http://www.varigraphics.com/free-vector-graphics-kids/
free vector graphics kids
free vector graphics kids
Freelance Graphic Design as a Work-At-Home Business
Are you a whiz kid with a pen in your hand? Can you whip up photographic mash-ups that make the Mona Lisa look like illegible scrawl on a bathroom wall? Do you look at album covers and glance at the heavens above, shaking your head knowingly? Then why not put those skills to use and show those rank amateurs how it’s really done?
Whether it’s putting together album covers, posters and logos for the local garage band, doing ensemble flyers for traveling street theatre or producing viral advertising for the world’s largest shoemaker, there’s never been a bigger market for freelance graphic designers, or a better time to be one. The software and hardware that once made digital design and subsequent mass-marketing a rare and expensive medium has cheapened to the extent that anybody with an internet connection, an inexpensive personal computer and an inspired idea can have their work broadcast to tens of millions of people around the world.
Graphic design in its truest form is about conveying a message with a combination of carefully selected colors, symbols, images, shapes and words that, put together, create a unique identity for a product. Those who can do this with rapidity, enthusiasm and a little flair are always in demand. If you’ve got some ability within the realm of traditional fine arts, all the better, but it’s not the be all and end all of your career. Like all artistic pursuits, though, you need the right tools for the job. Specifically, you’re looking for the following:
1. Software. Whether you work with a can of paint and an easel or a mouse and a monitor, you are going to eventually end up with a digitized version of your finished work for delivery to the client. For those of us with liquid assets, I highly recommend Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. If you can’t splurge the high cost for these programs, you can find extremely serviceable replacements in the free, open-source GIMP and Inkscape. Together, these should cover your needs for vector artwork, photo retouching/manipulation, post-processing and final file exports.
2. A good digital (or even film-based!) camera is a useful optional extra. I prefer Canon DSLRs for their aggressively reasonable prices and excellent image quality, but high-end point and shoots can do the job in a pinch. They do, however, lack slightly in credibility while on-site. For those of us nostalgic for the days of 35mm, you can find brilliant film SLRs on eBay for knock-down prices.
3. If, however, photography isn’t your cup of tea, then free stock photo services such as MorgueFile or Stock.xchng are excellent resources that do all the work for you.
4. Finally, a flatbed scanner always comes in handy, whether you’re digitizing hand-drawn designs, scanning client-provided images or transmitting 35mm negatives. The Epson Perfection and Canoscan 8400F have garnered extensive praise for being well-rounded and affordable. Throw in a color inkjet printer or a membership to the local Kinkos, and you’re done.
So now you’re well-equipped and looking to set the world on fire as a gun-for-hire designer, but don’t know where to start. Assuming you haven’t done this kind of work before, your first priority would be to produce a varied portfolio guaranteed to blow the socks off any potential employer. A useful technique, I’ve found, is to start by going through your collection of books, video games and CDs, and picking out a few of each with covers you either hate or love. Decide why it is they produce such strong reactions in either case, and what you would have done differently. With this in mind, attempt to redraw as many as you can in your own image. As you come up with successful designs, put them aside.
Similarly, find some eye-catching stock photos and see what comes about when you simply sit and play with them in your chosen image manipulation software. Get to know the functions of the software and the way images respond to different treatments until it’s second nature.
When you think you’ve got a killer portfolio and the mindset to successfully close a deal, it’s time to find a client. Great first-time employers include local musicians and stage acts, as well as neighborhood businesses with uninspiring logos or lackluster advertising material. (You know what we’re talking about when I mention brochures or restaurant menus that look like they were put together by a ten year old using Word Art and MS Paint).
Most potential clients of this caliber don’t know how presentation affects their business, or feel that hiring a graphic designer to do work for them would be too expensive, so offer them a cheap, friendly, local alternative: yourself! For small projects, offer a flat rate; and for larger ones, keep a log of hours you spend and how many designs you produced so that you can bill accordingly.
