FORMING A SMALL BUSINESS

January 24, 2024 / William Burrell Philpot IV

Starting a Small Business: From Idea to Launch [Entrepreneurship]

Starting a small business is an exciting journey that can lead to financial independence and personal fulfillment. Whether you have a unique business idea or a passion you want to turn into a profit, this blog post will guide you through the essential steps to take your idea from concept to reality.

1. Idea Generation and Validation

The first step is to identify a business idea that aligns with your interests, skills, and market demand. Conduct market research to validate your idea and ensure there is a demand for your product or service. Seek feedback from potential customers to refine your concept.

2. Business Plan

A solid business plan is your roadmap to success. Outline your business goals, target audience, competition analysis, and financial projections. Your plan should also include strategies for marketing, operations, and growth.

3. Legal Structure and Registration

Choose the legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. Register your business with the appropriate government authorities, obtain necessary licenses and permits, and ensure compliance with local regulations.

4. Financing Your Business

Determine how you'll finance your business. Explore options like personal savings, loans, grants, or investors. Create a detailed budget that covers startup costs, ongoing expenses, and a financial cushion for unforeseen challenges.

5. Branding and Identity

Develop a strong brand identity that reflects your business values and appeals to your target audience. This includes designing a memorable logo, creating a website, and establishing a presence on social media.

6. Product or Service Development

If your business involves offering a product, manufacture or source your inventory. If it's a service-based business, define your service offerings and pricing structure. Ensure your product or service is of high quality and meets customer expectations.

7. Marketing and Promotion

Create a marketing strategy to attract customers. Utilize both online and offline marketing channels, such as social media, content marketing, email marketing, and traditional advertising. Build a strong online presence to reach a wider audience.

8. Operations and Logistics

Set up the necessary operations for your business, including inventory management, supply chain, customer service, and logistics. Implement efficient processes to streamline your operations and minimize costs.

9. Legal and Financial Management

Establish a system for legal and financial management. Keep accurate records of income and expenses, pay taxes on time, and consider hiring an accountant or using accounting software to maintain financial transparency.

10. Launch and Growth

Launch your business with a well-executed marketing campaign. Gather feedback from early customers and make necessary adjustments. Focus on continuous improvement and scaling your business as it grows.

11. Customer Relationship Management

Build strong relationships with your customers. Provide excellent customer service, seek feedback, and consider loyalty programs to retain and attract repeat business.

12. Adapt and Innovate

Stay adaptable and open to change. The business landscape is dynamic, and successful businesses evolve with market trends and customer preferences.

Starting a small business is a rewarding endeavor that requires dedication, hard work, and resilience. While challenges may arise, a well-thought-out plan and a passion for your business can lead to success. So, take that first step towards entrepreneurship and turn your business idea into a reality.

Join us tomorrow for our Thursday blog post, where we'll delve into "The Power of Visual Storytelling: Design Principles for Effective Branding."

With all the above said, there’s one or two more aspects that are KEY to starting a business. These keys are more critical and crucial to starting a business—a business that has the potential to become long-lasting and successful. Click here to learn!

For The Circle Members, see this article for more meaningful and impactful information.

*The Circle Members must login to see exclusive and private members-only posts.

FORMING A SMALL BUSINESS - THE FEED - LIAM IAN-BUSINESS™

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SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

January 23, 2024 / William Burrell Philpot IV

Photography Tips: Capturing Stunning Shots with Your Smartphone

In today's digital age, almost everyone carries a powerful camera in their pocket – their smartphone. With the right techniques and a little creativity, you can capture breathtaking photos that rival those taken with professional cameras. In this blog post, we'll share some essential photography tips to help you elevate your smartphone photography game.

1. Clean Your Lens

It may sound simple, but it's often overlooked. The lens of your smartphone can accumulate fingerprints and smudges, affecting photo quality. Before you start shooting, wipe your lens clean with a microfiber cloth or lens cleaning solution to ensure clarity.

2. Use Natural Light

Good lighting is the foundation of great photography. Whenever possible, opt for natural light. Shoot during the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—when the sunlight is soft and warm. Avoid harsh midday sunlight, as it can create harsh shadows.

3. Composition Matters

Pay attention to composition. Use the rule of thirds by dividing your frame into a 3x3 grid and placing your subject along these lines or at the intersections. Experiment with angles, leading lines, and framing to create visually appealing shots.

