As a graphic designer, showing your creative side on a business networking site like LinkedIn can be difficult, since you can’t showcase your abilities in a post.

But pas, however, growing up on LinkedIn’s audience is a huge loss.

So with this guide, we’re going to give you some tips to grow your network and build connections to sell your services as a graphic designer.

Improve Your Profile

The first and most important step in growing your LinkedIn account as a graphic designer is to improve your profile. That means improving three important sections when getting started on LinkedIn:

• Your LinkedIn Headline
• Your LinkedIn Summary
• Your LinkedIn Banner

Here’s a more in-depth look at each basic LinkedIn section:

LinkedIn Headlines For Graphic Designers

Many LinkedIn users often make the mistake of overlooking their professional headlines. However, in reality, a good LinkedIn headline can attract more clients and build your name.

Since you’ll find your headline below your name, you’ll need the right mix of keywords to rank higher in the search results. For instance, putting “UX Designer” as your job title and adding in a few skills like “video editing” can do the job.

You can check out the sample below for a good LinkedIn headline:

Source

Read our LinkedIn Headline 101 guide to learn more about the dos and don’ts of a LinkedIn headline.

Or check out our AI-generated headline generator to give you the best ideas.

LinkedIn Summary For Graphic Designers

Another important section on your LinkedIn page to consider is your About Me section or your LinkedIn summary. You can briefly summarize your background, experiences, skills, and many more.

Keep in mind the 2,000-character limit for your LinkedIn summary. Besides this, make the first three lines of this section fun and engaging to grab your viewers’ attention.

You can check out the sample below for a good LinkedIn summary:

Source

Explore the best tips on How to Write a LinkedIn Summary in our in-depth guide.

You can also use Taplio to generate captivating summaries!

LinkedIn Banner For Graphic Designers

Like your profile photo, your LinkedIn banner also plays a huge role in attracting potential clients.

A good banner, which is also cohesive with your profile pic is eye-catching and gives you a chance to show your abilities.

So to create a lasting first impression, a good LinkedIn banner must have your title, a vivid background or photo, and a call to action:

Learn more about the basics of a great LinkedIn banner in The Ultimate Guide for LinkedIn Banners.

LinkedIn Profile Examples For Graphic Designers

Here are some of the best LinkedIn profiles for graphic designers:

Graphic Designer 1

Graphic Designer 2

As you can see, in both these examples, the profile photo and the banner are cohesive, proving that you’re not just editing all over the place but are detail-oriented.

How To Grow On LinkedIn For Graphic Designer

Once your LinkedIn profile meets your standards, the next step is to grow your name.

Otherwise, you won’t be able to have a loyal community and opportunities to nurture it.

LinkedIn Strategy For Graphic Designers

The best LinkedIn tip for graphic designers is to focus on your online visibility and reach. You must maintain your presence by actively posting content and reaching out to potential clients:

• Release Regular Content: You need to know which content resonates with your target audience. You should also identify the best time to post on LinkedIn and the types of posts (ex. photos, videos, news, blogs, etc.) they’ll like. Use analytics tools, like Taplio’s to help you understand what the best time to post is.

• Reach Out Actively: If your content strategy is already solid, you should also focus on reaching out to your audience. You must learn how to write a LinkedIn connection message to do this.

If you want to read more about maintaining your online visibility and reach, check out our How Often to Post Content on LinkedIn guide for a more in-depth discussion.

If content creation is not your forte (or you’re not feeling particularly inspired), fear not, we’ve got you. Use this Viral post generator and start wowing your readers on the daily!

Best LinkedIn Groups For Graphic Designers

LinkedIn groups exist because of networking. Joining them allows you to interact with other graphic designers or like-minded individuals.

The nice thing about LinkedIn is that it contains plenty of LinkedIn groups for graphic designers:

• Freelance Graphic and Web Designers: This LinkedIn group is ideal for freelancers. You’ll find connections who would gladly share tips and tricks for your work.
• Designers – Web/Graphic, User Experience (UI, UX), Interaction Design: This LinkedIn group is more exclusive than other designer groups on the platform. But once you get in, you can have peer feedback on your designs and codes. You can also share ideas and collaborate with other members.

Conclusion

Building a LinkedIn profile for a graphic designer can be challenging, especially for newbies. But it doesn’t have to be that way if you go through the tips listed above.

The post How to Grow on LinkedIn as a Graphic Designer appeared first on GRAPHICERS.

