Computer Arts Projects issue 134

Every bedroom-based creative dreams of running their own studio. And with the right attitude and a bit of hard graft, you can make those dreams a reality. This advice-packed issue will help you get your business running, from sourcing premises to winning (and more importantly, keeping) those dream clients.

In our biggest ever tips feature, we’ve grilled an expert panel on the four crucial areas for any new studio: setting up, building a team and pitching for work, as well as managing your time and money. Plus there’s a masterclass from Research Studios so you can tackle project management like the pros.

We love a spot of reader input here at Projects so, kicking off a brand new slot, we’ve pitched your burning questions about those necessary evils of tax, accounts and admin to the experts who can answer them. If you want to get your tuppence-worth next month, tap up the team on Twitter.

And don't forget our frankly incredible competition to win studio space for a year, including all rates and facilities in a total prize fund worth £6k.

Next issue is your must-have manual on the staple diet of designers and illustrators the world over: logo design. From professional insights on typography to the inside track on the world’s most iconic brands, we’ve got it all covered. Until next month, enjoy the issue.

Nick Carson Editor

IN THE MAG

Project one: First steps

POGO interview
How this boutique Argentine studio won work for MTV and Adidas

Set up shop
The merits of all-inclusive office space in creative hubs around the world

Win studio space for a year
Compete for a slice of our incredible prize fund, worth a total of £6,000

Project two: Essential advice

84 tips for studio success
Build a great team and pitch like the pros with our biggest ever tips feature

Win MoneyWorks Gold
Take control of your accounts today

Project management masterclass
Behind the scenes on some of Research Studios’ iconic projects

Ask the experts
We pitch your tax, accounts and admin questions to those in the know

Project three: Build your reputation

ilovedust interview
From ambitious duo to 16-strong studio working for Nike, Levi’s and Coke

Keep your clients
Leading studios give the inside track on winning repeat work from big clients

Project four: Build your brand

Brand your studio
Why defining your identity should go further than just a great logo

Designer challenge
Illustrators from Malaysia, the UK and South America share their dream studios

Regulars

Behind the scenes
Vanila BCN share the creative process that went into this month’s vibrant cover

Big question
What’s the biggest hurdle you had to overcome when starting your studio?

Exclusive subscriber offer
Get a limited-edition Little Trickers vinyl figure, from Play Imaginative

My career so far
How design icon Vince Frost went from one-man-band to global design studio