Inside Freelance Design

Issue #6
August 25, 2005

Welcome to Inside Freelance Design (IFD), your free, bi-weekly e-letter from American Writers & Artists Inc. Every other week, you can receive this special alert with secrets, tips, and insights from AWAI's graphic design pros to help you improve your skills and reach your goal of becoming a professional graphic designer in the fastest time possible.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Choosing the Right Computer, Part 3: Customizing Your System So It Works for You
Quick Tip: Making Sure Your Contrast Wows Your Prospect and Impresses Your Client
The IFD Mailbag

Choosing the Right Computer, Part 3: Customizing Your System So It Works for You

In our previous two articles in this series, we discussed the first two decisions you need to make when choosing a computer: (1) Macintosh or Windows? and (2) laptop or desktop?

Now, you need to determine how your system will be configured. (It's a lot like choosing options on a car you're buying.)

The three most important configuration decisions are processor type and speed, memory (RAM), and hard drive space. Don't worry if you don't understand these terms yet. You will in a moment.

THE PROCESSOR SPEED

Your computer's processor (sometimes referred to its CPU or central processing unit) is the part of your computer that does the work. You've probably seen computers that say “Intel Inside” or that boast of having a Pentium 4 chip. Or you've heard about Macintosh G4 or G5 systems. These are all different types of processor chips.

The speed of those chips –called the clock speed – varies from around 400MHz (megahertz - “mega” means “million”) up to 3GHz (gigahertz – “giga” means “billion”).

Don't worry too much about what the numbers mean. All you need to know is that, generally, the higher the number (3GHz is higher than 400MHz) the faster the processor. And the faster the processor, the quicker your computer does tasks.

Word of warning: You cannot directly compare processor speeds between Macintosh and Windows systems. While a 2GHz processor on a Windows machine is faster than a 500MHz Windows, it is not necessarily faster than a 1.5GHz Mac.

As a graphic designer, you want to choose a computer with the fastest processor speed you can afford… with one important exception. You also want to get as much memory (also called RAM) as possible.

MEMORY AND DRIVE SPACE DEMYSTIFIED

Many computer users confuse two very different parts of their computers, because they are measured in similar ways. These are memory –commonly called RAM (Random Access Memory) – and hard drive space.

Think of your computer as a woodworking shop. Computer memory is like your workbench. It's where you do your work. The more bench space you have, the easier it is to do the work.

If you have a small bench, you pile stuff on top of other stuff. It gets harder to work efficiently. The same is true of your computer memory. The more RAM you have (to the limits allowed by your computer), the faster and more efficiently you can accomplish your tasks.

RAM is measured in megabytes or gigabytes. As a graphic designer, you should try to get at least 512 megabytes of RAM – more, if possible.

So, when buying a computer, try to get as fast a processor as you can. But don't skimp on the RAM.

Your hard drive space is storage space. Even though it is also measured in mega- and gigabytes, it is not the same as RAM (memory). Hard drive storage space is like all the cabinets, drawers, and shelves in a woodworking shop.

It's where your computer stores finished and unfinished work, your pictures, documents, music, and similar things. It's also where the computer stores your programs when you're not using them.

Hard drives are now relatively inexpensive. Try to get a computer with at least a 40 gigabyte (GB) internal hard drive. You should also consider getting an external drive that is at least that big for backups.

Now, let's see what our design experts are using:

Lori Haller:
I run my main business using a Power Mac G4. I use Mac OS X Version 10.3.9 with a 467 MHz CPU. I back up on a firewire drive and also onto CDs. Then every 3 months, I have it backed up and kept off-site in a safe – so even if the place burns down, the artwork is always properly archived.

Roger Parker:
I have three late model Dell computers, all with 1 gigabyte memory (RAM). The laptop is considerably older, but adequate. A fast computer is a pleasure to use.

Get at least a 40GB hard drive. An 80GB drive is better, as graphics files quickly mount up. The best insurance you can get is off-premise, automatic, backup. My primary computer is automatically backed up to a remote archive every night.

Dennis Rome:
I have a Sony VAIO laptop (Pentium 4, 3.2GHz processor with 1 gigabyte of RAM. It has a 100GB hard drive. I also have a “backup” desktop system (Pentium 4, 3.0GHz, 300GB Serial ATA hard drive, and 2GB of RAM.

Mike Klassen:
I have a Dell, Pentium 4, 3.20GHz, 2GB RAM and the built-in Dell graphics adapter. Tip: Get a system with as much processor speed and RAM as you can afford. Anyone using Windows plus software like Photoshop is going to endure lots of frustration on a slow system with the minimum amount of RAM.

There are other important details to consider when buying a computer, such as the graphics system, onboard CD/DVD drives, and the like. These and many other non-computer related ideas are covered in detail (but in easy-to-understand language) in AWAI's new Graphic Design Biz-In-A-Box program at:

http://www.thedesignerslife.com/bizinbox/

[Editorial Note: To re-read the previous issues of Inside Freelance Design mentioned at the beginning of this issue, visit: http://www.awaionline.com/insidefreelancedesign/]

* * * * * * * * HIGHLY RECOMMENDED * * * * * * * *

ATTENTION GRAPHIC DESIGNERS!

Monthly Copywriting Genius now includes graphic design critiques of the winning control each month. This month's issue is already getting rave reviews from many graphic designers.

