Canon Canoscan

Canon Canoscan

Freelance Graphic Design as a Work-At-Home Business

Are you a whiz kid with a pen in your hand? Can you whip up photographic mash-ups that make the Mona Lisa look like illegible scrawl on a bathroom wall? Do you look at album covers and glance at the heavens above, shaking your head knowingly? Then why not put those skills to use and show those rank amateurs how it's really done?

Whether it's putting together album covers, posters and logos for the local garage band, doing ensemble flyers for traveling street theatre or producing viral advertising for the world's largest shoemaker, there's never been a bigger market for freelance graphic designers, or a better time to be one. The software and hardware that once made digital design and subsequent mass-marketing a rare and expensive medium has cheapened to the extent that anybody with an internet connection, an inexpensive personal computer and an inspired idea can have their work broadcast to tens of millions of people around the world.

Graphic design in its truest form is about conveying a message with a combination of carefully selected colors, symbols, images, shapes and words that, put together, create a unique identity for a product. Those who can do this with rapidity, enthusiasm and a little flair are always in demand. If you've got some ability within the realm of traditional fine arts, all the better, but it's not the be all and end all of your career. Like all artistic pursuits, though, you need the right tools for the job. Specifically, you're looking for the following:

1. Software. Whether you work with a can of paint and an easel or a mouse and a monitor, you are going to eventually end up with a digitized version of your finished work for delivery to the client. For those of us with liquid assets, I highly recommend Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. If you can't splurge the high cost for these programs, you can find extremely serviceable replacements in the free, open-source GIMP and Inkscape. Together, these should cover your needs for vector artwork, photo retouching/manipulation, post-processing and final file exports.

2. A good digital (or even film-based!) camera is a useful optional extra. I prefer Canon DSLRs for their aggressively reasonable prices and excellent image quality, but high-end point and shoots can do the job in a pinch. They do, however, lack slightly in credibility while on-site. For those of us nostalgic for the days of 35mm, you can find brilliant film SLRs on eBay for knock-down prices.

3. If, however, photography isn't your cup of tea, then free stock photo services such as MorgueFile or Stock.xchng are excellent resources that do all the work for you.

4. Finally, a flatbed scanner always comes in handy, whether you're digitizing hand-drawn designs, scanning client-provided images or transmitting 35mm negatives. The Epson Perfection and Canoscan 8400F have garnered extensive praise for being well-rounded and affordable. Throw in a color inkjet printer or a membership to the local Kinkos, and you're done.

So now you're well-equipped and looking to set the world on fire as a gun-for-hire designer, but don't know where to start. Assuming you haven't done this kind of work before, your first priority would be to produce a varied portfolio guaranteed to blow the socks off any potential employer. A useful technique, I've found, is to start by going through your collection of books, video games and CDs, and picking out a few of each with covers you either hate or love. Decide why it is they produce such strong reactions in either case, and what you would have done differently. With this in mind, attempt to redraw as many as you can in your own image. As you come up with successful designs, put them aside.

Similarly, find some eye-catching stock photos and see what comes about when you simply sit and play with them in your chosen image manipulation software. Get to know the functions of the software and the way images respond to different treatments until it's second nature.

When you think you've got a killer portfolio and the mindset to successfully close a deal, it's time to find a client. Great first-time employers include local musicians and stage acts, as well as neighborhood businesses with uninspiring logos or lackluster advertising material. (You know what we're talking about when I mention brochures or restaurant menus that look like they were put together by a ten year old using Word Art and MS Paint).

Most potential clients of this caliber don't know how presentation affects their business, or feel that hiring a graphic designer to do work for them would be too expensive, so offer them a cheap, friendly, local alternative: yourself! For small projects, offer a flat rate; and for larger ones, keep a log of hours you spend and how many designs you produced so that you can bill accordingly.

