Random renting knowledge

It's been a long while since I have blogged. It has been a busy time full of new projects, new designers and new adventures. I was thinking of a new blog post today and after sharing some juicy of nuggets about renting a house to my boyfriend I thought what a perfect post.

In college I had my own apartment, I didn't want to be smashed in student housing so I had to figure something out. I went to work for an apartment community thus getting about 50% off of rent and being able to afford living. I learned a lot working there, from leases to rules to what rights you had.

After purchasing my own home and then turning it in to a rental property I learned even more about being a landlord. Then in the last 5 years I have moved every year in to new condos - just being able to be so nomadic has been a lot of fun. I've rented from good and bad owners and good and bad rental management company's.

Below is my list of items that you should keep in mind and ask about before renting a home and sometimes even a condo:

• When was the last time the A/C/Heater was serviced? If it been a year, request it be done prior to you moving in.
  
• How old is the water heater? Have the elements been replaced if it is older and has it been drained recently? If not, have them do it before you move in.
  
• When are trash days and recycle days? It's a small ticket item but important to know
  
• Who handles landscaping? If you are looking at a place with a lot of yard - trees, grass etc. You will be responsible for the up keep of it and probably be charged if it doesn't look perfect when you leave. Consider asking the owner if they will pay for landscaping or you split the cost with them.
  
• How often has the house had pest control? Have there been any problems? In Az scorpions are a big question. Request a full spray inside and out before you move in. Most of the time you are responsible for pest control, but it's always nice to get a good spray in before your stuff gets moved in.
  
• Who do you call for maintenance and what is the turnaround time? What is considered an emergency? Also find out what you are responsible for, if there is a home warranty many times you pay the service fee. Find out if it is something bad and you have to get it fixed how reimbursement works.
  
• Take a while with your move-in checklist. If you have 5 days to turn it in, take 4. Really live in the place and look high and low for any issues. Make sure the big stuff you notate but also call to get fixed. Anything new can come out of your deposit
  
• Request a walk through prior to signing the lease, make sure it is how you want it or if something needs to get fixed they fix it. Once you sign the lease you are responsible for it and it can be more difficult to get items taken care of.
  
• If you have a dog, find out about neighbor complaints and how they are verified. You don't want to get in trouble for a barking dog but you also don't want to deal with a neighbor that just hates dogs.
  
• Utilities: who pays for water/sewer/trash? Who is electricity through? Is there gas?
  
• Is there an HOA? Get there rules as well, to make sure you have no violations
  
• When you find out who electric is through - call them up to see what the average utility bills are - in AZ they are high in summer so you want to see if you can not only afford rent but afford utilities. Many times you can also go on the equalizer plans, even if you haven't lived there for a year yet, they go off of the previous tenants. Sometimes it too high and not worth it, other times it's totally worth it.
• Have the locks been changed? Can you get the house re-keyed. If it's been a rental for a while you want to make sure you and the owner are the only ones with keys. If anything, see about an alarm.

The biggest question to ask, especially now, is if it is a home if it is in good standing and the owner is paying the mortgage and will continue to pay the mortgage. Many times renters are moving in to homes and then getting a letter from the bank they need to move out. You want to make sure that nothing like that happens and it is a good relationship.

Hopefully this has helped! I also have some quick moving and packing tips:

Purge, I am a fan of selling my furniture/stuff on craigs list and buying new furniture, I like fresh starts. When that isn't the case, start tossing stuff you really don't need, it feels good! When in doubt try and sell it any way - you would be amazed what people are looking to buy!

When packing dishes, wrap them up in your towels, curtains and sheets. You have to pack them any way, might as well serve as dish protectants too.

Movers are excellent to hire - if you do make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured. My trick for making sure they take care of your stuff and hustle (you are paying by the hour) - buy them breakfast burritos and supply them with a cooler of bottled water.

To success!
Angelina Gonzales
NThreeQ Media, LLC
www.nthreeq.com

N3Qs 4 year anniversary

June 1, 2007 I was approved for the creation of NThreeQ Media, LLC. A concept born a few weeks prior on a kitchen table of an old boyfriends house one night. I remember being alone, working on the logo and the name and watching something random on the TV....I can't even remember what it was now.

