Top Online Freelance Design Resources

I just wanted to post a short list of resources that I think would help any designer who is on their way to freelance efficiency! Freelance Switch is a great resource overall and they publish great lists all the time. Here are my favorites from their infamous 101 Essential Freelancing resources article.

• My New Company – Legal and general start-up information
• Designers Toolbox – Free legal forms for graphic designers
• Copyright – Everything you need to know about US copyright
• AIGA Form of Agreement – Standard form of agreement for design services template
• HelpMeWork – US – Services to help you focus on what you know best
• CreativeCommons – For licensing…just about anything
• Creative Public - Useful site for anyone starting a freelance graphic or web design career. A $49.95 fee buys unlimited access to forms, manuals, pricing guides, contracts etc
• You Send It – Send files up to 2GB online
• Jewelboxing – superior packaging for short run CDs and DVDs
• PowerXChange – Extensions for a variety of creative software, including Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Dreamweaver
• Dropsend – Email up to 1GB of files
• Media Fire – Send 100MB files online
• Box – Store, share and access files online
• Icebrrg – Simple web forms
• Formsite – Web forms and surveys in minutes
• Kuler – Colour scheme picker
• Pixie – A useful little colour picker
• ColourSchemer – A bunch of colour tools
• Jungle Disk – Online storage for 15 cents a gigabyte
• AskCharity – free online contacts for journalists
• TechInline – Remote Desktop Software
• Protolize – Web Resource Directory
• Proposal Kit – Proposal and contract management tools
• Ta-Da Lists – a simple (free!) to-do list application that can be shared with the world
• Backpack – Service that integrates to-do lists, notes, files, images, and a calendar with reminders that can be sent to your email or cell
• Writeboard – Sharable, web-based text documents that save edits, so you can collaborate, roll back and compare
• ConceptShare - Share designs and get feedback with visual annotation tools
• Wridea – Free tool for writers focusing on idea generation
• GoPlan – Note-taking, calendaring, task management, issue tracking, file management and online real-time chat
• Toodledo – Another web based to-do list
• ActiveCollab – Open source collaboration and project management tool
• MonkeyOn – Your to-do list for things that you want other people to do
• Remember The Milk – Another To-Do List manager
• HighRise – Track communication and conversations with leads, employees, clients, colleagues, vendors
• Campfire – Real-time group chat and file sharing
• Central Desktop – Shared workspaces and web conferencing
• Relenta – Manage your email, contacts, documents and activities
• Google Apps – Communication and collaboration tools from Google
• Zoho – Free office tools
• Campaign Monitor – Email newsletter software
• MailBuild – More newsletter software
• Breeze – Email campaign and newsletter software
• Business-Paper – Easy business cards
• GoToMeeting – Easy online meetings
• Wufoo – Make forms to survey your clients
• AIGA Spec Letter – Sample letter to communicate with clients who want spec work or free pitching
• CPA Directory – Find an accountant (in the US)
• SBA – Small Business Administration, help and advice
• Paypal – Online payment system
• Moneybookers – Online payment system
• Escrow – Online payment system that protects the buyer and seller, useful for those bigger jobs with anonymous clients.
• Resources for the Design Entrepeneur – Free sample forms and agreements
• Work – How-to guides to running a small business
• XE – Quick and easy currency converter for all your international transactions
• Trendwatching – Consumer trends and insights resource

Here are some books to top it all off:

• Graphic Designer’s Guide to Pricing, Estimating & Budgeting — Revised Edition
• 100 Habits of Successful Freelance Designers: Insider Secrets for Working Smart & Staying Creative
• Freelance Design in Practice
• Design Basics Index
• Getting It Right In Print
• How To Be A Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul
• 1 Hour Website (includes template CD-ROM with professionally designed templates)
• Transcending CSS: The Fine Art of Web Design
• How To Be A Freelance Rockstar

Long distance learning gets personal | How your online class may be a lot like a long distance relationship

Many of us have experienced the complications of a long distance relationship. We find someone we like and then we go to college, graduate college, get a new job, the list goes on. After the positive “we can do this” push, our experiences slowly grow foreign, disconnected and awkward.

So how is a long distance relationship a lot like taking a class online?
I recently finished an online accounting class. This is the first class I have taken that has been exclusively online (not counting online webinars/tutorials), and I have been attempting to pinpoint my discontent. I know you're thinking  “accounting?! That's why it was terrible”; meh--it was the one thing I couldn't force myself to learn on my own.

I am a big advocate of online learning, but I still feel strange being part of this “team learning environment” where you don't really know your teammates or your coach and you still are expected to perform. Part of it may be the disgusting clashing colors of the tiny online slide presentations that could have only been put together by a goblin or drug addict. But, for the most part, the whole setup brings back that same feeling of trying to study my significant other's social web over my mobile minutes and messaging.