It helps, too, to do some gratis work to get your name out there. Use your judgment and offer to redesign for free when you think it's suitable. Networking and subsequently maintaining contacts in the local business community is what can net you, initially, the most lucrative projects, as well as long-term contract work. Graphic designers in the freelance arena have to think of themselves as part-artist, part-salesperson. Pound the pavement, scan the back pages of community newspapers for projects that look interesting, make calls to fashion, art and IT magazines to see if they have any space for an aspiring designer in their ranks.

On a larger scale, attracting corporate clients requires an online presence, and enough of the above to make an impression. Magazine freelancing in particular can generate contacts and assets in the upper tiers of international marketing and design. Spend some time uploading your creations to a website like Flickr.com or DeviantArt.com, where you can get free exhibition space, as well as having a place to call your own that you can point people to for easily accessible examples of your work. This is just an extension of your portfolio; but like your portfolio, make sure it's a showcase of all your abilities. Indicate especially that you can diversify and handle different mediums and project sizes.

Freelancing as a graphic designer can be initially difficult; more often than not you may find potential clients slamming doors in your face. Take this in stride and persevere. Like most creative positions, as you accumulate paying jobs, more will become available to you. There's a lot of demand globally for you to carve out a niche for yourself in freelance graphic design.

About the Author

Brian Scott is a freelance writer for
http://www.FreelanceWriting.com
, a free website offering
freelance writing jobs
and hundreds of
writer's guidelines
to paying magazines. Read his
blog for freelance writers
at http://workingwritersnewsletter.blogspot.com

Canon / Canon CanoScan LiDE210 Flatbed Scanner / 4508B002 $102.72 Canon - Canon CanoScan LiDE210 Flatbed Scanner - 4508B002

Canon Computer Systems Inc. / CANOSCAN LIDE110 / 4507B002 $79.84 Canon Computer Systems Inc. - CANOSCAN LIDE110 - 4507B002

Canon / CanoScan LiDE110 Flatbed Scanner / 4507B002 $72.05 Canon - CanoScan LiDE110 Flatbed Scanner - 4507B002

Canon Computer Systems Inc. / Canon CanoScan LiDE210 Flatbed Scanner / 4508B002 $111.9 Canon Computer Systems Inc. - Canon CanoScan LiDE210 Flatbed Scanner - 4508B002

Canon CanoScan LiDE700F Scanner $149.99 Get high quality scans faster than ever with the Canon CanoScan LiDE700F scanner. This stylish and compact scanner is great for any home, office, etc. Scanning with a maximum resolution of 9600 x 9600 you will get reproductions that look just like the originals. The CanoScan LiDE700F can scan documents, prints, and even 35mm film in approximately 12 seconds. Scanning has never been easier with its Auto Scan Mode, which will automatically detect what you're scanning and save it as a file. The CanoScan LiDE700F has four EX buttons that enable you to scan, copy, and create PDFs faster than ever before.

Canon CanoScan LiDE110 Flatbed Scanner $59.99 1 Year Limited 16-bit 19200 x 19200 dpi 2400 dpi 2400 x 4800 dpi 4507B002 48-bit CanoScan LiDE110 Flatbed Scanner Cross Sell Sheet Quick Start & Spec. Sheet Safety Precautions Warranty Card USB Cable Setup Software & User's Guide CD-ROM Are you looking for a dedicated scanning solution with great quality, versatility and a compact design? Then the CanoScan LiDE110 Color Image Scanner is sure to impress. The CanoScan LiDE110 features the quality, speed and ease of use you need with a maximum resolution of 2400 x 4800 (Optical) dpi1 for excellent scanning quality for both photos and documents. MP Navigator EX Solution Menu CIS CanoScan CanoScan LiDE110 Flatbed Scanner Canon Canon, Inc Color Flatbed Scanner LiDE110 Mac PC Photo Plain Paper Yes www.usa.canon.com

Canon Computer Systems Inc. / CANOSCAN LIDE 700F CLR FB / 3297B002 $140.8 Canon Computer Systems Inc. - CANOSCAN LIDE 700F CLR FB - 3297B002

