Graphic design is more than cool fonts and filters. It’s also is made up of the same design principles as other visual artists such as painters and sculptors. There are rules to art.
Of course, rules are meant to be broken.
Valerie Thompson
Author Archive | Valerie Thompson
Sunday, September 20, 2009 - 18:26
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 - 22:37
I love to talk about the subject of money and designers. Our field is so interesting because we as artists have to be the designers and the accountants.
We have to set our prices and be a collections service. But what makes us even more unique is that we have a service that a lot of people don’t take seriously when it comes to money. When I started out, I didn’t require a deposit upfront.
Monday, September 14, 2009 - 20:50
I always say that freelance graphic artists should get paid what they’re worth no matter what cheap clients may think.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with offering a package deal that will benefit both you and your clients. If you have a client that will require more than two services, consider creating a package that will bundle these services together at one flat discounted rate.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 - 18:45
There is not one industry that doesn’t need graphic design. Everyone needs a logo, business cards and stationery.
But when going after clients, we graphic designers normally try to go after restaurants, churches, salons and publishers, because we see their heavy need for our services.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 - 19:51
In this modern day world, many women business owners still face internal and external challenges in trying to start and further their businesses.
Let’s face it, there are some potential clients (male and female) that may be skeptical of a woman entrepreneur’s skills, business sense and overall ability simply because she is a woman. Sad but true.
Monday, September 7, 2009 - 20:11
After I create a logo or help a client come up with a tagline, some of them ask me afterward about trade marking. I would have a blank look on my face due to not knowing how to even point them in the right direction. I want to equip all of you with the knowledge to give to your clients if they ever ask about this subject, and maybe, it might be a service you want to offer your clients.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009 - 20:08
I often talk about the irritating client: the one that calls too much, doesn’t want to pay and gets on your nerves. But I personally have a lot of clients that I love to work with.
They are timely, enthusiastic about my services and refer me to all of their contacts.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009 - 19:16
Let’s face it this is a tough business. Clients can get on your nerves, incoming work can fluctuate, and there may be times when you feel like throwing up your hands and saying the heck with graphic design.
I’m going back to my old job! Well, even though discouragement is a natural part of any job, especially owning your own business, here are five great reasons to stick with the freelancing graphic design industry. 1.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009 - 00:28
Have you ever met with a new client (or old one) and they explain to you what they’d like to see in the final design? You go home, work your little heart out, and create somethingthat you’re proud to say is a finished work of art. Feeling pretty accomplished, you send it to the client and are met with a reply email saying how your design looks “OK” but the client is not satisfied …
What happened?
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 22:55
I think all artists are just really big kids. Sure, we can make some really sophisticated stuff with typography and complicated gradient mesh; but deep down inside, I think that every great artist worth his or her salt gets an 8-year-old superhero feeling inside when we see something that we envisioned in our minds come to life through sheer creativity. There is no other feeling like it.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 19:42
To say that I never use my home printer would be a lie. Although the vast majority of my clients require professional printing services for themselves, I do use my home printer to scan things, print off invoices and contracts, as well as do home-made invitations and other smaller projects.
Monday, August 24, 2009 - 20:19
“Scoot back… you’re sitting too close to the TV!” That’s what my mom used to say just about every day when I was growing up. I never could understand what the problem was with sitting a mere eight inches away from the glowing TV screen.
What harm could it do? Little did I know that bad habit would catch up to me in the future… Many of us graphic artists probably stare at our computers more than 10 hours a day.
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What is the PsPrint Blog??
The PsPrint Blog is a resource for graphic designers, freelancers, small business owners and fans of print marketing. You'll find helpful techniques on printing everything there is to print, including business cards, postcards, brochures, stickers, invitations, greeting cards, door hangers, magnets and more. The PsPrint Blog shares creative ways to improve your design and layout skills, and useful tips for marketing your business in any medium. We also like to have a little fun, sharing design inspiration and spotlighting some our favorite customers' printed pieces in our "Hot Off the Press" series.
