It pains me to think of the $3000 I spent on a Mac Performa 6400 complete with a huge monitor and in-built 28K dial-up modem in the mid-90s. The machine chugged along like an aging donkey and the information super-highway felt more like a traffic jam. I wish I was starting now with readily available … [Read more...]
Freelance graphic design advice
Whether you're a rock star creative in a top-ten agency or a freelancer running a business from home on a shoestring, graphic design is an absorbing, all-encompassing practice. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and therefore disagreements occur and criticism can be hard to take. But it's a great … [Read more...]
Free open source alternatives to Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator
For web designers, developers and amateur creative types that work with a lot of graphics and image manipulation, the decision of which software to use is an important one. While Adobe Photoshop and its related Creative Suite programs are well respected throughout the world, open source software … [Read more...]
8 books that have helped me run a design business
I recently sent a newsletter to the subscribers who had downloaded my free How to Market Yourself Online ebook asking a simple question: "What would you like me to write about for you?". The answers that came back were many and varied but one I address here. We're all hungry for knowledge and … [Read more...]
Designers, how to avoid client disasters!
There is a game in this industry: the trade off between graphic designer and client. I have heard this expression in large design agencies many times: "this would be a great job if it wasn't for clients!" I disagree, I think it's a great job period. If you don't like your clients, get out of the … [Read more...]
Teach yourself graphic design
This article comes with a warning: easily offended graphic designers please do not read on! Graphic design is not rocket science, nor does it depend on artistic talent – it just takes a lot of practice. Some designers love to say that graphic design is a God-given talent that only a select few … [Read more...]
Freelance graphic designer and SEO
The primary objective of this website is to attract clients to my design business. The two ways I try to achieve this are: Get other good websites to link to me with my desired keywords as the anchor text. For example, freelance graphic designer, designer in London, UK design services, are good … [Read more...]
What is good design?
What is good design? I'll tell you. Good design is whatever your client wants. Good design is whatever rich people like. Good design conforms to the zeitgeist. I'll never forget my first paid assignment in the world of design. I gingerly handed a print out to a relaxed Creative Director who's … [Read more...]