Anyway on to the main event, the prize packs. I am primarily a graphic designer so I’m going to throw my name out for that pack…

I’m not going to claim any serious financial or personal hardships, nor tell you that I’m such a talent that I’m somehow owed this stuff. Instead here’s what I have to say..

I started MarTeeny Designs as a side business once I discovered I had a growing talent for it. I taught myself out of necessity as my employer at the time asked me to make cd covers & such for in-house media kits. Frustrated by the low-end limited software they had I decided I would delve into the world of Adobe software and I fumbled through the software until I got the hang of it, asking friends who were in similar field for tips along the way. In doing this I uncovered a secret talent of mine I didn’t know I could do, but more than that a joy. I really liked discovering this creative energy I had inside.
I was asked by a friend to help out with non-profit’s event flier. So I did and they loved it. I was so overcome by knowing I had not only given something to the community that would help, but that it was somehow personal and meaningful on a different level than just giving away cash (which is also a wonderful thing to do!!) I realized that this was something I really wanted to pursue.
2 years ago I officially started the busines and have since thoroughly enjoyed helping businesses achieve their professional goals by using meaningful, effective (& beautiful) design work. I never claim to be the best or even fantastic - I’ve never been good a tooting my own horn and I don’t know if I deserve to - but I enjoy what I do and my clients seem to love & appreciate it as well.
I work full time in addition to this to support myself (I live alone, unmarried, etc) so going full-time w/the freelance business is not an option for me. I enjoy my stability, but I also don’t ever want to give up on the designing because of the joy and sense of accomplishment it brings me.
As I said before I taught myself and working full time doesn’t leave a lot of time for me to attend classes & seminars. I use my business money to put back into the business - printing collatoral and stuff like that which I find to be more important rather than buying myself toys & books. But I realize that I could use some extras.

So that’s why I could really make use of and enjoy the prize pack. I thank you for reading it and I apologize that it was so lengthy (I intended on something much shorter) I would be honored and excited to receive it but I’m sure there are also several others like me who feel the same. May the winners truly treasure the gifts.

Thanks again FSW! Rock on!

*I just attempted to typeset this post.

A day late and a dollar short. “A day late”: 7 days would have put the contest to be over yesterday, but I didn’t see any winners announced so why not. “and a dollar short”: doesn’t that seem to always be the case with those of us in the freelance market.

And any tools that I can add to my arsenal to increase my productivity and without having to spend cash is always a good thing.

I would love to receive the Web Coder’s Prize-Pack because I am 16-years-old and have started a company with my mother doing exactly that - web coding. The tools that come with the prize pack would help us enormously by allowing us to get on our feet with a nice suite of tools and expand our knowledge.

Thank you so very much for this opportunity, Freelance Switch! I love all of the articles you post - they are always informative!

–
Michael