When I was in college I happened to be in a bookstore killing time. I worked my way over to the “geeky tech” section of the magazines. It was there that I was introduced to what hands down became the most influential learning tool for my design future… Computer Arts magazine. There in the pages were tips, tutorials, software reviews, product reviews, bonus CDs with essentials to build your design arsenal and the list goes on. I bought it immediately, took it home, read every page, did every tutorial and became hooked! My friends now refer to that and similar other publications as my “crack.”
These days there’s a magazine for almost any subject you can think of. No matter what your industry I’m sure there is a publication that specializes in it. Put Google to good use and find them. Most will have a website where you can find more information and the format of the publication. If you see one that interests, you subscribe to it! See if a local bookstore carries it so you can look before you buy. Best thing about trade publications…they’re tax deductible! Just make sure the magazine is relevant to your business.
5 Reasons Why I Recommend Trade Publications
- Up-to-Date Information - magazines are updated on a regular basis with most new issues coming out in monthly and quarterly cycles. This allows you to stay current on the latest happenings in your profession. While books can also be helpful they can quickly go out of date in some professions and for the same cost of a trade book you could easily buy a magazine subscription instead.
- Learn Tools of the Trade - most publications stay on top of the latest tools used in your profession. These can include actual physical tools, software and other products to help you do your job more efficiently. The more efficient you are, the better you will be able to serve your customers.
- Tips, Tricks and How-To Guides - you will find many useful tips and tricks that can improve the way you already do business. How-To Guides will give you step-by-step instructions on projects that you can use to build your skill set or implement into your business.
- Links to other Resources - publications usually have many contributors that supply information about various topics within your profession. Usually credits are given listing the contributors or in some cases a business or person may be featured for their expertise. If you liked the information provided you can search for more about that contributor. They may have a website, blog or other publications that can provide you with more information. If you’re feeling really outgoing you could drop them a line letting them know how much you enjoyed reading their article. You never know, they may choose to keep in contact with you, which could lead to a direct exchange of ideas or even better business referrals!
- Motivation - at some point in time all of us find ourselves in a professional rut. Trade publications are great to help pull you out of these ruts. Learning new techniques can be exhilarating to the point you just can’t wait to try them. Hearing about how others conduct business may instill in you the attitude, “Well I could do that… or even better.” Which can give you the push you need to make changes happen. With all the new possibilities and discoveries that each issue presents, you will surely find one thing that will move you to act.
Here are some of my favorite publications for designing: Computer Arts, Web Designer and Advanced Photoshop.
What are your favorite publications and why?
posted by Britney Wilson in
Business Building and have
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I think just about anyone above the age of 16 living in a relatively metropolitan area knows this logo. Starbucks is not only one of the largest coffee chains, it’s logo maybe one of the most influential logos in the industry. Let’s be honest, it’s a great design. It’s simplicity is the key. Three solid colors with basic strokes and fills. It’s so simple you want to smack yourself that you didn’t come up with it.