I’ve recently had the privilege to contribute to two amazing resources this week – Derwent Pencils and Graphic Design Blender.

Derwent Pencils

Derwent Pencils asked me to write an article on how I use sketching to develop ideas for my design work. Sketching isn’t optional for me as a designer, it’s essential. I can’t go straight to digital at the start of a project, I always start off with some browser templates or Moleskine (and a few Derwent pencils!)

Sketching kick-starts my creativity and allows me to get ideas out on paper and is the fastest way to brainstorm and convey as many ideas as possible with the least amount of effort.

Head on over and read the entire post

Graphic Design Blender

On the Graphic Design Blender, I was asked to contribute to an article on giving advice to new Freelancers.

I concentrated on an often overlooked area of freelancing – finances. To any freelance newcomer I would say first and foremost you need to think realistically about costs, such as equipment, software, insurance, premises, tax, the list goes on. You also need to think about your potential earnings and ask yourself ‘what do I need to survive on?’ Being honest and realistic about your financial requirements is important.

Head on over and read the entire post.

My latest article contributions… is a post from: Hi, I'm Grace Smith

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I’d love it if you could go over and check out the new site. Don’t forget to subscribe to keep up to date with all the news from the new blog and follow on Twitter.

Read a behind the scenes into how it was redesigned.

My Portfolio Site Redesigned & Relaunched is a post from: Hi, I'm Grace Smith

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Sc.ripted.com is is an archive of curated links of creative interest updated on a daily basis.

I tweet interesting articles and resources on a daily basis on Twitter, and not just the usual links that are retweeted to death or that most people will have already found (from the larger sites). I know this is a large reason as to why so many people follow me.

However I’ve never taken the time to archive or keep note of these finds (I stopped using Delicious some time ago). I felt it could be very beneficial to create a way to share these links with people without relying on them following me in real-time. This is why (the new) sc.ripted.com was born.

I’ve had the domain for over a year, originally it was bought to be the hub of my website network, but in reality it just lay dormant once I had installed WordPress, installed a simple theme and added some initial content. I love the domain and decided to revitalise the site for something much more useful.

On Tumblr

Quite a few people on Twitter questioned my move from WordPress to Tumblr, but it’s rather unfair to dismiss the platform without acknowledging it’s strengths. For Sc.ripted.com I wanted a site that required no back end maintenance and could be updated in just a few seconds. I’ve used Tumblr before and always loved it’s simplicity and features, so it was my first choice when it came to choosing a platform. I also love the community that surrounds Tumblr.

There are now over 100 posts linking to a variety of awesome creative links and resources, so now is the time to make Sc.ripted one of your go to destinations for inspiration.

How To Follow

Website: http://sc.ripted.com
Twitter: @5cripted

I’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions for the site, so please get in touch via the comments below!

Announcing My New Project – Sc.ripted.com is a post from: Hi, I'm Grace Smith

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As 2010 is now behind us, it’s time to look back on a memorable year in this blog’s short life. This is a hand-picked collection of the best (and most popular) articles over the past year.

X. Nine Dribbble Invites To Win – Get Drafted!

Dribbble invites are like gold dust. I had been a member for several months and only just got my first two invites this particular week. Several friends also offered up invites and this proved to be my most commented post of 2010 with over 169 comments!

VIIII. How To Attract Quality Freelance Clients

One of a series of special posts where I answered readers questions. This post dealt with a question about how to attract a better quality of clients, which is important for any freelancer, as by addressing how to attract a higher quality of clientele you can significantly reduce the number of ‘problematic’ clients in the future.

VIII. Mac OSX Productivity Series: Part One & Part Two

A two part in-depth series which showed how you can get the best out of both the in-built features and the applications available in OS X, to take your productivity to the next level. Part One gets inside QuickSilver and Spotlight before part two discusses Applications and Spaces.

VII. 50 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

I compiled 50 funny, shocking and downright mad facts about myself that I hoped would inspire others to share something about themselves in the comments to break down the barrier between blog author and reader.

VI. 10 Blogs Every Freelancer Wish Existed

We all have our favorite Freelance blogs which consistently produce quality, insightful content. However in an alternate reality what if an entirely different set of freelancing blogs existed. With tongue firmly in cheek, I presented a humorous look at the top 10 blogs every freelancer would like to exist.

V. The Benefits Of Sketching As A Designer

In order to gain a thorough understanding of how beneficial the process of sketching can be, I asked a small selection of talented designers and illustrators to share their process, advice and tips.

IV. An In-Depth Look At My Wireframing Process

I decided to expand on my points in a Mashable article I had contributed to and write an in depth walkthrough of my wireframing process. I personally believe it’s one of the most important stages in the design process as it allows for rapid prototyping and helps me pinpoint any potential problems.