Canon CanoScan LiDE 600F Color Flatbed 4800X9600dpi 48bit USB 0302B002 $104.59 Canon CanoScan LiDE 600F Color Flatbed 4800X9600dpi 48bit USB 0302B002

Canon CanoScan LiDE 110 - Flatbed Scanner. Each $70.84 Manufacturer: Canon. Each. Are you looking for a dedicated scanning solution with great quality, versatility and a compact design? Then the CanoScan LiDE110 color image scanner is sure to impress. The CanoScan LiDE110 features the quality, speed and ease

Canon CanoScan LiDE210 Flatbed Scanner $88.99 1 Year Limited 16-bit 19200 dpi 4508B002 48-bit 4800 dpi 4800 x 4800 dpi CanoScan LiDE210 Flatbed Scanner Cross Sell Sheet Quick Start & Spec. Sheet Safety Precautions Warranty Card USB Cable Setup Software & User's Guide CD-ROM MP Navigator EX Solution Menu The CanoScan LiDE210 Color Image Scanner features the quality, speed and ease of use that will bring your electronic filing system to another level. Its maximum resolution of 4800 x 4800 (Optical) dpi1 provides excellent scanning quality for both your photos and documents with a vivid 48-bit color depth and over 281 trillion possible colors. CIS CanoScan CanoScan LiDE210 Flatbed Scanner Canon Canon, Inc Color Flatbed Scanner LiDE210 Mac PC Photo Plain Paper Yes www.usa.canon.com

CanoScan LiDE 110 - flatbed scanner $65.99 Canon CanoScan LiDE 110 - Flatbed scanner - 2400 dpi x 4800 dpi - Hi-Speed USB

Numérisateur CanoScan LiDE700F de Canon $149.99 Obtenez rapidement une numérisation d'une grande qualité avec le numérisateur CanoScan LiDE700F de Canon. Ce numérisateur stylisé et compact est parfait pour la maison, le bureau, etc. Numérisant avec une résolution maximale de 9600 x 9600 vous obtiendrez des reproductions qui ressemblent exactement aux originaux. Le CanoScan LiDE700F de Canon peut numériser des documents, des images et meme des films 35 mm en approximativement 12 secondes. Numériser n'aura jamais été aussi facile avec le mode Auto Scan qui détecte automatiquement ce que vous numérisez et le sauvegarde comme un fichier. Le CanoScan LiDE700F est muni de 4 boutons EX qui vous permettent de numériser, photocopier ou créer des documents PDF plus rapidement que jamais.

Canon CanoScan 9000F Flatbed Scanner $184.99 1 Year Limited 19200 x 19200 dpi 240 V AC 35mm Film 4207B002 48-bit 8.50" x 11.70" 9000F 9600 dpi 9600 x 9600 dpi Adobe Photoshop Elements5 ArcSoft PhotoStudio MP Navigator EX Setup Software & User's Guide CD CanoScan 9000F Flatbed Scanner Document Kit Adobe Photoshop Elements DVD Photoshop Elements Sheet Cross Sell Sheet Quick Start Guide Setup Software & User's Guide CD Warranty Card Film Guide Mount Film Guide Strip Film Guide Medium Format Film Retainer Sheet Mid Format Power Cord USB Cable Enjoy high-speed scanning for everything from photos to documents, to even 35mm film while also enjoying superb quality. The CanoScan 9000F Color Image Scanner delivers an incredible maximum film scanning resolution of 9600 x 9600 (Optical) dpi with built-in features that also make it easy to use. The all-new Auto Document Fix feature automatically analyzes and corrects both text and images so your document text will remain clear and your pictures will maintain color tone and contrast. For additional ease of use, the Seven EZ Buttons enable you to scan, copy or create a PDF faster than ever. AC Supply CCD CanoScan CanoScan 9000F Flatbed Scanner Canon Canon, Inc Color Film Flatbed Scanner Mac PC Photo Plain Paper Yes www.usa.canon.com

