Author
Design, Development
The pros and cons of being a hybrid web designer/developer
If you’ve been a designer for any length of time, you’ve probably had clients request things from you that go beyond design and into the… Read More
Marketing
How to use email marketing to grow your design business
Email lists. You’ve surely heard about them. You’ve probably set them up for your clients, and even told them about the importance of collecting emails. Read More
Business
5 financial tips every freelance designer should follow
When you’re a freelancer, you’re the President and CEO of You, Inc. You make all the decisions, set the strategies, put systems in place, accept… Read More
Business
How to hire your first design assistant (and know when you’re ready)
Business is booming. You’re feeling busy, in a good way. Or maybe you’re feeling a little too busy! This is great — it means you’re… Read More
Business
The best tips for dealing with difficult clients
As web designers, we want to love all our clients. That’s what figuring out your ideal client is all about, right? Doing… Read More
Marketing
The best Google Chrome extensions for designers in 2017
Chrome extensions…they’re better than a bookmark, better than in-browser apps, ridiculously handy, and a fantastic (usually free!) resource for web designers. You may already be… Read More
WordPress
The best tips and tools for building your first WordPress site
I have a confession to make today: I’m not a very good web designer. I’ve never had any formal training – I’m completely self-taught. Read More
Business
Why designers need a project management system
When it comes to managing your workload and your workflow, one of the most critical things you need is efficiency. If time truly equals… Read More
Business
Productivity tips for work-at-home designers
Working from home is awesome. I know, because I’ve been doing it since 2010. No more stuffy jackets, no more pinchy work shoes, no… Read More
Development
3 ways to be the best designer you can possibly be
Are you the very best designer you could possibly be at this exact point in time? Most of us wish we could answer that… Read More
Design
4 proven ways to become a better web designer
The great thing about web design is that it gives you a way to make a living (or a nice side income) doing something creative… Read More
Design
13 browser-based tools every designer should have in their toolkit
Ah, the browser-based app. It’s solid software that updates itself. You don’t have to mess with downloading things. And, perhaps most fantastic of all,… Read More
Design
The secret to making informed design decisions
Wouldn’t it be great if you had a way to help you make some of your design decisions? Sometimes, having a completely blank slate… Read More
Business
13 books every freelance designer should read
Are you freelancing? No matter where you are in the process, whether you’re thinking about starting a side hustle or you’ve been freelancing for… Read More
Business
Why designers need to understand basic business concepts
When you’re a web designer, you really need to understand some basic business concepts. That’s not just for freelancers, either – agency and in-house… Read More
Design
Why wireframes are essential for web design
Wireframes are awesome. They take your big idea for a website and they help you get it all right, before you do any coding. Read More
Business
Tips for freelancers to cut costs and increase income
The adage that “time is money” is especially true when you’re a freelancer. After all, you only get paid for the work that you’re… Read More
Business
9 simple ways to make working from home work for you
Ah, the glory days of working from home. Whether you’re freelancing or telecommuting, being able to work from home can be a major life improvement…if… Read More
Design
6 ways to climb out of a creative rut
Out of steam. Out of juice. Out of gas. Whenever you make a profession out of a creative endeavor, there comes a time when… Read More
Design
A look inside what makes (or breaks) good design
We talk a lot about good design…but what does that really mean? There’s a lot that goes into a good web design. Sure, the… Read More
Business
How to find the perfect pricing strategy for your web design business
No matter what service you’re selling, you need to know your pricing. But how do you even begin to figure that out? Pricing is an… Read More
Design, Marketing
A few things to think about before using a full-screen video background
Looking for a web design feature that delivers massive impact with a hyper-cool appeal? Consider the full-screen video background. The full-screen video background is… Read More
Business
How to decide what skill you should learn next
One of the great perks of being a creative professional is the opportunity to keep learning. Our technology-based field is changing constantly, so there’s… Read More
Business
4 tips for creating the perfect workspace
As creatives, we draw inspiration from our surroundings. We need to be able to channel our creative energy when we’re working. It’s also true,… Read More
Business
7 tips for spring cleaning your business
Spring cleaning isn’t reserved just for houses. Throwing everything open, taking stock, and doing a deep clean-out after the dreary winter months is both physically… Read More
Business, WordPress
8 great WordPress themes for your personal brand
Whether you’re a hobbyist, an all-in solopreneur, or somewhere in between, it’s a no-brainer that you’ll need a website to showcase your skill and personality. Read More
Business
Why you should use a contact form
It’s probably no surprise that the contact page is among the top three most important pages of any website. Being reachable is critical when you’re… Read More
Business
8 creative exercises to re-energize your brain
Web designers are, by nature, creative. And one of the facts of the creative life is creative fatigue. Whether it’s physical tiredness, boredom, a… Read More
Business
What you need to start your freelance business
Thinking about going freelance? Maybe you’ve got visions of financial freedom, creative freedom, logical freedom, or something else dancing in your head. Or maybe… Read More
Design
Is lettering a skill every designer should pursue?
While there are some things that pretty much every designer needs to learn, is hand lettering one of those things? The answer: it depends. Read More