You are starting a small, freelance business for the first time in advertising via a billboard company. Nervous, you are, but you take in ideas on how much you should charge your customers. Still, something in you is unsure as to whether what would be too high or too low of a charging fee for your hard work.

Freelance designers and design agencies typically charge between $150 to $500 per hour to design a billboard. However, the cost is subjective and depends on many factors.

Read more about the different aspects to determine how much you should charge to design a billboard.

How Much Should You Charge to Design a Billboard?

When designing a billboard and then charging for your labor and work, there are varying factors to consider before drafting a bill for your client.

Keep reading to learn about the six aspects to consider when considering how much you should charge to design a billboard.

Type of Billboard

When creating a billboard for someone, it is essential to ask them which type they would like. There are three types: classic, digital, and mobile.

• A classic billboard is well-known and has been around for many decades, and, typically, costs less. They can also be designed efficiently on websites as a mockup on Placeit.net.
• Digital billboards have been around for a long time, for example, the digital billboards in Times Square. Unlike a classic billboard, digital billboards can have more incorporated, such as moving ads. However, they are more susceptible to glitches and become victims of power outages.
• Mobile billboards are generally seen on moving vehicles, such as buses, cars, etc. Like digital and classic billboards, mobile billboards are likely to be seen and consumed by those driving.

Location of the Billboard

Determining where the billboard will be placed determines the average cost that you can charge your customer. If the plan is to put the billboard in a more well-known, populated neighborhood, the price will be higher. However, if the area is lesser-known, then the lower the cost.

Impressions

An impression is based on the number of people likely to see the billboard ad. This can include a combination of the size, location of where the billboard is placed, the speed limit within your placement area, etc. These factors will determine how much billboard space a billboard company will rent. So, the lower the impressions, the lower the cost and vice versa.

Estimated Time of Designing

Labor is not cheap and factors into the cost of a high maintenance job like designing a billboard. Billboard companies are not only creating the billboards but are renting out the spaces, designing, and installing them. Depending on the company, the cost of production and labor will accumulate onto the cost of the actual billboard.

Installing

The cost of a billboard is implemented along with the installation process. Depending on the length of the billboard will affect the price. So, the larger the billboard that will need to be installed, the higher the cost.

Time of Billboard Exposure

A billboard does not usually stay up forever and is typically rented out, resulting in the customer paying per month. Depending on the length of time the billboard is planned to stay for others to see will determine the price. Billboards, in general, are usually rented out between four weeks to several months.

When factoring all of these elements to determine how to charge a client it is also needed to be taken into consideration as for how much to charge a client. There are various ways to do so that works for different companies. Keep reading to learn more about the different ways to charge a client.

Ways to Charge a Client

Different companies feel it is in their interest to charge their clients differently. Some base it around their fellow competitors, while others will throw their dice on the table and see what lands. Read more about the five various ways that you can charge a client.

Flat Rate

Charging a client a flat rate fee entails setting pricing for the different services you offer within your company. Flat rates are an easy communication exchange between you and the client because it is already established and agreed on what will be paid for specific services with no alterations.

Hourly Rate

An hourly rate ensues a total payment based on the number of hours you have worked on a specific service for the customer. To accurately charge them per hour, you will have to keep track of the number of hours that you’ve worked and by the end of the project, you will bill them.

Based on the Client’s Budget

Meeting with your client first before determining a fee can be beneficial to those who are low on money or is willing to negotiate a payment plan, down payment, or charge them more money. How to determine what to charge them can be based on how well you like them, dislike them, and find them to be overbearing and disrespectful, or if they support something that you support.

Trial and Error of Pricing

Trial and error pricing can entail going for a ballpark price range for your services and seeing whether or not that will work. A starting point can originate from observing other competing companies and taking in what they are charging. If you feel like your prices are either too low or too high, revise until you can develop something that works for you.  