As the class progressed, I found myself measuring the classes commitment my learning experience “...you hardly listen to me anymore webinar! I feel like we never talk...”. Disjointed conversations, erratic moments online, an abundance of social distractions, late nights up solving problems through chats and postings. So what is this yearning for human connection; why do I feel so lonely in my quest to understand balance sheets?

Devon, an IT professional, is no stranger to the online environment. He relates his experience taking an online class to his long-distance relationship experience in that “You're not really experiencing things together and so trying to catch up after a long week where you are both separated feels forced and awkward.”

Do your Learning Style
Label me what you like; I suppose multiple tests have proven that I am an experiential/kinesthetic/visual learner. I think that the experience of learning doesn't just come from facts and processes being revealed by a turn of a page or a click of a slide, but through human connection; student-to-student, teacher-to-student. I am convinced that a laugh/smile/intonation stimulate your senses, getting those brain juices flowing and growing. In this class, I'm on my own, humming to myself and my textbook and my mind-numbing presentation slides.

Kate Linder, a graphic Designer and teacher in Brooklyn, elaborates, “Material often just makes more sense when you can hear someone ask a questions and see the teacher answer it, as opposed to reading short questions typed in a forum. I'd personally like to see the online classroom more integrated; texting a teacher can be posted online with a click, live video chat with catch-up video download for those who missed it...”

So why am I able to learn independently online but not as much in a class format?
Simple (I think), I am in control. If I want to put down the books and pick-up a camera, experiment with my digital editing programs, or get a job seeing/doing, I can! No deadlines for learning or weekly measurements of “progress”. Who says we all progress in the same way? Who says we can all learn from clip art and text? (I'd actually like to know if anyone can really learn from clip art and text).

If this experience has taught me anything, (besides that I now know enough accounting to smile a nod at my accountant instead of zoning-out and drooling at the sight of a balance sheet) it has taught me that:

    1)    Not all online learning is alike, in fact, do your research before getting involved
    2)    Be self-aware and weigh your options
    3)    Do not underestimate the power human interaction when it comes to learning, loving, and the endless pursuit of warm fuzzies

The Entrepreneurial Generation | Full Interview with Genystartup.com

I was approached by Tolu Babalola, a writer at Generation-Y Startup, to contribute some thoughts to an article on entrepreneurship and generation Y. You can read the article here at genystartup.com.

Here is the full interview:

What inspired you to get into entrepreneurship?

I think my main inspiration came out of a need for a lifestyle plan. I took a step back from my life and asked myself what I wanted most out of my daily routine. I came up with a short list that has influenced my decision-making ever since and I always come back to it when things get tough. This list is the driving force behind my business mission and goals.

My List:

1. Immerse myself in the arts while providing a much needed service to the artist community
2. Own my own schedule while working feverishly/passionately

3. Enjoy everyday through exploration and lifelong learning

Does location, (Baltimore, NYC, Silicon Valley) affect success rate of entrepreneurs?

Of course location affects the success rate of entrepreneurs, but I believe it is a common misconception that location "limits" entrepreneurship. In most cases it's the entrepreneur that limits success rate. Every location has its own entrepreneurial energy; it's up to the entrepreneur to harvest it.

Baltimore is a wonderful city for creative entrepreneurs. There is a great energy from the professionals in this city and there are so many people that support the fusion of entrepreneurship, arts, and technology. You can find out more from organizations like Startup Baltimore or going to events like Startup Weekend.
 

Do you see a shift in work dynamic of the gen y compared to previous generations? Are more college grads looking to 'do their own thing' versus work for other people?

Great question, at this point there have been many books written about how to "deal with" Gen Y. Really, you just have to understand the way we think and give us space to grow. The most recent Ignite Baltimore (an event that invites artists/entrepreneurs/personalities to present for 5 minutes on any topic) and one presenter named Greg Dekker presented on how "71 Million Americans Say Your Cubicle is Stupid". The reality is that Gen Y (the 71 million Americans referred to in the title) will be filling the shoes of the retiring baby boomers within the next decade. Though they are ready to break down the cubicle walls, not all of their actions will be destructive. Within the corporations, Gen Y will rewrite job descriptions and bring a new perspective to the traditional idea of the 9-5. Though, if businesses remain rigid, Gen Y will look towards greener pastures and choose to collaborate with fellow classmates either as leaders or supporters of new exciting ventures. If you challenge us just right, we will move mountains--deny us stimuli and assign us busy work, we will focus our energy on our own interests and leave your traditional job in the dust.

What are your biggest struggles as an entrepreneur?

Since I am at the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, I will say my biggest struggles as at this point are my impatience with progress, learning to embrace my mistakes, and balancing my home life with my desire to work constantly.