III. What Cheap Web Design Really Looks Like

Following on from my in-depth look at Why Web Design Doesn’t Cost £40 (the previous week), I wanted to get more of an insight into what ‘cheap web design’ actually looks like. So what could you potentially get for that £40? It’s time to find out….

II. Why Web Design Doesn’t Cost £40

Detailing my experience after receiving an email from a local business asking to discuss creating a website for them. The email was very polite and professional until half way through the email I read this: “I was chatting to a lad who can do it for £40…”

I. How To Say No To Spec Work Requests

My most popular post of 2010 details the encounter I had with a very respectable firm who asked me to ‘do a couple of mock pages for their site so that he could see my ideas and vision’, they would then choose the best one from the 3 designers they asked to do this. The Spec Work Email Template is my most successful download on the site ever.

If you have a particular favorite, let me know in the comments below.
Image Credit.

Rundown Of The Best Articles of 2010 is a post from: Hi, I'm Grace Smith

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The deadline has now passed and the winner is Nicole Foster.

I was contacted by the lovely team at Next Day Flyers last week to offer my readers a chance to win $40 of credit for any of their services. That may not sound a lot, but when you can get 1000 full color business cards with a 2-4 day turnaround for just $19 from their site, you realise it’s actually a pretty rad prize!

Next Day Flyers is an offset printer you can use to print custom designed materials from menus, to business cards, to brochures. They offer two types of paper stock; a thick 14 point card stock, and a 100 lb glossy paper.

You can upload directly to the website, which also has an Online Design Center where many templates can be found and layouts can be created online. Another impressive piece of the service is the fact they offer same day printing for orders that are in before 10AM PST.

Giveaway Details

• For a chance to win, just leave a comment below with a brief description of what you would like to spend the credit on. The winner will chosen at random.
• The giveaway ends on Thursday 19th August with the winner announced on this blog post on Friday 20th.

Good luck! | Photo Credit

Bumper Print Giveaway From Next Day Flyers is a post from: Hi, I'm Grace Smith

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The response to the Dribbble invite giveaway was overwhelmingly positive with 169 entries! It was far and above my expectations and I have to thank all of those who contributed invites, including; John O’Nolan, Ryan Downie, Chris Gibbons, Paul Stanton and Emma Taylor.

Each entry was checked thoroughly and after several hours, a decision was made. Without further ado, the following are the lucky recipients of one Dribble invite each:

1. Craig Richardson
2. Jeremie (Evasion)
3. Sorel Mihai
4. Jan Cavan
5. Gary Aston
6. Andrea Austoni
7. Martin Boath
8. Zsolt Jakab
9. Marc Thomas

I will be in touch with all the winners within the next 24 hours with details on the signup process.

A huge thanks to everyone who took the time to enter….I’m only sorry I don’t have 169 invites to give each and every one of you!

I hope to organise another giveaway once I have more invites so please subscribe to make sure you don’t miss out on the next chance to get drafted.

Nine Dribbble Invite Winners Announced! is a post from: Hi, I'm Grace Smith

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You’re here for the invites…right? Well there’s no need for me to explain what Dribbble is in much depth, as most of you know it’s a pretty rad community where you post sneak peaks of what you’re currently working on, in the form of 400 x 300 px images. The quality of work is exceptional and the chance to interact, critique and inspire is second to none.

Dribbble invites are like gold dust. I’ve been a member for several months and only just got my first two invites this week. While I can think of several people who I could give these to immediately, I wanted to open this up to a wider audience.

In the world of Dribbble who you draft is a big deal. No one wants to draft the guy who uploads pictures of his cat, so I’m going to be pretty picky as to who scores these invites. I’m held responsible for the quality of work being uploaded by someone I draft so I’m taking the selection process seriously.

The über cool John O’Nolan has also kindly donated one Dribbble invite, bringing the total to three. So if you want drafted, make sure you follow the instructions below.

How To Enter

1. Leave a comment below with a few words of the type or style of work you would be uploading.
2. Post a link to your favourite bit of artwork you’ve produced.

Deadline

The deadline to enter is 1pm (UK) on Thursday 5th August, comments will then be closed.

On Friday 6th August I will announce the three winners on this blog post and Twitter. Good luck to all!

EDIT: The super kind Ryan Downie, Chris Gibbons and Paul Stanton have also now donated an invite, while the lovely Emma Taylor has donated THREE invites. Taking the total to Nine invites to win!

Nine Dribbble Invites To Win – Get Drafted! is a post from: Hi, I'm Grace Smith

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Typography should be every designer’s best friend as it is such an important aspect of modern design, that mastering how to use it effectively is essential.

