Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, it is always a good idea to have some go-to references. Here are some of my favorites!
+ books & e-books ::
/ The Savvy Designer's Guide to Success: Ideas and Tactics for a Killer Career / Jeff Fisher
This was the first book I purchased and it has been invaluable to me ever since. I have mentioned this book many times on my site. I recommend it to everyone contemplating freelancing. It is a small book, quick read, provides form examples and straight to the point references. Plus his personality is a bit snarky and I love that!
/ How To Start a Freelance Design Business / Freelance Folder e-book
$12. Includes: 2 page "Getting Started Checklist" and a 45 page PDF with an appendix full of resource links.
/ The Unlimited Freelancer / Freelance Folder e-book
$19. 200 page PDF e-book. Pretty much covers anything and everything in the world of freelancing.
/ Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers /
/ Creative Inc. / Authors Joy Cho and Meg Mateo Ilasco
This book is scheduled to be released Fall 2010 by Chronicle Books. I am very excited about the collaboration potential from Joy and Meg. Plethora of information between the two of them.
Joy is a well known freelance designer with a popular blog, Oh Joy and products in Anthropologie. I am very excited to read about her personal freelance adventure and her advice on running a freelance business. She answers formspring questions in great detail. I love reading them. You can also find Joy's answers via Twitter and Facebook.
Meg authored Craft Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby Into a Business and Craft Inc. Business Planner. I have and use both books for my product based packaging and paper goods business, finch&hawk. These books are full of helpful resources for crafters looking to turn their talent into a business.
+ web :: There are a ton of helpful websites on the internet, but these are the few I check on a regular basis.
/ Freelancer Folder / Love all the different categories on this site. You can find the answer to pretty much any freelance question and the forums are a great way to stay in touch and get helpful advice from other freelancers.
/ Freelance Switch / Very similar to Freelance Folder. Love the 101 Essential Freelancing Resources link!
/ Just Creative Design / Covers a variety of design topics
/ DesignLuv / A bit new to me, but seems to have some interesting articles.
/ The Savvy Freelancer / I particularly like the 31 Days to Start Freelancing link.
+ remember :: If you have any specific freelance questions you would like to see answered, shoot me an email or write it in the comments section. I will be happy to hunt down the answers.
Also, I just wanted to remind everyone that I am taking all Fridays in March off from posting to work on some personal design projects. Have a great weekend!
{image credit AnouckS}
