Arbenting

Wednesday Weekly Spotlight #19

Angie Bowen — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:51:12 +0000

The team at Arbenting is back with another installment of the Wednesday Weekly Spotlight to inject a bit of inspiration into your mid-week humdrum.

Website of the Week

Illustration of the Week

Wallpaper of the Week

Logo of the Week

Typography of the Week

Photograph of the Week

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What Does True Freelancing Cost? Pt. 2

Robert Bowen — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:13:11 +0000

Here we are once again on our quest for the costs to freelancing, and after the reception part 1 received the pressure to really deliver on the next installment was compounding. Luckily, the added pressure just made it that much easier to completely phone this one in! Totally kidding. I really am trying, so if you don’t like it, it’s totally on you.

Make no mistake about it, freelancing is tough work. Angie and I have talked on numerous occasions since setting out on the freelancer’s path, that we have never worked so hard at anything in our lives. That could be because the work has never been this rewarding. Not even when we were in the Peace Corps. Okay, that was a lie. We were never in the Peace Corps. I made that up. I was in the boy scouts. Got some badges. You don’t get badges in the Peace Corps. But as a freelance designer, I can make all the digital badges I want. If I had the time.

In the Beginning…

There was a first part. And it was great. It was presented to the people, and the people said, ‘Behold, this is great.’ Okay, so I’m paraphrasing. But this is the second installment of the article, and here is what we covered in What Does True Freelancing Cost? Part 1:

#1 - Uniform
#2 - Respect (Big up yourself!)
#3 - Cashflow A-No-Go

And now for something completely similar.

#4 - Freetime (thanks for the memories)

Remember what it was like to have time off from work where you could spend a relaxing day outside away from the stresses the office likes to bring with it each day? Good. Cling to that memory. You are never going to know what that is like again! Kidding. But not really. Your time becomes much more precious when you don the freelancing crown. You have to be much more aware of where your time disappears to each day.

For example. Today I woke up, began checking the blogs for comments that need to be approved, checking and responding to e-mail, and started my daily social media routine. Then after looking through our to-do list of upcoming tasks, I got ready to go to my non-fun, non-freelance job and headed into work. When I got home, it was grab my first bite of the day, and turn my attentions to the blogging. Take a break to collaborate on a snowboard design for Dead Wings Designs with Angie, and then it is back to the blogosphere. Four a.m. rolls around, and I’m still working. And that’s pretty typical around here.

However, you cannot lose sight of those who mean the most to you. No, not your twitter followers, your family! Make sure you make time for your family. Your immediate family, meaning those who occupy your home office space. Those living outside said space, we make no promises about. It is all about balance and maintaining that equilibrium.

#5 - Taxes (Death can take a number)

It is one of the certainties of life, and the freelancing arena is no exception. You have to pay taxes. And in the US, though the IRS makes it seem easier for the self-employed with four convenient quarterly scheduled payments (all based on your yearly ESTIMATED income), no one is fooled. We all know it is a huge pain in the gross annual income. And estimate carefully, because there are penalties if you underestimate your monies. Not to mention penalties if you do not meet the convenient quarterly payment schedule.

Though, luckily, if you are struggling to get started and suffering at the hands of #3 from the list, and your estimated annual income is below $8,000 and change in a year ($16,000 and change if you are married filing jointly.) then you can ignore the quarterly payments and file at the end of the year like normal people. Even though we all know we are far from normal.

Of course, we might be reading that wrong, so we advise everyone to read it for themselves on the IRS website. And if we botched it, could you drop us a line about it?

#6 - Peace of Mind

Our final cost is just a little peace of mind (Well, and the annual $49.95 paid to Big Bob at fileforyourfreelancerlicense.com. Everyone does have to pay that, right? He made it sound so legit. Dammit!). But seriously, when the freetime goes out the window, you have to find that elusive peace of mind to keep your work from being negatively impacted. No job, no matter how fun, is worth your sanity. Not even this one. Okay, so that depends on how much sanity you had to start out with.

When (or should I say if) you worked in an office environment, retreating to your sanctuary was easy for reaching that peace of mind. It was done daily when you journeyed home. But now that you work in your home, finding this sanctuary can become a bit more difficult. None the less important, but that escape can be trickier to track down. For those of us freelancing in the creative field, this escape can be crucial to the overall creative process.

So make sure to create this environment for yourself in what ever way you find at your disposal. Being able to decompress is essential for keeping you going, and it is a lot easier to achieve with a sort of refuge to immerse yourself in. Without it, the stresses of the freelancing grind could prove to take more peace of mind than you have to offer in the moment. You can learn to do without freetime, but you should never attempt to do without me-time!

