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pingping0918 · 6 years ago

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Reflect Blog-tutorial 1

LEAN Business model

For the first time 1:1 tutorial, it is aimed at discussing our preliminary business plan. So, before this tutorial, I start to plan my business through Lean Canvas. In this stage, there is only a vague plan.

Luckily, Lean Canvas is a very useful template to start. According to the different points, I finished the first incomplete version on February 28.

It begun with defining the problem, which based on my observation. However, at this stage, the description about solution is very rough. Apart from these, I was a little confused with some sections such as High-Level concept. So, I had a first tutorial with an incomplete Lean Canvas and some questions.

During this tutorial, Jess gave me lots of advice to further develop this form. The suggestion for defining the more specific targeting customers greatly inspires to form a more concrete business plan. With the help, I created the main second version.

This version basically demonstrates my business idea and helps me to develop my business plan. After finishing business plan, it allows me to update the Lean Canvas. So, the whole process is a continuous iteration.

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pingping0918 · 6 years ago

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Reflective Summary

As developing the business idea, I gradually find the deep connection between everything I learned during the two semesters. Apart from academic abilities, learning process helps us to better realize ourself, explore the world and perceive the present. I vividly remember the first class Jess organized the ‘inventing yourself’ workshop, which encourages us to define ourself. It is very meaningful, because ‘you’ is the key to business success. I am not very good at finance, but it is necessary to jump out my “comfortable living circle” and learn it. With this course, I access to some practical business tools, which help me to develop this skill. However, in order to successfully set up a business, I still have lots of things to learn such as management skills.

Next, I want to discuss a little bit about the thinking process for deeper understanding crafting. The Global Environmental Issues lead a trend of minimalist living style. The fast tempo of life and fierce competition contribute to a growing number of people feeling under stress.

These days, crafting can be self-care and contributes to a zero-waste living. As to the former, mental fitness is the new health and wellness movement, and creativity is the new workout. For the latter, Crafting encourages us to respect the physical object. The stereotype about matter tend to be passive and inactive. However, In book “vibrant matter”, Bennet proposed that there is a capacity of things without human attention. When we try to view the world from the object perspective, everything we encounter, including physical objects and experience will full of vitality. This book broadens and inspires my view for the physical world. It helps me realize that man's arrogance and conceitedness often lead us to overlook the power of matters

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pingping0918 · 6 years ago

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FUNDING

BUSTING THE MYTH ABOUTH FUNDING

You funder is like a client which leads to think why they should spend their money with you.

In terms of government funding, it often for specific purposes to achieve government targets such as cultural projects. If your business goal meets their, there will be more chances to get government funding.

What should do when start a business

1 Create a budget

Sometimes you can start a business with an extremely low budget.

2 get started from own savings or loans from family and friends.

3 Create a business or financial plan based on your actual sales figures.

Start small, start selling and try out for real first

4 Crowdfunding campaign

5 Start selling online with a low budget and begin with a part-time job

Be pro-active, be creative with what your business is about and get some clients – it’s a far easier way to make money than waiting around for funding!

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pingping0918 · 6 years ago

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Week 5 - FINACES & FUNDING & SUPPORT

BUSINESS SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS

ANGEL CRUNCH

http://angelcrunch.com/

It is a platform to help entrepreneur to find the appropriate angel investors and vice versa. In other words, this platform provides a bridge between angel investors and entrepreneurs.

There are three ways provided by this platform: startup listing, online co-invest, private offering. For me, in the initial stage of business, I think the mode of startup listing is more appropriate because the others need to pay the money for the service. In terms of startup listing, with the aim of grab the attention of investors,

Create a page for my business with the information about the startup project.

A roadshow presents the project's business model, products and services to potential investors.

Strike a deal with the contract.

INDIEGOGO

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/aerobook-the-most-affordable-widescreen-laptop#/

Indiegogo is a crowdfunding platform that is equivalent to Kickstarter. The reason why i choose the Indiegogo because this platform is not available in Asian countries. In the indiegogo, entrepreneurs are able to publish the project on the platform and then can raise fundings and support from backers. At the same time, the project will raise awareness among potential customers.

BUSINESS INCUBATOR- LIANG CANG

http://www.liangcang.vc/

Workspace

First, you need to present your project. After selection, it will provide a workspace with a capacity of 10 people for free in the first year.

Funding

Entrepreneurs can gain more opportunities to be supported because there are many startup companies which can attract investors. Meanwhile, you will be supported by the incubator if the project is appreciated

Resources

This platform can help you find more potential customers through social media

There are many information exchange between different companies

This kind of atmosphere pushes each other with encouragement and support

Professional organisations

IXDC

https://ixdc.org/2019/index_en.html

With the aim of proving a communication platform for the designers and entrepreneurs around the world, International conference of experience design is hosted by IXDC ever year.

Participating in different workshops and social activities after becoming a member. In these activities, it will provide chances to communicate with other excellent designers, specialists and professors and find customers, friends and partners.

