Author Archives: Steve Gordon

About Steve Gordon

Steve Gordon Jr is 'RDQLUS Creative' [http://www.rdqlus.com]; a one-person identity & brand design shop, creative consultant and self-described "independent creative mercenary" with 12+ years in the creative services industry. Well-rounded as a "creative", he also brings pro-level experience in audio production, writing and promotions. RDQLUS Creative work has been featured in many design industry publications and prominent annuals such as LogoLounge, LogoLounge 'Masterwerks' series, 'Logolicious' and 'Best of Business Card Design' series. Steve is the author of '100 Habits for Successful Freelance Designers' (Rockport Publishers), and has presented at national conferences such as the HOW Design Conference, the Creative Freelancer Conference, and regional “Meet the Pros” and BarCamp events.

Post Holiday Call To Action

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Steve Gordon

Rockstar freelancer, Steve Gordon, Jr, shares some simple starter tips you can do to make something—of yourself—this year. Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts, Freelancing, Inspiration, Self-Promotion, Speakers | Tagged | Leave a comment

Do you need inspiration or motivation?

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Steve Gordon

I dropped a few crumbs on my kitchen floor and, sadly, had to guilt myself into picking them up and not just kicking them to the floorboard. I was half a second from copping-out on something as simple and immediate as picking up something I had just dropped. How often have we done this in our careers? Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts, Designers, Inspiration, Sponsors & Partners | Tagged , | 9 Comments

24/7 Creative: Creativity Is Not About Art

Posted on April 14, 2011 by Steve Gordon

Creativity is not—nor has it ever been—about art. Creativity is about the basics of life, the forces that drive us and the solution of problems found blocking our progress. To reference our pre-historic story; if the environment is too harsh—find shelter. Still cold? Make heat. Transportation having a bit of friction? Get rolling. Continue reading →

Posted in Designers, Featured, Illustrators, Inspiration, Photographers, Speakers, Writers | Tagged , | 9 Comments

There’s No Such Thing as Work-Life Balance!

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Steve Gordon

A constant buzz-word/catchphrase in the professional & career self-help realm is, “work-life balance.” Huh? If we break that phrase down, it’s a bit confusing as to why “work” comes before “life” in that coupling. Continue reading →

Posted in Designers, Illustrators, Photographers, Time Management, Work/Life Balance | Tagged , | 1 Comment

What is a 24/7 Creative? (part 1)

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Steve Gordon

Creativity is actually more a part of the life you live than it is a part of the work you do. We are independent creatives, are we not? Then who determined when we should work, when we should play, when we should shut it all down and when we are to be given credit for being “on the clock?” Add to that the fact that we are not all the same. We scream individuality yet act like sheep, following a stale, templated set of actions to be seen as “professionals.” Continue reading →

Posted in Designers, Freelancing, Illustrators, Inspiration, Photographers, Speakers, Time Management, Work/Life Balance | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Copy Shop Couture

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Steve Gordon

So here are a few street-level tips that might help in that process and still allow you to turn out some arse-kickin' work and remain friends with our copy shop brethren. Continue reading →

Posted in Client Relations, Designers, Work/Life Balance | Tagged | Leave a comment

6 Real Networking Tips for 2011

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Steve Gordon

Avoid e-small talk. Avoid the "hey remember me" or "it was really nice to meet you" emails with no real information being passed. After networking or meeting new contacts, not everyone's memory will be as fresh as yours might be. Continue reading →

Posted in Client Relations, Designers, Illustrators, Marketing, Marketing Monday, Photographers, Speakers, Writers | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

The Eyes are the Windows, but How’s the View?

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Steve Gordon

As creative professionals we are very quick on the trigger to fire our opinions and views at projects, clients, even other colleagues. Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

WE are Smarter than ME (part 2)

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Steve Gordon

Your creative collective -- a diverse group of creative and professional individuals -- can function as a living, breathing resource. From action-script, print techniques, or even the how to get eel sauce off of your custom sneakers, the answers you seek or the creative spark you desire could be resting well within your grasp. Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting, Designers, Illustrators, Photographers, Resources, Speakers, Writers | 2 Comments

WE Are Smarter Than ME

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Steve Gordon

Creatives are the coolest “haters” ever. We make nice—or fake nice—with the best of them but often refuse to truly work together even if we actually do work together. Continue reading →

Posted in Connecting, Designers, Freelancing, Illustrators, Marketing, Photographers, Speakers, Writers | Tagged | 5 Comments