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Time Management Tips for Freelance Creatives: Staying Productive and Balanced

Time Management Tips for Freelance Creatives: Staying Productive and Balanced

For many freelance creatives, managing time can feel like an endless juggling act. Between multiple projects, client deadlines, and maintaining a personal life, the days can easily feel too short. I’ve been there. In the early years of my business, I often found myself working late into the night or sacrificing weekends to catch up…

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Top Marketing Tips for Designers and Illustrators: Proven Self-Promotion Strategies

Top Marketing Tips for Designers and Illustrators: Proven Self-Promotion Strategies

For many creatives, self-promotion can feel daunting. The idea of marketing yourself might evoke cringeworthy memories of awkward sales pitches or fears of sounding too pushy. I’ve been there, too. But over time, I realised that promoting my work wasn’t just an optional part of growing my creative business—it was essential…

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Mastering Cold Outreach: How to Land Your Next Big Illustration or Design Client

Mastering Cold Outreach: How to Land Your Next Big Illustration or Design Client

Whether you’re just starting out, or you’re a seasoned creative, waiting for clients to come to you simply isn’t an option. One of the most effective ways to build a network and secure illustration and design jobs is through cold outreach…

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Unlocking LinkedIn: The Hidden Goldmine for Freelance Graphic Designers and Illustrators

Unlocking LinkedIn: The Hidden Goldmine for Freelance Graphic Designers and Illustrators

As a freelance graphic designer or illustrator, you might be overlooking one of the most powerful tools in your client-finding arsenal: LinkedIn. Often seen as just a platform for job seekers and corporate networking, LinkedIn is actually a goldmine for freelancers looking to grow their business. If you’ve been underestimating its potential, it’s time to rethink your strategy.

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How Spot Illustrations Increase Brand Awareness
Branding, Graphic Design, Illustration Shira Bentley Branding, Graphic Design, Illustration Shira Bentley

How Spot Illustrations Increase Brand Awareness

Spot illustrations are a great tool to add personality to your brand. I always include them in my branding packages, and I’ve created a lot of spot libraries for clients who wanted to improve their engagement. Today I’m going to share why brands like Google, Apple, Coca-Cola, Nike, and McDonalds use spot illustrations to boost their content.

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Graphic Design Techniques for More Engaging Content
Branding, Graphic Design, Design Tips, Small Business Shira Bentley Branding, Graphic Design, Design Tips, Small Business Shira Bentley

Graphic Design Techniques for More Engaging Content

Competition for audience engagement is becoming increasingly fierce. What truly sets a brand apart is its ability to tell a compelling visual story that not only captures, but also deeply engages their audience. Today I'm sharing 5 techniques to transform your designs, communicate more effectively, and connect meaningfully with your target audience.

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Exploring Vector Graphics: Unraveling Their Secrets and Why They're the Choice for Top-Tier Designs
Design Tips, Small Business, Freelancing Shira Bentley Design Tips, Small Business, Freelancing Shira Bentley

Exploring Vector Graphics: Unraveling Their Secrets and Why They're the Choice for Top-Tier Designs

In the vast and vibrant world of digital design, vector graphics hold a special place. They're like the Swiss Army knife in a designer's toolkit—versatile, scalable, and impeccably sharp. But what exactly are vector graphics, and why have they become the go-to choice for designers and clients alike?

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First Impressions Matter: How Visuals Shape Brand Perception

First Impressions Matter: How Visuals Shape Brand Perception

There’s nothing quite like the power of first impressions, and in the digital age, your brand's first impression is made through visuals. It becomes the virtual handshake that can seal the deal or break the connection. But why are visuals so pivotal in shaping brand perception? Let’s explore how visual storytelling can impact your brand's narrative.

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Affordable Graphic Design Solutions for Small Businesses

Affordable Graphic Design Solutions for Small Businesses

In the dynamic world of startups and small businesses, establishing a compelling visual identity is pivotal. It's the visual handshake, the first impression, and the silent ambassador of your brand. While enlisting professional graphic design services is the gold standard for ensuring brand consistency and messaging, it's not the only path to achieving a polished and cohesive brand identity. For businesses launching on a shoestring budget or those just dipping their toes into the entrepreneurial waters, the digital age offers a treasure trove of resources.

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Elevate Your Brand: Professional Graphic Design Services Explained
Graphic Design, Small Business, Freelancing, Branding Shira Bentley Graphic Design, Small Business, Freelancing, Branding Shira Bentley

Elevate Your Brand: Professional Graphic Design Services Explained

In today’s crowded market, where attention spans are short and expectations are high, the strength of your branding can be the difference between blending in and standing out. That's where professional graphic design services come in, offering a vital edge to not only grab but also deeply engage your audience.

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Mastering Modern Graphic Design: Essential Tips and Trends for 2024

Mastering Modern Graphic Design: Essential Tips and Trends for 2024

As we step into 2024, the graphic design universe is brimming with vibrant trends that embrace creativity and innovation. In this article, I share the the new trends that are shaping the future of graphic design, and tips on how to incorporate them into your work.

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The Best Graphic Design Software for Professionals: Unlocking Creativity
Illustration, Graphic Design, Design Tips, Freelancing Shira Bentley Illustration, Graphic Design, Design Tips, Freelancing Shira Bentley

The Best Graphic Design Software for Professionals: Unlocking Creativity

In the grand theater of graphic design, software plays the starring role. The right tools not only unlock the treasure chest of creativity but also arm designers with the power to bring their wildest imaginations to life. As we navigate the vast seas of digital artistry in 2024, let's spotlight the crème de la crème of graphic design software, each offering unique capabilities to cater to the diverse needs of professionals.

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How to Launch a Successful Business: 10 Tips to Build Your Freelance Empire
Small Business, Freelancing, Branding Shira Bentley Small Business, Freelancing, Branding Shira Bentley

How to Launch a Successful Business: 10 Tips to Build Your Freelance Empire

As we step into 2024, the entrepreneurial spirit is more alive than ever, as the path to launching a successful business has become clearer and more accessible. This guide breaks down the journey into 10 easy steps, offering you a blueprint to turn your freelance aspirations into a thriving venture.

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7 Best Website Builders for Freelancers and Creatives: Building Your Digital Showcase
Graphic Design, Small Business, Freelancing Shira Bentley Graphic Design, Small Business, Freelancing Shira Bentley

7 Best Website Builders for Freelancers and Creatives: Building Your Digital Showcase

Today, we're diving into the realm of website builders tailored for freelancers and creatives. Let's explore the platforms that will turn your digital canvas into a vibrant showcase of your skills and expertise. Get ready to amplify your online presence and captivate your audience with these top-notch website builders!

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10 Essential Tools for Small Business Success
Small Business, Freelancing, Branding Shira Bentley Small Business, Freelancing, Branding Shira Bentley

10 Essential Tools for Small Business Success

Hello, savvy entrepreneurs and small business warriors! Ready to transform your hustle into a well-oiled productivity machine? Today, we're unveiling a lineup of top-notch tools that'll supercharge your small business game without breaking the bank. Buckle up and get ready to elevate your productivity to new heights!

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