THE FREELANCE LIFE No. 57 | HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WORK & COPYRIGHTS

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February 26, 2016

THE FREELANCE LIFE No. 57 | HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WORK & COPYRIGHTS

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February 26, 2016

This has been a very interesting topic in my life the past weeks, and by talking about it, i realised how little everyone knows when it comes to protecting your work. I’ve had my share with a few crazy cases. And i’m all fine, when i stumble upon designs inspired by mine. We all have been… Read more »

February 26, 2016

TFL57-Karma-Cocorrina

This has been a very interesting topic in my life the past weeks, and by talking about it, i realised how little everyone knows when it comes to protecting your work. I’ve had my share with a few crazy cases. And i’m all fine, when i stumble upon designs inspired by mine. We all have been there, i have been there – it’s easy to get too inspired by someone and end up designing what they’ve designed. No hard feelings there, in fact i find it flattering.
And i’ve also, been quite tolerant with my designs being stolen in the past, but honestly, it’s getting ridiculous these days. Copyrighting your work, and knowing ways to protect it can give you quite the headache. Thankfully, in our little company, Theo is the one in charge of all non creative matters so not to burst my bubble of creativity. There’s a few basic things that i know though, that are easy to apply.
Copyrights. Did you know, that from the moment you share something with the world, it is automatically copyrighted to you? As long as it’s live and you can prove it, there’s a publishing date – you are the rightful owner and can file injection or sue. Things you cannot copyright, are names, quotes, colours and a few other things no person would want to copyright.
There are quite a few ways to prove that your work belongs to you. Besides the publishing dates, i like to keep all the process files, and yes on all my blog posts as well. The scans, psd files, sketches, everything. Since a site can be hacked or all hell breaks loose and you loose everything, you might consider downloading your website in a pdf or structured once a month. There are loads of websites that can do that for you like, Darcy Ripper.
To avoid all the above, you can simply copyright a specific artwork in copyright.gov. As you may require quite the budget for that, all the above sound like a delightful option to me! I’ve selected a few works though that have been popular when it comes to stealing that are copyrighted.
Lastly, ways to prevent someone from stealing your work. Include your name on the footer, as well as the year the website and its content has belonged to you. Have a specific section for disclaimers and policies, stating what work has been created by you and what kind of permissions you’re giving to your readers. Your words matter, so make sure you are the first one to take the correct steps towards protecting your work. Finally, there’s the putting your name / logo / username / website on your graphics. And that last one, is the one i hate the most. Honestly, it’s really helpful in so many ways. Like making your work recognisable and easier found, as well as making it difficult for someone to remove it from the artwork. But it’s such a turn off to my sensitive eyes! I love observing an artwork without the distraction of a logo. But of course, there are ways to do this delicately, like having a signature or incorporating your website to the overall design.
Hoping you find this post helpful and eyeopening. It’s become so easy to have your work distributed, so the more you know, the better it will be to stand up for yourself and claim your rights.

COURSES REOPENS & MORE IS ON THE WAY

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February 23, 2016

COURSES REOPENS & MORE IS ON THE WAY

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February 23, 2016

With all that’s happening right now, i realised that i never posted an update for Courses. We successfully wrapped up and it was a blast! I would have never thought how much i had to say about topics like hand lettering, branding process and layout design, not to mention all the videos and examples i… Read more »

February 23, 2016

Courses-Cocorrina

With all that’s happening right now, i realised that i never posted an update for Courses. We successfully wrapped up and it was a blast! I would have never thought how much i had to say about topics like hand lettering, branding process and layout design, not to mention all the videos and examples i got to make. The video part, was embarrassing – i had to lock the office door and wear my earplugs so not to hear myself, or let anyone else hear me. Making videos is my nightmare, i’m way too shy for this shit. But as long as show you how everything is done, i’m willing to do it!
To begin with, you may be seeing a small sneak peek of the new branding above. Things are moving slow, as normally, but it’s getting there. Last week, we were on a business trip having meetings with jewellery makers, printers and shopping fabric – lots of exciting things!
Now the exciting part, the 7 day courses has reopened! I’ve received tons of emails asking how you can sign up and although i originally thought to have them just once, i realised there was no point in it. I’d rather have lots and lots of them at the same time. So that way, you can choose which ones you want follow. As of now, you can sign up and have all 7 days unlock, with unlimited access forever and ever. We’re working on having certificates, so we’ll be sending those too.
I’m in the talks of having a few teachers about photography, and a few other things, as well as working on a few courses that will include social media growth. Yes, Instagram, Pinterest and all the good stuff. Lastly, i’m thinking of slightly rebranding Courses. What do you think? I love the vibrant colors, but the above makes more sense to go with the rest of the branding, my typical moody botanical – boy i love moody! Did i tell you how Theo got me a black mummified rose for my birthday?