It helps, too, to do some gratis work to get your name out there. Use your judgment and offer to redesign for free when you think it’s suitable. Networking and subsequently maintaining contacts in the local business community is what can net you, initially, the most lucrative projects, as well as long-term contract work. Graphic designers in the freelance arena have to think of themselves as part-artist, part-salesperson. Pound the pavement, scan the back pages of community newspapers for projects that look interesting, make calls to fashion, art and IT magazines to see if they have any space for an aspiring designer in their ranks.
On a larger scale, attracting corporate clients requires an online presence, and enough of the above to make an impression. Magazine freelancing in particular can generate contacts and assets in the upper tiers of international marketing and design. Spend some time uploading your creations to a website like Flickr.com or DeviantArt.com, where you can get free exhibition space, as well as having a place to call your own that you can point people to for easily accessible examples of your work. This is just an extension of your portfolio; but like your portfolio, make sure it’s a showcase of all your abilities. Indicate especially that you can diversify and handle different mediums and project sizes.
Freelancing as a graphic designer can be initially difficult; more often than not you may find potential clients slamming doors in your face. Take this in stride and persevere. Like most creative positions, as you accumulate paying jobs, more will become available to you. There’s a lot of demand globally for you to carve out a niche for yourself in freelance graphic design.
About the Author
Brian Scott is a freelance writer for
http://www.FreelanceWriting.com
, a free website offering
freelance writing jobs
and hundreds of
writer’s guidelines
to paying magazines. Read his
blog for freelance writers
at http://workingwritersnewsletter.blogspot.com
Omnitux Children Learning Game – Linux Mint 8
|
|
First Alert 3035DF Digital Locking Steel Security Box, 0.27 Cubic Foot, Black/Silver $41.99 Note: Products are not available for Hawaii and Alaska States…. |
|
|
First Alert 2037F Fire and Water File Chest, 0.62 Cubic Foot, Gray $55.95 This UL classified First Alert media protection chest tested to withstand an external temperature up to 1550 degrees for 1/2 hour and independently verified to protect electronic media, such as memory sticks, CD’s, DVD’s and external hard drives. Waterproof even when fully submerged. Key Protector Chest Features: Interior Dimensions(HxWxD): 10.25 in. x 12.17 in. x 8.58 in. Stores standar… |
|
|
First Alert 3040DF Digital Large Security Box, Black/Silver $53.99 Honeywell Security Lock Box with Digital Keypad. Lock it up… from important documents to your prized autographed baseball to your laptop, with the Honeywell Security Lock Box. And while you get BIG peace of mind, thieves just find one aggravating obstacle after another. 48″ security cable. State-of-the-art digital keypad. Double-steel wall construction. Plus, fire-retardant insulation provides a… |
|
|
Passion of the Christ: Songs (Original Songs Inspired by the Film) $16.93 … |
|
|
The Lost Soul $15.00 This CD features six new original works, two of them instrumentals, three traditional songs, and one borrowed tune. 1. Two Doves (Rathje) 5:232. Been All Around This World (trad. arr. Rathje) 3:123. Finn MacCool (Rathje) 3:534. The Lost Soul (trad. arr. Rathje) 2:545. Witch of the Westmereland (Fisher arr. Rathje) 4:146. Dobrology (Rathje) 2:547. Trout (Rathje) 2:408. Temperance Re… |
|
|
Family $18.49 … |
|
|
Charlie Rose – ‘What Just Happened?’ / Religulous (October 13, 2008) $24.95 A conversation about the film ‘What Just Happened?’ with Robert De Niro, Barry Levinson and Art Linson. || A conversation about the film Religulous with Bill Maher and Larry Charles.This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply…. |