Homestead has created a handy infographic that explains how colors influence people and the role of color in branding and marketing. The graphic also offers tips on how to use contrast, vibrancy, and different color schemes in your designs. Check it out below after the quiz of the day.

Quiz of the day:

The color ______ is associated with royalty, wisdom, and respect.

It stimulates the problem-solving area of the brain as well as creativity.

It is often used for beauty and anti-aging products.

Which color is this? The answer is purple. Refer to the infographic below.

Here’s a color emotion guide by The Logo Company that shows what different colors represent and the brands that use them.

Share this post with a designer friend and voice your views in the comments below.

The post The Psychology of Colors in Marketing (Infographic) appeared first on GRAPHICERS.

In our latest roundup, we spotlight ads where stellar art direction is the star of the show. These campaigns do more than sell a product; they invite us into a visually stunning story.

Through ingenious design and imagery, these ads aren’t just seen, they’re remembered. They exemplify the craftsmanship and ingenuity at the heart of unforgettable advertising.

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The post 15 Brilliant Ads With Clever Art Direction appeared first on GRAPHICERS.

Contracts are needed for you and your clients that lay out the obligations (including the results and payments) for each party from the beginning. Whether freelancing or working for an agency in-house, these well-made legal instruments save you from quarrels and support the working ties between all parties.

Identical actions are taken about client and copyright contracts; these activities also ensure that your work is secure and your business runs efficiently. This article will list five contracts that every graphic designer must possess to protect their business.

Customer Contract

Every design project revolves around a client agreement. This contract sets the scope of the project, defines the time frames, and establishes the terms of payment and revisions. It must be clear so clients know what to expect and when it will be ready. Most importantly, it ensures that you will get paid on time and outlines how many edits are included in the fee.

Without a contract, disputes can arise over deadlines, deliverables, and project requirements. Be clear in your agreement about what happens if additional work is required or if the project scope changes. Otherwise, time issues or additional costs could arise.

A well-written client contract projects professionalism for your design firm. It also helps avoid doubts and confusion that could impede project progress.

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

Normally, you will be involved in projects that require a high level of confidentiality. This includes launching new products or creating proprietary designs for a brand. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is important in this case.

This legal contract prevents both parties from revealing confidential information shared with them. It protects your client’s innovations and information and it enhances trust between both parties as a result.

When working on a project with other freelancers, contractors, or collaborators, you may also ask them to sign an NDA. This ensures everyone involved maintains the same level of confidentiality. Without such an agreement, both you and your client risk the disclosure of sensitive information. This could lead to lawsuits or litigation. The NDA assures that all parties understand the importance of confidentiality, which relieves anxiety about collaborations.

Business Insurance

Maintaining your business’s financial security through business insurance is vital for your continued success. As a graphic designer, you may face claims related to creativity disputes, client dissatisfaction, or even damages resulting from the use of your equipment. This is why cheap business insurance is a necessary safeguard.

A small fee can cover legal expenses, compensation, or other costs incurred if a client sues over a project. Business insurance also protects against the loss or damage of design tools, therefore preventing workflow disruptions.

With affordable business insurance, you have sufficient coverage in the event of issues like wrongful termination—allowing you to express your artistic talent while being protected against the unexpected.

Copyright License Agreement

Most of the time, graphic designers create works that can be reused in the future. A copyright license agreement is essential for clarifying the rights you retain as the creator and the rights granted to the client. It specifies the extent to which the client may modify or reproduce the work, if at all, and the conditions involved. This agreement also ensures that you can reuse certain design elements or control specific aspects of the work.

Without a copyright license agreement, conflicts may arise over who owns the creation. It’s crucial to clearly outline whether the client is receiving usage rights or exclusive restrictive rights. This way, both you and your client will be on the same page regarding how the design can be used, which helps to avoid any misunderstandings.

Work-for-Hire Agreements

Clients who wish to acquire full ownership of the design work often use work-for-hire contracts. In this type of agreement, the work is regarded as having been created by the client, while you, the designer, waive all ownership or IP concerns. This frequently occurs in branding projects when a client wants full rights to their logo, website, or marketing graphics.

The work-for-hire agreement should clearly state that the client cannot claim future rights to the work, and such terms should be agreed upon from the start. Remember that by assigning full rights to the client, you are giving up your rights to the work.