A YEAR OLDER – THOUGHTS ON BEING 27

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February 22, 2016

A YEAR OLDER – THOUGHTS ON BEING 27

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February 22, 2016

Let’s just start by saying that birthday on a Monday is simply brutal. And from what i heard a Monday with a full moon, having just returned from a business / seeing your family trip and having to spend the day working like crazy. I swear, today wasn’t the easiest day, it included crying and feeling stressed out and unfairly old. How come every person i ask, they say they don’t feel their age? Shouldn’t time then move slower?

Wasn’t it yesterday when i was posting about becoming 25 and being excited about it? 25 seemed young, 27 means that i am a mature woman, who has a family and runs her own business, she’s ready for kids and grow old. That all is me, and it’s not at the same time. I am tiny little girl, stuck in a 27 year old body.

Although today felt nothing like birthday, it ended with me surrounded by people i love, drinking wine and having a wonderful time. Times like this, i realise how lucky i am. What have i done in this world to deserve family, friends and a magnificent husband to love me, living a dream life in a dream place. No matter the age, i am happy, and that is all that matters. Cheers to 27, let it be good.

 

February 22, 2016

ONLY YOU | DOWNLOADABLE

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February 15, 2016

ONLY YOU | DOWNLOADABLE

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February 15, 2016

Happy new week everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine’s Day with your loved ones. It was kept simple and busy in this house, basically working all Sunday. Can’t really wrap my mind around the next couple of months honestly. A lot of things i’ve been working on will finally come to life. In… Read more »

February 15, 2016

OnlyYou-Cocorrina

Happy new week everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine’s Day with your loved ones. It was kept simple and busy in this house, basically working all Sunday. Can’t really wrap my mind around the next couple of months honestly. A lot of things i’ve been working on will finally come to life. In April we’ll be traveling to Santorini to do the shops photoshoot, this week we’re travelling to check printing companies for clothes, notebooks, test the the paper and foils. In addition meetings with jewellery makers and check out fabrics – for stuffed animals i’m designing.
In between it all, last night i FINALLY wrapped up the new blog design and now we’re developing. It is like nothing else i’ve seen, created and it’s so me. I’m bringing back a few things from the old blogger blog that i’ve missed, and adding more me into it. Cannot wait for you to see. With all these bits of refreshing things i feel like i’m find my old good creative self. I’m thirsty to travel, create and inspire more.
And with all that, a quote that i feel in my gut so much today. Dear friends, you can make everything possible!
download here

white quote | black quote

TFL No: 56 | THE BEST THINGS I’VE LEARNED WHILE FREELANCING

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February 10, 2016

TFL No: 56 | THE BEST THINGS I’VE LEARNED WHILE FREELANCING

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February 10, 2016

Even thinking about it, sounds crazy. I’ve been freelancing for 3 years now. Well, unofficially it rounds up to four, but on that first year i may have worked on 3 projects tops. So, i’ve been participating to quite a few interviews lately, and i always get the same question at the end – if… Read more »

February 10, 2016

TFL56-Cocorrina-01

Even thinking about it, sounds crazy. I’ve been freelancing for 3 years now. Well, unofficially it rounds up to four, but on that first year i may have worked on 3 projects tops. So, i’ve been participating to quite a few interviews lately, and i always get the same question at the end – if i have any advice to give to the ones starting now. And boy, do i have! There have been a lot of TFL’s here, 56 in fact, so this seemed like a great opportunity to wrap up a few things.

 

BE POLITE

Having to talk with so many different people, you will yourself dealing with all kinds of different characters. Rule number one, be kind and polite, no matter what. If there were more kind people, the world would be a happier place. So as a professional and as a great human being, make the difference and be polite. It’s more likely that you will gain inner peace and won’t get easily affected by others tempers.

 

NEVER REST

Never feel safe with what you know, and never rest. Learn one new thing per week, expand your skills and style and always keep evolving. The world is moving on and so should you. Travel more, go out more, experience more. By doing more, you will have more inspiration and creative ideas.

WORK WITH LOVE

This one, is rule number two and most important. Whatever you do, do it with love. Don’t follow trends – although be aware of them – and always create with what makes your heart happy. Whether that seems silly, or crazy, go with your what your gut says and have passion.