When typography is neglected it can leave you with a sub standard design and impact on the rest of the project which will leave you and your client unhappy with the end result.

You don’t have to look far to see modern typography as it’s all around us as billboards, shop windows and product packaging for example carry some truly inspirational examples of typography.

Here are fifteen outstanding typographic posters that will interest and inspire you in your own projects.

Are there any typographic resources you could recommend? If so, please leave your suggestions in the comments below.

This is a guest post from the talented:

Paul Maloney is a UK based web designer/developer and runs the design agency Tropica. He particularly enjoys using and working with WordPress and has a keen interest in typography. You can follow Paul on Twitter.

15 Invigorating Typographic Posters is a post from: Hi, I'm Grace Smith

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I’m a keen sketcher and am always fascinated as to how other designers incorporate sketching into their design process to kick-start their creativity and help brainstorm faster and more efficiently. In order to gain a thorough understanding of how beneficial the process of sketching can be, I asked a small selection of talented designers and illustrators to share their process, advice and tips.

For this interview each participant was asked the same set of questions. Below you will see the questions listed with the corresponding responses from each person.

1. Can you talk us through your typical design process?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
My process always start off in my sketchbook, although I try not to have a 1-2-3-step process to my work (I like to switch things up and keep it interesting; I get bored easily). If I’m working on a website design in my sketchbook, I start with wireframing and layout. I like to spend a lot of time of this since I personally feel that the layout is one of the most important elements of the site. “Pretty” graphics and stunning effects will often get downplayed with lack of good layout and flow. Plus bad layout will definitely hinder the viewers experience.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
My best answer to this would be to direct people to a presentation I did
at the HOW Design Conference in Boston. They’ll be able to see exactly how
I approach my work.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
I approach projects in the same way as many other designers would, i.e., gathering information, interpreting the brief, brainstorming, sketching, digitizing, presenting — all the while communicating with clients. You can read a more in-depth description here: The brand identity design process.

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
My design process varies as I work with various processes including screenprint and collage. Everything starts with drawing though, either in sketchbooks as thumbnails, or uncontrolled scribbles on loose bits of paper. The drawings are then scanned and digitally treated or used as blueprints for collages. Sometimes I combine these practises depending on the work I make. My work can be very eclectic, but drawing is always the common thread that holds everything together.

2. Could you give us an insight into your style or technique?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
I try not to stick to a particular style, although I think it is fair to say that we all have influences that we draw upon. Sometimes I settle on a typefaces, other times a color palette, or at times, I start off designing something as little as button and then expand from there.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
My style is influenced by the project type and context. Regardless of
style my technique and approach stays relatively the same from one project
to the next.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
The emphasis is on ideas. I aim to keep the outcome as simple as possible, so it’s easier for people to remember (and therefore recall at a quick glance).

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
I don’t think I have an identifiable style as such. Sometimes my work is born from reckless doodling. Other times it comes from relentlessly observing something, or glueing paper together like an angry child. I think my work is a collision of the real world and the imagination with a strong passion for colour.

3. Who or what inspires, informs, and influences your work?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
My passion lies in typography and layout, so much of my web work places emphasis those things. I love looking at old, hand-drawn type and signage, book cover design, and publication design / layout. I enjoy timeless design.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
Being informed on as many fronts as possible inspires, informs and
influences me the most. I read a lot both non-fiction, fiction, physics,
business journals, and marketing. I love traveling and studying history.
All of it kind of mixes together and my mind starts to make connections
and it helps me to formulate ideas and better understand topics so I can
design from a more informed perspective and not just merely be a picture
maker.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
I’m influenced by friends, family, designers, blog readers, authors, business-people, the weather, nature, architecture… everything. A strong designer will make use of all the elements around him or her.

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
I am very inspired by travel and keeping sketchbooks of the places I have visited. I love design in nature, and colour plays a significant role in my work too. I love the absurd and try and capture some of that in my work. I admire the work of Heinz Edelmann for it’s distinct personality and quirks.

4. How do you effectively use sketching as a designer?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
If I’m designing a logo I start off by mind-mapping in my sketchbook. It’s my way of visualizing with words, that help me come to terms with the iconography that relates to the logo I am creating. Once I settle on a few terms and keywords I then beginning loosely sketching ideas based on the mind-mapping exercise.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
My process is both analog and digital. I start off in analog, move to
digital and go back and forth through out my creative process. I strongly
believe all designers should be drawing. Doesn’t matter if you ever want
to become a full-blown illustrator. That isn’t the point. It’s about being
able to take that intangible idea and put it on paper in 2D form. Drawing
improves design period.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
I don’t think there’s an effective and ineffective way. All sketching helps, as long as you consider it an integral part of the process, and don’t simply go through the motions.

