April 2011 (#186)

Designers, illustrators and artists: how good are your business skills? Do you ever wonder why you're not winning that pitch, why your clients are pissing you off and how on earth you're going to find the time to get going with that side project you've had in the works for ages now? Well, we understand.

This issue we bring you the ultimate guide to succeeding in the business side of design, covering everything from running your studio more efficiently to creating a great logo (thanks to Michael Johnson of johnson banks for the brilliant flowchart). I hope it helps you achieve huge success this year - please let me know.

But we're not sacrificing the creative content in favour of business this issue. In fact, we have more interviews and profiles than ever. For starters, check out our exclusive interviews with branding guru Joe Duffy and seminal street artist Shepard Fairey. Then check out the incredible work Ian Coyle and Duane King did for Nike. Or maybe you prefer the work of Colors and the Kids? Whatever your creative thirst, we've got it covered.

And our massive Technique section is full of new ways to improve your design skills, including such disciplines as 3D Flash design, papercraft, Photoshop collage and vector graphics.

Enjoy the issue, next month we visit the brilliant True North, amongst other things - pick it up from Thursday 7 April in the UK.

Rob Carney Editor