|
|
Keyword Optimization – Complete Guide to Choosing Profitable Keywords for Your Website $14.95 Keyword research and optimization are one of the most important aspects in search engine optimization and rankings. One of the most common mistakes people make when creating a website or putting up an online business is believing they already know what keywords customers are using to find them. If you are not targeting the specific keywords your customers are searching for online, they will NEVER … |
|
|
Quality Pay-Per-Click Traffic Video Series (2008, DVD) $49.99 The DVD includes the following videos: 1 – Understanding Quality Clicks Over Quantity Focusing on clicks that convert is more important than just the concept of getting a high CTR (Click Through Rate). The problem most beginners face is they are taught to use a keyword tool and just start adding tons and tons of keywords into the Adwords keyword list and Walla, some magical conversions will hap… |
|
|
Ohio State Buckeyes Ladies Logo Hair Scrunchie $8.95 Ladies, pull your hair back and show your Buckeye team spirit with this team logo scrunchie!… |
|
|
EIKO KPR102 – 2.4V .7A/B3-1/2 SC Mini Flange Base Miniature $4.98 … |
|
|
6 Watt – S6 – 48 Volt – Candelabra Base – Indicator Light Bulb – Bulbrite 750604 $3.99 Brand: Bulbrite – Part No.: 750604 – Wattage: 6 Watt – Voltage: 48 Volt – Base Finish: Brass – Base Type: Candelabra (E12) – Bulb Color: Clear – Bulb Shape: S6 – Bulb Type: Incandescent – Diameter: 3/4 in. – Length (M.O.L.): 1-7/8 in. – Life Hours: 1500 – Case Quantity: 10 -… |
|
|
First Alert 1.2 Cu. Ft. Theft Digital Safe $138.99 This First Alert 1.21 cubic foot safe is constructed of heavy gauge welded steel and is equipped with 2 live door bolts, pry-resistant heavy duty steel concealed hinges, a fully carpeted interior, and a removable/adjustable shelf. Key/Digital Safe Features: Programmable digital lock with override key. Pry-resistant concealed hinges. 2 locking door bolts. Fully carpeted interior. Inside dimensio… |
|
|
Alfa AIP-W505 802.11n/b/g Wireless Broadband Router & Access Point with 4 LAN ports – Wireless-N WiFi WISP, Bridge, AP Router – Advanced Security Futures and Supports URL & Keyword Filtering $49.99 AIP-W505 PCB is the 1 x 10/100Mbps WAN + 4 x 10/100Mbps LAN Ports, 802.11n AP/Router that provide up to 150Mbps high speed throughput. W505 PCB is suitable for WISP applications such as AP/Router mode, WISP mode, WDS Bridge Mode, Wireless Bridge Mode and Hybrid Mode; it’s easy to management by user friendly web-based interfaceSpecifications:ManagementWeb-base management interfaceRemote managementS… |
|
|
Micro Innovations Wireless Link Keyboard (TKB700U) $13.99 Designed for travel and easy collapse, this keyboard is ideal for any user on the go. Foldable design lets you conveniently enter large amounts of data quickly and effortlessly. Ultra-slim design looks sharp and saves space. Folds to go wherever you want. Works with most Palm OS and Pocket PCs. For Device Type: Palm OS;Pocket PCs; Wired/Wireless: Wireless; Maximum Wireless Range: NA;Connector/Port… |
|
|
Hanes Men’s Classic Basic Crew, Three Pack $16.00 Hanes Classics are constructed with very soft ring-spun cotton for added softness and resiliency…. |
|
|
Lilyette Women’s Microfiber Minimizer Bra #428 $32.00 Our Lilyette® Microfiber and Lace Minimizer® Bra offers you the very best in beauty and comfort! * Beautiful and comfortable styling * Luxuriously soft fabric* Gorgeous lace details* Smooth under clothes* Guaranteed comfort* Minimizes size – not shapeFabric content: Top Cup: 91% Nylon, 9% ElastaneBottom Cup: 100% NylonBack: 89% Nylon, 1… |
|
|
Lilyette Women’s Strapless Bra with Convertible Straps #929 $32.00 Our Lilyette®Strapless Bra with Convertible Straps is essential for the full figure woman as it offers unparalleled fit and the security that every woman desires. * Offers the best in fit and security * Seamless smooth shaping * Guaranteed to stay in place * Luxurious super soft… |
