I had such an amazing, inspiring, and fun time at Alt Summit last week! It certainly gave me some extra kick in the pants to revisit some new plans for my business this year. Ever since launching the Rx consulting branch of my business back last year, I've had the chance to work one-on-one with over 50 small business owners all over the country looking for extra guidance in growing their businesses and brands. I had such a great time at our Alt Summit roundtable last week, that I began brainstorming ways to be able to interact with more of you. So I'm excited about extending the Rx branch and developing a series of local LA workshops and lectures on various small business & design topics that can be covered in a small group setting.
So, I'd love to hear from you…what kind of workshops would you be more interested in? Possible topics could include: freelancing {getting clients, what to charge, building your portfolio}, having a product line {conceptualizing/editing your collection, wholesale/retail, prepping for trade shows}, time management & work/life balance, marketing & social media, as well as technical design workshops like how to create a pattern in repeat in Illustrator, etc. If you're located in LA, I'm especially interested to hear if you'd be interested in these in-person workshops and what topics specifically you'd attend. Please leave a comment below with any and all design/creative/business topics you'd love to learn more about in my future workshops {and if you're not local, would still love your feedback in case we bring the workshops to your city one day!}. Thanks guys! — Joy
{Postcard image from Card Cow}
Joy, this is such an amazing idea! I only wish I lived closer to be able to attend the workshops!
Hi Joy! You were so great at Alt this past weekend (I was so sad I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself and say hi!). I loved your talks!
I would LOVE any of these workshops. I know that I would love to hear more about how to develop one’s brand, start one’s business…and personally, I would SO appreciate technical workshops (because I’m not computer-savvy at all), like with Illustrator and Photoshop and even HTML design.
Can’t wait for these workshops to open! 🙂 I’d definitely attend!!
What a great idea! I, too, wish I lived closer. 🙁
It’d be AMAZING if you could record your workshops, so those of us who don’t live anywhere near LA could listen in.
That post card is priceless!!!
When are you going to come to NY???
If I lived near you, a class in time management would be helpful. I think it is so hard sometimes not get obsessed with one thing and then you take a look at the clock and the whole day is gone. That is where I would cast my vote!!
Cheers!!
I also hope I live nearby… Is it also possible if you’ll have an online workshop? I would love to know about the pattern on illustrator. And having a product line…
April
So, so, so excited. I’m in San Diego, but would happily drive up for a great event. Every topic you mentioned would be fabulous, but I think in addition to those (and the time management one mentioned), I’d add that I’d love to discuss how to streamline my ideation process so I essentially ‘get to the good stuff’ faster… less of the meandering, second-guessing phase would be good with the time constraints we have at my agency. Ultimately, some sort of workshop about refining ideation & process work to improve efficiency would be great.
Oh, Yay!
I would certainly attend these classes if I lived in the area. I would love for you to consider bringing your workshops/classes to Austin, TX! I would be there in a heartbeat. I would be interested in both the business portion of what to charge etc. and the technical portion- ie learning to create repeat patterns in illustrator.
Hi Joy! As an LA blogger/interior designer/Oh Joy fan, I’d love something like this. I spoke to you after your product based business panel at the LTD expo – this kind of this would be great.
Here’s what I’d be interested in:
having a product line
marketing & social media
technical design workshops – like how to create a pattern in repeat in Illustrator, etc.
(I’m already familiar with Illustrator/Photoshop, so I’d prefer something for people who already know the programs)
I’d also love some sort of monthly lunch/gathering for blogger/designers/creative freelancers that maybe has a loose topic for discussion – what do you think?
This is an awesome idea! Maybe you could record the workshops and post the videos online for out-of-towners.
Thanks Carolyn!
For those of you who are not local, I am definitely working on some other ideas for ways we can do them online as well! 😉
Keep the feedback comin!
Joy
The question is really what wouldn’t I be interested in? Although I am not in LA I travel to the West Coast at least once a year and would come any time to attend a Camp Joy workshop! I would be interested in all of the topics you mentioned in your post. I feel like a little sponge trying to soak up everything I can and learn, learn, learn. Please keep us posted! Brilliant ideas here, Joy!
