» edward

How to Design a Business Card with StyleWhen you meet high profile leader in your industry, you want to make sure you leave a lasting impression. A lame business card is the worst way to go about this. When you set out to order business cards, remember that they are more than just tiny slips of paper. They are a concrete representation of your company and yourself. Designing business cards with style can give you the extra individuality you need in today’s competitive market.

 

Color and Contrast

The classic black-on-white business card still serves its purpose. Especially for professionals such as physicians or attorneys whose vocation implies a degree of gravitas, this simple and striking design is a viable option. Choosing rich linen paper in ivory or dove gray and embossed or foil lettering can add interest to even the most basic card. For others, bright colors can add that spark that makes your card stand out from the rest. Consider incorporating any colors that occur in your company’s logo into cardstock or typefaces. Double-sided cards with white faces and colored backings add interest and contrast to otherwise conservative cards. Including a personal photograph ensures that potential clients remember not only your name but your face as well.

 

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Alignment and Proximity

The human eye loves symmetry. Even our perceptions of personal beauty can be linked to mathematical formulas. When designing a stylish business card, ensuring that all relevant information is printed in proper alignment can make the difference between fortune and failure. Whether justified left, right or centered, all text and images should be grouped in a way that is pleasing to the viewer. In the same way that we look for logical placement, we also assume that information placed in proximity makes logical sense. Most people tend to read by sight instead of discerning individual words, so the name of your company should take prominence and your name and title should be grouped together. Likewise, contact information, whether it is your telephone numbers or email address should be printed in a way that provides both design coherence and ease of access.

 

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Repetition

Repeating design elements, colors or typefaces on a business card can create a unique, stylish look. Often novice designers will incorporate several different fonts into a card layout in an attempt to create visual interest. In reality, choosing a single typeface and altering the point size or utilizing effects such as bolding, italicizing or shadowing text creates a seamless pattern of repetition while presenting the finished product as a cohesive whole.

 

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The next time you order business cards, keep in mind that a creative, well-crafted card may be your only introduction to new clients. Take the time to design business cards with style.

Grid’s bare essentials for the graphic designer!As a working human, have you ever tried listing what you need most on your chosen profession? Being a Graphic Designer, Ashwin Patel listed it down using great iconography and representations of the essential needs of Graphic Designers.

Let’s take a look at this detailed piece of print and check if you missed some things on the list.

Ashwin Patel at gridlondon.com has launched a poster to outline the stereotypical ‘must haves’ of today’s graphic designers. Born in England and working just out of London, Ashwin entered the design world shortly after graduating at UCA in 2007. He has been lucky to work along side some great minds since his studies and using this experience and knowledge he has come up with some of the essentials he believes what makes the graphic designer.

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Illustrated with punchy, to the point and simple icons, the poster describes mind set and values to tools and appliances.

More of Ashwin’s work can be found at www.gridlondon.com

Valentine's Day Poster Printing Giveaway!OnlinePosterPrinting.com is generously sponsoring a Valentines giveaway of a 18 X 24 Rolled Poster to one of DWH readers. One lucky reader will win a 18 X 24 Rolled Poster – absolutely free!

What better way to showcase your favorite photo, designs, or artwork than through poster prints! These high quality prints will be a fantastic way to brighten up any wall.

Online Poster Printing makes it fun to print your pictures! They offer a variety of Poster Printing and Large Format Printing options. Perfect for that picture you want enlarged. Also great for businesses, holidays or parties.

How to Enter: (Enter up to 2 times!)

1. Leave a comment and tell us how you would use the free cards.
2. Tweet this giveaway and include the #giveaway trending topic for your second entry! Please leave your tweet’s URL on this post for easy verification.

We will select the stories and ideas that we think are the most creative. On February 21, 2010, we will announce the winners of our contest and notify them by e-mail. Remember to use a valid e-mail address when leaving a comment!

Giveaway Prize:

18×24 Poster Print for One (1) Winner
Paper Stock: High Gloss or Semi Gloss
Specifications: 1 Business Day Turnaround
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only

Giveaway ends February 21, 2010 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Must have valid email in their blog profile or leave email in comments otherwise you will be disqualified. Shipping & handling are free. Open to US residents only.