Taking part in the conference and activities also helps to get in touch with forefront design trends and insights which facilitate own works.

APDF

http://www.iai-ap.org/Federation-Member/Benefits.asp

The Asia Pacific Designers Federation is an interdisciplinary international design organization and Its core members are well-known design masters, experts, scholars and professors from all over the world.

Providing platforms to talk with specialists and professors in different fields enrich knowledge and broaden my horizons.

Free access to many design resources like videos, journals, and design cases etc.

Advertising and promoting of own works and projects on the related social media or forums

Joining IAI Design Awards

CHINA DESIGN CETER

https://www.chinadesigncentre.com/cn/member/join_designer/

The CDC is aimed at creating a design and innovative platform between china and the UK and providing different activities, talks to facilitate deep collaboration and communication.

Sharing work and communicating with the industry leaders

Finding the potential clients and partners

Promoting own brands to wider audiences

Taking part in related activities, talks, exhibitions

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pingping0918 · 6 years ago

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Week 4-selling work

I had some working experience before doing my master degree, such as product designer, visual designer. In general, my background is mainly about product design. Hence, furniture design can be taken into consideration in my future business. Meanwhile, I’m interested in illustration. Because there is a lack of specialized studies, I often do some illustration practices. In my business, being a freelancer illustrator is also part of my business.

I tried to set my own business before came to the UK. There are some experiences.In terms of product design, I got some work opportunities from some online platforms. For example, this is my online shop (the following picture). Some of my works can be displayed on this platform. If clients appreciate my design, they can directly contact me to order.

In terms of illustration, I also upload my illustrations on the online platform which allow people to download it, but they are different platforms. When people download it, I can earn the money.

In china, We Chat enjoys a great popularity almost among the people of all ages. The official Account is a popular platform based on the We Chat which can be equivalent to the personal blog.

Based on the past experience, it shows the values of determination perseverance. For me, actually, i can still develop my online business when i am doing my master degree and make some money. But, there are some excuses to stop it. Starting a business means i need to be my own boss. So it is vital to set clear goals. Generally speaking, making money and explore myself are the two goals. Everything i encounter will help me to become a “new me”. When setting up my business, the cash flow and selling work will be the key.

There was a lack of considering long term goals. In the past, i usually focus on the present aims and neglect what i want to become after 5 years, 10 years, 20 years. So, time schedule should include long term goals as well. But, it also can be flexible.

Some clients/agents/retailers that i can sell my products and services

Directly selling to customers (like a visual shop)

This online platform based on a huge group of clients. If i set up the right Adwords, it will allow more people to find my shop when they browse the website.

Attract potential clients through trade shows (a museum)- more focuses on selling high priced products

Display project in collection store

Fruitmarket Gallery

https://www.likealocalguide.com/edinburgh/fruitmarket-gallery

The gallery is situated close to Waverley Station which promote both international and local artists and it holds yearly student market. So it’s an opportunity to present ideas and works.

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pingping0918 · 6 years ago

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SKILLS

WEEK 3- SKILLS WORKSHOP

If you want to be a good designer and also good at business, only restrict to design field is not enough. Some skills, including soft skills and hard skills are quietly important.

Skills such as critical skills, digital skills and creative thinking skills are essential for a good designer. I am good at creative thinking like idea generation and also digital skills. In terms of some soft skills like social and communication skills, it was a little difficult for me to express myself in a public space and communicate with strangers in first year of college. When i got an internship with a design company, I started to realize communication skill is very important because you need to express your ideas and projects to the clients and audience. So i have developed social skills after that.

Some hard skills like time management is a key point for everyone, not only for designers. I often use some apps to manage time like To do list and Sortime which help me to plan and organize things. However, i used to ignore a different stage plan like one year plan and two year plan and more focus on current time.

My major is product design when i was an undergraduate student. After i graduated, i have some work experience in different types of companies. In the DJI company, i only undertake the work that assigned to me and i can learn from the outstanding colleagues. Compared to the internet startup, there are many different. Apart from design, I need to do many things. For example, contacting clients and factories. I need to be a self-learner because there are only 4 colleagues in the company, including the founder and we are responsible for different fields. I joined in a wood crafts studio when i realize that i lack some practical skills like working with materials. During that time, i became more familiar about the whole process of production and how to turn an idea into the project.

USP-UNIQUE SELLING POINT/ VAULE PREOPOSTION

Crafting studio

Interesting way to kill time and gathering

Making Unique gifts with imagination

Selling own products

Research- similar brand

ZUOWOO

Display and sell own products

Workshop for handmaking

In china, crafting as an activity enjoys a great popularity among the young people. Many people would love to spend some leisure time with friends in a cosy place. This way allows people to enjoy a slow pace of life. In this studio, customer can buy the wood products and make their products.

This studio did not set up website and online shop which result only the local people know this space. If i start my own business like this studio, I would set up online and offline store at the same time. In my case, i need to build a website and post the story related to the shop on weibo, in order to build a stable connection with customers. Meanwhile, i will plan to sell my work also in other collection store to find more potential clients.