Based on Your Budgeting Needs

Based on your business and personal budgeting needs, it is a way to determine how much you should be charging your clients for your services. Calculate your monthly expenses, and based on your results, you can make that amount your minimum to earn and establish that around how much you are willing to charge others.

Final Thoughts

You have now learned about the factors considered when charging to create a billboard and how you can consider charging a client for your services.

As a graphic designer, chances are that people you know will ask for your help at some point or another. If a friend needs a logo for their new company, rebranding, or website, they may turn to you for a design. If this happens, you may be unsure of how much to charge them. So, how much should you charge a friend for a logo?

If you are comfortable with charging full price and believe your work is worth it, do not be afraid to do so. On the other hand, there are different options you could consider when deciding if or how you should charge a friend for a logo.

Continue reading to learn more about how much you should charge a friend for a logo. Since you are providing a specialized service to them, it is perfectly acceptable for you to make the decision yourself. If you are willing to bargain with them, the choice is also yours. Below is information that will better help you how to decide how much to charge a friend for a logo.

How Much Should You Charge a Friend for a Logo?

You can charge a friend anywhere from your typical price to no price at all. Additionally, you may choose to charge your friend for a logo in a different way. For example, you could bargain with them. As the saying goes, “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.” If your friend has something equally valuable to offer in return, this can be a great way to avoid any discomfort of charging them.

On the other hand, you should not feel guilty to charge a friend for a logo. After all, doing so for them takes time out of your schedule where you could otherwise be making money from designs for other clients. Although it may be a friend, your friend should understand that what you create is a part of your profession. If you make a career out of graphic design – or simply get extra spending money for commissions now and again – then saying your work always costs a price is justifiable. 

In certain situations, you might decide to design a logo for a friend for free. This could be for several reasons:

• They have done something for you in the past
• They have told you they will return the favor
• You believe that charging friends and family for services is unethical

There could be other reasons, but these might be common instances. Graphic designers often warn against charging a friend for a logo at a discounted price. It is believed that if you are going to charge them cash at all, you should not take away from the worth of your work. If you have a minimum, you should stick to it.

Is It Okay to Charge a Friend for a Logo?

As mentioned, it is perfectly acceptable to charge a friend for a logo. If they do not accept that your talent and labor are worth the price you charge, their logo may not be worth designing. Your time and efforts are precious, and your work should be saved for those who value it as much as you.

Below you can find details of approaches to consider if you do not want to charge your friend cash for a logo design. While it is justifiable, you might not feel comfortable making your friend pay, even if you have to spend extensive time on their logo.

How to Decide How Much to Charge a Friend for a Logo

If you decide to charge a friend cash for their logo, you should charge them your typical rate. On the other hand, you might decide to receive compensation from them in other ways. Whether you decide on your own or present them with the ideas listed, this can be a smooth way to avoid any discomfort.

Consider the Style

Before deciding how or how much to charge your friend for their logo, analyze what they are looking for, how much time it will take, and what you would expect in return for your favor. If it is a simple logo, you might not feel the need to ask for much. However, a complex design could result in your seeking equal compensation in the form of services from your friend’s profession.

Consider Other Ways They Could Repay You

One popular way you could receive compensation for your work is through a separate but equal favor from your friend:

• A mechanic could fix a dysfunctional car part
• A barista could give you coffee discounts
• A financial advisor could meet with you about investments
• A nanny could watch your kids for a night or two out on the town

No matter what your friend’s profession may be, there should be a way they could repay you with their services. If this does not suit your fancy, there are other options.

If you value the relationship between yourself and your friend a certain way, you might not think it fair to charge them for your design services. What is more, you might trust that they will repay you in some way down the road.

Lastly, you can simply charge them your base fee plus extra charges for certain design techniques. As you have learned, charging your normal rate is fine and should be understood by your friend.

Use Placeit for Your Graphic Design Needs

If you have not heard of it before, Placeit is an excellent new resource for graphic design. Placeit is a website graphic design tool, so you don’t have to download software. Placeit is template based so you search for your project type and browse templates to customize to your needs.