 

KNOW YOUR WORTH

Work with respect to yourself, your mind and body and don’t let anyone put you down. Know what you worth and pat yourself in the back. You’re doing a great job and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

 

WHEN YOU FALL, LEARN HOW TO GET UP

Designer’s blues must be a real thing, and i know i get them all the time. All my insecurities kick in, filling how i’m not good enough, or skilled enough and that i don’t do enough. You can’t avoid these downs, they’ll happen often and that’s ok. The great thing is knowing how to pull yourself together and move on. Two things work for me, focusing on the things that i want to achieve and pampering myself. The first is the most difficult, but always works. Once i face my goals, i say to myself; today is tough, but we’ve got tomorrow, i allow myself a day to feel crappy and get all those emotions out, but i get back stronger the next day. If that doesn’t work, go to a spa or take a bath and clean yourself up. Change those pyjamas too.

 

COMPARISSON

This is something i avoid like hell. If you’re not strong enough to sit, admire and observe, stop those nasty thoughts “she’s / he’s better than me and i’ll never become successful” right away, and start thinking about that chocolate in the cabinet. We all know the don’t compare yourself with people, because we’re all different, we have different experiences and circumstances, but some it’s not easy to avoid. You wish you were more, but by comparing yourself won’t get you there.

 

OBSERVE

Seriously love this one. Although i’m not an observant person when it comes to life itself, i’ve became observant when it comes to design. Once you start observing more details and putting thought into this and that, you’ll be able to learn yourself more things and evolve your skills.

KNOW WHEN TO SAY NO

This one is a toughie. Wether you’re a push over or simply polite, you need to toughen up. Sometimes clients may take advantage of you, or simply projects are just not for you. By respectfully declining or politely saying no, you will avoid situations you would wish you wouldn’t have been. Simple as that.

ORGANISE

Organise the hell out of everything. Your schedule, your clients, your email, your calendar, your projects and your files. Freelance life is not as easy as it sounds. It can be a whole great mess if you’re not organised enough and know your way around of things in your life.

 

STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF

Last and favourite one. Whatever you do and however you do it, just stay true to who you are. Don’t create something because it’s popular or because it’s trendy. Create something because you feel connected to it. Remember your roots and passions, and that’s what’s gonna make you successful.

 

NEW IN PORTFOLIO: MAD ABOUT CAKES

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February 8, 2016

NEW IN PORTFOLIO: MAD ABOUT CAKES

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February 8, 2016

All projects are always fun to work on, but this one, was by far the most delicious looking! It’s a sad sad story that i can’t share with you a lot of the process as my hard drive crashed, but thankfully, got a lot of the final result right here! Made from Mad ABOUT cakes, is… Read more »

February 8, 2016

MAC-by-Cocorrina

All projects are always fun to work on, but this one, was by far the most delicious looking! It’s a sad sad story that i can’t share with you a lot of the process as my hard drive crashed, but thankfully, got a lot of the final result right here!
Made from Mad ABOUT cakes, is crazy talented, and we wanted to share that bespoke style of her work on all the branding. I’m having the chance to work on a lot of websites this year, and this is the first to begin with. The concept was to make something fun, quirky and candy looking, and we got it almost right away. Feel free to look through the website – i’m really obsessed with that gradient sticky menu!

INSPIRED BY: OCHRE

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February 5, 2016

INSPIRED BY: OCHRE

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February 5, 2016

It’s been a long time since i introduced a new topic on the blog, so here it is! This blog being my creative outlet, i felt that i was missing something.. liberating. Just playing around with shapes and colours. From times to times i’ve been inspired by specific colours, textures, mood, materials etc. So this… Read more »

February 5, 2016

Ochre-Cocorrina

It’s been a long time since i introduced a new topic on the blog, so here it is! This blog being my creative outlet, i felt that i was missing something.. liberating. Just playing around with shapes and colours. From times to times i’ve been inspired by specific colours, textures, mood, materials etc. So this topic will be dedicated to exactly that, the things i find inspiring, put together into an abstract collage.
This one, was so much fun to create! I’ve been pinning more and more ochre shades, there’s something so luxurious, warm and natural about that tone. Even sexy, as i think of it as the colour of a nicely tanned bum lol. Haven’t had the chance to work on a branding directly with it, but i’ll get to play around on a few other projects.
On another note, you may see that the cropping is slightly horridle, and that’s because i’m seriously having a bad bad week. Every year this time around, i get the worst chilblains on my right hand. The fingers get so swollen that i can’t move them, and naturally they hurt. This year, with all my positive mood, i’m not letting this get me down, so i pushed through and worked on this little piece. Other than that, i’m just writing this post with my massive sausage fingers. Sexy.