The Internet Versus the Library (Infographic)

More people in the United States use libraries than the internet. While the web is commonly referred to as the repository of all human knowledge, most books have yet to be digitized. This infographic seemed like a great follow up to my "Is Print Dead" infographic. Not only do libraries provide access to tons of books that are out of print, hard to find, or out of your price range but they provide internet access to those who couldn't afford it. They give computer access to students who need to type their papers but don't have the means.

My local library allows me to browse and reserve books online. Then I can just go to the front desk, show my library card and walk out with a pile of free books. That always seemed pretty neat and convenient. It's Netflix for books. If they delivered them to my door, that would be better. But that probably wouldn't be free. Do you think libraries are important? How do you use the library? And what can we do to save them and make them more relevant?

Courtesy of Archives.com

The Journey to Freelance Graphic Design (Infographic)

Tired of your old day job? Even though you're a designer doing pretty well, you could be more independent and have more control. This infographic by wix.com plots out the steps you need to take to build up your clientele and say goodbye to your boss. Have you made the journey or at least are thinking about it? Tell us your experiences in the comments

Courtesy of wix.com

How do you bridge the gap between creativity and business?

Creating solutions. Illustration by Frits Ahlefeldt

We asked in our recent survey, how can you fill the gap between creativity and business?  When I try and come up with my own answer to this question, I look at my work as an editorial designer.  I'm the kind of person who tries to push boundaries and try to make something as close to art as I can get in a commercial environment. The business side takes over when it comes to selling my concepts and convincing others that people will "get it". That's the thing a lot of people don't get about design. Not only does it take technical skill (knowing how to use programs and understanding design and color theory), but there's a huge sales aspect to the most successful designers.  It doesn't matter how artistically successful your work is if no one will buy into it. You have to convince people to be on your side and practically get them out there, selling for you.

Take a look at the responses from our panel and chime in with your own advice and experiences.  If you'd like to be featured in a future blog post and share your advice, take our latest questionnaire.

• "You bridge the gap by learning about and doing as much as possible in both aspects."
  
  Tearra Marie (@AhorashiiKagome) is an inspiring singer/song writer, actress, and novelist who blogs daily her writings and struggles in the music and publishing world at AhorashiiKagome.livejournal.com
  
  
• "Unfortunately, mortgage companies don't accept stock options as payment. So designing interfaces that convert (into paying customers) is *the* most important thing to keep in mind."
  
  Paul Singh (@paulsingh) is an entrepreneur and advisor to startups doing interesting stuff. He blogs at www.resultsjunkies.com/blog
  
  
• "You have to be serious about the business side first. Otherwise, there will be no creative opportunities. Running your own business, you will realize you are more of a business owner than a designer, as you will begin to have more in common with business owners than with designers. This is good, since having your clients as colleagues is very beneficial."
  
  Lisa C. Jackson (lisajackson.biz) is owner of a Company Identity Solopreneurship, Lisa Jackson Design, and helps small local businesses to succeed.
  

If you like this post, you might also want to check out the previous post in this series "What advice would you give to someone just starting out in a creative field?" And don't forget to let us know how you've found a balance between your business and creative sides in the comments.

Illustrating Fast Food (Infographic)

My recent freelance assignment with InfographicWorld resulted in some pretty fun imagery of fast food.  The bright colors of fast food restaurants have an interesting interplay with the negative realities of fast food's health concerns.  It's suprising how shocking it is; we all know that fast food is not healthy, but when quantified into numbers it makes me think twice about that delicious Big Mac. Head over to InfographicWorld to see the full image.

The Fatty Truth About Fast Food on InfographicWorld.com

This post is part of an ongoing series of original infographics, take a look at more of my work.

No Compromises Necessary when Using ContractEdge Template Software

Too many times, IT contractors who are working on a new project have to make the uncomfortable choice between an expensive, drafted from scratch contract; or a tweaked contract that might not provide enough coverage and leave them vulnerable. Well thanks to ContractEdge's revolutionary contract template software, IT professionals no longer have to make this difficult decision. The template software allows the contractor to quickly and inexpensively create custom contracts.

The difference between ContractEdge's software and that of other contract template programs is that each contract has been created by attorneys who specialize in Information Technology law to ensure that you as the subcontractor will have little to worry about*. The language of each contract can be customized per your job's specific needs.

Many IT Consultants shy away from spending large sums of money to have an attorney draft them up a contract from scratch, instead using contracts that are not specific to their needs and leave them vulnerable to lawsuits. By using a custom contract generation software program like ContractEdge, these contractors can save the money it would have cost to have an attorney draft their contract, and instead rely on their legal expertise only when reviewing the final agreement.

ContractEdge caters to small IT companies and independent contractors by providing them with an affordable alternative to seeking out a lawyer to draft them a comprehensive contract. With over 14,000 businesses and professionals serviced, ContractEdge is a leader in contract template software for IT services. ContractEdge has customized contracts for Web and Software Developers, Software Distributors, IT Consultants and many other IT Professionals.

*I recommend that each final contract be reviewed by a legal professional to ensure proper legal coverage.

Aaron Garcia is a project manager for MorePro Marketing, a search engine optimization company in Phoenix, Arizona. Aaron understands the risks associated with working as a contractor, and regularly uses ContractEdge’s software.