YIJIA

This studio is mainly focused on making jewellery. In this studio, there is a space for kids playing. It is very considerate because it allows customers with children also can enjoy in this studio.

In terms of relationship with clients, i found studio can hold some activities with a certain theme. In these activities, they also can bring their friends. In this way, it’s like a promotion of products and brands.

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pingping0918 · 6 years ago

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Inspired Oline Platforms

WEEK 2-5 CREATIVES

Tobias van Schneider

Tobias van Schneider is a multidisciplinary designer & creative director born in Germany, raised in Austria and currently living and working in New York City.He is also the founder of formerly Spotify.

He mainly focuses on Branding, Interactive, product design, but he also tries to use a multi-disciplinary approach in all his projects.

Tobias often displays his projects on the personal website, Behance and dribble. People can directly download some his work through these online platforms. Apart from his design projects, he often writes some interesting topics about his life, for example how to beard (https://medium.com/desk-of-van-schneider/how-to-beard-6e1aa75ec379). Blogs with interesting topics and content can attract people to read it. Hence, it is a good chance to allow more people to know him and become a follower. Moreover, Tobias keeps regularly blogging and updating his work which helps him to build a stable connection with his followers on social media. In a word, he is not only good at design, but also know how to organize social media.

Website https://www.vanschneider.com/

Behance https://www.behance.net/vanschneider/info

Blog https://www.vanschneider.com/blog

Medium https://medium.com/@vanschneider

Dribbble https://dribbble.com/vanschneider

Aeppol

Aeppol is a freelancer illustrator based in Korea. Many of her illustrations are displayed on Grafolio which is a South Korean online platform. On this platform, illustrators can not only display their work, but also can sell circumjacent products such as stickers, postcards. People can buy her illustrated books and calendar through this platform. If people like her illustrations, they can buy her work directly. She owns a large group of fans on this platform. Every Monday and Thursday, she will upload the new illustrations, which allows her followers can regularly browse her website and build a connection.

She also posts her work on Redbubble which more focuses on enabling people to sell products. But in this platform, Aeppol only have 3 followers at present. I guess because many of her fans are Koreans and this platform is not very popular in Korea. In terms of Facebook and Instagram, there are still many followers because these social media are popular around the world.

When I google Aeppol, the first result is Facebook link. I think if she can build a website, people may think she is more professional and reliable.

GRAFOLIO https://www.grafolio.com/creator/detail.grfl?creatorId=bbalgan00

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/illust.aeppol

INSTAGRAM instagram.com/_aeppol

blog.naver.com/bbalgan00

www.pholar.co/my/237970/profile

www.redbubble.com/people/aeppol

https://www.etsy.com/market/aeppol

YINJIULONG

Yinjiulong who is a visual artist based in china.He has been engaged in design for 20 years since 1997. In the past 20 years, he have participated in many exhibitions and exchanges of art and design at home and abroad and been responsible for the image design of many international cultural and art institutions.

At the same time, he participated in the design and promotion of almost all large-scale cultural and artistic activities in Chengdu. To some extent, his design has covered every field of graphic design.

In recent years, Yin jiulong's design and creation began to change from plane to space, product and other multi-dimensional crossover attempts, and tried to break the boundary between art, design and life in a real sense through this way.

In 2012, Yin jiulong set up a company named Artlavie in chengdu which is dedicated to exploring the refinement,combination and innovation of traditional Chinese art and the spirit of modern design.

He has published a book, and sometimes, he shows on the screen and join the TV shows, which allow more people to know him and his design. In general, Yinjiulong is a good designer, a successful entrepreneur and a celebrity in china.

akhttp://www.artlavie.com/

https://twitter.com/yinjiulong

https://www.facebook.com/yinjiulong

In these social media, he likes to post something about his daily life.

Sharon Huang

Sharon huang is a visual development artist. Many of her completed projects are posted on the Behance. She often posts sketches on the tumbler.

Sharon Huang have a account on blogger. On this online platform, people can easily access to different online platforms such as blog, Tumblr, Instagram. It is very convenient for fans.

https://www.behance.net/yhuang14ba0

http://sharonhuangart.blogspot.com/p/portfolio_28.html

http://s-huang.tumblr.com/

https://www.instagram.com/syt_huang/

DONGO

DONGO is an illustrator who comes from China. His illustrations are more likely to document daily life and make it colourful which can warm people.

Dongo is quite popular on Behance and has many followers at present. On the instagram, there are more pictures about his life instead of only his illustrations. He also has own website, but less posts his illustrations.

He has many fans in China. They often follow him on the Weibo and Lofter which are popular social media in China. At present, he doesn’t have a specific online platform to sell his work. However, if people want to work with him, people can directly contact him through this social media.

http://u.jue.so/dongo

https://www.behance.net/10037214442efd

https://www.instagram.com/dongoooooooooo/

https://dribbble.com/DONGO

weibo

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