|
|
Green Toys Sand Play Set $12.94 Kids will ‘dig’ building castles and hunting for buried treasure with the environmentally friendly Sand Play Set from Green ToysTM. Made of recycled plastic, this classic 4-piece collection of tools consists of a bucket, sand castle mold, shovel and rake. Made in the U.S.A from recycled plastic milk containers, which helps save energy, reduces landfill waste, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, a… |
|
|
Alex 36 X 36 Vinyl Padded Playmat $13.20 All roads lead to fun with this take-along play mat that folds into a toy bag. Open it up anywhere – when you’re finished, pack up the toys and you’re on your way| Open mat measures a generous 36″ x 36″ of prime playing real estate…. |
|
|
Alex Toys Draw like A Pro $30.00 A fun and easy way to draw…just turn down the lights, switch on the projector, insert a preprinted slide and trace away| Comes with 124 slides, 6 markers, 10 sheets of paper, and a flip book…. |
|
|
Sirius SL-EX1 Stiletto Executive Speaker System $89.99 SIRIUS SLEX1 SIRIUS(TM) STILLETTO EXECUTIVE SYSTEM DESKTOP AUDIO SYSTEM FOR THE STILLETO FAMILY; 10W PER CHANNEL;HIGH-QUALITY, 2-WAY SPEAKER SYSTEM; BASS ENHANCEMENT TECHNOLOGY FOR DEEPER LISTENING; HEADPHONE JACK;DESK OR WALL MOUNTABLE; AUX IN;INCLUDES EXECUTIVE SYSTEM, WEATHERPROOF INDOOR/OUTDOOR ANTENNA, AC ADAPTER, REMOTE & WALL MOUNT BRACKET SIRIUS(TM) STILLETTO EXECUTIVE SYSTEM… |
|
|
Electric Volt Black Web Belt $28.00 Jump start your look with this Volt web belt by Electric!… |
|
|
FCS Premium TAIL GATE Surfboard Pad $27.98 These pads help to secure your boards when they extend past your tail gate or trunk. Easy design allows for quick and simple attachment in seconds…. |
|
|
Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society $9.90 Now revised to include new words and updated essays, Keywords focuses on the sociology of language, demonstrating how the key words we use to understand our society take on new meanings and how these changes reflect the political bent and values of society…. |
|
|
The DAM Book: Digital Asset Management for Photographers $31.00 One of the main concerns for digital photographers today is asset management: how to file, find, protect, and re-use their photos. The best solutions can be found in The DAM Book, our bestselling guide to managing digital images efficiently and effectively.Anyone who shoots, scans, or stores digital photographs is practicing digital asset management (DAM), but few people do it in a way that makes … |
|
|
YouTube and Video Marketing: An Hour a Day $14.68 A complete, task-based guide to developing, implementing, and tracking a video marketing strategy Online video marketing is crucial in today’s marketplace. This guide teaches you proven, practical guidelines for developing and implementing video marketing for your organization. If you’re a marketer, advertising professional, consultant, or small business owner, here’s a relevant guid… |
|
|
Skechers Little Kid/Big Kid Diameter-Confirmed Lace Up Casual $39.95 ? Cool casual style for the boy who can’t wait to grow up ? Smooth synthetic upper with stitching and overlay details ? Padded collar and tongue ? Soft fabric shoe lining ? Cushioned comfort insole ? Shock absorbing midsole ? Flexible rubber sole… |
|
|
Clarks Women’s Nikki Boston Slip-On ? An incredibly popular mix of dress casual style and comfort cushioning ? Smooth leather upper with twin elastic gores for a snug fit ? Side zipper closure ? Shock-absorbing EVA insole ? Flexible rubber-like sole ? 1″ heel height… |
|
|
Daniel Green Women’s Nikki Slipper ? Add a hint of understated flair to your leisure wardrobe ? Nubuck leather upper with nailhead detailing ? Soft, warm fleecy insole ? Indoor/outdoor rubber-like sole ? Available in whole sizes only, half sizes please order the next size up… |