A work-for-hire agreement simplifies ownership issues, but it can limit your future use of the work created under the agreement. This makes it important to fully understand its implications.

The post Essential Contracts Every Graphic Designer Should Have appeared first on GRAPHICERS.

Are you searching for a new graphic design job? Whether you’re aiming for a full-time position or a freelance opportunity, we’ve got you covered. Continue reading to discover the best websites and job boards for graphic design jobs in 2024.

Simplify Your Job Hunt with Bonsai

To make your job search more manageable, consider using Bonsai. This project management tool is perfect for freelancers and designers, helping you organize your tasks and projects efficiently. Bookmark this resource to stay updated on exciting design job opportunities!

Essential Design Hiring Resources

For further insights into securing a design job, explore our guide on crafting a job-ready graphic design resume and cover letter.

1. Dribbble’s Freelance Project Board

If you’re concerned about finding your next project or client, Dribbble’s Freelance Project Board can help ease your worries. Explore daily postings of high-quality freelance graphic design jobs. Filter by keywords, skills, and budget to find the perfect projects, ensuring a steady client base and a constant stream of new opportunities.

2. Dribbble’s Job Board

Not everyone prefers freelancing. If you’re in search of a full-time graphic design role, Dribbble’s Job Board is an excellent place to start. Browse job postings from large corporations, agencies, and startups. Whether you’re looking for a remote role, an entry-level position, or a senior role, you’ll find opportunities tailored to your skill set.

3. The Design Kids

The Design Kids is a valuable resource for student and graduate graphic designers. Their job archive offers entry-level positions, design fellowships, and internships to help kickstart your career. Explore opportunities in major design cities like Los Angeles, New York, London, and Melbourne.

4. We Work Remotely

For remote-only graphic design jobs, visit We Work Remotely. Their job board is regularly updated with remote positions across various design disciplines, including UI/UX design, creative direction, and motion design.

5. Angel.co

If you’re interested in working with a dynamic startup, check out Angel.co. This job board features a range of openings at startups worldwide. Filter by salary, skill level, industry, and company size. Set up your profile to let companies know you’re available for new opportunities.

6. AIGA Design Jobs

AIGA offers another excellent resource for finding design jobs. Their job board allows you to filter by type of opportunity—professional, pro-bono, or internship. Whether you’re a senior designer, mid-level, or junior, you’ll find a variety of roles, including freelance gigs.

7. Coroflot

Coroflot is a job board specifically for creatives. Find jobs by location or design skillset, or browse through a list of companies hiring this month. Visit their salary page to explore average design salaries by job title and location.

8. Design Jobs Board

Design Jobs Board is ideal for finding full-time, freelance, part-time, and contract positions in graphic design within the United Kingdom. Filter by skill level to match your expertise.

9. If You Could Jobs

If You Could Jobs is a job directory created by creatives, for creatives. Most listings are UK-based, but you might find global opportunities as well. Sign up for personalized job alerts to receive tailored listings directly in your inbox.

10. Google Design Jobs

Dreaming of working with one of the most coveted design organizations? Google is always hiring for various design roles, including visual design, interaction design, and UI/UX. Visit their careers page to view the latest openings.

11. Authentic Jobs

Authentic Jobs caters to designers, developers, and creative professionals globally. Whether you’re seeking freelance, remote, internship, or full-time positions, this board provides a variety of options to match your design skills. Jobs are updated frequently.

12. Krop

Lastly, Krop is a job board used by brands around the world to find design talent. Explore their listings and refine your search by location and keywords to discover opportunities that fit your career goals.

How to Land Your Dream Graphic Design Job

With these resources at your disposal, you’re well on your way to finding your ideal graphic design role. For additional tips, check out our guide on crafting a compelling resume and cover letter. Don’t forget to sign up for Dribbble Pro Business to simplify freelancing and receive fresh design leads daily.

The post Top 12 Websites to Find Graphic Design Jobs (Full‑Time & Freelance) appeared first on GRAPHICERS.

Are you looking for a logo for your business, artwork for a project, or an image for a report? You can create your image from various generative AI apps and sites. However, one service that offers awe-inspiring results is Midjourney. 

With this tool, you can describe the type of image you want by entering a text prompt. In return, the site delivers four high-quality renderings.