18 Essential Books Every Freelance Designer Needs to ReadSurvival and success in the design world rely upon creative talent fused with keen business sensibilities. Artistic skills are essential for anyone considering entering the world of freelancing including graduates of graphic design degree programs, but in today’s competitive market it is also fundamental to be able to manage one’s career, promote work, respond to client requirements and cope with the legal and financial complexities the contemporary designer faces.

This post brings together 18 books that are essential additions to the bookshelf of the self-employed freelance designer, texts in which established figures share their knowledge and experiences to guide freelancers on the path to success.

1. Becoming a Graphic Designer

– Steven Heller and Teresa Fernandes

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American designers Steven Heller and Teresa Fernandes are experts in the field, and the Third Edition of their acclaimed Becoming a Graphic Designer is considered by many to be the definitive guide to carving a career in the graphics world. The book covers the major design industries including printing, publishing, architecture, interactive design and moving image. It is also an invaluable guide to digital and electronic media, with the latest information on this rapidly evolving area of design. The guidebook is bursting with illustrations and samples, complimented by interviews and advice from major players in the key disciplines of contemporary design.

2. Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing and Ethical Guidelines

– Graphic Artists Guild

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The content of the Graphic Artists Guild’s handbook clearly demonstrates its mission statement: “To promote and protect the economic interests of artists.” All aspects of project planning, design briefs, pricing, planning, budgeting, copyright and legal issues are covered in the handbook’s concise and clearly presented format. This is an essential investment for anyone pursuing a career in the visual arts.

3. Inside the Business of Graphic Design

– Catharine Fishel

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Inside the Business of Graphic Design is based on 60 one-on-one interviews with design business owners, in which they reveal the secrets of their success, and lessons learnt through failure. Any creative considering running a design business should follow the wisdom contained in these pages.

4. Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Graphic Designer

– Michael Fleishman

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Graphic designer and illustrator Michael Fleishman presents a guide to beginning a career in design, from getting started, making a portfolio, to planning, promoting and selling work.

5. The Business Side of Creativity

– Cameron S. Foote

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The author of this book spent six years researching the experiences of over 4.000 design professionals; Foote’s text charts the process from becoming a freelancer, running a design studio, to eventual retirement into comfort after a successful creative career.

6. The Graphic Designer’s Guide to Pricing, Estimating and Budgeting

– Theo Stephan Williams

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Creative types are not always the most business-minded individuals, and for them this book is a fantastic resource on the financial aspects of graphic design. Award-winning designer Theo Stephan Williams lays out insider knowledge to help businesses achieve productivity and profit.

7. How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul

– Adrian Shaughnessy

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American designer and writer Jessica Helfand explains the practicalities and pitfalls of establishing a career in graphic design.

8. The Little Know-it-all: Common Sense for Designers

– Robert Klanten

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This book offers essential information for designers, divided into seven concise and informative chapters covering the fundamentals of the industry: Design, Typography, Digital Media, Production, Marketing, Law and Organisation.

9. 100 Habits of Successful Graphic Designers

– Josh Berger

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Josh Berger’s book explains in straightforward and practical terms the best approaches to design processes and projects. Crammed with samples and illustrations, the book itself is a wonderful design object.

10. Talent is Not Enough: Business Secrets for Designers

– Shel Perkins

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In Talent is Not Enough, Shel Perkins presents real-world advice for designers, explaining how to translate artistic talent into business success.

11. The Graphic Designer’s Guide to Creative Marketing

– Linda Cooper Bowen

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Linda Cooper Bowen is an expert designer and marketing consultant; in this book she sets out a complete guide to finding, winning and maintaining lucrative client contracts. Sample business materials and helpful interviews accompany step-by-step instructions on how to get by in the design world.

12. My So-Called Freelance Life

– Michelle Goodman

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While not specifically concerned with careers in design, Michelle Goodman’s guidebook provides helpful advice, along with humorous anecdotes, for anyone looking to pursue a creative freelance career.

13. The Graphic Design Business Book

– Tad Crawford

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This book provides comprehensive advice for early and mid-career designers, complete with sections written by industry experts. All the key elements of the design business are covered, from the practicalities of completing client briefs to the thorny subjects of copyright and taxation.

