How to approach usability testing
In order to deliver a clean, fresh, and — more importantly — effective user interface, usability tests are required. It…
How to design for non-profits
I ought to know a lot about charities and non-profit organizations. My parents are career missionaries; and I grew up…
Want to be a designer? Learn the secret handshake
The Secret Handshake is a fabulous project, aimed at helping young designers (18–25) find their way into the industry. You…
The designer’s secret weapon: an account handler
I’m a lucky person. Every day I get to do what I love, which is helping clients work out what…
Designing the new, fully responsive wired.co.uk article pages
Recently, Condé Nast Digital undertook a complete redesign of the articles published on wired.co.uk. The aim was to provide a…
Research yourself first
Every time we begin a web design project, we do research. We research our clients, their customers, the website’s target…
Should creatives be unionized or earn certification?
Every now and then, on some blog or design group, someone brings up the question of designers unionizing or having…
Certifications for U.S. designers to become law in 2015
The much talked about step of creating professional certification for graphic/web designers looks like it will become a reality in…
Moving from in-house to freelance? Read this first
Within the past couple of weeks, I handed in my notice, after spending over fifteen years working in-house as a…
How to get TOUGH with clients
I recently received a call from a young designer who I met when she was in art school. I reviewed…
Essential web design tips for start-ups
With so many new websites and start-ups springing up every day, a high-quality, professional web site is no longer optional…
“You ruined the project!”
Who said that? Both parties often do. Both the client and the designer often accuse each other of ruining a…
How to fire a client
As I put the phone down, I was still shaking quietly. It was one of the hardest phone calls I’ve…
15+ tools for getting things done
Even the most creative mind needs a bit of left-brain order sometimes. While more work is what every freelancer and…
How to upsell your clients
Have you ever just finished a project and wondered: How can I do more for this client? or perhaps you…
How to manage deadlines
Freelancers (and anyone else who works for him or herself) know that the tide of work ebbs and flows. There’s…
How to find your niche
Are you trying to grow your freelance web development or design business? Do you want to spend more time designing…
How to sell your web design business for top dollar
I decided to sell my web design company when we were a top 3 agency within our province for medium-sized…