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
I use sketching in different ways. To solve problems/ make mistakes / try out and remember ideas and for finished work.

5. What are the important elements to consider within a composition?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
Lately, I’ve been finding myself starting off in the early stages of a project by choosing a particular typeface and then designing around it. Type has so much personality and can really set the tone for the remaining elements of which still needs to be designed.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
Focusing the viewers attention, and directly them visually where they
should go and what they should think. Making sure visual tension isn’t
within my design because it deteriorates your design. The more visual
tension the weaker the design.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
Space, shape, texture, colour, line, form, balance, proportion, emphasis.

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
For me personally it is the white space that frames the subject I am illustrating. So it is the areas that you don’t design in that helps to enhance the areas that you do.

6. How do you think a designer can develop a personal style when drawing or sketching?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
In every designer’s body of work, even though each piece is different, you can always see at least small traces of the designer’s hand and eye in their work. When it comes to sketching I would imagine it being similar.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
Just start drawing and the more you do it the more your style will come
out and be apparent. You can’t really force it, it’ll come out naturally
but it takes time and patience.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
By sketching quickly. If you take too long, it defeats the purpose. Remember, sketching isn’t about becoming the next Picasso. It’s about transferring ideas from your brain to paper. The more sketches you make, the more ideas you can draw upon when moving forward.

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
By getting out and observing real life. Avoid copying trends, but opt for drawing the things that interest you. I think that drawing from life really contributes to the designer developing their own visual language.

7. How do you think sketching can be of benefit to other designers?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
Sketching is very beneficial for designers; it allows us to quickly get ideas out on paper and focus more on the overall picture instead of minor details too early in the process. I was recently speaking with Dan Mall and he also noticed and mentioned his past students mostly focus on the tiny details much too early; many of which bypass sketching all together. For anyone that has ever taken a drawing class, in fine art they call it gesture drawing. The act of getting the shape of a figure down before worrying about little things (ie: eye balls, finger nails, etc).

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
Lets say you start drawing daily now. You continue to draw for the next
five years, do you think you’ll be a stronger creative at that time or
worse? Creativity is progressive, it should always be growing, refining,
becoming better both in craft and concept.

That said drawing can be directly related to inspiration and if you’re not
feeding the furnace by taking in life at it’s fullest it’ll be very hard
to stay motivated and keep that fire going. So I think this question ties
into question 3 in very significant ways.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
Sketching is the fastest method available for documenting visual design ideas. Using a computer brings an unnecessary restriction into the mix, almost like a “middle man.”

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
I think that good design should have personality and something to say. Sketching and visually recording provides a good platform for strong design. Sketching is the place where you make your mistakes and your discoveries. It is a place to lay the foundations of your ideas. Sketching can develop a designers voice.

8. Lastly, name 5 tips for the budding sketch artist?

Brian Hoff – Designer, writer and founder of the ever useful Design Cubicle, answers:

 
1. Sketch often.
2. Sketch loosely and fast.
3. Forget the tiny details.
4. Never leave your house without a notebook; you never know when inspiration will strike.
5. Keep written sketches / notes just as much as visual sketches.

Von Glitschka – Illustrator, teacher, designer and founder of Glitschka Studios, answers:

 
1. Start: You’ll never grow if you never start.
2. Have Fun: Don’t worry about what to do, just do what wherever you’d
like to do.
3. It’s OK to do a bad drawing: Many times you’ll learn more from a crappy
drawing than you will from one you love. No one nails it every time.
4. Save your doodles: Even if it’s not a formal drawing and just a doodle
save it.
5. Make it easy to do: Personally I don’t like sketch books, I prefer
sketch pads I can tear off. So figure out how to make it work for you,
that will help you stick with it.

David Airey – Blogger, Brand identity designer, consultant and founder of Logo Design Love, answers:

 
1. Carry a notepad and pen/pencil with you.
2. Practice makes better.
3. Focus on the idea — not shading or tone.
4. Don’t worry about making a mistake. Mistakes are how we learn.
5. Stay hydrated.

Simon Wild – Illustrator, doodler, lecturer, author and lover of colour, answers:

 
1. Draw every day
2. Get interested by the little details of life.
3. Spend as little time in front of your computer as you can manage
4. Draw with your opposite hand
5. Don’t seek praise for your drawing. Seek criticism

Conclusion

So there you have it, some fantastic insights and advice from a selection of talented designers and illustrators.

Thank you to all of the contributors who were very gracious in taking their time to answer my questions.

The Benefits Of Sketching As A Designer is a post from: Hi, I'm Grace Smith

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