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Freelance

Our authors, freelance designers like you, share their extensive knowledge and experiences. You’ll learn how to get consistent work, manage your time, business and clients, and, most importantly, how to get paid better, and on time.

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How to Find & Use Your Own Design Voice

How to Find & Use Your Own Design Voice

Your design voice – or design style, if you will – is how you choose to relay information to your audience. That sounds simple, but for the uninitiated, it can…

The 10 Golden Rules of Simple, Clean Design

The 10 Golden Rules of Simple, Clean Design

These rules of clean design are based on the ten principles by Dieter Rams but modified to fit with a more general goal of simplicity.

Leveraging the Power of Sushi to Improve Your Designs

Leveraging the Power of Sushi to Improve Your Designs

Sushi has been popular in the Western world since the 1970s, when it was introduced to diners in the U.S. You probably have a strong opinion about it – either…

The Unexpected Roles of Web Designers

The Unexpected Roles of Web Designers

Web designers tend to be a catch-all when working with clients. They’re as likely to ask us about an email delivery issue as they are about their website.

What New & Inexperienced Designers Be Learning

What New & Inexperienced Designers Be Learning

Today I’m speaking to those just getting started in design. Maybe you just graduated from design school, or you’ve read through all the fundamental lessons offered here and on other…

The Idea Generation Process of Scribbling on a Napkin

The Idea Generation Process of Scribbling on a Napkin

We explore the idea generation process familiar to many designers: the scribbled idea on a restaurant napkin process. It’s high-level stuff!

How to Avoid Design by Committee

How to Avoid Design by Committee

Most people have an idea of the perfect solution to their design problem. The downside is that so does everyone else with the same problem.

The Role Design Plays in Your Client’s Sales Funnel

The Role Design Plays in Your Client’s Sales Funnel

We talk about what you’re really supposed to be doing as a designer, and about the role your designs play in your client’s sales funnel.

Should a Web Designer Ever Provide Discounts?

Should a Web Designer Ever Provide Discounts?

Discounting services is not really a good move. But, there are some scenarios where it does make sense to offer a lower price for services.

Things That Will Scare Your Web Design Clients

Things That Will Scare Your Web Design Clients

Dealing with concerned clients can be a challenge for numerous reasons. I liken it to running around with a fire extinguisher, desperately trying to put out blazes large and small….

Separating Your Personal & Commercial Design Work

Separating Your Personal & Commercial Design Work

Is there a difference between so-called “commercial” work and work that’s done purely for the joy of creating? Should they be separated?

Do We Really Need to Follow Design Trends?

Do We Really Need to Follow Design Trends?

Designers love to complain about superficial design trends that they don’t feel have any staying power or contribute anything meaningful. Are they right?

The Importance of Storytelling in Design

The Importance of Storytelling in Design

Several years ago, I worked as an in-house copywriter and designer for a prominent marketing firm. When I first applied for the job I didn’t have any of the credentials…

Networking For Designers 101

Networking For Designers 101

We share some much easier and more effective methods for making networking connections as freelance creative designers.

How a Culinary Technique Could Make You a Better Freelancer

How a Culinary Technique Could Make You a Better Freelancer

Incorporating the mise en place idea into your creative process allows you to prepare yourself to power through your work with less stress and fewer headaches.

How to Choose Hardware for Your Design Business

How to Choose Hardware for Your Design Business

The tools we use can go a long way towards determining whether we produce a quality end product. And they also play a huge role in helping us stay within…

5 Things to Look for in a Great Web Design Client

5 Things to Look for in a Great Web Design Client

From clear communication to realistic expectations, discover the seven qualities that make a great web design client.

How to Deal with Clients Who Have Gone Too Far

How to Deal with Clients Who Have Gone Too Far