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 Monday, April 27, 2009
Job of the Day
Print/Web Designer
Rhode Island School of DesignRhode Island School of Design (RISD), the country’s preeminent art and
design school, located in historic Providence, RI, is seeking a
Print/Web Designer to join its new Media + Partners Division. Under the
leadership of President John Maeda, RISD will seek to broaden the
impact that art and design can have on creative commerce and the
economy, and deepen the positive contribution that an art and design
degree can have on one graduate’s life. Media + Partners is a new
division, with the mission of representing RISD to the broader
community and economy through compelling external communications and
leadership in digital media.
Industry News
Monday, April 27, 2009 4:43:39 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00) 
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Realities of the Market
Times being what they are, creative professionals are considering any and all outlets for finding client work. But if you're tempted to join the "crowdsourcing" market (where so-called clients post projects and all comers can bid on them) or to take a spec project, think about the consequences. FOH Jeff Fisher sent over a link this morning to a very smart article about spec work and crowdsourcing. As writer Pamela Pfiffner observes, "Working on spec or posting work to a site like CrowdSpring has appeal,
to be sure. Designers feeling the current financial pinch might see
these two strategies as a way to get work, any work. Aspiring designers may view spec/crowdsourcing as means to attract attention and build a client base." But she quickly points out the pitfalls of the two approaches. Among them: • Crowdsourcing is a total crapshoot: "A recent call for a company logo on CrowdSpring received 1,749 entries -- only one of which gets paid, while 1,748 won’t." Even better, Pfiffner suggests alternatives for finding work, including: • Taking on a pro bono project to build your portfolio. She quotes Jeff: "Pro bono work for a cause in which one is passionate is much more
satisfying than executing spec work for the chance of possibly being
paid by a for-profit business often trying to get little more than
something for nothing." Read the full article on Creative Pro.
Thought Provoking
Monday, April 27, 2009 4:05:56 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Create a Custom HOW Conference Program
HOW Conference veterans know that picking what sessions to attend can be both the easiest and the hardest thing about going: easy, because you can drop into any session you want, and hard, because with 50-ish sessions, there's a lot to choose from. So we're giving you a bit of help. In addition to the "tracks" of related sessions (Creativity, Business, Career, In-House, Tech & Production and Disciplines), we've developed a list of recommended sessions for designers of all stripes. Are you a freelance designer? Here's a lineup of presentations for you. A digital/interactive designer? Here you go. Easy, huh?
Events | HOW Magazine
Monday, April 27, 2009 1:52:51 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Busting Out Of Your Creative Rut
Designer David Sherwin shares his 10-step process for busting through designer's block, which he calls a " Stop Trying Ritual." - Notice you're being too critical of your design on the screen
- Move away from your computer and find a nice quiet space
- Take our your notebook and draw the first thing you remember this morning after the alarm went off
- Write five words that your drawing reminds you about
- Draw a fancy chart highlighting the relationships between those five words
- Pour yourself the last dregs of coffee and take a slow sip
- Focus on your breath
- Take the book nearest to you, go to page 34, and copy down the 3rd
sentence in the second paragraph next to (or within) the chart
- Go back to the computer, print the most recent version of your design, and place your sketchbook next to it
- Take at least one element from your notebook and place it into your design
Posted by Megan
Creativity
Friday, April 24, 2009 8:28:35 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Creativity: The Issue
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). 
HOW Magazine
Friday, April 24, 2009 2:29:30 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Web Design Ideas
The Web Designer's Idea Book includes more than 700 websites
arranged thematically, so you can find inspiration for layout, color,
style and more. Author Patrick McNeil has cataloged more than 20,000
sites on his website, and showcased in this book are the very best
examples. McNeil is now working on a second volume of this popular book and he's looking for websites to feature. Visit TheWebDesignersIdeaBook.com, to submit your work for consideration.  Posted by Megan
Call for Entries | HOW Books
Friday, April 24, 2009 1:38:04 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Green Space
During this week, when everyone is sharing tips about the importance of reusing, reducing and recycling, Minneapolis-based design firm Duffy & Partners reveals their recipe for success on the green front: A historical office building, Mill City Ruins (they reclaimed the space) + Green and conscious clients like, Whole Foods (honed in on the green efficiencies their consumers desire) + A location right next to Minneapolis’ farmer’s market for employees (they designed the brand concept for) the market + Supporting green transport with Nice Ride (Minneapolis’ green bike share program. They developed the brand concept.) = A solid green strategy Check out images of Duffy's new workspace here.  Posted by Megan
Designers
Friday, April 24, 2009 1:32:03 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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World Pinhole Photography Day
Creativity
Friday, April 24, 2009 1:14:34 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Job Of The Day
Creative Director
CVS Caremark, Woonsocket, RIThe Creative Director of Brand Image and Health Services will oversee
the development of creative for marketing and advertising materials and
programs including, ExtraCare, value signing, special store window
signing, the photo studio, packaging desing for the CVS store brands in
the OTC, GM, Personal Care. They will manage a staff of 30 full time
and freelance designers as well as hold a leadership role within
Creative organization in partnership with the Chief Creative Director.
Leadership responsibilities include evolving organizational
effectiveness, creative strategy, mentoring and development of high
potential staff and the recruitment and retention of talent. They will
also manage external agencies and vendors to align with the strategic
business needs of the organization. Posted by Megan
Industry News
Friday, April 24, 2009 12:43:12 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, April 23, 2009
Panicked About Pricing?
Fretful about your fees? Relax. We'll have some answers and some aspirin to cure your pricing headaches in today's HOW webinar, when consultant Emily Cohen will walk you through four strategies and four best practices for setting, sticking to and discussing your design fees. It's this afternoon at 4 p.m. ET, so sign up now; just a few seats remain available.
Events | HOW Magazine
Thursday, April 23, 2009 1:30:05 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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