Can’t wait to hear more about Alt 🙂
The question is really what wouldn’t I be interested in? Although I am not in LA I travel to the West Coast at least once a year and would come any time to attend a Camp Joy workshop! I would be interested in all of the topics you mentioned in your post. I feel like a little sponge trying to soak up everything I can and learn, learn, learn. Please keep us posted! Brilliant ideas here, Joy!
Can’t wait to hear more about Alt 🙂
The question is really what wouldn’t I be interested in? Although I am not in LA I travel to the West Coast at least once a year and would come any time to attend a Camp Joy workshop! I would be interested in all of the topics you mentioned in your post. I feel like a little sponge trying to soak up everything I can and learn, learn, learn. Please keep us posted! Brilliant ideas here, Joy!
Can’t wait to hear more about Alt 🙂
The question is really what wouldn’t I be interested in? Although I am not in LA I travel to the West Coast at least once a year and would come any time to attend a Camp Joy workshop! I would be interested in all of the topics you mentioned in your post. I feel like a little sponge trying to soak up everything I can and learn, learn, learn. Please keep us posted! Brilliant ideas here, Joy!
Can’t wait to hear more about Alt 🙂
The question is really what wouldn’t I be interested in? Although I am not in LA I travel to the West Coast at least once a year and would come any time to attend a Camp Joy workshop! I would be interested in all of the topics you mentioned in your post. I feel like a little sponge trying to soak up everything I can and learn, learn, learn. Please keep us posted! Brilliant ideas here, Joy!
Can’t wait to hear more about Alt 🙂
The question is really what wouldn’t I be interested in? Although I am not in LA I travel to the West Coast at least once a year and would come any time to attend a Camp Joy workshop! I would be interested in all of the topics you mentioned in your post. I feel like a little sponge trying to soak up everything I can and learn, learn, learn. Please keep us posted! Brilliant ideas here, Joy!
Can’t wait to hear more about Alt 🙂
The question is really what wouldn’t I be interested in? Although I am not in LA I travel to the West Coast at least once a year and would come any time to attend a Camp Joy workshop! I would be interested in all of the topics you mentioned in your post. I feel like a little sponge trying to soak up everything I can and learn, learn, learn. Please keep us posted! Brilliant ideas here, Joy!
Can’t wait to hear more about Alt 🙂
The question is really what wouldn’t I be interested in? Although I am not in LA I travel to the West Coast at least once a year and would come any time to attend a Camp Joy workshop! I would be interested in all of the topics you mentioned in your post. I feel like a little sponge trying to soak up everything I can and learn, learn, learn. Please keep us posted! Brilliant ideas here, Joy!
Can’t wait to hear more about Alt 🙂
would love info about having a product line, growing a brand, standing out among other great brands, and marketing. i don’t live in la, but would totally travel to attend a small workshop 🙂
You know, there’s so much I could benefit from that I would definitely be interested in several of the topics you gave as example … marketing/social media, technical design, etc.
letterpress and the creative/business side of building an online product line..
of course a workshop on how you keep up with so many beautiful, fun and inspiring aspects of your business! =)
freelancing and building up a business. keeping motivated and finding projects when work is slow. keeping up with the industry.
i’m in LA, would love to attend.
Yes to online workshops! I would totally attend.
Hi Joy!
I live in LA.. and would definitely attend. I’m interested in…
freelancing full time, building clients, spreading the word, reaching out to my network..
(I maintain a small client list now of regulars and balance it with my full time design job.. would prefer to freelance from home full time)
I’ve also considered turning my freelance into a design agency. I have a network of artists I’ve worked with on different projects and I’m wondering if maybe I should make it a goal to turn into an agency that provides print/pattern, graphics, and illustration. So pricing, taxes, trade shows and various costs involved in all of that would be a huge question for me.
I design in apparel, home and stationery. I also specialize in licensed art.
Looking forward to your workshop!!!
Yes, yes, yes and yes! I live in LA and would LOVE some workshops! I’m just starting out w/ blogging, but have been a professional interior designer for over 5 years now. I need to learn more about production specifically, but anything really…and would love to have the opportunity to meet more people in the biz to do more collaborative work.