I don't remember how my dad's card popped in to my head and I don't remember the second that I knew that was the name of my company - but I just knew. I have a sheet of logos that I scribbled out waiting to find the perfect combo and to this day, I have yet to figure out why I choose a blue number 3.

But here, June 1, 2011 - 4 years later I am celebrating NThreeQ's anniversary. A lot has changed in 4 years, I have changed and grown and become comfortable in my own skin. I have my logo tattooed on the inside of my wrist - to always remind me that I cannot quit, I cannot give up. I remember the days of designing club flyers to pay my cell phone bill and living off of broccoli, coffee and rockstar because it was all I could afford - come to think of it, some things never change. I have gone from living as roommates with my step-sister and nephew to living by myself in downtown - finally finding a place where I fit in and enjoy. I never thought that I would like walking everywhere, barely driving, visiting farmers markets and riding a bike.

I have lost long term "friends" and have gained friends that I will have for a lifetime. I have gained many more clients that are great influences in my life and I appreciate every second of them. I still call my dad every other day to talk about business and get advice - it has gone from me being less dramatic about situations and to more matter-of-fact scenarios. The tsunami's of business have quieted to small swells perfect for surfing and not a hard crash in to the water. Once you learn how to ride the waves of life you know you have arrived - the high's and low's are no longer very far apart and they become almost as equally challenging and fun.

Today, also begins a new start for my intern who has braved the craziness the past few months and is now moving to a part time junior designer. She asked me the other day when could she go full time - I laughed and told her when I could afford her - so if you need design work big or small call me!

LOL There's my marketing pitch. I have become an expert in my industry and have built a foundation on a single word, belief and motto to live by - Integrity. As time has progressed I have seen those who have judged and turned on me. Believed one side of the story without hearing the other - but alas, I am too busy to contemplate most of that in any given day. I have grown up and matured and learned how to communicate and talk and not react on pure emotion - quite a feat for anyone who has known me over the years.

I have created a wonderful business partnership with Elements and that continues to grow and strive including the friendship and I cannot forget the relationship that has begun to grow and mature as well - 2 and half years in the making.

I am excited for this next year, big things are in the works and I am excited to build a team of designers now that I have my solid team of programmers. I can't wait to have someone else do my accounting and someone to keep my head screwed on.

I wait for the day that I stop losing my cell phone every 10 minutes.

To coffee and broccoli and rockstar - and not to forget bread and ramen and cheese. To another vacation in Napa - to finally going to Fiji - to never sleeping and always working - to wine, to wine, to wine and margaritas - to friends and family and my extended family of clients - to those who have always stuck by me - to Modena - and most importantly to my dad, thanks for making it a great 4 years and to 5 more and 6 more after that.

To success,

Angelina
NThreeQ Media
Phoenix Graphic Designer

Help support me in the Petsmart Charity walk this Sunday!

As many of you know I lost my german shepher Modena last year. After that loss I began volunteering for the SW German Shepherd rescue - the white german shepherd division. I pick them up on weekends and take them for playdates in the park - it is something that I aboslutely love!

I am working to raise money for the walk - help sponsor me!

Click me for link

Or go to www.mypetwalk.org and find my name as a walker under Angelina Gonzales. Email me with any questions also: info@n3qmedia.com

I will be there on Sunday with a fur kid in tow walking the walk and raising money for a great cause! Any support is tremendously appreciated! I will post pics after the event - and thanks for the love!

To Success,
Angelina
NThreeQ Media, LLC
Phoenix Graphic Design

Random Post Generator

I have thought about a new blog topic over and over again. I'm tired of thinking about this magazine fiasco and dealing with newbie designers going rogue via social media. I wrote a whole blog yesterday about things that you should never do to others in your industry - but honestly if you don't already know how to be professional and ethical one more freelancer out of the biz. I will say one thing though, there are things that you shouldn't do in business and in design. Never turn on your fellow designers, never judge others when you know only half the story and never air your clients operational issues via twitter or anything else via the internet for that matter.

Okay, enough on that topic, although I don't think I have many words of wisdom for this Friday morning. Oh! I took up Bikram Yoga, that is awesome, I escape the workforce early on Fridays and go spend 90 minutes in not sure how hot of a room. I will say that you feel so good and so relaxed afterwards its better than a massage and I think you burn about 900 calories - go me!