How to use: Crayon AI | Bing Image Creator | DALL-E 3 | Stable Diffusion

How Midjourney works

Initially, Midjourney required you to use Discord to create and fine-tune your AI-based images. That process required a fair amount of fiddling with text-based prompts, which was a clumsy and sometimes frustrating experience. To appeal to those who didn’t like the Discord method, Midjourney kicked off a dedicated website late last year.

At first, the website was limited to people who had generated at least 10,000 images via Discord, excluding a lot of folks. Now that the site is accessible to anyone, all Midjourney users can use it to generate images. One of the perks of the website, at least for now, is that your first 25 AI-generated images are free. After that, you’ll have to pay for a paid subscription.

A Basic Plan will run you $10 a month or $96 a year, a Standard Plan $30 a month or $288 a year, a Pro Plan $60 a month or $576 a year, and a Mega Plan $120 a month or $1,152 a year. Each tier gives you increasingly faster results, among other benefits. To get a taste of Midjourney, you may want to start with the Basic Plan to see how well it works for you.

How to get started using Midjourney

1. Sign up

Signing up for the website requires a Google or Discord account. If you’ve already created images via Discord, you can use that account to retrieve a history of the images you generated in the past. You can then merge your Discord and Google accounts to be able to sign in with either one. Otherwise, signing in with a Google account is easier.

To get started, browse the Midjourney website and click the Sign Up link in the lower right. At the next screen, choose Discord or Google. You’ll then be sent to the site. 

2. Explore the image library

After you sign in, a sidebar on the left displays tabs for different sections and tasks. Go to the “Explore” section to check out images that other people have created. 

You can view images by selecting different categories at the top, such as “Random,” “Hot,” “Top Day” (as well as Top Week or Top Month), and “Likes.”

3. View an image

You can click on an image you like to view it closer. You’ll also see the prompt that was used to generate the image. Click the X to return to the image gallery.

4. Watch the welcome video

Click the Create tab on the right to view a welcome video briefly explaining how to use Midjourney. You may also be prompted to join the platform with one of the paid subscriptions.

5. Create your first image

At the “Create” screen, request an image by typing your prompt in the “What will you imagine” field at the top of the page. Include the right details to specify the description and style for the image you want. 

Using the three-lined settings icon to the right of the prompt, you can change the size, model, aesthetics, and other options for the image. Play around with the various settings to see how they affect your image. When ready, place your cursor in the prompt field and press “Enter.”

6. View the results

In response, Midjourney creates four different images based on your prompt. Look at each image to see how Midjourney interpreted your description.

7. Create variations

Hover over an image, and you’ll see options for “Vary Subtle” and “Vary Strong.” Click on either. Midjourney will then create a new batch of similar images with subtle or strong variations based on which image you selected and which option you chose.

8. Modify your image with different actions

Your image then opens in a larger view. On the right side of the screen, you’ll see different categories for “Creation Actions.”

With the “Vary” category, you can again vary the image subtly or strongly. In response, Midourney will create a new image with subtle or dramatic changes. With the “Upscale” category, you can upscale the image a little or a lot. Upscaling generates a larger image that is suited for saving or printing.

With the “More” category, you can run the same prompt again or head directly to the editor. You can also use the image, a style, or a prompt to revise it. With the “Use” category, you can use the image, style, or original prompt to generate a new image.

Click the “More options” link for additional commands, like “Remix,” “Pan,” and “Zoom.”

Play with the different categories and actions. Each time you select an action, a new series of images will be generated. But don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up with too many images.

9. Edit your image

Midjourney has a built-in editor through which you can make even more changes to an image. Click the “Editor” button on the right. In the editing screen, you can zoom in or out on the image by moving the slider at the top. You can then move the image around the canvas by dragging the four-arrow icon in the middle.

Next, you can change the aspect ratio based on how you want the image to appear. For example, you can shrink the image to add more content to the left, right, top, or bottom.

Coolest of all, however, is the ability to change parts of the image based on revisions to your prompt. For instance, you could add a new element to your image by tweaking the prompt, erasing the part of the image that you want to change, and then submitting your new prompt.

10. Download the image

Once you’re satisfied with your creation, open the image in its window. Click the “Download Image” button on the right and select the folder to save the file. Your image will download as a PNG file.

11. Organize your images

Finally, you can view and organize all the images you’ve generated by clicking the “Organize” category on the left. By default, you’ll see all the images you’ve created. Right-click on a specific image to access a menu where you can like, hide, modify, copy, or save the image. 