P.s. I do have a bunch of friends that I’m sure would be interested as well!
i would love to be apart of these! i’ve enjoyed reading your book! it would be a great way to elaborate on some of your personal work experiences/advice & friends that we always see on your site. whether it’s about graphics /design/fashion perhaps a Q/A with a select panel, which would make it a great opportunity for newbies to network & gain confidence! love all the work you do!
I was just wondering if there was anything like this in LA.
I think it’d be a great idea and place to meet people. You could have different groups, split up by topics.
Blogging
Branding/products
product photography
reaching new audiences/customer base
Where and what to spend money on
I’d love to help any way I can- I’ve done quite a few craft fairs and have been successful. Though I’m not an expert I’d be happy to talk about my experiences and give my two cents on do’s and don’ts of craft fairs.
I would definitely be interested though also a reader from New York. Personally I’ve been looking to shift more to freelancing my graphic design work but also want to incorporate my craftier side. Working on those two simultaneously seems like a daunting task – though exciting.
Sharing some knowledge, experience would be greatly appreciated. Online workshop for sure, and/or trip to NY!
I’m an LA local and would love to be a part of a workshop / mentorship program. I was also able to attend some of ALT and was super inspired to learn more. I would be interested in seeing some of the following workshops developed
Developing a product line / paper goods workshop that gives you tips on creating and designing invitations, cards, calendars, business cards, art prints, journals, etc. I would also be really helpful if you could offer info on printing options and online or local printing resources.
Learning to create a pattern would be a great workshop and I would love to see you address small and large scale techniques. I’d be especially interested in learning about where to get fabric or large scale prints/wallpaper produced.
I would love more info on freelancing and how to manage clients / client expectations. I feel like trying to get someone to define their need/want can be hard, and would also love info about staying on deadline, soliciting client approval, collaborating with other designers and artists and working with printers.
I also think there can never be enough workshops on designing a killer website. Mine sucks and I’m sure that there are tons of other people would would jump at the chance to learn from you.
Hopefully you can try out teaching some local classes and maybe develop an curriculum that also works for online classes so others can participate.
Susan
P.S. sorry about the obnoxiously long comment.
I am in Sydney, but all these topics sound of interest to me. I plan on doing more freelancing and making it my fulltime job as well as starting a small business with printed goods.
Hi Joy!
This is a fantastic idea! One of my goals this year is to better balance everything I am trying to tackle in my day to day… work, life, exercise, fun. Mores specifically, within the “work” sector, I am trying to balance design time, marketing my new biz, keeping up with clients, reading and participating online in social media and the blogosphere. Thus, I would be interested in learning some time management techniques and most likely other topics like social media and marketing.
Hi Joy, I live in LA and have been a long-time reader of your blog, but I’m not a designer. So I’m not sure any of the specific workshops you listed would be geared towards non-designer folks like me. But like so many others who read your blog and are passionate about design, I’d always be interested in attending a luncheon with rotating guests as speakers, or even a panel, and then an opportunity to network afterward.
I live in LA and I am SO down. Any and all topics, they sound great. An opportunity to network and brainstorm with people would be wonderful.
I am currently living in Las Vegas, but would definitely make the trek to attend one of your workshops in LA. I work full time as a designer for a non-profit, but would eventually like to branch out into freelance full time.
I personally would love to see these topics:
freelancing
having a product line
technical design workshops
So many designers, myself included, look up to you. I would love to know more about how you do it, but I have been too timid and don’t have the financial resources to seek you out for a one-on-one Rx. Camp Joy is the perfect opportunity for us! On top of all of that, it would allow an opportunity to get to know other designers.
I hope this comes to fruition in some form because I am stoked just thinking about how cool this could be!
hi joy!!
would you ever consider doing a very basic on-line tutorial on how to start a blog geared towards (those of us)who are mid-40’s and up and just need a successful blogger to give us a little (non-judgemental) help??
thanks!
nanne
Creating and streamlining product lines would be tops on my list, but I’d be intrigued to know about any workshops you devise. And I love that you’re now in LA because, as I’m sure you’ve discovered, we Angelenos rarely leave a 30 mile radius unless it’s for vacation.
