Ask Nubby #8: Graphic Design & Business Resources

I’ve recently discovered, much to my dismay, that the degree program I’ve been taking from my local community college isn’t covering areas of graphic and web design I know are critical to being a viable businessperson in this industry. Upon further investigation, I’ve found some other community colleges that offer the classes/programs I need, but right now it’s not an option for me to transfer. Could you recommend any books/resources that iron out some of the standard business practices and approaches in the graphic design field (I guess a “crash course”!)?

Online Resources

1. U.S. Small Business Administration:

The U.S. Small Business Administration website can provide you with some basics including writing a business plan, naming your business, paying taxes and financing a start-up.

2. Freelance Switch:

Freelance Switch is one of the most valuable onlines resource for graphic designers looking for advice. It has many top notch guest writers and since it’s in a blog format, you can keep up through their RSS feed. Some articles that I’ve found especially helpful are:

a. Creating a Business Plan: How Will You Make Money?

b. How To Create Multiple Income Streams

c. Marketing Your Business Like A Pro

d. Differentiate or Die: Marketing’s Magic Bullet

Book Resources

1. How To Be A Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul:

As for books, everyone has their preferences and admittedly, I own very few as I do most of my reading online. The most valuable book for me has been How To Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul by Adrian Shaughnessy.

He covers the graphic design basics and necessities including how to find a job, being a freelancer, setting up a studio, running a studio, getting new work, interacting with clients and self promotion. In the back of the book, a section is dedicated to providing the contact information for design-related organizations.

Organizations of particular notability are:

a. AIGA (the American Institute of Graphic Arts): The oldest and largest professional graphic design organization in the U.S.

b. Icograda (International Council of Graphic Design Associations): The professional world organization for graphic design.

c. Creative Latitude: A worldwide community that unites various creative disciplines for collective promotion, education and ethical business practice.

d. Graphic Artist’s Guild: A national union of illustrators, designers and other creatives. They also publish a handbook that provides information on pricing and ethical guidelines.

2. You Work For Them Book Guide:

One of my favorite websites to buy design books, You Work For Them offers an amazingly comprehensive list of design book recommendations organized by education level! Such a time saver!

Miscellaneous Resources

a. The CPA Directory can help you find a certified public accountant. I highly recommend spending the extra money if you’re running your own business. CPA’s have a higher level of training and once they sign off on your taxes and financial paperwork, it’s like a gold seal of approval. Mine is so good that I’d trust him with my life!

b. The U.S. Copyright Office tells you how to register your work, explains copyright laws and allows you to search their records!

c. AIGA offers designers a free sample letter for speculative design work. This is helpful because sometimes, you will be asked to do initial work for no pay. Depending upon the circumstances, this could be detrimental to both yourself (and the design field as a whole). Additionally, they have a free standard agreement form!

In Closing

On the journey to being a well-rounded designer, I wholeheartedly believe that design programs need to spend more time teaching students how to not just be fantastic designers, but also about what it takes to be a successful business person.

Design is about more than being competent at computer programs and building an amazing portfolio. It’s also beneficial to know how to pay your quarterly taxes as a freelancer, to know when to down a job, and to know when doing initial work for free is not in your best interest. And, that’s the beauty of the digital age; most of the answers can now be found at your fingertips!