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Design resources, Print design

Talking about color: color spaces

Today, I'm talking about color space. About a month ago I covered some color terms specific to color printing. I'm expanding on that information today and covering a couple other colors spaces. If you’re wondering what RGB means and what it’s good for, I hope to help you out. Also, this is simplified; this is… Continue reading Talking about color: color spaces

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Books, Print design

February book round-up and critique

I’m doing something a little different for the February book round-up. I thought I’d find a book cover that I liked and then talk about what I think is working for it. I was looking through the online catalog for the Cincinnati Public Library and found this book: As You Wish by Chelsea Sedoti. What’s… Continue reading February book round-up and critique

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Books, Print design

No sloppy seconds: designing series, second books and second (and third, etc.) editions

Recently a client asked me about designing the cover for the second edition of her book. She wanted to maintain the look of the first book. “That’s a good idea,” I said. “Oh, good,” she said, tension leaving her voice. “Other designers wanted to change it all together.” The first edition cover was a reasonable… Continue reading No sloppy seconds: designing series, second books and second (and third, etc.) editions

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Books, Publishing

Five (or more) questions with Jamie Markle

For this week's post, I sat down with Jamie Markle, freelance consultant, editor and writer. Full disclosure, we've worked together and known each other for years. Also full disclosure, this is my first interview. We talked mostly about publishing (surprise!). Thanks to Jamie for taking time to talk to me, and make sure to visit… Continue reading Five (or more) questions with Jamie Markle

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Books

Book round up for the new year!

Start the new year off right with one of these five books! I’m starting with books to turn your thinking on its head, but ending with a light parody read. Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman I first read this book when I was in college and I've re-read it at least once since… Continue reading Book round up for the new year!

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Design resources

Free images: Five tips for finding great images for free

There are days when you just need a free image. Maybe it’s a pro bono project, maybe the client has no money, or maybe it’s a personal project. Here are five tips for getting and using free images. Use an existing image from a stock image site that offers them for free There are a… Continue reading Free images: Five tips for finding great images for free

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Books

Book roundup: Holiday edition!

For December’s book roundup, here's a selection of books that will get you in the holiday spirit, or will make a great gift for that special someone on your Christmas list. Except that last entry, it's currently not available, and it's a DVD! Read to the end to see why I tease! A Christmas Carol… Continue reading Book roundup: Holiday edition!

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Business

Five tips to creating a great client relationship

As a freelancer, creating a great client relationship is essential to creating great work. We all want great clients: a great client trusts the design work that you do, comes back for more, and refers you to other clients. It’s important to start building this relationship from the very beginning, even before you meet any… Continue reading Five tips to creating a great client relationship