I'm excited to be doing something other than work this weekend. Going to the bodies exhibit, have Sunday afternoon Sangria and will probably call the BFF for a night out of girls fun. Get back in the swing of things and have a fun weekend. I also need to finish the wall mural in the kitchen and the seating area in the office - how did I get so behind?!

I've won some pretty great websites lately and we are T-minus a few weeks to launching 2 huge websites. A 3rd one will be sitting on a cloud server with an estimate million hits a month to be predicted - doesn't get much larger than that. A few more are in the works and I have finally found the balance between getting project and not having to sacrifice price. I guess you go into your 11th year of design and 4th year of business you know your quality of work and what you can put out.

Well, I promise I will have a better blog topic over the weekend or perhaps Monday! it's back to work!

Angelina
NThreeQ Media, LLC
Phoenix Graphic Design

Things you never do to other designers

I blog a lot about clients - client relations and just the crazy stuff that I do in my life. But what about the people in my industry? I have had many conversations with fellow web gurus and designers a like and we have always noticed a trend.

I remember when I was a newer designer I looked at other designers as the enemy. That I was better at design than them, I could create files better or do better for my clients. I didn't want to talk to them because I just knew more - ah to be young again right?! But then you realize that we are all on the same side. That working together creates better designs - get 2 designers on one project and see what happens, absolutely beautiful things. I think that the old saying is true, 2 heads are better than one. And that really goes for all industries.

Now, I don't have to state to treat others as you want to be treated, however it might be appropriate for this particular blog. I will say that in all my adolescence of freelance work I still never talked bad about another designer, put down their work or how they did it and never turned on them. I felt that they always had good reasoning - my line to my clients is that it's not bad design just not what I would do. I put my clients to ease to, it's never a good feeling when they feel they were taken advantage or and most time they really work it was just a design marriage that didn't last.

But here are a few things to never do to your fellow designers (or anyone in your particular industry)

• Never put down their work and say that it's bad - you know it's really not, but as a designer we have a competitive, tortured artist nature that we want to always just be better.
  
• Never slam other designers. Its all about being a professional no matter how hard you want to - bite your tongue. If you are telling others how bad someone else's work is - you are the one that looks bad and catty.
  
• Never say they built the files wrong or incorrect. I have to do clean up jobs - but was it really a clean up job or just getting the files to my liking and my style, most likely option 2.
  
• Never make judgments when you hear only one side. Your client is going to be in your ear complaining, take the high road, be understanding but don't say anything. There are 2 sides to every story and the truth lies in between. Unless you have talked to both sides and can think for yourself, just move on from that conversation and get the job done.
  

Truth be told - never be disloyal to the people in your industry. I will always back designers, not speak ill about their work and never steal work from someone else. I will never name names, use social media as my own playground to put others down and I will always be a professional. Karma comes back to bite you and you will be forever known as that designer that when the going gets tough you will turn on them, steal their work and put their craft down - now how long do you think you'll last in my industry?

The thing is, is we are all on the same side and we all working towards the same goal in just different ways. As humans we aren't always nice and we don't always watch what we say - we are human. But in the world of design, it's all about professionalism and ethics. I design so much better when I'm not carrying the emotions of others or judgments on others.

To success,

Angelina
NThreeQ Media, LLC
Phoenix Graphic Design

The juice not worth the squeeze

After pulling off the "job of 2011" by putting together a 36 page magazine in 2.5 days I was greeted by a fabulous lecture on being a business owner, unappreciative attitudes and that some how not living up to expectations.

You know, in that instance there was a wealth of emotions that ran through me but I did not react. I had to decide if the juice was worth the squeeze. And after looking at the juice, adding some sugar, adding some other stuff - it still just tasted bad. Leaving me to only do one thing - toss it and go find some fresh juice.

Everything happens for a reason, everything has a purpose and a place in the world and everything is meant to teach you something - the problem is that most of us turn a deaf ear and go about our business.

Ever meet someone that wakes up every day wondering what the world should do for them?

You win some and you lose some. And you lose some that you never really had (nor wanted) and realize that life is too short and there's a lot of juice out there and maybe you should just go pick some fruit and squeeze it yourself.

