5 things I wish everyone knew about professional printing
I often see people ordering their own professional printing and then being disappointed with the results due to not being aware of printing limitations or due to issues that could've been avoided with a little insider knowledge. It's really disheartening to see people so excited to see their printed project (often after they've put a lot of work into designing it themselves!) only to be disappointed with the outcome. As a designer, I usually manage the printing for my clients, but for anyone that is managing their own printing, there are things that you need to be aware of. So here are 5 things I wish everyone knew about professional printing. 1. Colour variation is extremely common The most common complaint I hear when it comes to professional printing is that colours aren't printed...
My computer setup and the tools I use as a graphic designer
This is my current computer setup. You'll notice that I'm using a MacBook with PC peripherals, which I know doesn't make much sense but I'll try to explain it below! I've fine-tuned my set-up after many years of experimentation and this is what is currently working for me. It's not usually this neat and tidy, but I do try to keep it pretty clean because it helps me to focus. Over the years I've experimented with lots of different desk setups. I used to work at many different design studios and businesses as a freelancer/temp. This gave me the opportunity to try out lots of different computer setups ranging from top-of-the-line iMacs to very old, slow PCs. When it comes to tech I'm all about function. As much as I love pretty things, when it comes to my workspace, my main focus is on what...
Questions to ask before hiring a freelance graphic designer
Hiring a freelance graphic designer can be a daunting experience. There are a lot of freelance designers out there, but how do you know that a designer will be a good fit for your project? Here's some questions to ask a freelance graphic designer before you hire them: Does their design style suit your project? Graphic designers are not one-size-fits-all. Some designers are know for their distinctive styles, while other designers can do a variety of styles. Are they better suited to feminine, masculine or neutral styles? Minimalist or maximalist? Colourful or neutral? Some designers are really good at adapting existing branding, while others are better at working from scratch. Do you have a very specific idea in mind that you are looking a designer to bring it to life? Or are you happy...
How to work from home and actually get stuff done
Edit - I wrote this post many years ago, when I was working from home long before the pandemic. I've republished it now as I thought it might help people that are now finding themselves working from home! I've been working from home for a while now and I must admit it look me a long time to get used to it! When I first left the corporate world and started working for myself I really struggled. So much so that I rented office space for the first 6 months of my self-employed life because I just could not get anything done at home! I was so used to being in relaxation mode at home and work mode at the office. Slowly I got used to working for myself and not having a boss managing my schedule for me. I got busier and I didn't have enough time to get all my work done at the office so I started...
Should you re-brand? 10 questions to ask
Re-branding is a BIG job and the decision to re-brand should not be taken lightly. The following questions will help you to get really clear on your reasons for re-branding, what will be involved, and will help you decide whether or not a re-brand is the right choice for your business. 1) What is your current brand identity? Firstly you should start by doing on stocktake on your current branding. This should not only include the elements that make up your visual identity (eg. logo), but also all the places where these items are used (eg. signage). If you've got a small business you may just have a logo and business cards, that's going to be an easy re-brand. But maybe you've also got a website, custom printed packaging, brochures, business cards and uniforms for 25 employees, a shop...
It’s OK to have a side-hustle (aka please don’t quit your day job)
I recently read a statistic that made me really sad. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 60 percent of small businesses cease operating within the first three years of starting. Why? There's a few reasons, but one common reason is that people run out of money. (source) Over the years I have had many, many aspiring business owners coming to me for branding help, with a small amount of starting capital and plans to quit their jobs and rent office space because they believe that is the only way that their business will be a success. I strongly advise against doing this unless it really is integral to your business's success AND you have the capital to sustain the business for 3-5 years. My husband and I are both self-employed and I believe the key to our success...
Why cheap graphic designers can actually be more expensive
Finding a freelance graphic designer can be tough. There are so many designers out there and they all seem to offer various levels of quality, service and value. So sometimes just choosing the designer with the cheapest hourly rate seems like an easy way to make a decision and save some money. But sometimes using a cheap designer can actually cost you more money in the long run. Here's why. Graphic designers may be offering their services cheaply for a number of different reasons. They might be a fantastic graphic designer who just doesn't know their worth, or they me be... - Inexperienced or untrained, - Desperate for work, - Trying to undercut their competition or trying to compete on price, - Just freelancing on the side for fun, - Living in a country with a low cost of living, -...
