A colleague recently said to me, “I’ve heard that you’re a client relations guru. Are there any tips or tricks that you … 7 Secrets for Building Great Client Relationships Read more

Naturally, there are bad clients out there, but 90% of the time, it’s not really the client who is at fault. Poor commun … 9 Easy Ways to Deal With Difficult Clients Read more

Recently, Condé Nast Digital undertook a complete redesign of the articles published on wired.co.uk. The aim was to prov … Designing the new, fully responsive wired.co.uk article pages Read more

Within the past couple of weeks, I handed in my notice, after spending over fifteen years working in-house as a designer … Moving from in-house to freelance? Read this first Read more

Ah, the mid-2000s. A simpler time on the internet. MySpace was still ruling the social media scene, YouTube was a baby, … Blast from the Past: The Million Dollar Homepage Read more

Content marketing is a marketing technique focused on creating and distributing valuable content to attract and retain v … 3 ways to win customers with content Read more

One of our biggest challenges when producing client work is communicating technical information effectively with clients … 6 simple rules for explaining the web to clients Read more

Technology is speeding ahead at a breakneck pace, but have we lost something important along the way?In a beautifully de … Our Interfaces Have Lost Their Senses — And It’s Time to Bring Them Back! Read more

Most of us are familiar with the saying, “Show, don’t tell.” For those of us working in creative industries, this should … 4 Tips for Building a Standout Creative Résumé Read more

The number one question I always am asked is, “How do I get prospective clients to look at my portfolio?” It comes from … How to be found by clients Read more

Google+ Hangouts have been at the heart of some of the hottest video conferencing technologies since it first debuted as … How to succeed with Google+ Hangouts Read more

The term “web design” refers to the process of planning, organizing, and editing content online. On the surface, it seem … What Even Is Web Design? Read more

Working as a freelancer means that your business is all about you. You’re the sole person in charge of making the tough … Freelance mistakes you’ll probably make Read more

Do you find yourself stuck when finding new web design clients? Whether you own a web design company or work as a freela … How to Find Web Design Clients Read more

How you present your design solutions (whether it be to another team member or a client) has an impact on how they view … The trick to pitching a design without striking out Read more

In order to deliver a clean, fresh, and — more importantly — effective user interface, usability tests are required. It … How to approach usability testing Read more

According to some historical records, some people out there have boundless energy, loads of free time, and ambition enou … 7 Best Side Hustles Read more

What is WordPress? It began as a simple CMS for building a blog, and it has evolved over the years into a complex ecosys … Exclusive Infographic: WordPress by the Numbers Read more

So you’ve been working as a designer for the past few years. You’re good at it. You’re successful. Maybe even really suc … I hate design…now what? Read more

Starting your own business is a process with a fair share of challenges. Even in the web design world, where you can pot … How to Bootstrap a Web Design Business Read more

Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire book series, has captivated audiences for five seaso … 7 lessons Game of Thrones offers designers Read more

Most of us are concerned about our public image, right? It matters a lot how people see and think of us. Export the same … How to Build a Strong Brand Reputation Read more

On Monday, Microsoft and LinkedIn announced that Microsoft would buy LinkedIn in an all-cash deal for $196 a share, at $ … Microsoft buys LinkedIn: What it means for designers Read more

You’ve been busting your ass for years as a freelance designer, taking projects as they come, performing every role requ … Is it time you opened a design agency? Read more

2020 has been an interesting year, to say the least. And although I’m sure many of you can’t wait until the calendar fli … The Latest Research for Web Designers Read more

Starting out on your own as a freelancer is exciting. You’re making your talents available to the world, and are ready t … 5 things nobody tells you about freelancing Read more

Let’s face it: The web design industry is very competitive. The barriers of entry are low, the technology (platforms, co … How to be a Work from Home Professional Read more

Perception is everything! Many famous creatives grew to fame because people knew about them, more than their work. Shoul … How to boost your personal brand as a designer Read more

A domain name is an essential element of every project, product, and company. It’s central to a brand and has a dispropo … 8 Domain Name Myths Every Web Designer Should Know Read more

What is a design-driven organization, according to designers? What organizations put a legitimate emphasis on design? Co … InVision reveals design industry stats Read more

