I’m going to write an ebook on this one day, because it’s really my entire philosophy when it comes to business, design, or work of any kind.

This will seem really broad and general to you I’m sure, but it’s late and I felt like sharing the secret to my modest successes.

It’s not about having the next greatest idea in the world.

It’s not even about being unique, if you wait around for a completely unique idea you won’t get anywhere.

It’s about 3 things:

Being good at something

Putting time/effort into that thing.

Keep putting time/effort into that thing.

This may sound very simple, but I’m shocked every day at how many people break these rules. Your average ‘make money fast’ blogger knows jack all about what they’re writing about. They just aren’t good enough to make a success of their blog.

I’m going to use my new website PSDFAN.com as an example here. There are thousands of tutorial sites out there, but most don’t get anywhere. The main reason for this is because people aren’t good enough at Photoshop to write good quality tutorials. I’m doing PSDFAN because I am good enough. That isn’t to say I’m amazing, or even great, but I’m good enough… There are tonnes of people better than me at Photoshop, and a lot more that are worse I’m sure. So there we have it, point number 1 - I AM good enough at Photoshop to write tutorials that have the potential to make a successful tutorial site. And I know that without a doubt, I’m being realistic. Most people just don’t think realistically, they start an idea because everyone else is doing it, or because it’s the in thing, or because they want to try something knew. YOU HAVE TO KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT THAT YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE SUCCESSFUL!

So point number 2… I have the time to put into writing tutorials and promoting the site. I also have the effort, and I’m willing to work hard doing these two things. So great! I’m writing good tutorials and people are reading them.

Step 3 - keep doing it. This is the hardest point for me. It’s not hard yet, but what about when I’m back at university? what if I get bored? and so on… This is what will put me either in with the big boys or with everyone else.

My points here are… to be realistic with yourselves, and do what you’re good at. To work hard, and not expect an easy ride. To keep at it, and not give up too soon. Remember, don’t do what you think you should be doing, do what you are good at doing.

I don’t want to jump ahead of myself here, but I thought that I would just quickly update you all with how my new project PSDFAN.com is progressing.

To give you a brief summary:

Traffic is consistently reaching 1000+ unique visitors per day. (with 100+ return visits!)
RSS subscriber levels are creeping up.
I can feel the beginnings of a community

All very exciting news, and of course more motivation for me to keep writing the best tutorials that I possibly can. I’ve got some great tutorial ideas lined up, as well as cool stuff like a Flickr group, some opening competitions and much more!

I’ll keep you guys posted on the site’s progress, but so far, so good!

Following the launch of PSDFAN, my most ambitious project to date, things are looking good! My first two tutorials have been very well received, and whilst it’s really too early to provide accurate traffic details I will say that the site looks set to easily break 1000 visitors again today!

I have to say that I love this post-launch madness. It’s SO much work - promoting/writing content pretty much non-stop. However, if you look at how much the average person is willing to work, then by working as hard as you possibly can you really stand out from 99% of people out there. I just wish there were more hours in my day.

If you would like to check out the first two PSDFAN tutorials (and let me know what you think), then please click the thumbnails below:

It’s finally here! PsdFan.com has launched at long last! I’ll be posting more about the site tomorrow, as well as posting the first of many photoshop tutorials to come. 

For now, just enjoy the site and please check back to it soon. It’s going to be great, trust me :).