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 And sure, in a couple of years it'll be superseded by the next new hotness.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.

iPhone Wallpaper

Free iPhone wallpaper art for designers and others. Check them out and have fun!

Lessons from kung fu

At my kung fu school, there was a sign on the wall written by the Grand Master that said, "My only students who failed to reach black belt are those who quit too soon." On the face of it, this sounds a little like everyone gets a trophy, regardless of skill. Except that a black belt isn't a trophy, it's an acknowledgment that you've put the work in.

The kudos economy

Colonel Hatherence leaned over toward Fassin.—This kudos thing, then, she sent. It is really how they calculate their worth?
—I'm afraid so.
(from The Algebraist, by Iain M. Banks)

Website redesign checklist

Website redesigns are like marriages—not to be undertaken lightly. And as with any major undertaking, preparation makes the difference between a smooth, predictable process and a rocky, anxious one.