The last couple of months have been nothing short of groundbreaking for the Opera browser and the company. Two months ag … Opera’s introduces a new power-saving mode, continues the browser war Read more

Are you a creative person looking for the perfect career path to take? If so, there are not many more creative professio … How To Take Your First Steps in Web Design Read more

A career as a web designer can be extremely lucrative. The average web designer in the US makes around $50-55,000 per ye … Side Hustles for Web Design Professionals: How to Make Some Extra Cash Read more

Every day, people are asking themselves things like, “React or Vue?” “VR or no VR?” “CSS Grid or Flexbox?” These are the … How to Pick Your Next Tech Focus Read more

When you design a website for a client, you’re in charge for the most part. You’re the one that’s mastered the art of we … Does Your Choice of Web Host Affect Your Website? Read more

Why do some clients stop communicating with us all of a sudden? Is there any way out of this crappy situation?Picture th … The secret to surviving an unresponsive client Read more

How many times have you asked yourself this question?A potential client wants your proposal for a design project. You’re … How much should you charge for design? Read more

In a seismic shift for the visual content industry, Getty Images and Shutterstock have announced a $3.7 billion merger, … Getty Images and Shutterstock Merge in $3.7 Billion Deal Read more

All of the work you do to grow your web design business requires an investment of time and energy. And if you do this so … Grow Your Design Business with Lead Magnets Read more

Augmented Reality is everywhere. Everyday, we read about it in the news. And even though Virtual Reality initially seeme … Infographic: What is Augmented Reality? Read more

If you’ve ever used Reddit to dig for answers or insights, you know how much gold is hidden in its threads—but finding i … Reddit Unveils Reddit Answers: A Smarter Way to Search and Explore Discussions Read more

Have you ever had a customer from hell? The kind of customer who abuses you, spending as little as they possibly can whi … 5 clients that will destroy your design business Read more

Your business is starving. You’re struggling to get the clients and projects you need to keep your business going. Somet … How to attract a never-ending supply of clients Read more

It covers the market size, earning potential, estimated startup cost, the target audience, and the value they bring to t … 27 Best Small Business Ideas for Designers Read more

When you are just starting out in a web development business, it can be really tempting to try to handle most (if not al … Building effective web design teams Read more

Every freelancer has heard the pitch from clients about “no money now, but there will be later”, “help start my business … 3 successful ways to get paid by a client who has “no money” Read more

Web designers are some of the hardest working people I know. Which is why I don’t envy them having to design websites an … How to Build Client Loyalty Read more

Remember Grumpy Cat? That famous feline whose face could rival the grumpiest of Monday mornings. Born with a perpetual s … Blast from the Past: Grumpy Cat: From Viral Fame to Cultural Icon Read more

Miss the days when your computer made cheerful chimes, folders had faces, and ClarisWorks was the peak of productivity?T … Aqua Is Back, Baby: Run Early Mac OS X Right in Your Browser Read more

It hardly seems possible given the radical transformations we’ve seen over the last few decades, but the web design land … Web Tech Trends to Watch in 2024 and Beyond Read more

The much talked about step of creating professional certification for graphic/web designers looks like it will become a … Certifications for U.S. designers to become law in 2015 Read more

The web is going through a slow-motion identity crisis.It began as a decentralized playground of pages, links, and raw h … Who Owns the Web Now? Centralization vs. Decentralization in the Age of AI Read more

Time for a harsh truth: You can be the best designer in the world producing stunning user interfaces, but it doesn’t mat … How to build a reputation in the design community, and why you should Read more

For those of you working from home right now (willingly or unwillingly), you can’t allow your surroundings to have an ef … 5 Tips for Working with Clients When You’re at Home Read more

Moving from studying design into the big wide world of web design is a daunting process. It’s a competitive and dynamic … Why Zero Experience Designers Need A Chance Read more

It’s far too easy to look back and imagine that everything was better then than it is now. God knows I miss being a skin … The Web Can’t Go Home Again Read more

It’s going to happen at some point this year; you will face designer burnout.One of the reasons that burnout is so commo … 10 Ways to Avoid Designer Burnout Read more

The autumn air is fresh and clear, the light is soft and uplifting and the autumnal forests are at their most beautiful. … Sunlight, Fresh Air and Exercise: How to Stay Creative Read more