4. Focus and Exposure Control

Most smartphone cameras allow you to tap on the screen to set the focus and exposure point. Use this feature to ensure your subject is in focus and properly exposed. You can also lock the focus and exposure by pressing and holding on the screen.

5. Use HDR Mode

High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode is excellent for capturing scenes with a wide range of light and shadow. It combines multiple exposures to create a balanced image. Experiment with HDR mode in situations with challenging lighting.

6. Experiment with Apps

Expand your photography capabilities by exploring camera apps with manual settings. These apps allow you to adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, giving you more control over your shots.

7. Portrait Mode and Bokeh Effect

If your smartphone has a portrait mode, use it for stunning depth-of-field effects. It blurs the background, making your subject stand out. Experiment with this mode for portrait shots and close-ups.

8. Editing Tools

Editing can enhance your photos further. Use photo editing apps to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness. But remember, less is often more. Avoid excessive editing for a natural look.

9. Avoid Digital Zoom

Digital zoom can reduce image quality. Instead of zooming in, physically move closer to your subject. This will result in sharper, more detailed photos.

10. Practice and Patience

Like any skill, smartphone photography improves with practice. Take your time, experiment with different settings, and learn from your shots. Don't be afraid to take multiple photos of the same subject to find the best one.

With these tips in mind, you can take your smartphone photography to the next level. Remember that photography is not just about the equipment; it's about your creativity and how you see the world through your lens. So, grab your smartphone and start capturing stunning shots today.

Join us tomorrow for our Wednesday blog post, where we'll explore "Starting a Small Business: From Idea to Launch."

PHOTOGRAPHY - THE FEED - LIAM IAN-BUSINESS™

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categories / 2024, Photography, Photography As Art, Photography Projects, Portrait Photography
tags / Smartphone, Photography, Smartphone Photography, Tips, Smartphone Photography Tips, Smartphone Tips, Photography Tips, Photography Innovation

LIAM IAN MEDIA

January 22, 2024 / William Burrell Philpot IV

VIDEOGRAPHY, FILMING & DIGITAL STORYTELLING

As we further our discussions and activities in Art, Design and Photography, we’re also finally stepping out and up into the phase of who we are for the Art of Storytelling.

Thru the use of different mediums, tools and platforms, we’ll be developing IP that works to continue our interest and commitment to serving People of Color, Ethnicity and Culture. As many have already mastered the forms of videography and filmmaking for profound, impactful and effective storytelling, we’re taking our time. Our journey is one of ideas and concepts first to be realized in very static product-like forms and now we’re to go to the next level.

Designed and specialized for our YouTube Channel, we’re looking to bring information to the forefront that might help Black and Brown people step powerfully and confidently into the Future.

Slated to begin in June, we’ll be looking to develop a variety of dynamic stories to tell and media to associate with other custom IP and products.

LIAM IAN MEDIA™ - THE FEED

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categories / YOUTUBE, Project Announcement, Photography As Art, Photography Projects, LIAM IAN MEDIA, Videography, LIAM IAN YOUTUBE, LIAM IAN YT CHANNEL
tags / LIAM IAN MEDIA, Photography Quarter, Photography Quarter Activities, 3rd Quarter, 3rd Quarter Activities, 4th Quarter, 4th Quarter Activities, Videography, Filming, Filmmaking, Storytelling

ART & AI

January 22, 2024 / William Burrell Philpot IV

The Artistic Potential of AI: From Generative Art to AI-Enhanced Creativity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transcending boundaries and making a profound impact on various industries, including the art world. In recent years, AI has emerged as a powerful tool for artists and designers, opening new horizons of creativity and artistic expression. In this blog post, we'll explore how AI is revolutionizing the art scene, from generative art to AI-enhanced creativity.

Generative Art: Redefining the Creative Process

Generative art is a genre of art that relies on algorithms and computational processes to create unique pieces of artwork. AI-driven algorithms, often referred to as "neural networks," can generate stunning visual and audio compositions. These algorithms analyze vast datasets and patterns, allowing them to produce art that is both innovative and captivating.

One of the most famous examples of generative art is the "DeepDream" algorithm developed by Google. DeepDream takes ordinary images and transforms them into surreal, dream-like creations. Artists have embraced this technology to infuse their work with a touch of the unexpected and imaginative.

