about his site. He was supposed to call back. He didn’t. I was emailing a guy in Michigan about his site. He wants someone to promote his artwork and to call him back. I forgot because I was sick. I would rather seo the site and try to get a link campaign going. I’m not an actual salesman.

My business cards came yesterday. They look great! The coating and card stock is perfect. I coughed up the extra to get the corners rounded. That was worth it. So now I’ve been hitting craigslist like a madman. In addtion to sites about starting a business in Indiana. I’m debating if I want to do this on my own or go to a company and pay them to do all the paperwork. Vince was explaining to me the process he went though. I understand the beneifts of paying pros to do it, whereas that money could have went to some form of advertising for me…

I’m going to have to think about it for a while.

The weekend trip was rough but worth it. I have a new book to read. Came back sick. My throat is killing me worse than yesterday. Speaking of yesterday…

I wake up yesterday and catch a glimpse of “Crazy” by Cee Lo and Danger Mouse, or Gnarls Barkley, which ever you prefer. Anyway, the whole video is The Rorschach Test. That is a creative video. Definitely inspiring. Here’s the main site:

www.gnarlsbarkley.com

I spent all of yesterday tweaking the site. I’ll be promoting me as much as possible this week. I’ll work on Vince’s site starting next week. A friend of Becky’s is going to send out a press release for me. Hope that gets the ball rolling as far as business is concerned. I’m still expecting a call from that guy about his site. In addition to that, I got a call about some SEO work. Carl is supposed to call me about comming to work for him. He didn’t call yet and its Tuesday morning. Maybe he got someone else or is just having Matt do it…

Now I’m torn. I want to work for me. I don’t know if that’s in my best interest. RMC might have a job off the bat. If I take it, it most likely wont be freelance and will suck up a lot of my time along with not paying decent. Ditto for Carl. If he calls…

I sent an email out to everyone I know that has an email addy. Then I called Berman Industries. Found out that the lady I used to work for a while ago died and so did her father. That was deep. I think I’m going to send Mr. Berman some flowers as a belated ‘Sorry for your loss’ type deal. I couldn’t stand her but I wouldn’t wish death on anyone. She had a lot of issues back then in ‘95/’96 when I was there. Geez that sucks. I wonder if she changed at all as far as personality is concerned. Death definetely stifles growth…

“If you kill em, they wont learn nuthin.” - Riddler

I’ll just stick to the plan of promoting myself and go from there.

Finally! Finally the site is up. All the links work. I got out the bugs and SEO’d it to boot. I replied to the lady from RMC and Shai Coggins. I’m getting a list together for all the people on my phone and email to contact. I emailed my parents, Matt, Vince and Tracee my site to critique it. Plus Becky is going to look over it too. I started my link campaign and realized I dont have a link page… like a moron. Anyway, I’ll get on it as soon as I come back from out of town.

I’ve been so busy finishing my site, I haven’t had time to write anything. Shai Coggins gave me a comment (which was pretty cool of her ) but I haven’t thanked her because I want her to see the new site. I quit Monday. I think I could do better freelance. Plus I don’t appreciate the shady dealings going on that could adversely affect me. I only have to put my portfolio page together and upload the site and I’m done. So I guess the big question is: Will I do better freelance or should I have stayed and taken crap plus be under paid. I left Carl a gift. I got Modern Mirror #1 in Google. That right there should show there’s no hard feelings but he’ll probably sue me for some crap anyway.

The lady from Robert Morris College called me back. She let me know what I needed to bring next week. I’m supposed to meet her Wednesday. I got an email from her. I’ll email my site when I finish.

I didn’t call Mr. Knowls because the site isn’t up. I’ll call him after I’m done.

I was looking at Berman Industries website.I used to work there many many moons ago (about 11 yrs). My boss snapped on me and when she went to lunch, I walked out. I’m was cool with everyone else because they saw it happen. They knew how she was and didn’t blame me. They really need a website. Might try to see what’s up with them.

I’m going out of town Thursday - Monday. After that I can finish up Vince’s site. The mexican restaurant wants to wait on a website. I’ll call them in about 3 months. I have to find every single business card I have to make sure I call/email everyone I know about my website. That’s that for now. Time to get back to work.

Talked to Matt yesterday. Told him this is it for me. I just cant see the benefits to staying here. Matt has taught me a ton but the environment is depleting me. I’m glad I got a recharge being around Hutch as far as design goes. Aside from that, I have to do my own thing. So I told Matt I’m out of here when all the interns leave. He said I’ll be all right, I have a good head on my shoulders and stuff. We were talking about what will happen when the interns leave and how we have to keep in contact for freelance stuff. Keisha came in work snapping. I mentioned it in passing to Matt, he asked her about it and then she starts on me about it. I usually would be combative but look where we are… I cant even blame her because this place breeds dissention and malice. I was cool with her when we were in the other room, just me, her and Sasha. Now that everyone is herded into the same room (minus Matt and Carl) there is going to be more of a tendency to rub each other the wong way. I hate that crap. Its like being in a mosh pit; you HAVE to butt heads just because you’re in close proximity. No other reason is needed. I talked to Matt after I left. He said everything is cool.

Yesterday I checked in with the mexican restaurant. I got there while they were busy. I didnt have the car, so my father in law came and got me from work. I thought he got my message but he didnt. So I tooke him home and came back in our car. The guy that runs the joint was already gone. I talked to his brother. I showed his brother their business card and that they have the same logo on their card that is on another restaurant down the street. I asked him, “Do you think you can stick out to pull in business if they look like you?” He agreed they couldn’t stand out and to come today to show to his brother. Vince is going to give me a ride.

On my way back from there, I went down Conkey. I remember taking that way and seeing a lot of businesses. I stopped by a couple of sign places and a printery. I asked for various things. Stuff me and Vince talked about as far as advertising our businesses goes. I dropped my web address at those places too. I doubt anything will happen but I’m just warming up before I hit the white pages.

I also call Rober Morris College. The art advisor is leaving (as usual) and transferred me to the new lady. Her voice mail said she’d only in on wed. It’s already thurs. So I most likely have to wait to meet up with her in a couple of weeks. Im going out of town next thurs to sun. Whatever Carl has to say about work, I hope he doesn’t catch me out of town. I wont be answering numbers I dont know.

I’ve been up since 4:45 am writing content for my site. I have to call Mr. Noels and see about his business. I also have to get ready to go to Don Andreas (the mexican place). We’ll see how it goes.