But we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world

No matter the costs, this gig is the one for us. For so many, in fact. I think Alma Gray said it best in our last post.

“I feel I have no choice–it’s what I was meant for, so I better make it a go.”

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Freebies - Abstract Textures Pack 1

Angie Bowen — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:23:09 +0000

Download Abstract Texture Pack 1
15 High Resolution Textures Included

Please do not repackage, redistribute or direct link to the download.
If you would like to share these textures please link back to this page.

A new month rolls in this Monday, and with it, a new Arbenting texture pack for our weekly freebie. We have created for our readers and the community at large a set of 15 high resolution (2080×1544) abstract textures. What can we say? We’re givers. As with any and all Arbenting freebies, these textures are free for both personal and commercial use. See you on the other side.

Previews

If you do use any of them, we would love to see the end result, and you can submit it to the Arbenting Flickr group. We will occasionally be doing a showcase from the pieces shared through the group here on the blog, if you are interested.

Other Arbenting Freebies You Might Enjoy

Download Kaleidoscope Photoshop Brush Pack 1
25 High Resolution Brushes Included

Download the Sketchy Arrow Photoshop Brush Pack
15 High Resolution Brushes Included

Download Stone Textures Pack 1
16 High Resolution Stone Textures Included

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Arbenting’s Best of the Week (11/23 - 11/29)

Angie Bowen — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:32:50 +0000

Upcoming at Arbenting

So the year comes another week closer to a close, and the this week in design was quite a week. We have a full showcase for you today and a fine week ahead of us here at Arbenting. For our weekly Monday Freebies, we have another free texture pack coming at you. On Tuesday the follow up to What Does True Freelancing Cost, Pt. 1 rolls your way, and our Inspiration in Color series wraps up on Friday with Inspiration in Spectrum! So check back and see what’s the what as the week flies by.

And don’t forget to submit to the Inspiration in Color flickr group for our upcoming user submitted showcase to cap off the series.

Guest Posts by Arbenting
Freebie - Kaleidoscope Photoshop Brush Pack at Elite by Design
Breaking Through Creative Blocks at My Ink Blog
Showcase of Brilliant Comic Book Cover Art at Smashing Magazine
Magpie, Methinks Your Song Sounds Sour at The Directory for Designers Social Media Blog

New Launches

Logo of the Day is a high-profile logo design award scheme that rewards the best professional logos and trademarks designed throughout the world. All suggested logos are screened by our two judges Jacob Cass & Jeff Fisher to ensure this.

Logo Of The Day is also a place to come for logo design inspiration… daily!

Logo Of The Day promotes excellence in logo design around the world.
All logos suggested (or chosen) are screened by two professional, practicing logo designers and are judged on the design, creativity, scalability, usability and memorability of the logo before being awarded the LOTD award.
All winners will be showcased on the Logo Of The Day website and are eligible for the Logo Of The Day Award of which they can use on their CV or however they wish.
Logo Of The Day is a powerful marketing tool to promote yourself and / or your design firm.
Participants are entitled to use the LOTD Badge for display on their website or where ever they wish.

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Inspiration in Neutral

Angie Bowen — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:16:48 +0000

Inspiration comes in all sorts of forms and from any number of varying sources. It can move us to masterpieces, or simply stir us to smile. But can the source of inspiration, depending on it’s color, control how it inspires? Meaning, if the source of inspiration was primarily of a certain color, then would it inspire towards concepts or elements that are generally associated with that color? Can this kind of associative inspiration even be possible? Colors are chosen very carefully in design, due to the attachment of emotion and tone that they carry. So wouldn’t it follow that the same would be true of that colors presence in inspirational sources? That they would transfer these same emotive associations when acting to inspire?

This week the gloves come off in our Inspiration in Color series as we wind down our inspirational experiment. Up til now the posts have focused on images primarily of a singular selected color. Inspiration in Neutral, features a taste of something different from the series as we showcase a wide range of wonderful works from the field of design aimed at doing three things. Overall inspiration is the order of the day, but also to see if that inspiration tends towards aspects associated with neutral tones, and to get you to submit to the Inspiration in Color flickr group. Absence, power, mystery, style, evil, purity, peace, innocence, humility, surrender, calm, depth, nature, stability, fascism, and poverty are all common associations with neutral colors. So where will this inspiration lead? Only you can tell…but hopefully to a submission to the flickr group.