Click the “Organize” button on the right to display a sidebar. Here, you can create folders to save your images, filter the list of images by different criteria, and play with the layout and image size.

The post How to use Midjourney’s website to generate amazing images with AI appeared first on GRAPHICERS.

Designed by developer Boris Dayma as a free text-to-image AI tool, Craiyon advanced not only through internal improvements but through contributions from the open-source community. Beyond generating new images, Craiyon contains a library of existing images that you can access to help with your queries. Previously known as DALL-E mini, the site changed its name upon a request from OpenAI, which felt that the former name was too close to its own DALL-E image generator.

How to get started with Craiyon AI

1. Go to the Craiyon website

To get started, browse to the Craiyon website. You can sign up for a free account, but you may want to first try the site without an account.

2. Describe your image

Type a description of the image you want generated. You can also add negative words to specify any items you want excluded in your query. Choose the type of image you’d like to see — art, drawing, or photo.

Take a moment before you submit your query. Trying to describe the image you want can be challenging. How you phrase it and what words you include will determine the accuracy and quality of the results.

Craiyon reminds you to select the style that interests you the most. But you’re also able to play around with different keywords, such as “illustration,” “photorealistic,” and “high definition.” Plus, consider joining the Craiyon community on Discord to chat with other users and search for previous images requested by others.

3. Generate results

After you’ve entered your description and chosen a style, click the Draw button. With the free tier, you’ll have to wait a minute or longer for the image to appear. In response, Craiyon displays several images in their own thumbnails.

4. Select an image

Click an image you like, and it appears larger. From there, click the Upscale button to try to improve the resolution and quality. Click the Screenshot button to save it as a PNG file.

5. Try another prompt

Click the image to return to the set of thumbnails of all the results. Below the images, Craiyon may suggest another prompt to fine-tune or modify the results. 

If you think the new prompt is worth a shot, click the button to Try this one. Modify the prompt if necessary and then click the Draw button.

6. View new results

A new set of thumbnails is generated, allowing you to pick one you like and then upscale or save it. A new prompt will also be suggested, which you can modify and try again.

7. View your favorite images

To keep track of the generated images, sign up for a free account by clicking the Sign-up button at the top. To save an image, click its heart icon. After you’ve saved one or more images, click the Account button at the top and select the option for My Collection.

8. Buy a t-shirt with your favorite image (optional)

To help earn money and provide you with some cool swag, Craiyon will sell you a $26 t-shirt with your favorite image printed on it. For this, open an image and click the button for Print on a t-shirt. Confirm the image, choose the theme of light or dark, and then click Buy. Confirm your size and place your order.

 How to use the Android app

Beyond the website, you’re able to take Craiyon for a spin on an Android device. Download and install the app from Google Play. Sign into your account if you’ve created one. From there, the app works the same as the website. Type a description of the image you want, choose a style, and then tap Draw. Among the results, tap an image to see a larger version of it. From there, you can upscale it, download it to your device, or try a different prompt.

Disclaimer: You should consider the legal consequences (e.g. copyright) of using AI-generated images before implementing them into your work.

The post How to use Craiyon AI (formerly known as DALL-E mini) appeared first on GRAPHICERS.

Almost every business needs a website, but how much does it cost to build and get a web page online? An old saying says you have to spend money to make money. For the most part, building a website is no exception, although you could use one of the best free blog websites to get started if you’re on a very tight budget.

In most cases, creating and maintaining a professional-looking website online will involve an ongoing cost, whether you want a home your new crafts business, or an online portfolio for your design work. But how much? We’ve tested and reviewed the best website builders for small businesses and compared their price plans, so we’re in a good position to provide some numbers. 

In this article, we’re going to take a look at what you should expect to pay to build a website. We’ve split it into sections to make it easy to navigate, from designing the site to registering your domain (the address of your website) and paying for hosting. All prices are correct at the time of writing, but things can and do change – so keep an eye out for offers and deals.

How much does it cost to build a web page?

Can I build a website for free?

First up, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to get a website online without opening your wallet at all. The short answer is yes; it is possible. While you won’t get the same level of functionality and customizability you’d get with a paid-for tool – and you also won’t have a unique domain name, you can build a website for free and get it online for free, and it’s certainly an option for people who are starting and don’t want to commit to a monthly fee.

Many of the best website builders like Wix offer free plans. These come with limits to storage and bandwidth, so the site will be limited in size and you won’t be able to have too many visitors). There are also open-source content management systems like WordPress, which have a steeper learning curve, and you’ll still need to pay for hosting. 