14. Freelance Design in Practice

– Cathy Fishel

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This book addresses the financial and legal ramifications of establishing a full-time freelance design business.

15. Selling Graphic and Web Design

– Donald Sparkman

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Veteran international designer Donald Sparkman reveals the strategies for success in the creative market. The book is an extremely useful resource for designers of all levels seeking information about marketing and production management.

16. Creatively Self-Employed

– Kristen Fischer

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This book explains what happens when the freelancer enters the exciting, and often daunting, world of creative self-employment. Author Kristen Fischer explores working from home, coping with the occasional rejections and loneliness of the enterprise, and building confidence in one’s creative and business activities.

17. The Savvy Designer’s Guide to Success: Ideas and Tactics for a Killer Career

– Jeff Fisher

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In this book, Jeff Fisher uses his own and numerous other designers’ experiences in a friendly, conversational text, useful for creatives at all stages in their careers.

18. Careers by Design

– Roz Goldfarb

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Recruitment specialist Roz Goldfarb offers a headhunter’s perspective on the design industry, explaining what clients look for in a designer, and the secret strategies for freelancers to get themselves and their work noticed.

If want to learn how to create successful web designs then join EX0-101 web designing course and get expert 642-982 study guides and 642-845 tutorials to learn how to create inspiriting web designs using different graphic techniques.

About the Author

As a freelance writer and designer, Tom knows from experience the challenges of working at home while maintaing productivity and growing a business in the creative industry. He writes for a supplier of HP Laserjet cartridges called Cartridge Save who are based in Manchester, England. You can read more of his writing about design and art on their blog, CreativeCloud.

Featured Wallpaper of the Week 08-10-09The Featured Wallpaper of the Week is a weekly feature of great wallpapers done by awesome designers.

In this week, we will feature “Mecha-Labaw” by Christian San Jose. Get to know the concept about the wallpaper and some information about the designers.

It’s time change your wallpaper now!

Mecha-Labaw

Featured Wallpaper of the Week 08-10-09


Featured Wallpaper of the Week 05-18-09

Featured Wallpaper of the Week 08-10-09


Featured Wallpaper of the Week 05-18-09

About the Wallpaper:

The Philippines is by large an agricultural country, and the Carabao (a water buffalo often used by farmers, locally known as Kalabaw) has been long considered as a national symbol. It’s a big part of our culture, and I thought I’d pay homage to it by creating a modernized, stylized representation.

Sizes are:
1280×800 | 1440×900 | 1920×1200 | 1680×1050

The Designer:

Name: Christian San Jose
Website: http://csj89.com/
Short bio: Christian San Jose is a 20-year old graphic designer and illustrator based in Pasig, Philippines. His stellar design skills have landed him gigs working as an Art Director for Team Manila Graphic Design Studio Inc. as well as doing merchandising and branding for musical outfits like Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco, and Cobra Starship, just to name a few. When he’s not playing Xbox and polishing his extensive shoe collection, he works as a Senior Designer for Internet Marketing at The U.S. Auto Parts Network Corporation in the Philippines.

Vote for this on the DBH10k Contest

This Mecha-labaw design is up for voting at Designbyhumans.com. Please vote for this design!

Vote for Mecha-labaw on DBH10K Contest

Sign up first to vote:
http://www.designbyhumans.com/join

Vote link:

http://www.designbyhumans.com/vote/detail/59799

Check this link for more details:
http://www.mechalabaw.com/

Your Turn

Did this Wallpaper Pack rocked your desktop? Show some appreciation!

Be Featured!

Want your wallpaper featured? Let us know and contact us!

A Look at 20 Web Hosting Company HomepagesWe see a lot of reviews of different website but few blogs have written about the web hosting industry. Being the hosting geeks that we are, we thought that it would be fun comparing the look and feel of 20 Popular Web Hosting Company Homepages.

The results? Well, many of them need improvements and other just need to fire their entire design staff.

From the folks at WHS, check them out for hosting reviews or read articles.

1. HostMonster

HostMonster goes for a pretty basic web hosting look and feel for their website. It is not excellent but it is in now way bad either. An easy navigated website with no surprises.

2. JustHost

The first question that pops into my mind when entering the JustHost website is: what is the woman in the image listening for? It does not make any more sense when reading the text either. Other than that it is a pretty solid and easy understandable website.

