Design Inspiration: Creative Ideas for Designers

A graphic designer’s most valuable asset is his/her creativity — and it needs constant care and feeding. Here you’ll find creative thinking exercises, brainstorming tips, activities for creative teams and design inspiration, all geared toward helping you develop the best graphic design solutions. Don’t neglect your creativity. Feed it. Nurture it. And let it breathe. Let it be accessible for when you need it most.

48 Things Every Good Boss Needs to Know

David C. Baker shares 48 tips on how to be a good manager to the members of your creative team. Making a difference is more than taking on a social issue, it’s about managing your employees well. More

Categories: Design Business: Industry Issues & Advice, Design Inspiration: Ideas for Designers, Design Management: The Process & Business of Design, Editor's Picks | Tags: , | 1 Comment

14 Creative Calendar Designs to Inspire You

For a designer, finding that perfect 2013 calendar can be a challenging task. It sits near your desk and must serve that task of not only keeping you organized, but inspired as well. View some of our favorite creative calendar designs. More

Categories: Behind the Design: Amazing Designs, Projects & Designers, Design Ideas: Inspiration for Designers, Design Inspiration: Creative Ideas for Designers, Design Projects, Featured | Tags: , , | 1 Comment

6 Steps Toward a Successful Freelance Career

If you dream about transitioning from a full-timer to a successful freelancer, start planning and preparing now. Take these 6 steps toward making your freelance dreams a reality. More

Categories: Design Business & The Industry of Design, Design Business: Industry Issues & Advice, Design Ideas: Inspiration for Designers, Design Inspiration: Ideas for Designers, Freelance Design Work & How to Freelance, HOW May 2011 | Tags: , , | 2 Comments

Jill Robertson’s Designer Wish List

HOW asked designers, “What’s on your holiday wish lists?” Design firm co-owner, Jill Robertson, divulged her list, including wearables, edibles and decor. More

Categories: Design Ideas: Inspiration for Designers, Design Inspiration: Creative Ideas for Designers, Featured | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Top 10 Websites for Designers – December 2012

Every month HOW scours the web to discover the top design websites. We’re looking for the best promo sites, as well as design tools and resources. More

Categories: Best Design Websites & Great Sites for Designers, Design Inspiration: Ideas for Designers, Editor's Picks | Tags: , , , , | 1 Comment

Behind the Design: Sad Santa by Tad Carpenter

Illustrator and designer Tad Carpenter has wowed us before. Check out his project, Sad Santa, an illustrated children’s book and interactive site that’s playful inside and out. More

Categories: Design Projects, Designer Spotlight: Famous Graphic Designers, Design Firms, Featured, Web & Graphic Design Illustration | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

13 Holiday Promotions That Shine

From the witty to the whimsical and the simple to the sweet, these holiday promotions and client gifts are making the season a little brighter. More

Categories: Behind the Design: Amazing Designs, Projects & Designers, Design Ideas: Inspiration for Designers, Design Inspiration: Creative Ideas for Designers, Design Projects, Featured, Self Promotion for Graphic Design & Designers | Tags: | Leave a comment

Designer Wish List: Debbie Millman

HOW decided to ask a handful of design professionals, “What’s on your holiday wish lists?” The fabulous Debbie Millman obliged. We encourage you to grab a handkerchief before viewing, because you may drool a little — we did. More

Categories: Behind the Design: Amazing Designs, Projects & Designers, Design Ideas: Inspiration for Designers, Design Inspiration: Creative Ideas for Designers, Design Inspiration: Ideas for Designers, Designer Spotlight: Famous Graphic Designers, Design Firms | Leave a comment

Design for Change: 13 Ideas That Matter

Each Year, Sappi Ideas That Matter grants fuel a wide variety of design projects for the greater good. Get inspired by the work of the 2012 recipients (plus, get the first preview here!). More

Categories: Design for Good: Designing for Social Change, Design Inspiration: Creative Ideas for Designers, Featured, HOW Magazine, HOW March 2013 | 5 Comments

Behind the Scenes with Illustrator Christopher Dunn

Christopher Dunn, freelance illustrator, designed the January 2013 cover of HOW magazine. He discusses his client list, what he does for inspiration and notable projects he’s completed. More

Categories: Designer Spotlight: Famous Graphic Designers, Design Firms, HOW January 2013, HOW Magazine, Web & Graphic Design Illustration | Tags: | Leave a comment