I would love to learn more about product design, logos, graphics, icons. How to come up with a logo to help convey the meaning of the company, tips and tricks of design, how to keep things simple, etc.
Thanks!
I’m sad I missed Alt Summit. I’d love to go to your workshop if you ever did one near Salt Lake.
I love Marketing workshops.
This is really exciting! I would be interested in…
starting & building up a business
marketing & social media
Thanks and I can’t wait for the first class. I am SO there!
Samantha
Oh gosh I would love to be able to attend one of your workshops!!!
I live in Denver, but would love to gain your insight on how to start a product line and better use social media. I follow your blog every week. It’s a bright spot in my day!
I’ve had my business for 14 years and done very well, but after 20 years as a designer, I’m at the “been there, done that” point of my career and need a larger part of my day devoted to fun, fun, fun. I’ve got a lot of products developed (client promos) but am stumped on how to move forward with them while doing all the regular work that pays the mortgage.
It would be great to bring you to Denver for our AIGA chapter as a guest speaker. (I need to pick up your book!)
I live in Australia but would LOVE to beable to join in… so I think I will join in with the masses of others who would really apreciate some kind of recording or online version?
I’d attend all of the above, and I’d even drive in from Phoenix to attend. I’m always looking for a reason to visit LA! 🙂
An online workshop would also be amazing!
hi joy, i am an LA resident and would be very interested in attending a workshop. I am an interior designer and I have worst time marketing myself. Marketing is my weakness. Anything you can touch upon marketing would do wonders as well as business stuff would be big for me, ie, setting up an LLC, attaining business licenses, etc. etc. Cant wait for your first workshop!
I’m in LA and would love to attend these workshops! I’m a freelance graphic designer and would love to know how to build my business, get more clients, refine the designing process with clients, how to market and sell products, and get a fresh perspective on the design industry, also need CSS help with customizing my blog/website!
Thanks! And looking forward to these workshops!
I’m in San Diego and would gladly drive up for a workshop. I do letterpress. My interests would be in how to expand production from just myself to finding vendors to produce, for example, wallpaper, fabric, ceramics, etc. Also, I would like to meet people to collaborate with on a one-time project that I might not do on my own.
Hello!
i’m in San Diego, and just trying to spread my creative wings business-wise. I don’t know what I don’t know, so I would welcome any help!
Hello!
i’m in San Diego, and just trying to spread my creative wings business-wise. I don’t know what I don’t know, so I would welcome any help!
Hello!
i’m in San Diego, and just trying to spread my creative wings business-wise. I don’t know what I don’t know, so I would welcome any help!
Hello!
i’m in San Diego, and just trying to spread my creative wings business-wise. I don’t know what I don’t know, so I would welcome any help!
Hello!
i’m in San Diego, and just trying to spread my creative wings business-wise. I don’t know what I don’t know, so I would welcome any help!
Hello!
i’m in San Diego, and just trying to spread my creative wings business-wise. I don’t know what I don’t know, so I would welcome any help!
Hello!
i’m in San Diego, and just trying to spread my creative wings business-wise. I don’t know what I don’t know, so I would welcome any help!
Hello!
i’m in San Diego, and just trying to spread my creative wings business-wise. I don’t know what I don’t know, so I would welcome any help!
Darling:
That is the marvelous idea of helping other to success.
Love you.
mom
Joy! this is so exciting!! Please keep me posted!
Joy! this is so exciting!! Please keep me posted!
Joy! this is so exciting!! Please keep me posted!
Joy! this is so exciting!! Please keep me posted!
Joy! this is so exciting!! Please keep me posted!
Joy! this is so exciting!! Please keep me posted!
Joy! this is so exciting!! Please keep me posted!
Joy! this is so exciting!! Please keep me posted!
Hello! I live close and would definitely be interested in your workshops! The ones that were calling my name: freelancing, having a product line, and more!
Your blog is lovely! xo
Hi!
This is a fabulous idea. I live here in LA too and would love to attend one ( or more) of your workshops.
I’d be interested in freelancing full time and building up my portfolio.