Photos

A Dream of Summer by Zeitautomatik

A Moment Suspended in Time by Marcin Stawiarz

Natural History by Lithium Picnic

The City Beneath the City by Gilad Benari

Lonely Dancer by Vladimir Borowicz

This World by hugh schneider

Circles by Daniel Pihan

The Gift by Jan Lakey

Websites

Tuscan Classical Academy

Logos

Digital Music Directory

Sofasticated

Piano Forest

Hilcon

Product Design and Packaging

Society Tea Packaging by Jean-Michel Desrosiers

Satay Batique by flushafterusedammit

Mistery Vodka by YSlavik

Steampunk Packaging by Rovina Cai

Chocolate Keyboard by Michael Sholk

Mission Product Packaging by Michael McDevitt

Puerto Despertar CD Packaging by Bendita Gloria

Coffee Time by Studio43

Graphic Design

All That I Loved Is Gone by Linda Bergkvist

Smashing Pumpkins Poster by Joshua M. Smith

Nereid by Jerico Santander

Illustrated Type by Sumeco

Rock-A-Ouaga by Lois van Baarle

Solo Fashion Illustration by Qlassic Creatives

Idio by Cristiano Siqueira

Ersatz Beauty by Tom Bagshaw

Trust NTR #1 The Tree by Peter Becker

Now it’s your turn

The challenge has now fallen to those inspired by the post. We have an Inspiration in Color flickr group that was created to host the images inspired from this series. When the series wraps up, we will be featuring a showcase of images that were submitted to the group, but only those that have been inspired by the posts. This will allow us to see if the artistic muses tend to move towards the themes of the different colors. It’s up to you, so let’s get inspired!

Inspiration in Color Series
Inspiration in Red
Inspiration in Orange
Inspiration in Yellow
Inspiration in Green
Inspiration in Blue
Inspiration in Purple
Inspiration in Neutral
Inspiration in Spectrum
User Submitted Showcase

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Wednesday Weekly Spotlight #18

Angie Bowen — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:04:25 +0000

The team at Arbenting is back with another installment of the Wednesday Weekly Spotlight to inject a bit of inspiration into your mid-week humdrum.

Website of the Week

Illustration of the Week

Wallpaper of the Week

Logo of the Week

Typography of the Week

Photograph of the Week

Similar Posts:

What Does True Freelancing Cost? Pt. 1

Robert Bowen — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:37:52 +0000

I was once told by someone while I was waiting on them at a restaurant I worked in, that some of the things I appreciated about my job were inconsequential of sorts, because things do not work that way in the real world. I felt disheartened to think that all those years I spent in the restaurant industry were wasted. Living in a world far from the apparent cruel reaches of the real, never being prepared for life outside this bubble of fantasy. But now I’m a freelancer, and I have a feeling that woman would still argue that I’ve yet to flee this bubble. I mean, it can’t be real, it’s far too fun a job!

As with any job, the employed must come to pay certain costs from their position. Sometimes socially imposed, other times they are self imposed, but these costs are paid nonetheless. For example, in serving one of the costs, is having to make your living based on the kindness of strangers. But we pay these costs. Because that’s what it costs to do what we want and love. So I began to look at freelancing, after a few months of treading water in the pool, trying to determine the costs of being a freelancer.

Cost #1 - Uniform

This is nothing new. With most jobs, some sort of uniformity in dress is expected, and freelancing is no exception. Now admittedly, in this freelance market, the dress code is much less strict than in other areas you might find employ, but there is one.

Robes are not required, but they are strongly encouraged for their warm, embracing manner and cuddle-like quality. Some sort of comfy (stretchy works well here), pajama pants (and when we say pants we mean the American translation of pants for our overseas readers), are also recommended, but equally not required. They are recommended for safety reasons to prevent possible damage your under areas, which given your furniture choices could be subject to sticking or the dreaded fabric burns (chafing can become an issue as well, if you excitedly shift in your seat to and fro, but that’s really kind of your own thing you need to work out).

A top of some kind is crucial for networking moments across webcams, so as to not offend or frighten, but what kind of top is still completely your choice. Personally, pastels tend to offer a real comforting flow and tend to translate nicely across cams. Beyond this instance, tops are generally considered flexible. As generally are, slippers or socks. Being more for foot warmth and comfort than anything else. Underthings, additionally, optional. As we said, it’s not a very strict code.

Cost #2 - Respect! (Big up yourself!)

So the purpose of the opening anecdote was to lead in to the first cost of being a freelancer. Having others not take your job seriously! Honestly, I thought switching from the service industry, I would leave that perception behind, but alas, not necessarily so. So many people see freelancing as something you do as a hobby, but certainly not as a career.

As a freelancer, you see it everyday. Job listing after job listing for freelancers, promising little pay, but the opportunity to become something more permanent. And even friends and family have offered this pearl, as if in a consolatory way, saying ’And, it could always turn into something more!’ Hello! What part of FREELANCER do you not understand? It is not that hard, so it seems less like a disconnect in understanding, and more a lack of respecting the job we have.

