The internet is a glorious place, isn’t it? No matter what stage you’re at with a business or a project you can never have too many resources. That doesn’t mean we haven’t got our favourites, those ‘golden children’ in our bookmark shortcuts that hold all the gems required to help answer new questions or find the last piece of a project puzzle.
So below are my fave 5 creative resources that help to keep me cruising through the freelance world like Bruno Mars in a magenta blazer (Well, mostly...)
1. Stocksy
I’m going to come right out and say that photography isn't my super strength. I’m alright at it, I can point and shoot and I love a selfie as much as the next person, but when it comes to ‘proper’ photography, I need to step aside and let the pro’s take over.
Stock photography is a great option when you’re looking for the perfect image for a client (or yourself) but don’t have the perfect budget to hire a dream photographer. However, stock photography certainly has a rep for being, well… stock standard. Stocksy is awesome because the photos have a far more unique vibe and a huge cross section of subject matter. There is absolutely something in there for everyone.
2. Death to the Stock Photo
Like Stocksy, DTS have really beautiful images, but the twist with these guys is that when you sign up for their mailing list, they send you a zip file of free photos every month all with a common theme. You can go for their premium service too which gives you access to the full archive and extra goodness each month too.
Free photos. Hi-res. Every month. Problems = solved.
http://deathtothestockphoto.com
3. CREATIVE MARKET
Creative Market is full to the brim of everything in the way of creative resources - fonts, templates, icons, photoshop actions, brushstrokes, photography - legitimately all of the things. There’s a wide variety of price ranges, including 6 products released for free every week (if you’re on their free mailing list) amongst lots of other very affordable finds. A fantastic way to stock up on your library of creative tools for personal or client work.
4. GREG BRANSON - DESIGN BUSINESS COUNCIL & DMZINE
If it involves business and design, Greg is the man. I first came across Greg and his work at a Design Institute of Australia Breakfast, and I was pretty floored by his comprehensive and again, highly practical knowledge and advice when it comes to the business end of design. His websites, The Design Business Council and DMZine have some really useful advice on how to create a sustainable creative practice in a world of heavy competition. He talks a lot about having a solid Design Value Proposition, which is all about working out what your clients need, what you do best and how to combine the two for success.
http://www.designbusinesscouncil.com, http://www.dmzine.com.au
5. BEING BOSS PODCAST - KATHLEEN SHANNON AND EMILY THOMPSON (USA)
These gals have taught me (and a few thousand others) so much when it comes to running your own show. Both Emily and Kathleen are creative entrepreneurs and they have a wealth of information on all things business/life and combining the two. What I really love about their episodes is that the info they have is very practical, but also lots of fun. Definitely, don’t be put off by the term 'creative entrepreneur’ if you don’t consider your business typically ‘creative’, the majority of the podcast content is hella useful for almost anyone starting out with a small business of any kind, be it service or product based.
Also, for the gents out there, 'Invisible Office Hours’ by Jason Zook and Paul Jarvis is an absolute winner of a podcast to listen to. It’s similar in subject matter to Being Boss, but from the perspective of two dudes, instead of two ladies. They often collaborate too which is a nifty bonus!
http://www.lovebeingboss.com, http://invisibleofficehours.com
So I hope for the creatives out there that you’ve found a couple of handy new sites to check out and put to good use. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the above and if you’ve got any favourite resources post them below!
Catch you on the flip side,
Louise