…things like programming, web design and music recording are not just in the hands of the professionals. It’s all part of a larger community that is open to everyone.”
—
—Rose Marshack, former punk rocker of Poster Children fame and current professor of arts technology and music business at Illinois State University.
Personally, I’m a big fan of the DIY movement…probably because I taught myself almost everything I know about web design. But also because I’ve known too many peers that graduated with legitimate 4-year degrees, who were vastly under-prepared for the design careers they wanted to pursue.
If I hadn’t taught myself to code, to experiment in Illustrator or Photoshop, or [perhaps most beneficially] to dig-dig-dig online to find resources and tutorials that expanded my knowledge-base and skill level—I don’t think I’d be where I am today (having graduated with that same, somewhat mediocre, 4-year degree). And I’m still a baby designer; there’s so much more I have yet to learn!
I guess my takeaway from Marshack’s quote is this: Join the community.
Don’t lose heart because you don’t have access to the best schools or because life’s circumstances don’t permit you to pursue a 4-year degree right now.
Yes, it’s hard, and yes, sometimes it feels downright monumental, but I assure you that every hour you spend practicing*, researching, and learning your craft gets you closer to becoming the professional [fill-in-the-blank] you yearn to be.
*This is a reference to the “10,000 Hour Rule” made popular by Malcolm Gladwell in his book, Outliers (a highly recommended read)
(Source: mediarelations.illinoisstate.edu)
[Freebie] Free Button Styles via MediaLoot »
I took one look at these and knew I had to share them! Beautifully done, lots of diversity in style, and MediaLoot’s resources are always well-organized.
::Important:: All MediaLoot freebies require backlinks and attribution, so be sure to check out the MediaLoot free license agreement before using any of their resources in your own work.
![Love these Vintage Labels, a set of [you guessed it] vintage label designs done for Fossil’s store displays (designed by Wallace Design House).
Thanks to Ehab Aref for posting a number of the designs on his blog (where I ran across them).](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1201tClbw1rodk33o1_500.jpg)
Love these Vintage Labels, a set of [you guessed it] vintage label designs done for Fossil’s store displays (designed by Wallace Design House).
Thanks to Ehab Aref for posting a number of the designs on his blog (where I ran across them).
Instagram for Typography: fontli »
Nice overview of a new iPhone app that’s pretty much an “Instagram for type lovers” (via @opentype). Check out Ralf Herrmann’s review at the link provided, or check @fontli out for yourself at fontli.com.
(It would be so cool if this app actually attracted lots of photo-snapping typophiles! Spread the word!!!)
Webdesigner Depot: "What's new for designers, March 2012" »
I found lots of fun links to click on and resources to download in this month’s “What’s new…” from Webdesigner Depot! Here are a few of my favorite links: Intro (free font), Web Serveroff (free font I’d already downloaded last week!), two new LostType fonts (name your own price), and oh-so-many jQuery tools I can’t wait to play with!
The New Design Guidelines »
Simple, but pretty. And effectively gets the message across, too! Love it!!!
(I heard about this through Webdesigner Depot’s Newsletter #7 on 3/14/12)
(Source: webdesignerdepot.com)
Wow, that was fast: video of my Everything Is A Remix, so Steal Like An Artist panel with Kirby Ferguson is up. (via)
PS—Stay tuned for my upcoming review of Austin Kleon’s new book, Steal Like An Artist (hint: it’s a must read for all creatives–writers, artists, crafters, etc.)!
Google AdSense Compliant Privacy Policy Template »
As I’m in the process of adding AdSense to my blogs/websites (here on WebCreative, Etc. and elsewhere on writingmythesis.com), I recently had to research the process of adding a proper Privacy Policy to my website(s).
There’s quite a bit of information out there, but the easiest thing I found was this template by JenSense.com. Thought I’d share the source in case anyone else was in need of the info.
(Check out the new WebCreative, Etc. Privacy Policy)
The Designer’s Candy Store [Infographic]
Infographic brought to you by oBizMedia
(I saw it first on Paul Andrew’s Speckyboy Design Magazine website)
Are you a right-brain or left-brain thinker? »
My husband and I both took this test recently, and to tell the truth, it was pretty damn accurate! Turns out I’m about 51/50 Right-Brained over Left-Brained, which makes a lot of sense considering my varied interests (web design and writing vs. coding and research). Anyway, if you’re looking for insight into your creative process—check it out!