Furthermore, you can see the lack of respect when people demean your position with insulting your fees for your ’work’. Come on, all you did was draw a little something. Or did a little writing. To non-creative persons, this does not seem like to huge a feat. And for them, it would not be. And the quality would be reflected in their efforts. There is a reason people hire freelancers to do the job. Because they cannot! But more often than not, it’s hard out here for a freelancer.

Cost #3 - Cashflow A-No-Go

One thing that is true with most businesses, is that they do not make money in the first year. Well, freelancing is no exception. In fact for freelancers, work can be overwhelming at times, and at others be sparse. So having a steady cashflow, especially in the beginning, can be an issue for freelancers.

Now we are not saying that all freelancers are scrounging and need your pity. There are like two who are doing really well, but the rest of us are screwed. Just kidding, everyone else is fine. The only ones who need work are us, so give us all the jobs. You can hire us here.

Seriously, though. Freelancing is not a business for those who have to have a steady paycheck, in fact, a lot of freelancers that we know have second jobs. Not because freelancing is not a viable career, but because it takes time to get started, and there are times when the work just isn’t there. Through no fault or failure on the part of the freelancers, and with no reflection on their abilities, it is just the way the market fluctuates.

More to come

That is all for the first installment, but Part 2 is looming right around the corner (so I would avoid going that way. Seriously, it’s had like three shots of espresso and two mochas. It ain’t gonna be pretty.). But check back, and hit us up with your favorite costs of being a freelancer, and we might just feature them in the next one.

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Freebies - Sketchy Arrow Photoshop Brush Pack

Angie Bowen — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:40:53 +0000

Download the Sketchy Arrow Photoshop Brush Pack
Please do not repackage, redistribute or direct link to the download. If you would like to share these textures please link to this page.

It’s just another manic Monday and you know what that means? Seriously, do you? I never quite got what the Bangles were saying with that one. Maybe I’m just looking too hard for a metaphor. Well, if you are looking hard for Photoshop brushes then our Monday freebie is here to fill that order (Did you like that segue? Not everyone can segue like I can segue.) . We put together a set of 15 high resolution sketchy arrow brushes for anyone and everyone. As always with an Arbenting freebie, these brushes are free for both personal and commercial use.

And, if you look around extra hard, you might just be able to find more new Arbenting Photoshop Brushes.

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Arbenting’s Best of the Week (11/16 - 11/22)

Angie Bowen — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:41:13 +0000

Upcoming at Arbenting

November just keeps rolling on by, and drops another week in it’s passing. And what week it has been. But wait til you see what lies ahead on Arbenting. Coming up Monday we have a pack of Sketchy Arrows Photoshop Brushes for our freebie, and on Tuesday a post titled What Does True Freelancing Cost?. On Friday our Inspiration in Color series is winding down, and we bring you the spectrum version of that post Friday. Do not forget about the chance to show us your works inspired by the color series via our Flickr group, and be a part of our Reader Showcase after the series ends.

This Week’s Guest Posts by Arbenting

Breaking Through Creative Blocks at My Ink Blog

Flash Hijacked - Let Our Soundcard Go! at Elite by Design

Articles

Statistical Analysis of a Blog’s Traffic

7 Secrets You Must Know to Give Your Blog The Edge

Illustration Artist Showcase and Inspiration Part 2

10 Free Powerful Content Management Systems

7 Things You Should Know About Web Writing and 8 Sites Where You Can Learn More

Freebies

Free Wooden Texture Pack

Free Character Pack

Free Textures - 20 Motion Color Band Textures

Absynthe: A Free Wordpress Theme

Bittbox Free Vectors: Birds in Flight

Tutorials

Create a Burberry Style Plaid with Illustrator in 4 Steps

A Comprehensive Introduction to Photoshop Selection Techniques

Interviews

Designer in the Spotlight: Prescott Perez-Fox

An Interview with Liam McKay

Interview with Chris Spooner

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Inspiration in Purple

Angie Bowen — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:24:50 +0000

In our Inspiration in Color series we present a bit of an inspirational experiment. The series of posts, which have been focused on images that are primarily of a singular selected color, finds itself winding down. Inspiration in Purple, features a wide range of wonderful works from the design world aimed at doing two things. Inspiring you overall, but also seeing if that inspiration tends to steer towards aspects associated with the color purple. Envy, sensuality, creativity, wealth, ceremony, mystery, wisdom, arrogance, gaudiness, pride, romanticism, are all common associations with the color purple. So where will this inspiration lead? Only you can tell…