First, I’d like to say that I myself hate networking. The prospect of walking into a room and meeting a bunch of strangers to talk about yourself can be a very frightening and paralyzing experience for the shy person. One way to battle any fear is to acknowledge it, so let me say it again, I HATE NETWORKING! That felt good. Okay the next step is to decide whether you want to do something about it or just avoid the situation all together and be stuck in a stagnant job or zero growth for your business. For me, I did something about it. As a young graphic designer I knew I had to network to advance my career in graphic design—in this industry most firms are small so if you want to meet other creative types, attending the local design or ad club events was the way to do it. » Read the rest of this entry «

Taking a dog to work can be controversial. If the dogs are really active, stink, aren’t quite potty trained, super slobbery, or a bit territorial, it can present problems. But if you’ve got a well trained dog, it can be a dream come true for employees and dogs. Dogs give a great energy and give you a healthy excuse to take little breaks away from the computer. But tell us what you think. Go ahead, bark up our tree. Click to comment.

–Susan Andrade

Image Credit: Movie still from Dr. Dolittle, 20th Century Fox, 1967.

Pushmi-Pullyu is a mythical creature from Hugh Lofting’s Dr. Dolittle. I always loved the name because it was perfect for the creature-two heads on one body, needing to work together, but each head following its own agenda. Stay with me here, it is connected to our industry…

Of course, graphic design isn’t an imaginary creature exploited by an eccentric doctor to dance in sideshows (yes, that was the movie adaptation of the book; I’m cheating). But it is a necessary collaboration between client and designer.

Two heads, one project, a similar objective (but sometimes different ways of getting there). Working on a creative project requires balance, collaboration, some pulling, some pushing, but whatever it takes to come up with the most fantastic, stunning, and effective solution for your given problem.

Push me, pull you.

–Jennifer Pritchard

© KittenChops/ Zaara/Marta Windeisen, 2008

Unique Solutions
An original visual can take your brand to the next level or unify it. It will help establish a personality and style. You won’t find original illustration in any stock library or used in someone else’s materials.

Illustration is unique in that it can be controlled. Sections can be exaggerated, stretched, detailed out, cleaned up, or overly simplified. Illustration can show motion, flow, direction, can highlight an area, show layers or dive into detail. If a visual is interesting to the eye, it is more likely to engage the reader and be remembered in the mind. » Read the rest of this entry «