Each month Editor-in-Chief Sandy Franks and her grade 'A' team will breakdown a control-worthy mail piece to show you what designs are working in the marketplace… and most importantly WHY!

http://www.monthlycopywritinggenius.com/topdesigns/

Quick Tip: Making Sure Your Contrast Wows Your Prospect and Impresses Your Client

Let's say you have chosen a serene, medium-dark green and light purple for your design, since it represents the mood you want to set. But even if your colors look good on the screen, will they have enough contrast to stand out and make an impression on your prospect when he sees it?

Here's a quick test to find out if your contrast is deep enough.

Convert your design into grayscale and print it. You can do that in Photoshop by choosing Image > Mode > Grayscale from the menu bar. (If you don't have an image-editing program like Photoshop, print out a copy in grayscale. Most printers allow you to do this in the Print Dialog window).

Look at your layout in grayscale. If it looks bland and has little or no contrast, you need to change the contrast between the colors. Making one of the colors a little darker or lighter can create better contrast without destroying the mood you want to set.

* * * * * * * * Advertisement * * * * * * * *

TAX SAVINGS EVERY FREELANCER SHOULD TAKE

Find out where you can save… what the IRS really needs to know… how to make the most of those deductions for travel, meals, entertainment, home office, and more… You'll get answers to hundreds of tax questions along with practical worksheets you can use to make sure you're paying as little as possible to Uncle Sam.

Learn more: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/freelancetaxsavings/

FROM THE IFD MAILBAG…
by Kristin Schwarz

Hello, everyone!

In last issue's Mailbag, we asked, “What is your favorite design book or resource?” Many of you sent in your picks – including Master designer Rob Davis. Here's what he wrote:

Hi Kristin. Just got your e-zine and thought I'd drop you a quick note with a few suggestions for books to have in your design library. I know the question addressed great "design" books to have in your library, but I think a well-rounded direct-mail designer should also explore facets of the business beyond design, such as copywriting and the advertising business in general.

A well-rounded designer who understands the fundamentals of copy and why people buy things as a result of advertising can be indispensable to a good copywriter.

What follows is a short list of the classics of advertising literature. You're not going to find up-to-date info on the basics of Internet marketing in these books, but you will find fascinating insights into the history of advertising and direct marketing from the pioneers of the business. No design library is complete without one or all of these classics.

"My Life In Advertising" and "Scientific Advertising" by Claude Hopkins

“Tested Advertising Methods" by John Caples

"Confessions of an Advertising Man" and "Ogilvy on Advertising" by David Ogilvy

"The Copywriter's Handbook" by Robert Bly

"Hey Whipple, Squeeze This" by Luke Sullivan

Hope this helps. Good luck and good reading! – Rob Davis, Rob Davis Design

Thanks, Rob, for sharing this important information with us!

Now, here's an email from Christina, with a question you too may have …

Back in 2003, I paid for the entireGraphic Design program. Shortly after receiving it, I had several events in my life that demanded nearly all of my time.

I now have the time to devote to the program. In looking over other questions and comments from program participants, it seems the program content and assignments are stillbasically the same. Although I never saw any sort of time limit, I thought I should ask: Can I still submit assignments? – Christina

Thank you for your email, Christina – and welcome back to Graphic Design Success! At AWAI, we understand that life's challenges do not always allow designers enrolled in the program to stay on track. We understand that sometimes they need to take a break and attend to other urgent matters.

That is why we do not set a time limit on the submission of your assignments. This is a self-study program, designed so you can proceed at your own pace. And we are always here for you in case you need any assistance with the material. So feel free to submit your assignments whenever you are ready… and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

That's it for now. Until next time…

Kristin

[Ed. Note: If you have a question or comment for Kristin, please send it to:
insidefreelancedesign@awaionline.com, Attn: Kristin Schwarz.]

EXTRA! EXTRA! News and Job Opportunities for AWAI Students

GRAPHIC DESIGNER – Creative Playthings, Ltd., a manufacture and retailer of wooden swing sets and other fun family products, needs a graphic designer to join the team at their corporate office in Framingham, Massachusetts. You'll work on print ads, direct mail, collateral materials and more. You must know InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat. The ideal candidate will thrive under tight deadlines. Degreed candidates will be given preference. Please forward resume and salary requirements to:hr@creativeplaythings.com
DESIGNER – MediaLive International, a marketing company in San Francisco, California, seeks a designer (preferably already living in the area) to design newsletters, online materials, and print materials. You should have a good understanding of marketing, be an organized person, and comfortable with both print and online design software. Send your resume and salary history to graphicdesignerstaffing@mlii.com.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER – Jelly Belly Candy Company, one of the best know makers of jelly beans, is looking for a graphic designer to work with them full time on advertising, packaging, and multimedia presentations. You should know the Mac OS and the Adobe suite of design programs (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat) plus PowerPoint. Send your resume and salary history and requirements to jobs@jellybelly.com. (Located in Fairfield, California.)

COMING NEXT ISSUE:

4 Key Secrets to Building Your Design Success:Design Guru Tells How
QUICK TIP: Using Shadows So They Boost Response

* ABOUT INSIDE FREELANCE DESIGN *

Inside Freelance Design is a FREE bi-weekly newsletter from American Writers & Artists Inc., available to AWAI members and friends.

ARCHIVED ISSUES of Inside Freelance Design can be found on our website at www.thedesignerslife.com/insidefreelancedesign.

To ADVERTISE in Inside Freelance Design or send comments, news, research, or story ideas, email Kristin Schwarz at graphics@awaionline.com.

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Issue #6 August 25, 2005