Ciera Design Studio

Brand identity and design solutions for creative businesses and passionate entrepreneurs

Putting the FREE in Freelance

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I recently attended a wonderful event hosted by the Boston Graphic Artists Guild. The presentation discussed resources needed to start or expand your own business without the hassle of spending money! Justin Perricone, a freelance graphic designer, walked us through finding the free stuff, how to get the most for your money (assuming you even spend any) and where it can’t hurt to spend a few bucks.

Justin went through step by step and gave us links and examples of specific resources that he has used. He even gave us an hour by hour timeline on how to set up a new business in a weekend!

  • The basics:
  • 1 – Gmail Account: you can have any account forward to gmail
  • 2 – Google Docs and/or Open Office
  • 3 – Set up a Pay Pal account and get squareup.com
  • 4 – Get an Employer ID Number (EIN)
  • 5 – Business Bank Account
  • 6 – Accounting: Curdbee, Slimtimer, bit.ly/easysheet
  • 7 – Google Voice: separate local phone number and customized messages
  • 8 – Website: wordpress or coroflot
  • 9 – Business Cards: Overnight Prints, 48hourprint
  • 10 – Marketing: Use mailchimp for newsletters

and if that wasn’t enough, Justin also started a Free in Freelance blog where he posts all kinds of awesome deals like free stock photos, domains for $1, dirt cheap bussiness cards and free magazine subscriptions!

Images click through for credit.

Poster Design – Foburg Fest 2011

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Foburg is a 3-day alternative music festival on March 11-13, 2011 in venues on Frenchmen Street and the surrounding neighborhood. It’s all about bringing together great local bands and touring bands to create one of the most memorable weekends in the local rock scene.

Foburg features rock, indie rock, and alternative artists from the greater Gulf South and national touring artists on their way to SXSW in Austin TX. Foburg also helps the historic Frenchmen Street by drawing fans of a less “traditional” genres of music to its venues.

Foburg 2010 featured 10 venues, 100 bands, and crowds approaching 10,000 people. Foburg 2011 aims to be twice as big, with 20 venues and 200 bands.

I designed two posters for 2010 shows and I was honored when Simple Play asked me to design a poster for one of the 2011 shows! The Jean Eric poster that I designed is below along with their new music video… which is awesome!

Image sources: regularjane and lostandtaken

Snow in NOLA? Flashback 2008

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In 2008 I posted a few photos here saying “New Orleans got snow on the widget! Thought it would never happen.”

Guess it is happening again! Here is the weather widget from today. Is it really snowing in New Orleans? Wish I was home to see it. Snow in New Orleans is much more fun than snow in Boston.

And no Flickr Friday today, but I will have a great one next week! Happy Friday!

Red Balloons [Friday Flickr Favorites]

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My sister is having a 99 Red Balloons themed party for her 26th birthday tomorrow. Since I will not be able to attend the party, today’s Flickr Friday is inspired by red balloons. Enjoy and happy Friday!

The photos link through to the photographer’s Flickr page – so click through to see more of their work.

My New Hood [Friday Flickr Favorites]

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Now that I am starting to settle into my new apartment I am trying to get back into my weekly blog posts. My new neighborhood is Boston > Roxbury Crossing > Mission Hill/Brigham Circle > Tremont Street. A little confusing and I am not really sure how it breaks down, but it is a great area! Here are some of my favorite photos of my new hood from Flickr! I will take some photos of my own to share soon!

For photo credits and more of my favorites visit my Tremont Street gallery on Flickr.

Found a roll of film…

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I found a roll of undeveloped film and had NO idea what was on it. It made me miss the days before digital cameras and the excitement of waiting for your film to get developed after you finished a roll. Turns out it is some photos from years ago at Jazz Fest.

Christmas Wish List

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I haven’t made a present wish list in forever but this year there are a few items that I would love to receive! My birthday is in December as well so as a kid I usually asked for combo presents =)

Wish List
1 Super awesome Silhouette SD that cuts fonts and images in cardstock and vinyl
2 AIGA Membership Renewal – the professional association for design
3 New Orleans Skyline Necklace to remind me of home when I am in Boston
4 Vince Camuto ‘Fabi’ Boot to keep me warm this winter. They are lined with fur!
5 New Orleans & Boston Ork Posters – I need to learn my way around Beantown!

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