Resources

The internet is chock-full of information about graphic design and illustration. Just doing a Google search will uncover much of these. Here is an ever-growing list of common resources that I refer to often for both illustration, graphic design, and software.

Illustrators/Designers I admire

Hiring a professional illustrator or designer is not like hiring a mechanic. The artist’s style, vision and portfolio should be as much of a deciding point as price alone (if not more). Therefore, I have compiled a list of illustrators/designers whose work I admire. If you feel my style does not fit your project’s needs then I invite you to check the work of these fine folks.

The list continues to grow, so check back.

Tutorials:

  • Envato.com—A comprehensive site detailing all things graphic design related. Has a large list of sites focusing on Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, web development, Mac apps, and more.
  • PSDtuts—A sub-site of Envato. Photoshop galore!!
  • Vectortus—Another sub-site of Envato. Everything you need to know to get started learning Illustrator or other vector drawing applications (for beginners and experts alike).
  • Illustration Class—An awesome tutorial site by Oregon illustrator, Von Glitschka. Tutorials go deeper into the illustration theory as it relates to graphic design. He doesn’t just teach you how to “create a shiny orb ball”.

Graphic design and illustration related:

  • Smashing Magazine—Online magazine about everything design and illustration. Great commentaries on proper design.
  • Illustration Friday—Weekly illustration “competition”. Weekly themes are posted every Friday, and then illustrators all over the world submit their solutions to the theme. It’s very fun, and a great way to discover new illustrators (and to showcase your own illustrations quickly around the world).
  • Drawn—Great online magazine showcasing illustrators around the world.
  • DesignMoo—Extensive online community chronicling all things design and design-related.
  • IllustrationMundo—Database of illustrators around the world.

Business related:

Here is a list of resources I use on a near-daily basis to help me keep my business organized.

  • Freshbooks.com—Excellent website for keeping track of projects, invoices, payments, and expenses related to projects. Perfect for small freelancers like myself. The first 3 clients are free, which is great for demoing the service, and there’s handy widgets and iPhone apps integrated with Freshbooks that keep track of time.
  • Outright.com—Free bookkeeping website that keeps track of expenses and income. It will also estimate your quarterly federal taxes. The great part is it integrates nicely with Freshbooks!
  • Mint.com—A handy, and free, website to keep track of all things money related. Whether you own your own business, or are just looking for a way to keep track of your money and budget, Mint.com is an excellent tool. Whether you bank at a big-time conglomerate bank, or a small credit union, chances are it will be able to import all your financial data automatically.

This list is ever-growing as I find new sites and resources. If you know of any that I have missed feel free to send me an email.