Issue #04
Wednesday July 28, 2005
Welcome to Inside Freelance Design (IFD), your new, free, bi-weekly e-letter
from the American Writers & Artists Inc.. Every other week, you can receive
this special alert with secrets, tips, and insights from AWAI’s graphic design
pros to help you improve your skills and reach your goal of becoming a professional
graphic designer in the fastest time possible.
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Choosing the Right Computer, Part 1: Windows or Macintosh?
- Quick Tip: How to Get FREE illustration Software
- The IFD Mailbag
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPUTER, PART 1: WINDOWS OR MACINTOSH?
One of the most common questions we receive from beginning graphic designers
is “What computer should I buy?” While this is a very important question, it is
the wrong one to ask … at least at first.
The first computer-related question you should ask is “Which operating system should
I use.”
A computer’s operating system (OS) is the program that tells it what to do and
how to do it. It’s what gives your computer its look and feel when performing
basic functions like copying and saving files, running printers and peripherals,
searching for files, and so on.
It’s also the part of your computer that allows you to run all your other programs
– like your word processing and design software.
The reason you should choose the operating system before deciding on a computer
is that you cannot run the two best-known systems on the same type of computer.
The two best-known systems are (in alphabetical order) Macintosh – which runs,
as you might expect, on Macintosh computers ... and Windows – which runs on PCs.
You might hear about a number of other operating systems, such as Linux and Unix,
but we advise sticking with either Windows or Mac (or both) at this point in your
career.
Macintosh’s current system is OS X. (The latest version is 10.4 or “Tiger.”)
Windows has several different versions of its Windows XP system.
Some people are very passionate about which system they choose. Some are die-hard
PC users, while others won’t use anything but a Mac.
You’ve probably heard that many graphic designers prefer Macs. However, both
Macs and PCs handle layout and image-editing software. So there’s no need to make
your decision on that basis alone.
What is important is to choose a system that you are comfortable with and that
meets the needs of your clients and the printing bureaus they use. If you already
have clients lined up or a favorite printing bureau, ask them which operating
system they prefer. You might want to go with the one that most of them like best.
You can test a variety of operating systems at your local library, FedEx/Kinkos,
or at an Internet café. Or ask your friends if you can do a test run on their
systems. See which one seems easier and more logical to you.
If possible, ask other designers which system they prefer, and why – particularly
if they have used both. We did that with five of our graphic design experts. Here’s
what they had to say ...
Lori Haller: For design work, large magalogs, and direct-mail
campaigns, I use a Mac and work in Quark, Illustrator, and Photoshop. We also
have InDesign and other PC/Mac software on a variety of machines. I use whatever
fits my clients’ specifications best.
Roger Parker: All of my computers use Microsoft Windows. I want
them to be compatible with the most widely used platform. I’ve heard stories about
some software inconsistencies between versions and operating systems that convinced
me to stick with Windows.
Dennis Rome: Windows. Because I am a computer consultant, I
had far too much money invested in Windows software before starting the Graphic
Design program – so I didn’t switch to Mac. However, a Mac may be in my future
as income grows.
Mike Klassen: Windows. That’s just what I grew up with. Plus,
I was a Microsoft employee, so I’m very comfortable with the system.
Kammy Thurman: I use Windows, because that’s what I learned
on. But my sister (with whom I work) uses a Mac. She and a copywriter friend have
just about convinced me to switch over to Mac.
One final consideration: If you buy a new computer, it will most likely come
with the latest version of its operating system pre-installed. If you buy a used
computer, you may get an older – sometimes much older – version of the operating
system. In that case, make sure the computer is new enough to upgrade the operating
system software if you decide to do so.
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WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO RUN A
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Get the answers to the hundreds of questions you may have about starting and
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QUICK TIP: How to Get FREE Illustration Software
Creature House Expression 3 is an innovative vector-based illustration and graphics
tool that provides exciting creative capabilities for designers working in print,
Web, video, and interactive mediums.
Microsoft acquired the Creature House technology and development team in 2003.
As a service to the many loyal users of Expression, they are making a free download
version available to existing users of the product for either Microsoft
Windows or Mac OS. Follow this Download
link to complete the registration survey and download the software.