Another big struggle is finding the time get involved in the community. I believe it is so important to get out and interact. Today, building a business brick-by-brick on your own is no longer necessary. Many of my efforts have gone into networking or simply making connections with other inspired and passionate people. Do not let the fear of rejection or that you are "not worthy" get in the way of making friends (professional and non-professional). Any open community forum, event, or lecture is just that, open! I believe a real experience with another person will always make more of an impact then any handshake or business card (though those do help).

I cannot thank my friends and family enough (not to mention my two dogs and a cat) for their unconditional support. If you're not having fun and enjoying life while you build your business, then you risk burning out and losing sight of why you started in the first place.

Is Networked WordPress Right for You? | Wordpress Meetup with Zane M. Kolnik

Tonight, I ventured out to the Beehive Baltimore co-working space in Canton for a Wordpress Group Meetup. Roni Noone was originally scheduled to present on Blogging, Community & Lessons Learned, but she went into labor and will be rescheduling for another time (congratulations!).

Luckily, Zane Kolnik stepped in to demo networked Wordpress and domain mapping. To start, Zane offered-up the Wordpress codex for creating a network--simply visit http://codex.wordpress.org/Create_A_Network to get the full breakdown and requirements.

In essence, you will simply be placing code in your wp.config.php file and your htaccess file. After doing so, you will be prompted to login--if you are unable to login you will need to remove the code and start over (bummer).

In the next phase, you will need to choose whether your networked site will use subdomains or sub-directories--choose wisely as you will not be able to change your mind! To help you with your decision, below are two website examples. Visit each and compare the urls--also check out the content organization and notice how themes are adjusted according to the subdomain or subdirectory.

Subdomain

http://tutsplus.com/

(see "Our Sites" menu)

Subdirectory

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

(Click on Main Nav categories)

General Tips
*In version 3.1 you will see the "network admin" as a top right menu option.

*Be sure to enable uploads for the multisite in your network admin settings--towards the bottom there will be check boxes for images, video, and music.

*Initially, your uploads per site are limited in both number and in size. For example, each site may be only allowed 10 images at 1500kb each.

So why would you use this feature?
*Easily delegate administration
*Control user permissions
*Use separate themes / build unique themes within one website

*Works great for theme developers

*From a production standpoint, the subdirectory option helps to organize robust content

One attendee stated that this would give her a level of control that she required for a franchise business that will need theme and permission customization for their different regional locations.

To finish it off, here is Zane's favorite domain mapping plugin and his go-to tutorial
Plugin: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-mu-domain-mapping/
Tutorial: http://www.ottopress.com/2010/wordpress-3-0-multisite-domain-mapping-tutorial

I am more of a student then a teacher, so I would encourage you to review the Worpress codex and visit blogs like Zane's for more information!

I Heart Art: Finding Your Market with Megan Auman

Megan Auman recently presented for the I Heart Art seminar series at MICA. I was able to experience the presentation through a live webcast. As a chat room sardine I met many crafters, artists, and entrepreneurs anxious to refine their marketing strategy.
From the beginning, Megan had a great energy (despite all the sound blips and frozen screens) she really reached both live and online audiences with a great clarity. I believe her website states her mission best: 
"...what would business school look like if it was geared towards crafters, designers, and makers? At crafting an MBA, the goal is to help you polish those basic skills (like business planning and bookkeeping), develop a marketing plan (online and off), and help keep you up to date with trends in the business world – while also helping develop skills specific to a craft based business (selling online, craft shows, trade shows, and promoting your portfolio)." 

Everyone always tells us to "find your niche", but we often need questions and processes that allow us to really narrow the field.

Here are a couple of Megan's answers to the "niche dilemma": 

Ask a Bazillion Questions About YOUR Customer (Be Specific!)
Is your ideal customer male or female? Age?
Where do they live? Geographic area? Counties? City vs. suburb. vs. farm country?
What do they look like? Hair, skin, anything!
Are they in a relationship? Married? Single? Kids? Grandkids?
Employment/Career? Professional Occupation?
Office? Home? Checkout counter?
Income level? Do they get paid regularly? What is their pay check pattern?
Hobbies?
Vacation? Do they have time for vacation?
What do they read or listen to? TV? Books?
Trend follower?
Friends? Loner?
Stay at home type? Go out on the town type?
How is my ideal customer different then me?
(Your ideal customer is NOT you!) 

The Social Media Spy Cam
We all know you have researched old boyfriends/girlfriends from college on Facebook, why not put the same effort into researching your fans? What about your twitter followers--who do they follow?
*Pay attention to what your fans and followers talk about
*Send out a formal Survey: Facebook/Blog Polls or Survey Monkey
*Start to have a dialogue: Post questions that your customers will answer freely
*Even Google map your online purchases
 
Research your Competitors
Do they have a press page?
Which blogs or magazines feature them?
Look up the target demographic of that site or publication using online resources like alexa.com
What stores are carrying their products?
After your research is done be sure to ask yourself - how do I differentiate myself from my competition?

