Freelance Design Blog - Eighteen and Nineteen - 22.2.8

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istock image of the week - New Character
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My full istock portfolio can be viewed here.
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Stats so far.
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Uploads. 165
Downloads. 1057
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So I finally cracked over a 1000 downloads, been contributing since April 2007 so it's been a long slog and a lot of rejections but it's really been worth it and would recommend it as a way of supplementing a freelance income. If you want any tips on submitting work please feel free to e-mail me.
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Past weeks.
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I have managed to neglect my blogging duties again and post two weeks late so my apologies for anyone expecting a post last week. But I'm glad to say it's down to a hectic work load juggling a variety of clients. This included the design of an advertisement for the back of a double decker bus which is first for me and quite exciting. As the bus has a lot of vents and lights it was quite taxing to work around these elements to create a striking design which included a bit of illustration as well. The clients are really happy with the work but the venue launch date has been pushed back so I don't think it will be on the streets for a while. I will post a pic as soon as it's out.
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The Outso clients were happy with the branding job, I have included some early concepts below, I will post the final artwork at a later date. The Outso and Insignage companies are owned by the same group hence the combined concept. The client can't show much of their work due to copyright so wanted a brand and website to express a real insight into new graphic design and get clients excited about working with them.
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I picked up the cosmetics companies' stationary today which I'm really happy with, the silver metallic has come out really well and I'm looking forward to delivering it to the clients next week. Now the focus is on finalising the packaging which is close to a resolution so fingers crossed it will be with the printers next month.
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Let me know what you think of my work and new WIPD brand (top right), thanks for reading!

Freelance Design Blog - Weeks Sixteen and Seventeen - 6.2.8

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iStock image of the week - Alien Robot Invasion

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My full iStock portfolio can be viewed here.
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Stats so far.

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Uploads. 160

Downloads. 986

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Hello, it's been two weeks since my last blog and again this is due to the hectic schedule of work which is a great place to be. I read an article recently about how freelancers aren't being affected by the downturn in the economy which is great news and really strengthens our position as the PAYE's take the burn of this changing market. So what a great time to leave your job and set up on your own.

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The past two weeks

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The cosmetics brand work continues with slight amendments to the packaging as well as working on their presentation boards for a meeting this week which included 3d visuals. I was planning on purchasing an A3 printing to cut costs in the long run but managed to get a good deal at my printers. As a freelancer I have had to often decide whether to purchase certain equipment with the prospect of saving me/making me more money in the long run. There are few things that a freelancer will need but others that will be dependant on the job and how much work/income you're getting. I wouldn't suggest cutting corners but you won't need to fork out for heavy duty printing equipment at the start, I have compiled a list of things I bought at different periods as a freelancer at the bottom of this blog.

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I have taken on another client recently which has been another coo, as they have pretty much left it up to me to take it in any direction. They wanted to rebrand two of their sub companies and come up with website concepts. The key to these projects was the ability to convey a sense of graphic style and ability as they were unable to show samples of their work due to copyright restrictions. I don't actual build websites and often turn projects down, so it's really great to design it and have someone else build it. I consider myself really and ideas person and think it shows with the concept they really loved so will post a link when it's up, but it's very illustratively driven!

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Currently I'm working on the second brand and website, they have asked me to juxtapose swirling nature, ink on paper styles with a digital feel which is there main business. It's really quite difficult but I think it's starting to work and have literally made the break through which is a relief as the delivery is Friday.

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I have also started to build some fonts as a sideline inspired by the last project I worked on. I have added a sneak peak below, still got a lot of work to go, but any opinions are always welcome.

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So as promised here are a list of things for a freelancer starting out based on my experience.

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Starting out.

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A computer (obvious but i'm sure someone would say if I didn't put it in). I use a laptop so I can easily travel to locations and I'm planning to purchase a better monitor for the occasions I'm working from home.

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Software - Dependant on the industry and how much you've got to spend. I used what was left of my student loan to fund Photoshop and illustrator and later bought Quark.

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Printer - Don't go over the top it's just a good idea to see how it looks on paper - don't trust the colours but the text size is better seen printed.

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A bit later on.

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Pantone colour guides - A colour bridge is a good idea as it gives a guide to process colours as well.

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Paper Sample booklets - Possibly Conqueror but any free samples are good.

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For the future - These are on my list of future buys.

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High res monitor - Possible tuned to Pantones.

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A3 Printer - This will allow you knock off clients presentation boards saving time and money in the long run.

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An office - To impress clients

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People - If you want to expand and make more money.

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That's it for another week, thanks for reading!