Visual Arts Journal

LA Printers Fair Saturday, October 1, 2011
If you are in the LA area you may want to catch the International Printing Museum’s Printers Fair from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They have Live events all day and plenty of vendors. (continue reading…)

Photographers, Musicians, Graphic Designers, Web Designers, Digital Animators, Programmers and anyone working with digital media or products
This is a site you are going to want to check out. Envato is more than a brand or a successful business model, it’s a mindset. In a few short years Envato has changed the way freelancers and product developers (referred to as authors on their site) develop skills, market their products and build a community (aka following). (continue reading…)

Recommended for All Creatives, Regardless of Industry

I have a great resource for you today. I’m recommending a blog that covers a very wide range of topics not only on design, but on creativity in general. The blog author has many years of experience in art, design, music and a fairly new (or perhaps very old — ) area of study called “Whole Systems Design”; boiled down more or less to — the big picture and how to get it to work.

He offers an approchable style of instruction and art directorship that few freelancers have an opportunity to experience on a continual basis. (continue reading…)

So What’s the Big Deal?
As a graphic designer, flash or prepress specialist, or anyone involved with digital media, it is common to inherit some one else’s project files. Perhaps you even file share with your co-workers or have purchased templates online. Waded through someone else’s image catalog lately? Wasting time can become a very big deal in a hurry. Find out how to ward-off future delays and save your sanity. Advice for several major file types and best practices in general. (continue reading…)

The Pros and Cons of Several Styles of Hand Cutters
Each of these cutters have their advantages so I won’t be making a recommendation. Purchasing decisions would be highly influenced by many variables so a definite recommendation would be difficult. Instead I’ll be pointing out the strengths and weaknesses, common uses and accessories of each style of cutter. Since all of these cutters are rather inexpensive I’ll skip the price ranges. This article only covers hand cutters and not standing or table top cutters or the specialized cutters for framing images. (continue reading…)

A Little Advice Earned the Hard Way
Once you decide to use markers as an artistic medium, you’ll discover that there is a huge array of colored markers to choose from. Before you go out and sink a boat load of money into markers, let me offer a bit of clarification and advice.

The Difference Between Writing Markers and Artist/Layout Markers
There are two primary categories of pens, markers for writing and markers for art. The difference will determine not only (continue reading…)

I never really liked the brush applied masking fluid used in watercolor painting or graphic design. It eats brushes and who likes to carry around little bottles of soapy water? Even with two coats of the stuff, I always seemed to get pin holes or missed spots.

To me, Frisket film always made more sense. Unfortunately it was just so darn expensive and it had to be ordered online to get the best prices. The other day I got a tip online that actually worked. (continue reading…)

I’ve been subscribed to the “Next Day Fliers” blog/newsletter for a while now and they consistently send great tips and suggestions about a range of topics. In many instances they benefit your skill-set more than the outright marketing sent my other businesses. I really look forward to their emails.

A while back they sent a great collection of business card ideas using die cuts. This month (Aug ’09) they sent a collection of great digital art/photoshop tutorials. Thank you NDF.

Related Links:
www.nextdayflyers.com