Professionalism

1. An amateur person is someone who engages in things, often unpaid.
2. A semi-professional receives some money but may not be specialised in the subject.
3. A professional is someone who works is one that needs specialist training.

The difference between being an amateur and a professional is that it is a career, you do it for money. Commercial artists are typically employed by advertising agencies, newspapers, magazines, graphic design firms etc.

Perceptions of being 'creative': 

• odd
• 'arty'
• problem solvers
• suppliers

Clients
Working for someone else throws up many more problems to be solved because everything in the creative industry is subjective so the work can be liked and disliked. the client may have different opinions to you and sometimes you have to go against what you believe is right in order to earn money.

Clients can be difficult but you must learn to work with them, we will all have that client. Its how we handle a client that makes you professional.

What do you want to achieve by being a professional designer?

• work being recognised
• see your name in lights
• being known as a creative
• being respected for your approach
• fame

Downsides

• not being able to get work
• getting only poor quality clients
• clients don't listen to good advice
• communication problems/breakdowns
• poor and negotiated outcomes
• not getting paid for your work

think positive!
by getting a system or your 'practice' clients will understand you more.
manifesto or mission statement set an external image and direction for your practice.