Becoming a self-employed graphic designer
Graphic designers often ask how I made the switch to self-employment. Here’s a quick overview of that period in my life in 2004/05.
→ Continue reading Becoming a self-employed graphic designer
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Improve your portfolio with pro bono design
You’re a graphic design student with a portfolio full of fictitious projects. You want to work with clients to build your experience, but you need a more developed portfolio to attract the clients. A classic catch-22.
That’s when working pro bono proves extremely useful.
Read on to learn why, and for a chance to win one of five signed copies of Logo Design Love: A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand Identities.
→ Continue reading Improve your portfolio with pro bono design
The design pricing formula
Money roll photo by Gnerk
Pricing is a task a lot of designers struggle with, and I’m regularly asked how I work it out. As much as I want to, I can’t tell you what you should be charging, and the design pricing formula explains why.
AIGA President Debbie Millman on spec work
Cat Wentworth, the Bangkok-based force behind NO!SPEC, has conducted an excellent interview with newly-appointed AIGA President Debbie Millman. Here are a couple of choice quotes.
→ Continue reading AIGA President Debbie Millman on spec work
Hiring a designer: a client’s perspective
Here follows a guest post by Aditya Mahesh of AMBeat.com, a blog offering resources for entrepreneurs — advice, start-up profiles, interviews, news analysis, and more.
Now I’ve never been a graphic designer (my background’s in copywriting), but by hiring designers on numerous occasions I’ve gained insights from the customer-side that will help you satisfy your own clients. The following tips will help you keep your customers coming back.
→ Continue reading Hiring a designer: a client’s perspective
The vendor client relationship
Here’s a sadly all-too-true video that shows what I’ve experienced with a lot of potential clients. I get the distinct impression I’m not alone.
Seem familiar?
Graphic design contracts – your advice
A few months ago I wrote a brief article about graphic design contracts. You offered some excellent advice in the comments, and here I feature a select few of your contract tips.
Agency vs freelancer – your take
Last month I asked what the difference is between hiring an agency and hiring a freelance graphic designer. The discussion that followed was great, and here I’ve picked out a few of your answers.
Getting your foot in the door
Lee Newham is a senior designer at London-based design consultancy, P&W. He receives around three or four CVs (resumés) every day, and here he details some tips on how graphic designers can get those CVs to the top of the pile.
Design agencies vs freelance designers
Working with a graphic design agency, instead of a freelance designer, can offer many benefits, but it’s not a one-way street. Here I outline the advantages of relationships with one over the other.