There are a growing number of domain names used in creative
ways that leverage the true power of the Internet. There
is not a better illustration of this point than Jason Vaughn,
an individual who turned his creative talent and passion
for teaching web design at a community college into a successful
Internet-based guide for graphic designers going into business
for themselves.
Jason Vaughn, founder of CreativePublic.com, envisioned
a web destination where graphic designers around the world
could find information, services and products to support
their business needs. Vaughn knew that securing a concise,
creative domain name on the Internet would ensure that his
vision would become a reality. Today, CreativePublic.com
-- which originally was a resource for his college students
only -- is now one of the top resources for graphic designers
all over the world!
The founder credits much of this success to the unique identification
of his creative domain name. Because of this domain name
and web site, Vaughn is able to share his knowledge with
graphic designers 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Since registering
and launching CreativePublic.com, Jason has been able to
fund his children's college education, meet like-minded people
from places like China , Ireland , England , Russia , and
obtain job offers from companies such as sessions.edu, which
is an online school of design.
I recently spoke with Jason about his new domain venture.
This is what he had to say:
Shaun Cronrath: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Jason Vaughn: I have over 10 years experience in
the graphic design industry including print, TV, animation
and the Internet. During that time, I've owned a graphic
design firm, taught web design at a community college, and
co-founded Internet startups. Some of my clients include
Blue Cross, NBA, NFL, NHL, Energas, and Aramark. I'm also
currently an online instructor for sessions.edu, which is
the first accredited online school of design.
Shaun Cronrath: Can you tell us about your domain?
Jason Vaughn: CreativePublic.com has been something
I have wanted to do for quite some time. It first started
out as a resource for my students that I was teaching at
a community college in the Dallas , Texas . I had already
decided that I wanted to make CreativePublic.com into a business
resource for graphic designers; something that is not very
available for designers. Most sites out their today have
little to do with the background of business, they are all
about design. That is when I decided that every designer
at some point would need the same forms, contracts, pricing
guides, employee manuals, and other information that I needed
with my business.
Shaun Cronrath: How did you think of this idea?
Jason Vaughn: The idea has been there since I first
started my ad agency back many years ago. Many people have
come to me, asking me how I got started and what it took
to get going in business. I wanted to create a site based
on what I did with my business. The idea did not become a
reality until I got the opportunity to teach Web design at
a community college 2 years ago.
Shaun Cronrath: When did you realize that sharing
your passion via creativepublic.com could turn into something
successful?
Jason Vaughn: I realized that my passion for CreativePublic.com
would turn into something successful when I got my first
sale. I figured if one person bought my product, there should
be more designers out that would do the same. Another really
big deal was when CreativePublic.com was featured on HOWDesign.com
(HOW magazine), a leader in the graphic design publication
industry. That was when I knew, for a fact, that the site
had value and was on its way to being successful. Since then,
CreativePublic.com has become one of the top resources for
graphic designers.
Shaun Cronrath: How has your life changed since you
registered and launched your domain?
Jason Vaughn: I feel more connected to the graphic
design world, even though I sit behind a computer all day.
I feel more a part of a bigger community. CreativePublic.com
has not only become a community for designers, but has given
me the opportunity to meet so many great people. I get to
talk to people across the world and make great friends in
places like China , Ireland , England , Russia and many other
countries. The extra income is great too! It helps pay for
my car, house, and my children's college education.
Shaun Cronrath: How has other peoples lives been
effected since you registered and launched your domain?
Jason Vaughn: The feedback I get from my visitors
and members is great. Everyone is always complimenting me
and thanking me for coming up with such a great resource
for designers. It has helped many designers to get their
business started or obtain information and forms that they
could use for their business operations.
Shaun Cronrath: Can you share with us any obstacles
you overcame while registering your domain?
Jason Vaughn: Finding a domain was hard, almost everything
was taken, but with a little imagination I was able to conger
up a name. I tried several names, but one tool that helped
out were those that listed alternate domain names I could
choose from. After several days of research, I decided on
a name based on my concept. I was really surprised that the
name was available. The domain was chosen to pertain to creative
people of all types, not just graphic designers. The site
is mostly for designers, however it has much to offer for
other creative individuals.
Shaun Cronrath: As a successful domain name owner,
do have any words of advice for others who aspire to use
a domain name as a vehicle to share their creative talents
and ideas?
Jason Vaughn: If you have an idea, the only way to
see if it will work, is to put it into action. If you just
sit around dreaming about it, it will never ever happen.
Shaun Cronrath is the President & CEO of DomainPurpose.com,
a
domain
name registration company offering all the major domain
extensions --.com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, .name, .ca, .us,
.cn, .eu, .de, .pro and more.