You can either show your friend Placeit so they can use it to create their own logo, or you can use Placeit to quickly create a logo for them. This way it only takes a few minutes, while still making a professional looking logo, and you don’t have to charge them an arm and a leg for your valuable time.

Takeaway

If you decide to charge your friend money for a logo, you should stick with your typical rate. If you would prefer to stray away from cash services, there are other ways to bargain with your friend and make the design process worth your time and theirs.

Alternatively, you can also use Placeit’s logo maker to quickly create a logo for them and not charge them at all, or simply introduce them to Placeit so they can make their own logo.

PDF files are an excellent way to store documents and illustrations you do not want others to edit. However, they can add up quickly, filling up your storage and drives. You can compress the files, but you cannot compress every file type without risking quality and readability.

Fortunately, PDF files compress well enough to maintain data integrity and readability. However, you must do it the right way.

By reading further, you will learn the 7 things you must consider before compressing the files.

How to Compress PDF Files Without Losing Quality

As one of the most popular digital document formats, the Portable Document Format (PDF) dos does not require a special app or program to open. Because of this widespread adoption, you can send PDF files to anyone and be assured they can properly read them.

Because they are so ubiquitous in modern life, you are probably working on several PDF files at once either for school, in college, or at work. You probably have a PDF file for anything that requires an electronic document and then some.

While most are for archival purposes, you likely send several of them back and forth to your coworkers several times a day. It is in these moments that you must compress them to preserve storage space, bandwidth, or both. This is because most email clients, cloud storage, and messenger apps have size limits for attachments.

Things to Consider When Compressing PDF Files

However, before you compress your PDFs, there are a few things you must consider. These considerations can affect the quality of the final product. They may even define the tools you must use to get there. Luckily, most of these considerations are easy to understand and implement, ensuring your files are always in good hands.

1. Size Versus Quality

People compress PDF files to make them small enough to fit through email and other online channels. However, there is a trade-off between their size and quality every time you compress them. Not every PDF file will maintain its structure and data during the process. Therefore, you want a tool that lets you customize the compression to minimize the effect as much as possible.

This is because compression algorithms use repeated patterns to highlight shrinkable areas. This is simple to do with text while maintaining readability. However, the process always reduces an image’s resolution. As such, most reputable compression tools offer several levels of compression.

2. Proprietary or Third-Party Compression

As the owner and creator of the PDF format, Adobe knows how to get the most out of its format. As such, all their editors come equipped with built-in compression features. You just select the “Optimize PDF” tool, and the application will do the rest. The new compressed PDF will retain the PDF file type classification and can be open as such. However, not every PDF reader can read or edit them.

Third-party solutions such as WinZip and HiPDF are usually cheaper than Adobe’s offerings and offer more configuration options. Some of them will even produce the same compressed PDF format. However, not all third-party apps are compatible will all PDF features. You also run the risk of using something malicious that could add viruses and trojans to your files.

3. Free Versus Paid Tools

Associated with the last consideration, your next step is to decide if you will use a free tool or a paid one to compress your PDFs. All vendors including Adobe offer free and paid options, and you can use your favorite search engine to find them all. However, they all come with caveats.

Free compression tools have the best price around: FREE. You can use them as often as you like and pay nothing for the privilege. However, most free tools restrict your configuration options, limiting their usefulness for large and complex files.

Paid tools offer more compression options and better security. These tools let you customize the process to your specific needs, ensuring that your files remain intact and readable. However, you often must pay a premium for the high-end tools, and the low-end ones are barely better than the free ones.

4. Maximum File Size

It might come as a surprise to some people, but there are times when a compressed file is larger than an uncompressed one. This is especially true for complex documents that include videos and audio components, though it can also happen when you have lots of images. As such, you need a compression tool that can handle the potential final file size.

Luckily, most tools can handle files of any size and complexity. That means your most likely bottleneck would be the size of your storage or file transfer solution.