Microsoft is currently working on a new Beta version of the Expression software
called Acrylic. You can downloada preview version of Acrylic now and report back
to Microsoft with any bugs or glitches you run into while using it. Here’s the
link:
http://www.microsoft.com/products/expression/
* * * * * * * * Advertisement * * * * * * * *
4 DAYS THAT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER
http://www.awaionline.com/graphicsbootcamp2005
FROM THE IFD MAILBAG ...
by Kristin Schwarz
Hi All,
Recently, I received two emails from graphic designers in our program who have
questions that might also be on your mind. Here’s the first one ...
Besides the Graphic Design Success program, what else do you recommend
to get my graphic career up and running?
AWAI has a brand-new program that was designed to help our novice graphic designers
launch and run a profitable freelance design business. “Graphic Design Business
in a Box” http://www.thedesignerslife.com/getanswers is
chock-full of strategies and advice. Our graphic design and business experts collaborated
to make sure it includes everything you could possibly need in order to get started.
We also recommend attending our Graphic Design Success Bootcamp 2005. Master-designers
Roger C. Parker and Lori Haller will be hosting this action-packed, 4-day seminar.
Attendees will learn design concepts that will shave months (if not years) from
their learning curve. In addition, they’ll get tips on “Selling Yourself” from
Bob Bly, a master of self-promotion, as well as other working writers and artists.
And they’ll have a shot at real “spec assignments” that could easily lead to real
paychecks.
Plus, during the Bootcamp Job Fair, everyone will get the opportunity to meet
representatives from direct-mail companies looking to hire copywriters and graphic
designers. Last year, nearly 25% of our beginning designers who attended Bootcamp
landed jobs with clients – and we expect this year to be even better.
And here’s our second question ...
I have read in some graphic design books and websites that you should always
do some hand-drawn thumbnail sketches before even turning on the computer.
Isn’t that an archaic way of designing? And doesn’t this mean it will take
even longer to finish a layout?
Creating thumbnail sketches is a great way to exercise your creative muscles.
The more you do, the clearer the image of your final design becomes. Doing this
also helps eliminate the anxiety some people feel when sitting in front of a blank
computer screen.
Thumbnails do not have to be pretty. They are meant to be quick exploratory sketches
to help you structure your thoughts and come up with the most effective way to
organize headlines, subheads, body copy, and photos. Once you have done a few
thumbnails, you can pick and choose the elements of each that you like best.
Thanks to all of you who have been writing in with questions for this column.
Until next time ...
Kristin
[Ed. Note: If you have a question or comment for Kristin, please send it to:
insidefreelancedesign@awaionline.com,
Attn: Kristin Schwarz.]
EXTRA! EXTRA! News and Job Opportunities for AWAI Students
- GRAPHIC DESIGNERS – Over 125 ads are currently posted on
DirectResponseJobs.com, by marketers looking to hire AWAI Copywriting and Graphic
Design students. Search and apply today at: http://www.directresponsejobs.com
- GRAPHIC DESIGNER – Finelight, a full-service ad agency specializing
in both branding and direct response marketing, needs a graphic designer to
join the team at the Bloomington, Indiana headquarters. Close attention to detail,
a deep respect for client objectives, and a thorough understanding of branding
and direct response are all required. Please send your resume a best samples
to hr@finelight.com.
- GRAPHIC DESIGNER – Southern Living Magazine seeks a graphic
designer to work on page layout and design. You must work well as part of a
team. You should know QuarkXpress, Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. Send
your resume and samples to Southern Progress Corporation, 2100 Lakeshore Drive,
Birmingham, AL 35209.
- FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER – The Life Extension Foundation,
a leading national health magazine, needs a MAC savvy freelance designer to
work on article layouts, ad design, and order forms. They have a good deal of
work available. You must be comfortable working under tight deadlines. You should
know InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Quark. Send your resume and samples
to rvergara@lifeextension.com.
COMING NEXT ISSUE:
- Laptop or Desktop – Which Computer Is Best for You?
- QUICK TIP: How a Dime Can Make Your Images Perfect for the Project
* ABOUT INSIDE FREELANCE DESIGN *
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© 2005 American Writers & Artists Inc.
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