Music piracy is stealing, isn't it? (Infographic)

The debate over music piracy has raged on. The metaphor we've been told to believe is that it's theft. That musicians, producers, songwriters and middle men are having their bank accounts drained by online hackers who steal torrential amounts of their data. Maybe that's all true? Take a look at this infographic/illustration and discuss.

Click to enlarge. Illustration by Brian E. Young.

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<p><a href="http://sketchee.com/blog/music-piracy-is-stealing-isnt-it-infographic.html"><img src="http://sketchee.com/storage/Music%20Piracy%20Infographic.jpg" alt="Is music piracy stealing? (Infographic) Illustration by Brian E. Young" /></a></p>

Illustration Ideas Step by Step

Thinking of new ideas for your artwork is certainly tough. Image block when you're on a deadline is tough. It's hard to think of a new, fresh idea with that kind of pressure. Luckily, illustrator Nate Williams was willing to share his secret for tackling the problem on his blog:

"A lot of the time when I create an editorial illustration an idea just pops into my head … but sometimes this does not happen, so I have this little methodology for creating new ideas that has helped me time and time again.

The idea behind this methodology is similar to writing a song. There are only a few musical notes, but by rearranging their order, length and speed you can create an infinite amount of songs."

A methodology for creating new ideas (http://www.n8w.com)

Illustrating the History of Content (Infographic)

Sharing and presenting content has changed at a rapid pace over the last few decades. Even prior to the internet, we were revolutionized by the creation of the television, radio and printing press. This beautiful illustration by marketer Philip Seldrake and illustrator Nic Hinton chronicles the journey from cave paintings to modern day cellphone tech. What do you think the next evolution of content presentation will be?

Content: An Illustrated History by Philip Sheldrake and Nic Hinton

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.

Artists, Designers & Illustrators: Share your Experiences (Survey)

Creative professionals, let us know a bit about your work and experience. Help out those just starting out by filling out one or more of the interview questions in this survey. Your answers will be shared in a future blog post or podcast. Make sure you include a link to your portfolio or twitter so people will know how to find you and thank you for your help.

If you know any artists or designers who may want to help, please share this survey with them

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