I'm a serial procrastinator. I always have been. My Dad always said to me "Always put off what you can easily do today, tomorrow might be too late, right, Chaz?" In the past few years I've made leaps and bounds in learning not to fall into the traps so easily afforded by instant gratification at the sacrifice of work, but it's always a work in progress.

Like a fine chianti with spaghetti, my procrastination also pairs well with a fear of success. At least, that's how I've always defined it. I have had some great ideas and written some great business plans, but just when I'm about to hit the button and let the ideas live, I freeze. I don't know why.

I've been going to therapy for years now for various things in my life, the two aforementioned issues included, and I have spoken with her about this at length. But I had a revelation in the car this morning: I don't have a fear of success, I have a fear of the responsibility of success. I've always said, what if I can't meet demands? What if I dissapoint my customers? What if my great idea isn't as great as it seems? Well, my therapist had a good point: "So what?" It's been said before that you learn more from your mistakes than your successes, so I should embrace those possible stumbles and falls and take them as a learning opportunity.

What seems like an obvious correlation in writing never really connected in my head and how it feels like I've just dropped a medicine ball I never knew I was holding. Being a freelancer in the design and advertising business obviously requires a great deal of responsibility, as does living on your own and being independent, but taking on a responsibility for other peoples' satisfaction is never something I considered, nor wanted, admittedly. Of course, this is unavoidable in the my business and being an entrepreneur.

Now that I've identified the problem, I can lay to rest many of my insecurities, throw those hurdles to the sidelines, move ahead with my life and career, and stop putting my great ideas on the back-burner.

Labels: freelance, life, personal

I know you have all missed me, I haven't posted on this blog in a while. I've been extremely busy with a myriad of projects and even a trip back up to Philly. Plus, having a girlfriend means I don't have my evenings to myself anymore. That's a good thing, I'm not complaining!

So, without further ado, here's the news:

I Moved to Orlando, Fl

I love Philly, I really do, but after 10 years of living in the north, I'm more than a little sick of winter. Before you start calling me a southerner, or saying things about me having thin blood, let me clarify. I don't HATE winter, I just wish it would last a few months shorter. In a perfect world, I would move down here for three or four months until the snow and bitter cold subsided. Too bad I'm not rich or I'd seriously consider it.

It's not all mouse ears and hot summers, my parents live down here, many of my clients are down here and my girlfriend likes Florida much better than the North. So far we're happy, but if anything changes, we'll let you know!


I'm Switching To WordPress.
I've had this blog with Blogger.com since the beginning, but honestly I'm getting sick of the lack of options, the not so great template system and simply put, I've found something better. I'll be posting a longer list of reasons soon.


New Clients + Work
Since moving down here, my work schedule has picked up. I'll be posting updates on this as well.

Labels: freelance, life, personal, travel

In a search for a project management system that would help me to better inform my clients, keep them in constant contact and allow them to see exactly where the project is, as well as keep track of deadlines and files, I've found my solution: Basecamp.

It's built by 37 Signals who also make some great small business software, not all of it I need. It's a great system and really easy to use. It's making my client interaction and explaining the process of design and advertising much less nebulous for my clients, and helping to keep the project on task and schedule.

If you're interested to see how it works, become a client and get a free* demo.

*sort of

Labels: consulting, freelance

I've added several new pieces into the portfolio section of this site. Check out the case studies, Phoenix Retail LLC branding, and the Aesthetic Apparel, One Neighborhood (designed with GiantSky Advertising), Adrienne Live and Kelly True websites as well.

I'm adding a few more projects soon as well soon, so stay tuned! I also might have some other news to post soon.

Labels: consulting, freelance, portfolio

So this project I've been so secretive about is turning out to be a lot more fun and interesting than I had expected, not to mention bigger.

I am helping to rebrand a company (I still can't tell you which yet). I am working on the identity, signage, print work and even the website. It's a really exciting brand and I can't wait to show it.

Labels: consulting, freelance, portfolio

I'm excited to be working with a new client on some really fun work. I will post pictures and information when I can.

Labels: freelance

Welcome to my new portfolio site. The end of 2006 and beginning of 2007 have proven to be great times in my life. Among other things, I've been consulting at Sudler & Hennessey in New York, and I'm wrapping up another piece of marketing for the investment real estate company Pocklington, Pocklington and Forster. I've picked up a client in Las Vegas and just picked up my first international client, whatabout2night.com.

In more personal news, I'm finishing up the new catalog and website for my clothing company, Aesthetic Apparel of Philadelphia and expanding the business a bit.

I am currently accepting all new projects, so email or call me with yours.

Labels: aesthetic, consulting, freelance, personal, portfolio