Get Your Head on Straight for 2009

We're closing in on the end of 2008 and quickly approaching the new year. If your goal for 2009 is to start your own design firm or to just do a little freelancing on the side, I highly recommend The Business Side of Creativity: The Complete Guide for Running a Graphic Design or Communications Business by Cameron S. Foote.

This book walks you through the ins-and-outs of being self-employed at any level. Foote offers suggestions and advice for formatting contracts/estimates, learning how to defend your pricing and just promoting yourself and your business in general. Here's the formal summary from Amazon.com's website:

A comprehensive business companion for those just starting out or expanding operations in the design field. It covers getting launched to running a multi-person shop to retiring comfortably, and is aimed at freelance graphic designers, art directors, illustrators, copywriters.

Keep in mind that this book isn't just for designers. It's for any creative profession. This is a must-read and a great resource that I refer to time and time again.

Note: The above cover reflects the 2002 edition of the book. I believe there is a more recent version for purchase.