AI-Enhanced Creativity: A Collaborative Approach

AI is not just about machines creating art independently. It's also about collaboration between human artists and AI-powered tools. Creative software like Adobe's "Sensei" and AI-enhanced design platforms empower artists and designers to push the boundaries of their own creativity.

These tools can assist artists in various ways:

Suggesting color palettes and design elements.
Enhancing photo retouching and manipulation.
Generating complex patterns and textures.
Automating repetitive tasks, allowing artists to focus on the conceptual aspects of their work.

The Intersection of Art and Technology

The fusion of art and technology has given rise to groundbreaking interactive installations, digital sculptures, and virtual reality experiences. Artists are using AI to create immersive and thought-provoking art installations that engage viewers in unique and meaningful ways.

For example, the use of AI in generative music has enabled the creation of endless, ever-evolving soundscapes that respond to the viewer's presence or emotions. This dynamic interaction between the audience and the artwork blurs the line between creator and observer.

The Ethical Considerations

While the potential of AI in the art world is exciting, it also raises important ethical questions. Who owns the rights to AI-generated art? How does AI impact traditional art forms and employment in the creative industry? These are complex issues that artists, policymakers, and society at large are grappling with.

In conclusion, AI is ushering in a new era of artistic exploration and creativity. From generative art to AI-enhanced collaboration, artists and designers are harnessing the power of AI to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the world of art. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more astonishing developments in the intersection of AI and creativity.

Join us tomorrow for our Tuesday blog post, where we'll delve into "Photography Tips: Capturing Stunning Shots with Your Smartphone."

BUSINESS - THE FEED - LIAM IAN-BUSINESS™

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categories / Ai Art, LIAM IAN Ai
tags / Ai, Ai ART, Ai Art Concepts, Art & Ai

LIAM IAN DESIGN

January 21, 2024 / William Burrell Philpot IV

NEW PRODUCTS - ARTS QUARTER ACTIVITIES

Taking advantage of everything we’re doing in this year’s ARTS Quarter, we’re replanning and repositioning what kinds of products we’re bringing to market. Exploring Wall Art is a more satisfying endeavor than just that of clothing and apparel. In general, our effort remains the same in developing and communicating messages that serve to Appreciating, Encouraging and Inspiring Black, African American and other People of Color, Ethnicity and Culture of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

As we revise, our newest products will embrace the Mid-Century Art Style of Black Subjects, Interests, Ideas and Concepts as we’ve come live and understand them. Here are the image categories we’re focusing on developing in this art style; Music-related, Jazz, Jazz Club Environment, Lounge Environment, Records, Records and Record Player, Hip Hop, Library, Books and Book Shelves…just to name a few.

The second of new products (to be developed and brought to market) is The Motivation Book. This book is to be the first in a series of custom IP publications and other peripheral supplemental products conveying images, thoughts and ideas that are to further Appreciate, Encourage and Inspire Black, African American and other People of Color, Ethnicity and Culture. Featuring depictions of historical Black and Brown Life, the conveying of key experiences and the potential of possibilities into the future.

The third of our new products is JusThoughts (#JusThoughts); a collection of innovative clothing and apparel that convey unique ideas and perspectives on current events and modern activities as to reinforce positive and supportive inspirations. Using Art and Design elements, this apparel will rely on a dynamic strategic marketing plan (or suite of plans) to implement effectively especially as to market within the local Washington DC metropolitan region and areas.

THE LUXURY OF OUR PRODUCTS

While these products will be made available on our Shopify and Etsy locations, select pieces will also be exclusively available here and through our exclusive The Circle Membership. We hold a deep regard for the craftsmanship and the ethical approach we adopt. In aiming to appeal to a specific audience, we acknowledge the significance of offering specialized and distinctive items without external assistance or influence. Whether meticulously crafted by hand or innovatively developed using technological resources, we are committed to showcasing the true essence of our business and our personal values. Stemming from the 2024 theme of “The Dichotomy of…”, our core objective is to unveil and communicate—to reveal…and share.

THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS OUT THERE THAT HAVE MADE THINGS LIKE STATIC NOISE. WE’RE HERE TO OPERATE TO ONE THING IN PARTICULAR AND SPECIFIC; TO CREATE FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR, ETHNICITY AND CULTURE.

OUR PLATFORMS

We have three main channels that we prefer to use. For Safety and Security, we’re on Shopify, Etsy and here on Liam-Ian.com hosted by SquareSpace.com. With the last as the primary and core website, we use the three of these platforms to communicate and generate sales. While we’re in the business of creating art, we’re also mastering the art of being in business making it all work together generate Value—value to generate Revenue and Profit.