I have taken over other designers jobs many times over, pleasing the client or understanding why their designer jumped ship in the first place - usually it's the latter. But we all have to learn our lesson and what I have learned is to never, ever, ever sacrifice my professionalism or reputation at the regards of someone else.

Could this incident damage my reputation? Probably not. I pulled off the job of 2011 with speed and panache and saved a business - hello, Rockstar!? And what has this taught me? I can do this, like really freakin' do this. I have gone from the freelance graphic artist to the company that will not go silently in the night, that will without a doubt, whole-heartedly deliver their best 100% of the time and give nothing less. In the time of anger and frustration and disgust lays a professional that will walk with their head up high - cause seriously - I rocked that project and it's just another milestone step in the world of NThreeQ and all it can offer.

I don't know why I feel so empowered - I think it's because no matter what, I will always keep to my standards, to keep to my professionalism and ethics and not let it get me down. It was a wicked weekend filled with a lot of Why's. And after a great conversation today - the answer is truly Who Cares? I do what I do and I do it well and no one can make me feel insignificant without my permission.

To success

Angelina

NThreeQ Media, LLC
Phoenix Graphic Artist

Oh so personal

There are times that I am on top of the world and other times that I am not. It's invigorating to go through business with the high's and lows. The fear. You have to have the fear, if you don't there isn't anything to fight for or to want.

I have learned so much in this 4 years - mainly about relationships. All sorts of relationships - I have had to swallow my pride, bite my tongue, explain things that under normal circumstances I might just walk away because it's difficult or too hard.

I have often wondered why people tell me that I am easy to talk to - they have no idea why they are telling me what they are telling me - other than I am a good listener. I like it. I didn't used to be. My friends used to tell me that I never listened - or talked too much about me. So I worked at it and reversed the role. I listen now - but I still mess up in my personal life and perhaps even dating. I say or do the wrong things - I worry, I assist so many people in realizing their dreams I wonder if I am meant to have anyone special to me. That's just mine, that's private and special. Or if I am meant to be there for others, to listen and understand and that fulfills my life. I worry and I wonder.

I wonder what might be in store for me next. I am on a rapid growth train, I have one of the most exciting meetings today with a new client and on Friday I will probably hire an intern that has wanted to work for me since June.

I spent the morning walking and running through downtown - missing Modena. No matter how much time has passed, I still miss her, still don't understand why it happened, and why it happened to me. It taught me - 6 months ago about unconditional love. But 6 months later I am trying to remember what that is - what it means and how I can pass that unconditional love to someone that wants to be in my life. Million dollar question - does someone want to be in my life or just hang out on the outside - having fun but never more. Is it a business asset that they want to use me or is it real? Talk about a personal blog. I have to clear my head.

Big day and big week. A lot of people are relying on me and I am relying on one too. It's not the end of the world to not love - but oh how I miss being in love. Being 19 and fearless and jumping head first in to the pool of messy dating and love and mistakes and just going for it. I jumped off that entrepreneurial cliff 4 years ago - with fear so big in my heart it made me fearless and yet, there is still a small hole in my heart that needs filling up.

As I listen to Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata I am woken up out of my pitty party, my me party and am back to knowing I have to get to work and get projects done. Push aside the little things and open my heart to the big things. My fortune cookie told me that I needed to slow down - happiness was trying to catch me. I guess I just need to slow down.

To success,

Angelina
NThreeQ Media, LLC
Phoenix Graphic Designer

Fortune Cookie

I needed some serious comfort food today. Oh ya, and I'm not the chocolate cake kind if girl. I am talking some serious chinese food - nothing else will do. After a long day of too much google and a splitting headache all I wanted to do was go to bed but needed some of the good stuff - this little gem by my condo that just knows how to make an egg roll.

I've had another week full of forgetfulness, being crazy busy and problems - I love problems, life isn't complete with out them.

Today started with that darn folder company bugging me again about the folders. Making an agreement with me - delete the "we are a fraudulent company blog" and they will leave me alone and issue the refund. I did it - I was about to offer up blood for them to stop emailing my inbox! So I did, then their clients started emailing me asking me what was going on. Fun enough, this company even had the nerve to send my emails to their clients with some alteration for their benefit. Isn't that awesome? Here's the thing - I'm reminded of Vin Diesel's quote in the movie "Fast and the Furious." - "It doesn't matter if you win by an inch or a mile.....winning is winning." Exactly Vin. In anything it doesn't matter how "close" you are, there aren't any excuses especially when your responsibility directly affects someone else's company. End of story.

