I am now an independent designer. I spent over 25 years doing inhouse graphics for various companies from Public Relations at Fortune 500's to Retail Catalogs for major Direct Mail firms. But in March of 2003 — after a 1,000 employee company-wide layoff — I became an independent designer.

What to do now? I was nearly catatonic with the fear of being on my own. Thank god I had already become a member of About Graphics forum. The isolation would have been unbearable. But the forum offered camaraderie, advice and ideas on how I could move myself forward instead of sitting in a quagmire of uncertainty. They offered a community in Creative Latitude membership. They offered hope.

How could I market myself and compete with all the big name and established graphics providers in my local market? I can't beat them at their game ... but what about my game? I began marketing what I know how to do well. In my corporate life for a Fortune 500 transportation company, Events Planning and Public Relations was a constant source of activity. And I reasoned ... the target of many cutbacks in work force due to the current economy. But do the graphics needs of these groups just cease to exist with the layoffs? — NO!

I sent self-promotional postcards to every public relations office I could think of in my local market. Companies, Universities, Political Parties, and Advocacy Groups/Organizations. Anyone I could think of that holds Events Planning. I used a very targeted message "Events Planning? Can I help?" I incorporated this message into my Web site. I began branding myself as a Public Relations/Events Planning solution.

I was right. I have had my phone ringing off the hook for such work. Creighton University had a Law School Student Townhomes Dedication, The Democratic Party is sending Direct Mail and Invites to fundraisers, my former employer still needed newsletters.

In the example of Creighton University, the Director of Public Relations made an initial request of 200 sets of Invitations, 2 different RSVPs, a map and an A6 and A2 envelope. By the time we went to print, the quantity had snowballed to 2,000, plus they added a program for the event.

The gratitude of the University turned into another job for the dedication of their new Soccer Stadium and graphics for their Web site. This group is active and busy. The forecast of graphics needs is constant. Also a major benefactor of Creighton University, a bank that has historical ties to this University, has expressed interest in my graphics services.

As I continue to grow my client base to include direct marketing and catalogs, I have to thank About.com's Graphic Design Forum and Creative Latitude for creating an empowering environment for me to launch myself independently and succeed. If you haven't looked at this niche market ... consider it an opportunity rich environment.