3. FatCow

As with all web hosts offering “green hosting” there is a lot of the color green (duh) on the website. A very clean look and feel and instead of informing their visitors about the monthly fee FatCow lets you know how much you will have to pay for a year as a client of theirs. It’s a great cute theme with cows and definitely entices you to buy a plan.

4. InMotion

We like the InMotion website. It’s the only one to show someone with a SAD face;, that they actually understand consumers are not happy with web hosting companies. What is with all the girls smiling away on the home pages anyway?

On the index page you have five very clear options and once you have clicked any of these you will get more information. This website truly stands out in a good way in the web hosting industry.

5. GoDaddy

The GoDaddy website has one of the spammiest pages ever. Can you understand what is going on and what they sell? You encounter a lot of text, images and alternatives all at once; a sensory overload. If GoDaddy didn’t invest millions in television ads and supermodel girls, they would be a nothing website.

6. HostGator

Maybe it is about time that HostGator update the look of their website as it is still web 1.0. Better than some hosting company sites that are 1995 styled. There are too many font sizes, colors, bold/italicized to understand where the focus should be.

7. LunarPages

Perhaps not the best of web designs but still user-friendly that have trustworthy impression. Make it a bit brighter, and tone down some of the plan options and it could become a very pretty website.

8. BlueHost

The BlueHost website is unfortunately a boring one. Sure, web hosting is not one the sexiest topics but we still deserve something better than this. Honestly, I hate seeing stock image people on hosting home pages. I know YOU don’t work for them, so why do I care? And the logo is unsexy to say the least.

9. Arvixe

Now this we like! It is the same concept as the InMotion website and Arvixe pulls it off with no problems whatsoever. Easy menus and great combinations of colors.

10. GreenGeeks

See! Another smiling girl. The logo, the plus sign, makes us think about a hospital; which we are doubt is a good thing. Other than that this is your usual hosting website with anything you might expect.

11. WebHostingBuzz

The black colors and the way it presents itself make it look like a very techy hosting service. Since it is directed to people looking for budget, reseller and VPS hosting we think that brighter colors might be better. However, it is a very easy navigated website which is the most important.

12. DedicatedNOW

DedicatedNOW offer more advanced hosting and you also get that feeling when visiting their website. For their purpose we think it works well. Except for part of the site falling off the viewing space, whoops!

13. Yahoo! Web Hosting

Although we like a lean design, Yahoo! Web Hosting does not really do it for us. The info is pretty well hidden and it is just not that appealing. So close but still so far away.

14. 1&1

No, no, no! We do not want to feel as we are at the supermarket when visiting our web host. 1&1, please remove all of the yellow “promotion bubbles”.

15. Super Green Hosting

Super Green Hosting does not only offer conscience clean hosting they also present it via a beautiful website. Everything is easy to find and they use colors that go well with their hosting. It is definitely one of the more web 2.0 sites.

16. StartLogic

StartLogic really needs to do something about team photo. At first you think that you have entered a medical site since the people on the image all look like doctors in their matching white t-shirts. Then you see the random Google Webmaster tools sticker. Really? Is THAT your product? Who cares. The color scheme also needs to be toned down and modernized.

17. HostPapa

This is an ok hosting website, from a design perspective, but not much more than so. The HostPapa site is pretty standard and you do not really get a wow factor when visiting the – however not many hosting sites do.

18. Globat

Yet another standard hosting website. It is pretty easy to find what you are looking for and yes, it makes you feel as if you are visiting a trustworthy website.

19. WebHostingPad

And another girl smiling at us…are you bored yet? We are not too sure about the colors they have chosen to go with but yes, it is a functional hosting website. However, do remove/replace the “Click For Live Chat” button as its shape, diverse typeface and constant blinking makes it look like something belonging in the red light district.

20. Omnis

The last of our smiling girls. The Omnis Network website is a very traditional hosting site but we like it more than others. The reasons for this are its user-friendliness, spare use of different colors and authoritative look and feel.

Enjoy the freedom in managing your own data infrastructure and web hosting using colocation hosting services.

Your Turn

Got a website hosting company site you love or hate? Let us know with a comment!

Host your beautiful website on the best web hosting from WebHostingBreak.