#1 Rule. Always act in a professional/polite manner and never burn bridges.

Even if the client is acting rude or really doesn’t know what they’re talking about, you must always act appropriately. Try to make them feel as though the changes/revisions you must implement to fix the design is their idea or make them come to conclusion their idea isn’t right on their own.

For example, if you have to say “no”. Instead of saying “no”, show and explain to them why it doesn’t work. If you can, offer them alternative solutions so you’re not just saying “no”.

Depending on the client you must treat gently or be direct. It’s good to quickly try to assess what type of person your client is and adapt your approach accordingly. Some clients may appreciate your direct approach and how you’re not wasting their time while others have already taken a leap of faith (since design is all alien to them) and don’t want to be push that much more on a subject that already makes them feel lost.

Being a professional carries a lot of weight as well. It gives what you say and what you suggest more power.

Even if you may not feel like a professional, you can act like one:

-By being punctual

-Addressing people correctly, using proper grammar in e-mails

-Dressing appropriately

-Carrying yourself in a confidant way and not talking in a self depreciating manner

-Presenting your work neatly and effectively

-Presenting a contract and invoice.

Proprietorships: No special requirements in most states (in VA, you have to register in county/city and state). Under certain conditions, must apply for Employment Identification # (EIN) with the IRS: [employees, excise tax returns, ATF registration (alcohol, tobacco and firearms), most trusts and estates, Keogh plan holders, other specialized areas]

Pros: easier to start, inexpensive, total control, avoid double taxation

Cons: personal liability, recognition, limited tax deductions, ends with death of owner

Partnerships (general):  formed when 2(+) persons agree to be in business and similar to proprietorships.  The partnership’s profits/losses are transferred to each individual’s tax return via a K-1 statement (usually prepared by accountant) in portion or each partner’s share of the company. Partnership agreements (they can  legally define: % of ownerships, resolution of future disagreements, distribution of salaries and/or profits, dissolution of company, acquisition of partner’s share upon death)

Pros: easy to start, inexpensive, combine talents of all partners, avoids double taxation

Cons: each partner may be personally liable for entire business, limited tax deductions, usually ends with death of owners, disagreements

Corporations: a separate legal entity owned by shareholders:  Must be identified by “Corporation”, “Inc”, “Incorporated” or “Ltd”. Two main types of corporations, the letters “S” or “C” refers to subchapter of the IRS code:

-          S-Corporation: 1 class of stock, no more than 75 shareholders, no double taxation (profits reported at a personal level)

-          C-Corporation: most large corps, may issue multiple classes of stock and have unlimited shareholders. Taxes on business profits may result in double taxation

-          Corporations may switch from ‘S’ to a ‘C’ or vice versa only once in the existence of the company

Corporate structure: shareholders (own stock) > elect board of directors BOD and chair > BOD hires management and set policy > management run day to day operations > company personnel and operations

C-Corp

Pros: separate legal entity (limited liability), credibility, deductable benefits, capital acquisitions, business survives death of owners (stockholders)

Cons: more expensive to start, regulations and requirements, double taxations, may not suit certain types of businesses

S-Corp

Pros: separate legal entity (limited liability), credibility, deductable benefits, no double taxation, capital acquisitions, business survives death of owners (stockholders)

Cons: more expensive to start, regulations and requirements, limited # of stockholders, 1 class of stocks

Limited Liability Companies:  An LLC may have 2(+) members with diff classifications of ownership.  Are governed by operating agreements, which dictate the share of profit or loss, which are not required to equal the % of investment.

-          The Operating Agreement mandates terms of transferability of ownership stakes in the future

                Pros:  combines the benefits that of partnership with those of S corp. Has limit liability/taxed like             a partnership.

Cons:  assuming operation as a company can be compromised if state/federal guidelines are not followed completely= common mistakes-

-          No annual meeting

-          Keeping proper records

-          In completed documentation of corporation

-          Failure to file annual registration

-          Mixing personal and business accounts and finances

-          Fraud or intentional misrepresentation

Project four is really about creativity. I want to see the ultilizing and transforming of space not just slapping up images on all sides of the design. The project has to work as a whole, work in the round and pepared to exist in 3D. Your should NOT look flat nor like it’s been Frankenstiened together.

The bus wrap design should literally wrap around the bus.

As for those of you doing repackaging/improving on designs. Taking a novel approach, and something as common as a juice box can become this:

For more ideas, feel free to look up other fantastic packaging:

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/06/02/beautiful-and-expressive-packaging-design/