I am going to start a multi-media company. Not just me, but my cousin Mark (uber-talented photographer), my Dad (the investor and administrator for now) and my brother AJ (photographer). At this point in my life, I need to do something. Whether it's make my portfolio (finally) and find a job elsewhere which will be a career, or do something to take this job further. There isn't much room to grow here at my Dad's company. I've ventured about as far as this role will take me. I'm 31 years old with a family and need to really turn this into a career that will take me places rather than a job.
My Dad has been toying around with the idea of starting a multi-media company which will be owned by his kids and eventually he drops out of it and it's ours. We're talking 5-10 year plan. Mark is a talented photographer (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dazzox3) and him and I have worked together the last two years. AJ needs some guidance and this could be awesome for him. He's a talented photographer and just needs a few more years under his belt of experience and maturing. I have the web, graphic, print and photo design background. Together, we are actually fairly talented. My Dad sees this and realizes there could be something there.
After much consideration because believe me, I'm still hesitant to tie myself to my family like this the rest of my life, we've decided we're all in. I need a career and something that will be a future for me and my kids and Eric. This will give me a chance to own a company and do something I love. I'm stoked. I'm also super cautious but I'm taking the road less traveled since I've hit the proverbial fork. Actually, I guess in our family this is the road more traveled because my father and sister have done this also.
Our concept is for us to be a package place. Meaning, not only can we do the photography for your wedding (Mark) but we can also do the inviations, set-the-dates, favors, reply cards (Brooke) and videography (freelancers we know). Or, if you're having a charity event, again, we can do invitations, a website, info sheets about the charity, photography at the event including bringing a printer and printing out pics right there. Or, for a store, do you need a logo and a website? Well, we can also take product shots and put them into a catalog or on the web.
Part of this is that I will seek to either finish my degree in Creative Advertising (possible double major in Graphic Design with a minor in Consumer Behaviorism). I have two classes left for my major, that's it. Just Journalism Law (150 court cases to know) and my senior year Campaigns Class (get a real client and do a full campaign, cuz you know, I haven't been doing that the last 5 years
). That's if my college, Drake University, was doing the same program still. But that's almost 10 years ago now But I have almost all my gen eds to do (hello bong hits in college). Or, I will do some major studying and take classes to help me pass the ACEs for Adobe programs. ACE = Adobe Certified Expert and I would do it for the full Creative Suite - photoshop, illustrator, inDesign and Dreamweaver. Possibly Flash too. That is a LOT of work, probably more than just finishing my degree with gen eds. But, finishing my education (either route) is extremely important to me and I will do it whether or not we started this company. It's a goal I have.We had our 1st business meeting yesterday and we are ready to go. First assignments have been handed out and we are on it. Wish us luck!
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