CanoScan LiDE 700F - flatbed scanner $129.99 Canon CanoScan LiDE 700F - Flatbed scanner - 8.5 in x 11.7 in - 9600 dpi x 9600 dpi - Hi-Speed USB

CanoScan LiDE 210 - flatbed scanner $82.99 Canon CanoScan LiDE 210 - Flatbed scanner - 8.5 in x 11.7 in - 4800 dpi x 4800 dpi - Hi-Speed USB

Canon CanoScan LIDE 210 Flatbed Scanner. Each $105.34 Manufacturer: Canon. Each. The CanoScan LiDE210 color image scanner features the quality, speed and ease of use that will bring your electronic filing system to another level. Auto document fix automatically delivers beautiful, easy-to-view scans by advan

Canon CanoScan LiDE 700F Color Image Scanner $123.99 1 Year Limited 1.80" 11.50" 16.10" 19200 x 19200 dpi 24-bit 3297B002 35mm Film 4.60 lb 48-bit 8.50" x 11.70" 9600 dpi 9600 x 9600 dpi ArcSoft PhotoStudio MP Navigator EX Solution Menu CanoScan LiDE 700F Color Image Scanner Document Kit Film Adapter Unit Film Guide (for 35mm film strip) Setup Software & User's Guide CD-ROM Warranty Card USB Cable Become familiar with high quality and high speed scanning for documents, prints and 35mm film with the CanoScan LiDE 700F. With a scanner this compact and stylish, its powerful maximum resolution of 9600 x 9600 (Film Optical) dpi immediately impresses. You won't believe how easy it is. Its Auto Scan Mode features automatically detect what you're scanning, and save it as a file. The four EZ buttons enable you to scan, copy or create a PDF faster than ever. CIS CanoScan CanoScan LiDE 700F Color Image Scanner Canon Canon, Inc Color Energy Star Flatbed Scanner LiDE 700F Mac PC Plain Paper Yes www.usa.canon.com

Canon CanoScan LiDE 700F Document Scanner $130.99 1.80" 11.50" 12 16.10" 19200 dpi 35mm Film 4.63 lb 48-bit 8-bit 9600 dpi 9600 x 9600 dpi ScanGear MP Navigator EX ArcSoft PhotoStudio Optical resolution: 9600×9600dpi (Film), 4800×4800dpi (Reflective documents) With its ingenious 3-way design and 180° lid, the LiDE 700F brings high resolution scanning to work spaces of all sizes. For exceptional detail and enlargements, scan 35mm film at up to 9600dpi. A4 CIS CanoScan CanoScan LiDE 700F Document Scanner Canon Canon, Inc Color Energy Star Flatbed Scanner LIDE700F Letter Letter 8.50" x 11.69" LiDE 700F Mac PC Photo Plain Paper Yes www.usa.canon.com

Canon CanoScan 5600F Color Image Scanner $137.99 1 Year Limited 10.70" 11 19.40" 19200 x 19200 dpi 24-bit 2925B002 3.80" 48-bit 4800 dpi 4800 x 9600 dpi 5600F 8.50" x 11.70" 9.50 lb CanoScan 5600F Color Image Scanner Power Cord USB Cable Film Guide 35mm film strip/mounted slides Documentation kit Setup Software & User's Guide CD-ROM Quick Start Guide Cross Sell Sheet Registration Card Warranty Card Setup Software and User's Guide CD-ROM MP Navigator EX Solution Menu ArcSoft PhotoStudio The high-luminance white LED lamps use less power and enable scanning immediately after you press the power button. Seven EZ Buttons automate the scanning process so it's simple to scan, copy and create emails and multi-page PDFs. To make it even easier, the new Auto Scan Mode detects your type of original, then scans and saves it with the optimal settings. CCD CanoScan CanoScan 5600F Color Image Scanner Canon Canon, Inc Color Energy Star Flatbed Scanner Mac PC Plain Paper Yes www.usa.canon.com

Canon Dokumentenscanner CanoScan 5600F $148.75 Qualität zu Viking Preisen.