Not only are we creating visual products and meaningful services that bring and offer substantial value but we’re using our profits to help others. While we haven’t gotten to a point of being a high-end philanthropic entity or endeavor, we do and intend on continuing to entertain and invest in others. We believe in investing Black and African American Art and artistic works of Ethnicity and Culture within America. We see that it is a responsibility—therefore a priority—to invest and give unto others to help spur growth and development. As good as it is to be giving, it is also strategically sound to help others to grow and ascend to their next levels.

REVEALING LIAM IAN BLACK

All that is and has made this small company is due to the ideas, passions, concepts and creativities, interests, activities, experiences and concerns of the man born as William Burrell Philpot IV…now self-identified as the Artist, the Designer, the Photographer, the Entrepreneur, and the—soon to be—Storyteller, Liam Ian Black. 2024 is themed “The Dichotomy of…” because there are two sides to every coin yet even in that simplicity, there’s the chaos of so much more.

LIAM IAN DESIGN™ - THE FEED

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categories / 2024, 2024 Arts Quarter, LIAM IAN DESIGN
tags / LIAM IAN DESIGN, 2024 Activities, 2024, 2024 Theme, THE DICHOTOMY OF...

LIAM IAN - BUSINESS

January 21, 2024 / William Burrell Philpot IV

TOP BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS IN 2024!

⬛️ BUSINESS TIPS & ADVICE - ENTREPRENEURS & SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS: Entrepreneurial Development

“LEVEL UP.” - © 2024 Liam Ian (LIAM IAN LLC) - Make Success an Accidental Delight! It all comes down to you.

While our passion is in Art, Design, Photography, etc, we’re also spending a lot of time operating the business and taking on new opportunities. While taking it slow, sitting back to really observe things, we’re gaining some great perspectives on what avenues and opportunities exist for visual artists, designers and photographers. The fact is that there are a lot of opportunities out there to make a move on but many don't. Sometimes it’s not that they don’t want to, it’s just that what they have going on in life won't permit them the time or resources. Then again, there are those that just don’t want to—they’re busy being lazy or residing in a comfort zone.

For Visual Artists and Artwork Creators, here’s our Top 5 Business Opportunities for Artists in 2024;

AI TECHNOLOGY - Maximize your market potential! In today's fast and competitive art market, artists are using AI to improve their creative process and reach more people. AI helps artists be more productive and creative, and it can also help them understand what styles and colors are popular. AI can also make the technical parts of creating art easier, like editing and designing. This saves time and keeps the quality of their work consistent, making their brand stronger. In marketing, AI can help artists with targeted ads and recommendations, and it can help them understand their audience better. Overall, artists who use AI have a better chance of succeeding in the art world and staying at the forefront of new trends.
CREATOR BASED ONLINE PLATFORMS - The digital age has changed how artists and fans interact, allowing direct support through platforms like Patreon, Ko-fi, and Buy Me a Coffee. Musicians, writers, and performers can receive support through subscriptions or one-time donations, creating financial stability. Artists can also offer exclusive content and personalized interactions through membership tiers on Patreon, providing reliable income.
POD - PRINT-ON-DEMAND SERVICES - In today's art world, artists can use print-on-demand services like Printful and Zazzle to put their art on items like T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and posters. These services handle making and shipping the products, letting artists focus on creating and making money. To succeed, artists should make sure their brand looks the same across all their products, creating a strong and familiar identity that keeps customers coming back.
FREELANCE SERVICES - The gig economy provides many chances for artists to make money by offering their skills through freelancing. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr connect artists, musicians, writers, and performers with clients who need specific services. Freelancing allows artists to make money and show their talents to a global audience. Artists should improve their profiles on these platforms by highlighting their skills and experiences. Including a portfolio of past work, client testimonials, and a clear description of services offered can help attract potential clients.
ONLINE COURSES - The digital age creates opportunities for artists to teach online using platforms like Teachable and Skillshare. Artists can share a range of skills, from music composition to performance arts, and earn money. Creating a successful online course requires careful planning and engaging content. Courses should cater to different skill levels and include interactive elements like Q&A sessions and assignments. For more information, you can find details in the book "Living From Your Art" available on Amazon.