Meanwhile, there are free website builders like Site123, which make their money by running ads on your site. And if you have a Google account, you can use Google Sites to make a website for free. It’s fairly simple to use, but there are storage limits and you’ll still need to buy a domain name if you want a professional-looking URL. See our our guide to how to make a website on Google for a quick tutorial or see our guide to how to make an artist website to learn what to include in your site.

How much do website builders cost?

Of, so if you want more functionality, storage, and bandwidth than can be offered by free website tools, but you don’t want to learn how to code or how to use WordPress, how much does it cost to build a web page with a website builder?

Web builders like Squarespace and Wix offer the quickest and easiest way to build a web page and get it online, but there are a few things to remember. An important thing to understand is that they aren’t a ‘one and done’ situation. You pay an ongoing subscription, and you’ll need to keep paying the fees for as long as you want your website to be active.

That said, the fees are relatively low, particularly if you’re site is small enough to use shared housing. Let’s take a look at some of the website builders we’ve reviewed to get an idea of the costs. We’ve looked at prices in the US and UK, and while they vary across other territories, they’re unlikely to stray wildly from these starting points. We’ve used the cheapest options when looking for prices, so in some cases, these are the prices you’ll get if you commit to paying annually rather than monthly.

One of the cheaper services we’ve looked at is GoDaddy, which offers subscription plans for $10.99-16.99/£6.99-12.99 per month. Moving up the scale a little, we find Wix at around $17-36/£9-25 per month, then Squarespace at about $16-49/£12-35 a month. Finally, if we want more advanced e-commerce features, we can opt for Shopify, which starts at $29/£19 per month. 

If we wanted a website on any of these services for a year, using GoDaddy would cost us a minimum of $132/£84; picking Wix would cost $204/£108; Squarespace would run us up $192/£144, and Shopify would run to $348/£228. There’s a decent amount of variance there, but we can say as a rough guide that you’re probably going to spend a minimum of $100, and unless you need advanced features, you shouldn’t need to go over a maximum of $350.

Remember that prices do change, and you also may be able to snag yourself a deal by taking advantage of introductory offers, Black Friday savings, or similar limited-time opportunities. Many web builders and hosting providers run big discounts for the first year, but just remember that you’ll be paying the full price after the first 12 months. Also be aware that some web builders, including Wix, don’t allow you to transfer your site to a different platform. That means that if you spot a better deal a couple of years down the line and want to move to a different platform, you’ll have to design a new site.

How much do web domains cost?

Another cost involved in building a web page is the cost of registering a domain. This is the address or URL of your site. Some website builders will offer you a free subdomain, but it will have their branding in the URL (for example: www.mysite.wix.com), which doesn’t look very professional. If you want you’re own unique URL, you’ll have to pay a domain registration company to register it for you.

This is another ongoing cost, often charged annually. Most website builders allow you to purchase a domain through their system and simply add it to the overall cost of your plan – in many cases, you’ll get the custom domain free for the first year or so of your plan but will have to pay thereafter. Registering directly via a web builder is often the easiest way but not necessarily the cheapest. You also have the option of buying a domain name elsewhere and connecting it to your site.

The cost of a domain depends on several factors, including what the domain is and whether anyone has already snapped it up in the hope of selling it at a profit. In general, the average cost for a standard domain is around $10 to $20 per year for common TLDs such as .com or .net. Wix recommends expecting a guide price of around $10-45 per year while Squarespace estimates $20 to $70 per year.

You may not be thrilled at the thought of paying yet more for your website. However, if you’re looking to build a professional site for a business, having your domain is crucial both in terms of searchability and looking legit. Customers and clients will usually be more willing to trust yoursite.com over yoursite.wix.com. Like many things in business, building and maintaining a great-looking website is an investment – but one that can pay off handsomely in the long run.

How much does hosting cost?

Creating a website and registering a domain is only part of the cost. The main regular ongoing cost of a website is usually the hosting. Web hosting is the act of storing the data that makes up your website. The code, text, images, and video all have to be stored on a server somewhere so that the site can be accessed over an internet connection anywhere in the world. If you opt to use a web builder (see above), the cost of hosting is usually included in the plan, but If you create your website yourself, either for free in a content management system like WordPress or by hiring a web designer to create a site for you, then you’ll need to pay for hosting separately.