Canon CanoScan LiDE 110 48bit Color 2400dpi X 4800dpi Flatbed Scanner USB 4507B002 $67.79 Canon CanoScan LiDE 110 48bit Color 2400dpi X 4800dpi Flatbed Scanner USB 4507B002

Canon CanoScan LiDE 210 4800dpi X 4800dpi Flatbed Scanner USB 4508B002 $97.66 Canon CanoScan LiDE 210 4800dpi X 4800dpi Flatbed Scanner USB 4508B002

Canon CanoScan 5600F 9600x4800dpi 48bit USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Interface 2925B002 $141.02 Canon CanoScan 5600F 9600x4800dpi 48bit USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Interface 2925B002

Canon Scanner 'CanoScan Lide 110' $77.35 CIS-Auflösung von 2.400 x 4.800 dpi und 48 Bit Farbtiefe. Direktkonvertierung des gescannten Dokuments ins PDF-Format. Prescan in nur 14 Sekunden (reine Abtastzeit).Automatische Ermittlung und Korrektur von Staub und Kratzern auf Ihren Vorlagen.Max. Vorlagengröße 216 x 297 mm. Z-Scharnier zum Scannen von Büchern.

CANON CanoScan 5600F Flachbett-Scanner $155 Art , Flachbett-Scanner Sonderart , Filmscanner , für Dia , für Negative 35mm Ausstattung , A4-Format Scannereigenschaften , Scannerauflösung: max. 4800 x , 9600 dpi , Farbtiefe 48 Bit , Durchlichteinheit Schnittstellen: , USB 2.0 Masse , Breite: 272 mm , Höhe: 97 mm , Tiefe: 491 mm , Gewicht: 4300 g

Canon CanoScan LiDE 700F - Flatbed Scanner. Each $152.54 Manufacturer: Canon. Each. With its ingenious 3-way design and 180 lid, the LiDE 700F brings high resolution scanning to work spaces of all sizes. For exceptional detail and enlargements, scan 35mm film at up to 9600dpi.A LiDE scanner with CIS sensor prov

4507B002 - Canon Canoscan Lide 110 Flatbed Scanner - 48-Bit Color - 16-Bit Grayscale - Usb $78.99 are You Looking For a Dedicated Scanning Solution With Great Quality, Versatility And a Compact Design? Then The Canoscan Lide110 Color Image Scanner is Sure to Impress. The Canoscan Lide110 Features The Quality, Speed And Ease of Use You Need With a Maximum Resolution of 2400 x 4800 (optical) Dpi1 For Excellent Scanning Quality For Both Photos And Documents. [4507B002] UPC: 013803123425 UNSPC: 43211711 17.8L x 12.5W x 3.5H 5.55 LB

CANON CanoScan LiDE 110 Schwarz Flachbett-Scanner $77.99 Art , Flachbett-Scanner Ausstattung , A4-Format Scannereigenschaften , Scannerauflösung: max. 2400 x , 4800 dpi , Farbtiefe 48 BitSchnittstellen: , USB 2.0 Masse , Breite: 250 mm , Höhe: 40 mm , Tiefe: 370 mm , Gewicht: 1600 gFarbe, Farbe: Schwarz

CANON CanoScan LiDE 210 Schwarz Flachbett-Scanner $98.99 Art , Flachbett-Scanner Ausstattung , A4-Format Scannereigenschaften , Scannerauflösung: max. 4800 x , 4800 dpi , Farbtiefe 48 BitSchnittstellen: , USB 2.0 Masse , Breite: 250 mm , Höhe: 39 mm , Tiefe: 365 mm , Gewicht: 1600 gFarbe, Farbe: Schwarz

Canon 4508B002AA CanoScan LiDE210 Color Image Scanner $133.99 The compact design of this scanner fits small workstations. Upright option for vertical scanning saves even more space. Five EZ Buttons allow you to scan copy email and create PDFs in a snap. Automatic Document Fix with areabyarea correction and Auto Scan mode with saved settings make this a productive member of your electronic workforce. The Zlid accommodates thick objects such as textbooks or catalogs with less hassle. Scan Size (W x H): 8 1/2 x 11 7/10 ; Bit Depth of Color: 48bit Color 16bit Grayscale; Buttons: N/A; Connector/Port/Interface: USB.