Amazing Resources and Presentation Links:
The Great Northern Crafts: All based on embroidery for Twin Peaks
Girls Can Tell: A craft shop that makes all products with diagram imagery
Peter Shankman: Social Media Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, CEO, Speaker, Consultant & Adventurist
www.mica.edu/spcs More information on the NEW Business program at MICA and other Continuing Education programs.
http://marketingformakers.com/ A 12-week marketing e-course by Megan Auman!
http://www.alexa.com/ Free traffic metrics, search analytics, demographics, and more for websites...

Refresh Baltimore Visualizes Data with Paul Smith and Everyblock

Refresh Baltimore presented another hit speaker last Thursday-- Paul Smith from Everyblock continued the top Baltimore tech discussion that was jump-started with the Baltimore's Civic Hack Day on Feb. 12. His presentation showed us how mapping and visualizations may be applied to the newly released Baltimore data.

The data repository, Open Baltimore, has created a feeding ground for programmers and designers alike. Paul Smith made this apparent with his playful investigation into the Charm City Circulator bus routes. He mapped the routes of the orange and purple bus lines overlaid on a map of the city. By breathing life into this data we were able catch glitchy nuances and morphing pathways that showed Baltimore city life in action.

Smith's relaxed and curious nature allowed for an open discussion regrading city mapping. I look forward to seeing Everyblock in Baltimore!


Here are some companies, programs, and services that were mentioned during the presentation:

Mindgrub
Fuses technology with a training development process to create rich applications that focus on the end user experience.

Everyblock
Track and discuss what’s new in your neighborhood.

Google Maps Static API
Lets you embed a Google Maps image on your webpage without requiring JavaScript or any dynamic page loading.

Quantum GIS
Quantum GIS (QGIS) is a user friendly Open Source Geographic Information System (GIS).

Image Magick
A software suite to create, edit, compose, or convert bitmap images. It can read and write images in a variety of formats (over 100).

Google Fusion Tables 
Upload small or large data sets from spreadsheets or CSV files. 

Yourreps.org 
Web app created by Paul Smith U.S. Congress, State Senate, House of Delegates, and City Council representatives.

See.Click.Fix
SeeClickFix encourages active citizenship, by offering a variety of platforms to report your concerns. Report issues through our website, mobile apps, widgets, and voice mail. 

Socrata
Programmers get immediate and uniform programmatic access to government datasets.

Bear Hugs and Peacock Installations: Contemporary Museum's Cabin Fever Party

This past weekend I had a blast the Contemporary Museum's Cabin Fever party! I am a little biased since I helped plan the party, but this also means I have a unique insight into how it all went down.

A little background

After the Executive Director, Irene Hofmann, left for another opportunity on the west coast we knew that there would be a transition period that threatened to effect programming and events. Luckily, the Senior Administrator and Membership Director, Johaniris Rivera Rodriguez, was left in charge while the search for the new director began. She not only kept the museum afloat, but created an environment of unity and collaboration--promoting a solidarity among staff and supporters.

Cue the winter party

A challenge for the incoming director (Sue Spaid), members, fans, and staff to come together and pull-off an event of big ideas on an itty-bitty budget.

Platform Heels and Tunic Sweaters
The party kicked off with the exhibition opening of Agitated Histories--curated by Irene Hofmann. While you gossiped about art and sipped champagne, you may have caught a glimpse of a bear giving hugs and discussing modernist theory.

Peacock Punch
Meanwhile at the old Greyhound station, the artist duo "Peacock" was making last minute adjustments to the party space. Working feverishly the entire week before, Chris Attenborough and Sean Naftel transformed the old office spaces into installations and playful Cabin Fever puns. Highlights included The Shining twins frozen in time on adjacent TVs screens, a three-dimensional collage of skis in an alcove, and a red stenciled deer head that hinted at hunting season.

Fire Hoops and Loops
Making your way over to the party was easy, thanks to Regina Armenta (and crew) lighting the way with their flaming hula-hoops! Once the party had begun, she headed inside for a stilt walking performance--making sure to bring extra hula-hoops for guests. Regina, who runs Yoga on Wheels (again, I am biased since she used to be my yoga instructor), really took her performance to the next level and was a big hit at the party! It was amazing to see board members throwing caution to the wind to dabble in the often hilarious act of hula-hooping.

Hot Shots by the Fire
Entertainment included a slew of talented DJs and two amazing photography students from MICA that volunteered their time and skills to take photographs of guest posing in our rugged cabin themed room. Look out for a new museum Facebook album!

In the End (Ouch My Feet Hurt)

Through it all, what I enjoyed most about the party was the feeling that the hard work that everyone contributed really took the party to another level. I hope that this post helps those behind-the-scenes players know that they were the mini-marshmallows to the hot chocolate.