Technically, it is possible to host a very simple website on your computer if you have a spare device you can leave on 24/7, and if can get a static IP from your internet provider. However, the process is a hassle and generally not a good idea for anyone without experience. You can also host a simple website on GitHub servers, but a name like “username.github.io/repository” doesn’t look hugely professional. 

For security, reliability, and easy of use, hosting companies are the way to go. The cost will vary depending on the type of hosting you want. Small websites for artists and freelancer creatives are often on shared hosting because it’s the cheapest and it does the job for small low-traffic sites. 

With shared hosting, your site is stored on the same server as many other sites, which allows economies of scale. There are often discounts for the first year, which can take the monthly cost to as low as under $2, but remember that the price will rise after the promotional period. Costs will generally range from between $3 and $20 per month. However, shared hosting might not allow enough bandwidth if you have a large and complex website with high traffic, and the fact that your site is on a single server can present a risk of downtime if that server is down for some reason.

Another option is VPS hosting, which provides more bandwidth, potentially allowing your site to load more quickly. This often costs between $13 and $90 per month depending on the amount of bandwidth, RAM, and storage. 

The next option up is cloud hosting, which spreads your website data across different servers, usually around the world, increasing security and reducing the risk of your site being offline if a server is down. This is worth considering if you have a large art business and need to be sure that your site will be online at all times. The prices of cloud hosting vary hugely, from around $6 a month for 1GB of memory to thousands of dollars for enterprise-level solutions with huge memory and processing capabilities.

There is also dedicated and managed hosting, but this would be an unnecessary expense for most artists and freelance websites, starting at around $50 per month. See our dedicated guide to the best web hosting for freelancers to learn more.

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The Power of Email Signatures: Making a Lasting Impression

Email signatures serve as digital business cards, providing essential contact information and showcasing your professional identity. They typically include your name, job title, company, phone number, and relevant social media links. A well-designed email signature conveys important details and leaves a lasting impression on recipients. It reinforces your brand identity and demonstrates attention to detail, separating you from generic or poorly formatted signatures.

Making Gmail Signatures with Canva

Unleashing Creativity with Canva: A Designer’s Paradise

Canva is a versatile and user-friendly design tool that offers a wide range of features to create visually stunning email signatures. To get started, simply sign up for a free account on the Canvas website. Upon logging in, you’ll be greeted with an intuitive interface that puts various design tools, templates, and elements at your fingertips. Whether you’re a design novice or a seasoned professional, Canva empowers you to unleash your creativity and craft email signatures that truly represent your brand.

Crafting Your Perfect Email Signature: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a professional email signature in Canva is a breeze. Follow these steps to design a signature that reflects your style and brand:

• Select a Template: Begin by searching for “email signature” templates within Canva. Browse through the available options and choose one that aligns with your aesthetic preferences and brand guidelines.
• Customize the Template: Once you’ve selected a template, it’s time to make it your own. Replace the placeholder text with your personal information, such as your name, job title, company name, and contact details. Ensure that the information is accurate and up to date.
• Add Visual Elements: Enhance your email signature by uploading your company logo or a professional headshot. Position these images strategically within the template to create a visually appealing layout. Canva offers a wide selection of graphics and icons that you can incorporate to further customize your design.
• Fine-tune with Design Tools: Use Canva’s extensive editing features to modify text, colors, and other design elements. Experiment with different font styles, sizes, and colors to achieve a cohesive and professional look. Ensure that the chosen fonts and colors align with your brand’s visual identity for consistency across all communications.
• Arrange and Organize: Take advantage of Canva’s layer functionality to arrange and organize the various elements of your email signature. This allows you to create a clean and structured layout, ensuring that each component is easily readable and visually appealing.

Finalizing and Implementing Your Email Signature

Once you’ve customized your email signature to perfection, it’s time to finalize your design. Give it a thorough review, making any necessary adjustments to ensure it looks polished and professional. When you’re satisfied with the result, download the signature in a suitable format, such as PNG or JPEG, which maintains the quality of the design.