CANON 3297B002 CANOSCAN LIDE 700F color scanner $195.4 Intermec SR30 Linear Imager (Scanner Only EV12)Primary InformationScanner Typeamp;nbsp;:amp;nbsp;amp;nbsp;Barcode scanneramp;nbsp;Special FeatureCOOamp;nbsp;:amp;nbsp;amp;nbsp;Singaporeamp;nbsp;UNSPSC CodeUNSPSC Codeamp;nbsp;:amp;nbsp;amp;nbsp;43211711amp;nbsp;

Canon CanoScan 5600F Flatbed Scanner, 4800 x 9600 dpi. Each $190.51 Manufacturer: Canon. Each. With a maximum resolution of 4800 x 9600dpi, this advanced CCD technology scanner has the capacity to deliver scans with very high levels of clarity, photographic detail and with accurate color reproduction. The 48-bit input ens

4508B002 - Canon Canoscan Lide 210 Flatbed Scanner - 48-Bit Color - 16-Bit Grayscale - Usb $113.27 the Canoscan Lide210 Color Image Scanner Features The Quality, Speed And Ease of Use That Will Bring Your Electronic Filing System to Another Level. Its Maximum Resolution of 4800 x 4800 (optical) Dpi1 Provides Excellent Scanning Quality For Both Your Photos And Documents With a Vivid 48-bit Color Depth And Over 281 Trillion Possible Colors. [4508B002] UPC: 013803123456 UNSPC: 43211711 17.5L x 12.5W x 3.5H 5.1 LB

3297B002 - Canon Canoscan Lide 700F Color Image Scanner - 48 Bit Color - 24 Bit Grayscale - Usb $127.99 become Familiar With High Quality And High Speed Scanning For Documents, Prints And 35mm Film With The Canoscan Lide 700f. With a Scanner This Compact And Stylish, Its Powerful Maximum Resolution of 9600 x 9600 (film Optical) Dpi Immediately Impresses. You Won't Believe How Easy it Is. Its Auto Scan Mode Features Automatically Detect What You're Scanning, And Save it as a File. The Four EZ Buttons Enable You to Scan, Copy or Create a Pdf Faster Than Ever. [3297B002] HAZMAT UPC: 013803102819 UNSPC: 43211711 18.5L x 14.75W x 4.5H 7.17 LB 0.79 Cubes

4207B002 - Canon Canoscan 9000F Flatbed Scanner - 48-Bit Color - 16-Bit Grayscale - Usb $190.12 enjoy High-speed Scanning For Everything From Photos to Documents, to Even 35mm Film While Also Enjoying Superb Quality. The Canoscan 9000f Color Image Scanner Delivers an Incredible Maximum Film Scanning Resolution of 9600 x 9600 (optical) Dpi With Built-in Features That Also Make it Easy to Use. The All-new Auto Document Fix Feature Automatically Analyzes And Corrects Both Text And Images so Your Document Text Will Remain Clear And Your Pictures Will Maintain Color Tone And Contrast. For Additional Ease of Use, The Seven EZ Buttons Enable You to Scan, Copy or Create a Pdf Faster Than Ever. [4207B002] UPC: 013803118889 UNSPC: 43211711 22.25L x 7.5W x 14.63H 13.8 LB

Canon CanoScan Flatbed Color Image Scanner with Z-Lid Expansion Top $59.99 This flatbed scanner features up to 2400 x 4800 maximum color resolution with vivid 48-bit color depth for brilliant color scans. Four EZ buttons make it easy to copy, scan and create e-mail attachments or PDF files.