We're proud as peacocks of our brand-new issue, which taps into the DIY trend that's shaping design—and provides tons of information and inspiration to fuel your creativity. Among our fave features is the one created by senior editor Megan Lane Patrick, art director Bridgid McCarren, writer Michelle Taute and photographer Al Parrish: a step-by-step guide to printing by hand.

It's fitting that hand-printing can be a real cost-saver; you'll find other budget-friendly tips for paper and printing, too.

Take a peek inside the issue, and watch for yours in the mail (or pick up a copy at your local bookstore or at HOWbookstore.com).

Posted by Bryn

Sure, YOU know how great the HOW conference experience can be—how it refuels your passion for your work, connects you with other designers, sharpens your business skills and boosts your design career.

But as you're making a case to attend this year's event, your boss will want to know what's in it for the company. Why should it pay to send you?

Ah—you knew we'd help you with that, right? Here's a strategy for convincing your boss to send you to HOW.

For starters, see all the sessions that will help you help your company with key initiatives—branding, organizational communication, efficient project-management, sync'ing business with design, connecting with consumers.

Then, consider all the software training available: Where else will you learn about Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, QuarkXPress, Flash and After Effects—from the best instructors in the business—in one place?

Whoa—think about the Resource Center: talk about your one-stop shop for paper samples, vendor connections and info about new products and services that'll help your business work smarter.

Finally, you can share your conference learnings with your colleagues. Here are some great ideas on how to do that.

Still need help convincing your boss? Just copy and paste this text into an e-mail and hit Send.

See you in Austin!