Next, it’s time to apply your newly created signature in Gmail. Follow these simple steps:

• Access Gmail Settings: Open your Gmail account and navigate to the settings menu. Click on the “See all settings” option to access the full range of configuration options.
• Create a New Signature: Within the “General” tab, scroll down until you locate the “Signature” section. Click on the “Create new” button and provide a name for your signature.
• Upload Your Signature: Now, insert the Canva-created signature by uploading the downloaded image file. Gmail will automatically embed the image into your signature. If needed, you can adjust the size of the image to ensure it fits well within the email body.
• Set Signature Preferences: Determine when you want your signature to appear in your emails. You can choose to have it included in new emails, replies, or both. Once you’ve selected your preferences, don’t forget to save your changes.

Elevating Your Email Game: Additional Tips and Tricks

To further enhance your email signature and ensure a cohesive brand experience, consider the following tips:

• Consistency is Key: Make sure that the colors, fonts, and overall design of your email signature align with your brand’s visual identity. Consistency across all touchpoints, including emails, reinforces brand recognition and professionalism.
• Test and Refine: After applying your signature in Gmail, send a test email to yourself and others to see how it appears on different devices and email clients. If you notice any issues or areas for improvement, make the necessary adjustments in Canva and re-upload the updated signature.
• Keep it Concise: While it’s tempting to include every piece of information in your email signature, remember that brevity is essential. Stick to the most important details and avoid cluttering your signature with unnecessary elements. A clean and concise signature is more likely to be read and remembered.
• Regularly Update: As your contact information or job title changes, make sure to update your email signature accordingly. An outdated signature can lead to confusion and missed opportunities for communication.

By following this step-by-step guide and using the power of Canva, you can create a professional and visually stunning email signature for Gmail. A well-designed signature not only enhances the overall appearance of your emails but also reinforces your brand’s professionalism and attention to detail. It serves as a subtle yet effective way to make a lasting impression on recipients and strengthen your professional image in the digital realm.

So, take the time to craft a signature that truly represents you and your brand. With Canva’s user-friendly tools and a vast library of templates, unleashing your creativity and elevating your email communications has never been easier. Start designing your perfect email signature today and watch as it becomes a powerful asset in your professional toolkit.

Media Credit: Teacher’s Tech

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1 – Photo Editors Will Want to Create Their Styles

I’ve edited photos for five years at the time of writing this article, and I started in the same way as many others. I had no idea how to use tools like Lightroom, so I used the Auto tools much more than I should have. This was good for learning how to use the software, but eventually, I wanted to make my pictures look like they were mine.

Since I wanted to make my images look more unique, I learned how to use Lightroom and Photoshop. Yes, AI is still part of my editing process (e.g. straightening and healing my pictures). However, I’d now say that 90% of my edits are my own work.

2 – Not All AI Editing Is Created Equally

Almost every piece of software proudly flaunts its AI features these days. But in my opinion, a good chunk of these tools are simply marketed well. Just because something uses AI doesn’t mean it’s good, it’s the buzzword right now, just like “low-fat” has been overused in the food industry.

Some AI photo editing tools are fantastic. For example, the Noise Reduction feature in Lightroom is well worth learning how to use. However, I think that some tools are a waste of time. I’d recommend trying each AI tool that your preferred editing software has, but at the same time, you should take what’s good and leave the rest.

3 – AI Can Look Obvious if It’s Overdone

If you’re editing photos, you probably want them to look like yours. One of the biggest problems with AI is that many people overdo their edits, and it becomes obvious that they’ve used AI.

A few months ago I used the Denoise tool in Lightroom to get rid of grain in one of my images but synchronized it with another picture that I had taken. However, because I didn’t do my due diligence, parts of the picture became distorted. I then had to restart my edits altogether and spend more time than if I’d adjusted everything manually.

AI editing is fine if done in moderation, but I still think that you shouldn’t rely on it entirely.

4 – AI Editing Is Only a Supplement to Manual Editing

One of the most frequently overlooked points in the AI discussion is that AI is supposed to be a tool, not a replacement. Too many people have drawn the conclusion that throwing AI at anything will solve the problem, but that isn’t true in any field—including photo editing. Human input is still necessary, and manual editing absolutely has its place.

Anyone who takes photo editing seriously will look at AI neutrally. This means that they might use more AI than human editing in some pictures, but they may employ all manual editing and no AI in others. There isn’t a hard-and-fast rule about how much you should use, and even as AI evolves, this will remain true. By adopting this mindset, you can benefit from generative AI as an artist.

AI is one of many tools that you can use to make your images look better, but manual photo editing still has its place and always will. You should master your preferred photo editing software’s manual and AI features to give yourself the best opportunity to create amazing pictures.

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