Issue #5
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DESKTOP
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LAPTOP
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lower cost
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portability
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more easily expandable
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takes up less space
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better potential ergonomics
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ability to work on site with clients
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more secure
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larger screen
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The list of advantages for desktops is longer, but that does not mean it's the right choice for you. The portability and smaller size of a laptop can be huge advantages, particularly if you like working at your client's site, at the coffee shop, or by the lake.
The smaller size can also be a big advantage if your office space is limited - or if you're temporarily forced to work on your kitchen table.
When deciding between laptop and desktop systems, your best bet is to try both and see which one is better suited to your needs, your work style, and your lifestyle.
If you don't know someone who will lend you a laptop, do a search online for "laptop rental." Even if you do not find one that has the operating system you prefer, trying it out will still help you decide if a laptop is really for you.
Now let's see what our graphic design experts have to say ...
Lori Haller: I use both a laptop AND a traditional desktop system. Sometimes when I need a change of scenery, I'll use the laptop and take it outside. It gives me freedom to move around, sit in a more relaxed position - and I really need that diversity if I am trying to land a breakthrough format or come up with a winning new product launch.
Roger Parker: I do most of my work on my home and office desktop systems. I only present from my laptop, and it's an old one. Many laptops have hard-to-use keyboards. Given the volume of words I write, I need a full-size, ergonomic keyboard.
Dennis Rome: Laptop - I really like being portable, to be able to work wherever. I have a high-end Sony VAIO. However, I do have a "backup" desktop system ready to go with all my design software and fonts loaded in case my laptop has a problem or gets damaged. It also serves as a great backup storage system for all my client files and documents.
Mike Klassen: I have both. I prefer a desktop because they're easier to expand with internal and external hardware. My laptop simply serves as a backup or something I can take with me to places like the AWAI Bootcamp.
Kammy Thurman: A desktop right now, but we're shopping for a laptop because we need it for off-site digital photography sessions. I will also use it for my copywriting/design business so I'll have more mobility - like being able to work from my deck in the mornings.
Choosing the right computer system is just one part of getting your graphic design business off and running. If you want to learn more about how to set up your business quickly and without a hitch, check out AWAI's new Graphic Design Biz-In-A-Box program at http://www.awaionline.com/bib/tgte/.
[Editorial Note: If you missed last week's issue, you can read it here:
http://www.awaionline.com/insidefreelancedesign/2005/ifd_004.html]
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When you incorporate shots of people in your designs, there are times when the subjects need to be recognizable ... and times when they don't. For those times when the faces need to be seen, there's an easy test that will tell you if the photo is the right size.
Lay a dime on each face. As long as none of them are smaller than the dime, it's about right; the people in the shot will be recognizable.
But if the activity in the shot (e.g., a cruise ship pulling out of port), or the sheer size of the group (e.g., conference attendees crowding into a popular seminar) is the point of the image, recognizing individuals isn't necessary. And in that case, the faces can be much smaller.
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Hi all,
This week, let's start out with this question from James:
"Can you recommend any books on graphic design to build a graphic reference library?"
Excellent question, James! There are so many great graphics books out there that it is difficult to pick just a few. Sometimes, I like to browse the graphic design section in my local bookstore, get a cup of coffee, and settle down in a comfy chair to check out what's new.
But here are some books that I simply could not live without:
And while we're on this subject, we would like to hear from you. What is your favorite design book or resource? If you've found a book that's proven invaluable, please share it with us by sending an email to me at: insidefreelancedesign@awaionline.com, Attn: Kristin Schwarz.
One more question - this one from Julie:
"In order to be successful in direct-mail design, do I absolutely HAVE to have an expensive program like Photoshop?"
Julie, when you are just starting in graphic design, you will probably be able to lay out all of your sales letters and course assignments in a word processing program like Word. But once you move on to more complex assignments (like magalogs), you may want to invest in a page-layout program like InDesign, QuarkXPress, PageMaker, or Publisher (Windows only). We will feature these programs in an upcoming issue of IFD so you can learn about the advantages and drawbacks of each one.
Once you are working on pieces that have lots of images, you'll want to have control over cropping them, resizing, or altering them in other ways. To do that, you will need an image-editing program (like Photoshop). By then, though, your business will have taken off and you'll be happy to invest in this expensive - but great - tool.
That's it from me for today. Remember ... we always love to hear from you.
Kristen
[Ed. Note: If you have a question or comment for Kristin, please send it to:
insidefreelancedesign@awaionline.com, Attn: Kristin Schwarz.]
Inside Freelance Design is a FREE bi-weekly newsletter from American Writers & Artists Inc., available to AWAI members and friends.
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