Computer Arts Projects issue 98

One thing that all of the expert creatives who have contributed articles, artwork, tutorials and ideas to this issue of Computer Arts Projects seem to agree on is this: you could be the most original, most talented designer or illustrator working in the world today, but without a well thought-out strategy to promote yourself and your work to the right people, you may as well be working in a vacuum.

Designers and illustrators are great at what they do – being creative. What they are less good at is all the other stuff you need to do in order to run a successful business: the accounting, the invoicing and, above all else, the marketing. The latter is essential for any company to win more business, but unfortunately many designers view it as a dirty word.

So, to help you break the habit of a lifetime, this month Computer Arts Projects has worked tirelessly on your behalf to put together this self-promotion special. We’ve talked to designers and design companies big and small to ask them how they promote themselves to keep the business flooding in. We’ve asked marketing experts for designer-friendly advice and, most of all, we’ve gathered together a whole load of inspirational ideas to get you on the right path. No more excuses – now it’s over to you!

Dom Hall, Editor

IN THE MAG

FEATURES

Expose yourself
From freelancers to owners of design companies – if you want your empire to grow, you need to know about self-promotion. Pick up some inspiration, ideas and advice here

My big break
Ian Anderson, Martin Andersen, Vault49 and Martin Fewell on the techniques they used to break into the business and spread the word

Self-promotion tips
Twenty self-promotion ideas that really work, from the cream of the world’s design industry

Networking for success
We find out why designers are flocking to sign up to community networking sites such as IllustrationMundo, Depthcore and 5oup

Promo items that work
Nothing does the job of promoting your brand better than a well thought-out promotional gift. We delve into the world of T-shirts, stickers, posters and badges

PROFILES

Catalina Estrada
From studying in rural Columbia to international acclaim and work for Sony, Coca-Cola and Paul Smith – it’s been an interesting few years for Catalina Estrada

Onesidezero
How a new graduate promoted himself, his city and, eventually, a host of global talent through staging an annual design event

TUTORIALS

Self-promotion book
The boys from growing graphic design empire Waste lift the lid on Japanese book-binding techniques and show you how to create a pouch book that will really promote your work and wow potential clients

Better business cards
Creating a lasting impression with your business card should be a top priority for any designer thinking about self-promotion. Find out how to create cards with a real difference with this hands-on guide by creative Cornish graphic design supremos A-Side Studio

Online PDF portfolios
Show off your work in the most flexible and portable format with this easy-to-create online PDF portfolio site

Flash promotion
Impress prospective clients with an all-singing all-dancing, easily updateable showcase site

Print-ready badges
Badges and stickers are excellent self-promotion devices. Find out how to get your artwork ready for the merchandisers

ON THE CD

NetObjects Fusion 8: full version for the PC

Extensis Portfolio 8.1: Mac and PC trial versions

Plus: 50 royalty-free images from Fotolia, book sample PDFs, Media Artist Secrets podcasts and more