In today’s roundup of the latest research for web designers, we’re going to look at a variety of topics, from 2020 holid … Latest Research for Web Designers Read more

It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus is preparing for his busiest night of the year. But have you ever wondered how Santa … Santa’s High-Tech Holiday Logistics: A UX Fairy Tale Read more

An OnDeck Vacation Study reported that only 57% of small business owners planned on taking a vacation last year. Further … Take a Stress-Free Vacation This Summer (and Keep Your Business Running) Read more

Most designers struggle with putting a price on their services. Many end up using a pricing model that leaves them run r … 6 steps to charging what you’re really worth Read more

There are so many things to think about when first starting a business. What will your business offer? How will this dif … Branding 101: Creating the Visual Identity for Your Business Read more

There’s a tendency within the design community to depict freelancing as a goal to be achieved. Who wouldn’t want to lie … Is it time to go freelance? Read more

If you’re here, then you’re thinking about becoming a web designer and wondering if it’s a smart move.Honestly, it’s not … Should You Become a Web Designer? Read more

It’s been 5 years since I last wrote, but it’s an absolute pleasure to be back once again.I’m doing a great deal more bl … Ghost founder on how to grow a successful design career by blogging Read more

According to a recent QuickBooks survey, the #1 reason freelancers go into business for themselves is because it lends t … Quiz: Could You Become a Design Consultant Read more

Incognito mode, often marketed as a digital cloak for anonymity, has become a trusted tool for countless users seeking t … The Myth of Incognito Mode: Why “Private Browsing” Isn’t So Private Read more

You aren’t being paid…Scratch that. You aren’t being paid what you’re worth. You bend over backwards for your clients. B … The right way to increase your freelance rates without losing clients Read more

The creative field, which encompasses design, illustration, photography and anything else that is a commercial-based ser … Don’t be a douche bag! A simple guide to being an ethical designer Read more

When it comes to tech, Google has been synonymous with innovation, success, and world domination (hello, Android and Chr … Compilation: 15 Hilarious Google Flops Read more

At the dawn of the web-era, there was much focus on how environmentally friendly websites were: we’d chop down fewer tre … 3 Effective Ways To Improve Your Site’s Carbon Footprint Read more

The start of the year is always a good time to reassess priorities and consider new approaches, but 2021 is more of a re … 4 Predictions for the Web Read more

You’ve named your business. You’ve sorted out the visual branding piece. Now, it’s time to get your business online so y … Branding 101: How to Get Your Design Business Online Read more

Freelancers go by many names these days. They can be “non-traditional workers” in Canada or “autónomo” in Spain. They ca … Gigs Going Global? What Freelancers Need to Know About Classification Read more

The desktop computer is the underdog of the tech world—a bulky box that screams “1999” while the rest of us flex our sli … In Defense of the Humble Desktop Read more

Every now and then, on some blog or design group, someone brings up the question of designers unionizing or having some … Should creatives be unionized or earn certification? Read more

Building a product from scratch isn’t easy, but it can be a very rewarding process. When I had the idea for Revue, I dec … Case Study: 10 lessons from a successful startup Read more

For most designers – freelance or in-house – generating new business can be a dreaded part of the job. But it necessary … Are Design Pitches Worthwhile? Read more

In 2016, 34% of the US workforce worked as freelancers, and by 2020, it’s estimated that number will rise to 43%. Freela … The Freelancer’s Guide to Success and Happiness Read more

The obvious place to start looking for a web design agency is by asking friends, family, and colleagues for personal rec … 10 Questions You Must Ask Before Hiring a Web Design Agency Read more

When I quit my job 7 years ago to go freelance as a web designer, I thought I was finally free. But what I soon realized … The freelancer’s guide to outsourcing Read more

Hubspot estimates that a 400-person conference on the level of something like Hustle Con could realistically cost around … Are Design Conferences Dead? Read more

A lot of designers have wild misconceptions about freelancing and what it’s actually like. Despite what many people thin … 13 crazy freelancing myths debunked Read more

WordPress, the behemoth that once empowered a third of the internet, stands in 2025 as a paradox. On one hand, it’s stil … The Slow Implosion of WordPress: 2025 and the CMS That’s Losing Its Soul Read more

The Secret Handshake is a fabulous project, aimed at helping young designers (18–25) find their way into the industry.Yo … Want to be a designer? Learn the secret handshake Read more

Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the best ways to get new business — and high-quality business at that. But unless you’ … It’s Time to Talk About Testimonials Read more

How do designers use their own websites to promote themselves online? What are some good ways to set up an online presen … What has your website done for you lately? Read more

The internet was once a place for discovery. A space where curiosity could roam free, where you could stumble across som … Why Algorithms Are Ruining Your Web Experience Read more

Remember when technology was supposed to make life easier? That dream is long gone. Instead of simplifying our lives, mo … The UX Nightmare: Why Tech Is Becoming Unusable for Everyone Except Cyborgs Read more

If you were paying close attention to your IT department around the 8th of December, you might have heard some quiet sob … How CentOS Became 2020’s Final Victim Read more

Design work is very time consuming. But it’s not just the labor you put into building websites that takes time and conce … Design Your Website to Sell While You Work Read more

I recently witnessed a startup website train wreck. It was an extreme failure because the owner launched too soon and th … Are you sure you’re ready for your website to go live? Read more

When you hear the word “leadership,” do you think of a particular person?If you’d been asked that question anytime befor … 4 Founder-Led Brands That Are Done Right Read more

Within hours of the recent mass shooting at a New Zealand mosque by a far-right terrorist, the country’s authorities wer … Internet Censorship is Here: How Far Will it Go? Read more

I ought to know a lot about charities and non-profit organizations. My parents are career missionaries; and I grew up in … How to design for non-profits Read more

It’s every business owner’s goal to provide a fantastic experience for every client or customer and ensure that each of … Are Your Lack of Client Boundaries Costing You Money? Read more

As the managing attorney of a commercial law boutique practice, I am asked several times per week some variation of the … 6 Ways Designers Can Avoid Infringing Intellectual Property Rights Read more

It’s going to happen — a design project or website launch will go poorly. What you do in the first hours, days, and week … 10 Ways to Recover from a Design Disaster Read more

Mass appeal is a myth. I know that goes against what we’d all like to believe, and your eternal optimist inside probably … Improve Your UX With a Niche Approach Read more

One of the hardest parts of starting your business or freelancing is trying to figure out what you should charge. Years … Find out if you’re undercharging Read more

Getting your project organized and easily manageable is always a challenge when working as a part of a team. The problem … 9 ways to organize successful creative projects Read more

For years, Bitly has been the go-to URL shortening service for marketers, creators, and businesses alike, offering a qui … Goodbye Bitly… New Preview Page is a Major Step Back Read more

We’ve all dreamt about working for big brands. Microsoft, Google, Apple, McDonalds, Coca-Cola…they all have one thing in … How to get noticed by major brands Read more

When companies become misaligned, different departments may be working toward entirely different goals – in some cases, … 8 Ways to Keep Your Startup Positively Aligned Read more

I’m a lucky person. Every day I get to do what I love, which is helping clients work out what their web project is going … The designer’s secret weapon: an account handler Read more

By now, you’ve likely encountered and worked your way out one of the more common problems freelancers face. In moving yo … Should You Sell Website Support or Maintenance Services? Read more

Much has been said about the skills and capabilities of a full stack developer: On one hand, there are people who believ … How to Become a Full Stack Developer Read more

It’s happened to every designer at some point: A client or co-worker makes an absolutely cringe-worthy comment about you … 10 Things Every Designer Hates to Hear Read more

If you’ve ever thought Hallmark Christmas movies couldn’t get any more over-the-top, Xmas.Piclooks.com is here to prove … Generate Hilariously Bad Christmas Movies Read more

Sometimes, being a web designer is more than just creating a beautiful, functional website. You may have to play differe … The secret to happy clients Read more

Many, if not most designers will at some point encounter this scenario: they’ve just completed a digital wire-frame for … 5 Ways to Communicate With Non-Visual Thinkers Read more

“How do I get more clients?” It’s a question most freelancers struggle with. It’s tough to attract great clients and pre … How to find clients who’ll fight for your attention Read more

If you’ve ever been a fan of Product Hunt, you probably remember the excitement of finding something genuinely cool—a ne … How ProductHunt.com Became Overrun with AI Products Read more

If you do any client work, you understand that success or failure depends on meeting expectations; one of the hardest th … Stop defending design, start presenting solutions Read more

