Learn how to run your design business, work with clients, manage expectations, and handle your finances.
It might be the worst thing to happen to a design budget. Scope creep can bash timelines and obliterate budgets.
The best way to avoid this chaos is to beware of the causes of scope creep so that you can better manage projects.
But we all know that things are bound to go off the rails at some point, and we have some advice for how to manage those scope creep issues when they do happen.
This is not another article about how the pandemic has changed the way we work.
The reality is that plenty of creative professionals – especially freelancers – have been working from home and in remote environments for a long time. It’s probably why so many of us were quick to adapt when so many others hopped on Zoom or Slack for the first time.
But there are some skills you need to stay relevant in today’s job market in addition to that adaptability that you likely already have. If you are thinking of advancing your career (and who isn’t) as a freelancer, at your current job, or by changing jobs, keep reading.
There are a lot of people touting the value of “no code” website design right now.
Some of these people are companies that have built no code or low code website builders that are designed for small businesses and those that want a quick website.
Bigger platforms are starting to show some no code/low code elements. You could even argue that WordPress blocks are in this style of website design. Depending on your needs, you might be aligned with a no-code website build.
Here, we’re going to examine the no code movement and the pros and cons that come along with it.
Everyone wants a business card that stands out. As more people begin to return to work and physical meetings and spaces, now is the time to revamp your card to make a solid first impression.
There are a few different things that help create distinction among business cards and a modern design is at the top of the list. Let’s dive into some modern and trending design concepts.
Plus, every example is something you can actually download, customize and use.
Virtual event design can make or break your online event. There are two major parts of an event design. First, the concepts, programming, and run of show elements that encompass the event itself.
Second, the visual elements that make a virtual event have a presence with the same “feel” as a live conference or session.
Here, we’re going to focus on the design of the latter, so that you can create a branded, consistent theme and package to make virtual events stand out.
It’s a common part of the job – presenting design work to clients. Practice doing it well so you can keep projects moving in the right direction and toward the finish line.
If you need a little push, these tips can help. We’ll be looking at how to lay the groundwork, approach challenging topics, clearly show your solution, and weave a narrative with your client.
Let’s dive in!
Website design is such a creative exercise that sometimes it is easy to forget all of the left-brain things that go into a stellar project.
A good design uses solid data and analytics to help shape decision making, map user journeys, and include just the right visual elements to make the most of the design for visitors. (Almost every new website project I take on begins with looking at the analytics of the current website.)
So what data points are important? And how do you use them?
These tidbits are extremely useful for new website projects, but you can also use them to help find and fix issues with existing designs. Data-powered visuals can make almost any project more impactful.
Who do you look to on social media when you need extra design inspiration? Those are the people that you see as design influencers.
Have you ever thought about working with designers, illustrators, and photographers with a strong social media presence (or becoming one yourself)?
There are things you can start doing online now that will make it easier to work with influencers and show that your accounts are on trend in the design space.
Here are a few tips, plus a tool for helping you get started.
Sometimes the best way to inspire a creative team is by looking back at projects. A design retrospective can help you evaluate projects upon completion, look back at workflows and results, and take lessons learned to future work.
Too often there’s a negative association with a design retrospective, while constructive criticism should be welcome, there should also be plenty of opportunities to highlight wins, big and small, from a project.
Here, we’re going to look at tips for making your design retrospectives more successful. You want them to be a welcome experience.
If it has ever crossed your mind that a certain element of a design project would be better if you had help, then outsourcing work could be a viable option.
Design agencies, small shops, and freelancers can all benefit from having a bench of partners that can help with projects. Successful outsourcing is based on a mutual relationship between parties that have a similar design style and work ethic.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about outsourcing graphic design work.
Presenting your design to a client is often a chance to make a key first impression. It can set the tone for how the project will be received. A spot-on design presentation can help you set the stage for success.
There’s a lot that can go into a design presentation – the work itself, slides or a presentation, how you talk about and define the work, and even your skills as a presenter.
Here, we’ve got plenty of tips (and even a few tricks) to help you nail every design presentation every time.
Branding is an important aspect of every business. Not just for big companies and startups, but it’s also true for freelancers and professionals. Especially for designers.
The way you create your personal brand will play a key role in your success as a professional. Because your brand is how your clients perceive your work and your business.
How do you create a successful personal brand? As the brand futurist Simon Mainwaring said, you should first “define what your brand stands for, its core values and tone of voice, and then communicate consistently in those terms.”
That’s exactly what this article is all about. To help you define your core values and the tone of voice to create a successful personal brand as a designer.
Whether you’re starting out in the design industry or looking to refresh your existing branding style, follow these tips to make sure you build a winning personal brand for your business.