5. Online or Offline Compression Tools

The advent of cloud technology paved the way for many online software services, including file compression. As such, you compress your PDF files without installing anything on your computer beyond your editor. However, most online tools are as restrictive as for free tools.

If you need full control over the compression algorithm, you will need a standalone offline compression tool. These tools work with your computer to compress and store your files according to your specifications.

6. Compression Security and File Integrity

Compression alters the contents of your files with the intent that you can get everything back later. However, some compression algorithms are not fully compatible with the PDF format and will break the files, rendering them useless. Therefore, you need a lossless compression solution that will not corrupt your files.

Similarly, you want a tool that will delete your original file if it has some connection to the Internet. That includes cloud storage and any publicly viewable procures. This is to protect you from data breaches and intellectual property theft.

7. Decompression and Opening Compressed PDFs

Depending on the type of compression, compressed PDFs are not always readily readable. As such, you must decompress them before you can use them. However, decompression can take a lot of time and specialized tools, especially if you must edit the files afterward.

Decompression is also a more resource-heavy task than compression. Your computer may not have the resources to read the compressed files, causing system crashes, data corruption, or something worse.

Conclusion

The PDF format is a powerful digital document and illustrates storage known for its high data integrity and professional-looking quality. However, they can grow large depending on their complexity. Fortunately, you can compress them into smaller files in most situations.  

Redbubble is a platform artists can utilize to upload their original artwork and put it on products to sell to the general public. Pixabay is a platform where users can share copyright-free images and photographs for commercial and non-commercial use. It seems these platforms are a match made in design heaven if Redbubble allows Pixabay images to be used on their products.

Redbubble states that you can integrate images from image websites, like Pixabay, into your artwork and upload them to Redbubble, however all content must be altered or modified to be used. You can only do so if you follow attribution requirements or other license terms and comply with Redbubble’s Intellectual Property & Publicity Rights published policies.

To be completely sure you’re not violating Redbubble’s policies and agreement, you should also concern yourself with Pixabay’s terms of use regarding their copyright-free images, videos, and music. In this article, we’ll look at Pixabay’s Licence agreements and other policies surrounding the use of Pixabay images on sites like Redbubble.

Pixabay’s License Agreement for Users

The first thing you read about Pixabay is that the images, music, and videos on the website are copyright-free, meaning they are not protected by copyright.

Typically when work is copyrighted, you have to obtain permission and payment of royalties unless otherwise specified under the copyright license agreement. Therefore, copyright-free means you do not need to get permission or pay the author of the image to use it.

While they recognize that the images on the site can be used without the image author’s permission, they ask users to ensure that the depicted content is suitable for use and does not infringe any rights. Since these images are shared on Pixabay, they have a license that dictates how they can and cannot be used.

• All content on Pixabay is free for commercial and non-commercial use (print and digital) except in the cases mentioned in “What is not allowed.”
• Content from Pixabay can be modified.
• Attribution is not required.
• You are not permitted to redistribute or sell Pixabay content on other stock or wallpaper platforms.
• You are not permitted to sell unaltered content.
• You are not permitted to portray identifiable people in a bad light or in an offensive way.
• You are not permitted to use content with identifiable people that creates a misleading association with a product or service.

So, excluding the rules dealing with identifiable people, all content must be altered or modified to be used. Redbubble states that you can integrate an image into your own artwork— meaning the artwork has to be an amalgamation of the Pixabay image and your own unique design.

With that said, consider using a design maker with templates you can customize, download, and use to sell on Redbubble. We recommend Placeit.net for this, because it’s what we personally use and trust.

Does Redbubble Encourage the Use of Images from Stock Sites?

Redbubble provides a disclaimer to its users that though they are willing to answer questions about using licensed images, they are not lawyers and do not provide legal advice. They encourage all users to seek legal counsel if they have questions or doubts about the legalities of licenses, fair use, intellectual property, Creative Commons, or other defenses.