Sell ebooks, software, courses or music online? If you or any of your customers live in a European country then a piece … Everything web designers need to know about #VATMOSS Read more

In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses are always on the lookout for new ways to connect with their audience. B … A Beginner’s Guide to Using BlueSky for Business Success Read more

I really don’t need to explain how important your reputation is, do I?Short version: if people think you suck, either as … Reputation Management 101 Read more

As a designer, you might go through school or online training with the expectation of working face to face with your cli … 2 essential rules for working with remote clients Read more

If you are a web designer/developer who currently bills per hour, I hope I can persuade you to change your pricing metho … Stop Billing By the Hour, Right Now Read more

Successful startups are known for their disruptive approach, so it’s interesting to see how so many innovative companies … How to design a pitch deck: lessons from a seasoned founder Read more

If you’re a half-decent designer or a relatively competent developer, then there’s no reason you can’t make a living as … 6 Simple Steps to a Career in Web Design Read more

The Internet as a concept, and as a community, is much like a teenager: it’s struggling to establish its identity, every … 5 Signs That Web Design Is Reaching Its Own Industrial Age Read more

This is not a management article. Well, it kind of is, but please leave your agile-lean-workplace-organization-human-res … Fluid teams: the way you’ll work for the rest of your career Read more

For decades, Google has been the cornerstone of how we navigate the internet. Whether you’re searching for the best pizz … Googling Is for Old People: What This Means for Web Designers Read more

“UX design doesn’t work…And it won’t make us money.”Business executives aren’t all that fond of UX design, or even desig … Why CEOs Don’t Care About UX and How to Change Their Minds Read more

Picture it: New York City, 2010; you’re working full-time as a digital designer for one of the world’s largest advertisi … The Fast Way from Freelance Designer to Design Firm Read more

Let’s say that co-owners of a business who know nothing about creating a website (except that they need one) are in the … Face facts: You’re replaceable, and there’s only 2 things you can do about it Read more

The web is getting deeper—literally. Flat, static designs are starting to feel stale, and the rise of 3D elements and im … The Rise of 3D Web Design: Innovation or Just Another Flashy Distraction? Read more

There are a ton of different reasons people choose to freelance. Sometimes it’s born of necessity: you decide you need t … The ultimate guide to freelancing Read more

For many professionals looking for new work opportunities, they know that prospective employers are going to ask for pro … Is it Time to Redesign Your Portfolio? Read more

How long ago did you start your design business or side gig? Three months? Three years? And how long has it been since y … Does Your Web Design Business Need a Rebrand? Read more

How does the little guy compete? How do you win against these giant companies? It’s inevitable right? The big guy always … How You Can Compete Against DIY Site Builders Read more

It wasn’t all that long ago that web and product designers were presented with a choice: Fireworks, Illustrator, or Phot … From Fireworks to Framer: Is Software Choice Good For Design? Read more

Today, I want to look at where the term came from, what it refers to today, and why it’s something that all of us in bus … What Is The Independent Web And Does It Matter? Read more

Understanding the true value of the work we do is one of the first lessons many of us learn. Turning away spec work, foc … How to develop the perfect web skillset Read more

The basic idea of a meeting is simple: it’s when two or more people get together to discuss one or multiple topics. It c … The ultimate guide to design meetings Read more

No, no. I didn’t go researching modern-day witchcraft or anything like I did with Taoism. No, I’m taking web design less … The Witches’ Guide to Design Read more

You probably know by now that NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token; what is perhaps less clear is what “Fungible” actually … Myth-Busting NFTs: 7 Claims Fact-Checked Read more

Every time we begin a web design project, we do research. We research our clients, their customers, the website’s target … Research yourself first Read more

Which Roles Do You Need to Fill?This really depends on why you’re hiring someone as well as the direction you see your b … Freelance to Agency: Hiring Your First Employee Read more

Being able to quickly and efficiently one-line our skills and the focus of our professional life has a lot of value. The … What is a full-stack designer, and should you be one? Read more

Many of us dream of being our own boss, being able to set our own hours and choose what kind of work we take on. But ach … 4 essential steps before you launch your design startup Read more

I recently received a call from a young designer who I met when she was in art school. I reviewed her portfolio and seve … How to get TOUGH with clients Read more