Best, Jill
yes! love it! i’d travel for product line + marketing!
All of these ideas sound great, and I am so excited they will be close to home! I would love to learn more in Illustrator, as well as how to start freelancing.
A workshop on getting your product out there, finding sources for products, and how to market would be amazing. I can’t wait!
I don’t live in LA, but would love to participate if you could do some sort of webcast? This sounds fantastic!
hi joy! topics i’m interested in are marketing/press, press kits, and building contacts. i hope this works out.
Hi Joy! Workshop sounds like a fantastic idea! I would be interested in topics such as freelancing and time management! Technical design workshop like you mentioned sounds interesting as well!
First order of business, a little gushing – you’re amazing, and I love your blog and design work.
I would attend any workshop you hosted. All of the topics you mention sound great. In addition, I would greatly benefit from a workshop on blogging (launching a blog, building readership, developing unique content…).
I agree with mom – your benevolence is awesome. 🙂
Thanks everyone for your super helpful and kind feedback!
Ill plan to kick off a few local workshops soon for those of you in the LA area (or within reasonable traveling distance)…and then Ill figure out if we can somehow bring the workshops virtually to those not in the area.
Those of you who showed interest, will get an email from me when were ready!
Thanks again..this has been super helpful, and Im looking forward to it!
Joy
Even though I have already done an Rx session with you, I would totally come to your workshops! Can’t wait!
Hi Joy! I’m also an RX client and would definitely love to attend (several) workshops! really interested in freelance/product consultation and technical tips. I also really like the idea of small group sessions and a chance to meet others with similar goals!
Hi Joy!
I think the idea of worshops is great, as so many of us juggle trying to pay the bills, while building up our product/design etc business on the side, and don’t always know where to go for guidance, and sometimes just go at it alone. There’s no wrong or right way for any of us to start a small business, and it can be so overwhelming, since we’re all on the quest for the elusive toolbook of our dreams.
But it’s nice to have place where we can network, share tips, learn a fee things, and see actual human beings every so often. A creative biz salon!
I know that it would be great to learn more about:
the boring business side, which is so crucial
work life balance
resources for outsouring (what issues or work is not worth us killing ourselves over, and is best left to others)
financing your growth without going into debt
expanding product lines/pricing
wholesaling/reps
social marketing/blogging
publishing
dealing with creative blocks/burnout
That’s my two cents.
Thanks Joy, love to attend one of your workshops soon!
Hi Joy,
I’m not in LA, but I would love an excuse to come and visit, especially if you held workshops during the winter months.
I would be most interested in “intermediate” type workshops, for people who already have a product-based business, but want to take it to the next level.
Maybe even something collaborative, where you lead a group of moderately experienced business ladies to new insights and inspiration for their branding, marketing, etc.
Please keep me posted, love the idea!
I’m getting to this topic a little late, but I wanted to chime in — I would love a workshop on product design/packaging with tips on how to find manufacturers and sourcing. Can’t wait to see where you go with these topics. 🙂
I live In ny and would love to attend workshops even if is virtually.
I live in LA and would definitely be interested in attending one of your workshops! I would be interested in:
Blog maintenance (i.e. how to stop spam comments, easiest way to introduce advertising, essentials that every blog needs, etc.)
Content resources (how do you find all this amazing stuff?! I am doing all right in collecting ideas, but some of your posts are so perfectly put together – how do you do it?)
Scheduling time (balancing life, work & blogging so that none of them suffers for the other).
Thanks and looking forward to it!!!
I’ve been looking for a wordpress blog class in LA for awhile. I really wish someone offered it.
I, too, would love to see these recorded for those of us not in LA. Although! I would definitely consider heading down for one of these, since I’m in San Francisco. Can’t wait to see which one you schedule first!
I don’t live in LA but would be very interested in online workshops … specifically around marketing and kind of ‘how to keep a line of work cohesive’.
Count me in for your workshops here in LA!
Interested in freelancing {getting clients, what to charge, building your portfolio, as well as marketing and social media.
I’m sure I could learn from many others as well.
This is such a great idea and I look forward to it!!!
Hi Joy, Don’t you have any online course??? I love your site!! Bye