Pros and cons of freelancing

It used to be that having a job meant security and that freelancing or starting a business was the riskier choice. Given the last two years, though, you might be wondering if it isn't safer to be your own boss. After all, if you don't have an employer you can't be laid off, downsized, terminated, made redundant, or whatever cheerful euphemism the corporate world is calling it today.

Request for bid form

Need to get an estimate on offset printing but not sure what to ask for? I've created a downloadable PDF form with all the questions you need to answer to get an accurate estimate from your printer. Even better, I've put together an instruction sheet that explains terms of art, how to spec like a pro, and insider tips on how to save money.

How to start a peer advisory group

In 2006 I made a coffee date with a designer I met online. We were in the same situation: working by ourselves and feeling cut off from colleagues and peers. Little did I know that was the first step in creating a peer advisory group—one that's grown and flourished and sustained me through many ups and downs as a business owner.

The killer app of 1910

Great usability isn't just for software and websites. In the early 20th century, an Indiana furniture company designed a kitchen cabinet that employs the best practices of what today we term "usability"—the ease, elegance, and clarity with which products are designed for human use.

Business cards for the 21st century

Business cards are so 20th century, right? Surely, any self-respecting modern company would have ditched the paper rectangle by now in favor of ... well, what, exactly?

The fact is, even the most technology-savvy consultants still carry business cards.

Designers who wireframe: pros and cons

There are plenty of conflicts of interest inherent in running a small creative shop where everyone has to wear lots of hats (or where one person wears all the hats)—like the account manager ideally should not be responsible for quality control because there's too much conflict between the need to keep the job within budget and the need to take the time to do things right.

The perils of marketing

Several months ago I decided to sponsor a local technology networking event, to raise awareness of my company and hopefully make some good contacts.

The grass is greener ... or is it?

When I started in graphic design, I was often struck with jealousy that other designers got to do high-profile jobs for brand-name clients with huge budgets and award-winning photography.

Value pricing: The dirty little secret of graphic design

Imagine if your plumber charged you more to fix the toilet than the sink—even though it took the same number of hours—because a working toilet has more value to you. Or what if your mechanic quoted you a higher price than usual for a tune-up because you told him you were about to drive cross-country?

Believe it or not, this is how many graphic designers charge for their services.

Why you need to be on Twitter

Okay, you don't need to be on Twitter. And sure, in a couple of years it'll be superseded by the next new hotness. However, those who dismiss it as a frivolous time-waster are way off the mark. Twitter's not going to replace other forms of communication, but it's a good indicator of how information is going to be disseminated in the coming years.