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Freelance designers balance creativity with business chores.

Article Excerpt
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST -- Without creative services the world would be a dull place. Graphic designers and art directors are an important cog in the wheels of advertising, printing and promotions. These artistic people are usually free to be creative while others in the shop tend to business and sales matters and interface with clients.

What about freelance designers who must run the whole show? Three talented Gulf Coast freelancers say it's the creative phase of their work they relish, but to be successful the must also take care of everything else.

Wayne Hamilton of Gulfport, Tim Hope of Pass Christian and Laura Tolar of Ocean Springs all say billing is the part of being a freelancer they don't like but necessary to get paid. All three had years of agency experience before going out on their own and agree the experience was valuable. They believe young designers need experience in a structured agency before freelancing.

Hamilton of Wayne Hamilton Advertising Design spent 10 years with Ogilvy & Mather, one of the largest advertising agencies in the world before moving to the Coast. "The agency experience is very important," he said. "I keep track of my hours and estimate projects for clients...

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