Moving on now - for good.

So let's focus back on my chinese food. Oh sweet, sweet chinese food. Friday night with good old Netflix, my laptop and chinese food. Awesome for a Friday night. Yes, I admit it and I'm proud of it. So full circle back to my fortune which is really why this blog turned less in to evil evil folder company and more in to really just enjoying my life and my favorite food.

"Look around; happiness is trying to catch you." That was my fortune. Okay, I hear you loud and clear! My morning started out with a great Groupon - do you belong? If you don't join! I'm very excited for my Groupon, awesome restaurant called Noca had a deal and I just couldn't resist. I had a friend text me this morning to see how I was doing - and I actually just said that everything was ok. It is, I'm very happy with how everything is going - and I'm excited that happiness is trying to catch me. That means I need to slow down!

This weekend I am painting my kitchen - not the whole enchilada - more like a mural. I want to paint grass and a dandelion. I have the green just need to buy some other colors. Taking a break and focusing on nothing but blades of green apple colored grass and a pale yellow and black dandelion. A big one - right next to my fridge. I'm so excited about it.

This weekend - slow down and let happiness catch you. I'll post pics of my dandelion and how the happiness factor goes. I'm off to go finish my Chinese food.

To success,

Angelina

NThreeQ Media, LLC
Phoenix Graphic Design

New Year, New Frontier Imaging!

I haven't even had a chance to come up for air since 2011 hit. I have been non-stop on the go working, fixing issues and all the fun stuff that goes in between. I hadn't even had a chance to announce our first website launch of the new year until just now. Just finished making my coffee and loading some Depeche Mode on You Tube, I'm ready to get all blog-tastic.

Our first launch that is a very large and in charge website is www.NewFrontierImaging.com A state-of-the-Art imaging facility located in Rock Springs, Wyoming. This is one of the only clients address's that I have memorized because for the last 2 months all I've done is ship, ship and ship more stuff. And I have to add - their marketing materials - freaking gorgeous. We are talking silk laminated, spot UV pocket folders, silver foiled business cards, give-aways galore, skinny cards, tri-sized flyers and more. I love what I do and this project was amazing.

Have you looked at the website yet? Roll-over images with pop up more information? The eagle doing it's thang - and yes, we created that too. Black and Red and in your face to match the colors of imaging and X-ray. Start reading about the equipment. I will tell you one thing, if I ever have to get a CT Scan or MRI or my family does they are going to just have to fly to Wyoming to have it done. The level of thought that went in to getting this cutting edge equipment is amazing. This is what is going to help save the world - earlier detection, stronger technology, instant images due to digital X-ray and more. In many health-related cases it's all about catching it quickly - well this center will be able to do just that. And the people behind it - Super Heroes. The real kind.

And that's where we move in to the CEO of this bad-boy - Maria Holtan. Wife, mother, entrepreneur and friend. She's amazing and someone to look up to and look out for. Educated, driven and kicking butt in a male dominated industry - she's taking this by storm. And it's about time. She welcomes challenges, learning, teaching and downfalls. It doesn't get her down - she's part human part robot. Your Android phone has nothing on this girl and it's only just begun.

I met Maria almost 2 years ago when we built www.AltitudeAnalysis.com. This is a lab that handles drug testing, taking blood and more. They work with the DOT (department of transportation) for their required testing and has started to work with the TSA for fingerprinting. She has a lab in both North Dakota and Wyoming - again offering state-of-the-art facilities with top-notch people.

Maria hires the best and expects nothing else, and I couldn't agree more with her thought-process. You have to deal with people and health and sensitive issues I want nothing but the best. And to top it of - she gives back to the community. Makes donations to local charity organizations and enjoys building that community that her business's are in.

I could go on for much more on the extraordinary person Maria is and the company's that she built - however they can speak, no scream, for themselves at how great they are. I love what i do because of the amazing people that I get to meet and work side by side with. I have no problems being a side kick because what I have learned and how I have developed as a person is in large part due to who I get to work with.

Check out the sites and to success in 2011!

Angelina
NThreeQ Media
Phoenix Graphic Design