STRIVE TO FAIL SO YOU CAN LEARN TO SUCCEED. MAKE SUCCESS AN ACCIDENTAL DELIGHT!

We’re here to serve and create. We’re here to create and serve. As we do, we gain valuable knowledge and experience and we want to pass that knowledge and experience…and wisdom on to others.

For more detailed information about these opportunities and our insights, SUBSCRIBE to THE CIRCLE!

You need to ride the wave of technology. While I’m a big advocate of being an Artist and Creator, I must understand—we must understand—that the technologies we live with everyday; the cellphones, the computers, the cameras, the sensors, and now the Ai, can be utilized to augment what we can do and where we can go. I believe in ALL people! I believe what people are capable of…but my eye, my gaze, my attention and focus are applied to Black People, African American People and People of Color, Ethnicity and Culture within America…and then beyond.

It’s important to always keep in mind that there are things always—ALWAYS—going on. There are things happening around the world…all…the…time! With that in mind, you should keep yourself motivated to stay continuously active. It’s okay to rest and take breaks but you must adapt your mentality to think critically about how you spend your active time—your time awake. You should be Learning and Executing. Execute to Try. Try to Succeed thru Expecting to Fail. Acknowledge Success more as an Accidental Product of Failure but Engage—engage the process to stay active. It’s a numbers game; the more you do, the higher the potential that you’ll run into something…that works. Shift your mindset from being a consumer to being a producer. If you’re a watcher or a player (while there are many opportunities to learn and pick up stuff), you’re still most likely consuming. Shift this to becoming a Producer. Be the one who produces so others can consume.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE…FOR YOU! Remember that no one is going to come save you…the way YOU need to be saved! It all begins with you. You must make the decision to change and adapt and make things happen for yourself. It all comes down to you.

For personalized Coaching and Consulting for your Small Business or Entrepreneurial Endeavors, BOOK a CONSULTATION Today!

*See our previous piece on Mastering the Art of Entrepreneurship: In-Demand Skills for Success (Extended).

BUSINESS - LIAM IAN-BUSINESS™

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categories / LIAM IAN LLC - BUSINESS, LIAM IAN - BUSINESS, Coaching, Community, Consulting, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Small Business
tags / Business, Business Tips, Business Advice, LIAM IAN Ai, LIAM IAN Business, Business Opportunities, 2024

FIRST PROJECT WORK of 2024 - JANUARY

January 17, 2024 / William Burrell Philpot IV

Here we’re sharing a bit of work that is not covered by NDA or IPR Contract. While we do not share the commissioning client info, we’re more than excited to just share the work developed.

MELANATED WEALTH

IP & PRODUCT GENERATION

Our investigation of Ai Art Generator, Leonardo.Ai. Generation of Sketch Style work to complement the ARTS Quarter proposed work and projects for extended an associated project and product development.

Creating Ai Artwork is a talent based upon Prompt Writing (Directing and/or Engineering). Based upon the purposes of the Art, one must be able to develop prompts to get as accurate as requested and desired art. As we currently use MidJourney (v 5.2), DALL-E, Wombo Dream in conjunction with Chat GPT, we’re able to develop imagery at a fast pace for clients specializing in publication and/or social media development. Most images can be developed for immediate use and publication but most commission works are being used for advertising and impact purposes.

Ai Art Development is mostly about the time to develop images as opposed to needing the skill. For large publication projects, being able to produce images (Illustrations, 3D renders and Photo Quality Images, etc.) in a short amount of time . . . is the niche.

[FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOADS]

[THE CIRCLE EXCLUSIVES]

We’re continuing to research and develop new methods in creating images that apply to our mantra of Intelligence, Ethnicity and Innovation. With that, we’re active in working with other creators and artists to generate Art and Products that go beyond the norms.

Stay tuned and continue to check out this newest creative space.

#Photographer #Designer #Artist #DCPhotographer #DCDesigner #DCArtist #CreativeCoach #ArtsCoach #Ai#AiArt #PromptWriting #PromptEngineering #PromptDirecting

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LATEST PROJECT WORK - THE FEED - LIAM IAN

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categories / Design, Custom Designs, Digital Design, Digital Art, Ai Art, LIAM IAN DESIGN, LIAM IAN LLC - BUSINESS, LIAM IAN LLC, Liam Ian Design
tags / Ai, Ai Art, Prompt Engineering, Prompt Engineered, MidJourney, Dall-E, African, African Designed, Adinkra Symbols