Redbubble markets itself as a platform where artists can upload their original work and place them on products to sell. They strongly discourage using an image you have found on the internet unless you have permission from the owner of that image to use and sell it.

It’s clear Redbubble wants its users to be certain that they are abiding by all legal agreements, licenses, and policies of both the stock image website and themselves before uploading anything that isn’t one hundred percent their intellectual property.

How Does Redbubble Protect the Intellectual Property of Their Artists?

Since Redbubble is so particular about protecting the intellectual property of image authors on other platforms, it begs the question of how they would go about protecting the artists that use their platform to sell their original artwork.

Redbubble encourages any user to contact the artist of any work on their website before using their art, even for personal use. They also offer a “Notice and Takedown Report” for any artists concerned with their intellectual property being used by Redbubble users.

The “Notice and Takedown Report” does not cover the use of the artwork outside of Redbubble and would, at that point, require legal counsel to take action.

Conclusion

It’s always best to go with original work or utilize a site that provides design templates rather than be in doubt and possibly violate policies, agreements, and licenses.

We highly recommend using a commercially approved design maker like Placeit.net for creating items to sell on Redbubble. This protects you from any potential legal issues, and helps you make great designs quickly.

Images tell more of a story than words and play a crucial role in drawing the reader’s attention and keeping it. Choosing the right images to tell your story in a book could impact the book’s success. However, you can take the pictures yourself or download them from online photo galleries like Pixabay. Many aspiring authors have wondered whether it’s legal to use Pixabay images in their books and to what capacity.

Pixabay images can be used in a book because they are free for personal and commercial use without attributing the owner. You can use them for your digital or print books without worrying about copyright infringement. Although you’re not required to credit the owner, doing so is much appreciated.

That’s not all, as you still need to know whether you can use Pixabay images for KDP, if you can use copyrighted images in a book and if it’s okay to use any images for a book cover, which you will learn if you read on.

Can I Use Pixabay Images in My Book?

A good book should have a great cover conveying what is written inside. Readers should predict the story in the book by looking at the cover, and that’s where good photos come to play. You can take the photos yourself, design them using image manipulation software like Photoshop, or get them from an online photo gallery like Pixabay.

Books are sensitive, and it’s very easy to get sued for plagiarism by copying other people’s work or copyright infringement by using someone else’s images. Pixabay offers free photos with a license to use them as you see fit, which has led many people to ask whether such photographs can be used in books.

According to Pixabay, you’re allowed to use the images on their platform for personal and commercial use without worrying about any copyright infringement, and this includes books. However, Pixabay cautions not to sell any merchandise containing unedited images from the platform, either in print or digital form. This means you have to alter the image by adding words or merging other images to make them a bit unique.

Can I use Pixabay Images for KDP?

Amazon KDP allows using images from Pixabay, but there’re some restrictions and conditions. For starters, Amazon would require a license when you’re using an image of a person for the cover photo. However, you don’t need to provide the license if you’re using a background image as a cover photo.

Thousands of people have published books with Pixabay images on Amazon only after acquiring the necessary license or express permission. That’s why it’s always best to get written consent from the owner in case Amazon pulls down your book requesting proof you’re allowed to use the photos. Take these steps before using Pixabay Images for KDP:

1. Search the book catalogue to ensure no one else uses the same image
2. Alter and edit the image to make it unique
3. Explain to the owner how you intend to use the images
4. Require a written consent to use the images

Can I Use Copyrighted Images in a Book?

It’s discouraged to use any copyrighted materials and pass them as your work, as doing so is considered copyright infringement, and this includes using them in books. However, you can still use these images under the ‘Fair Use’ Act, but only after getting express permission from the owner.

Copyrighted images are considered intellectual properties, and the owner has a right under the law to sue and seek compensation for using their work without their permission. You must modify the content even if you’re using it under the ‘Fair Use’ Act.

Doing so will help you avoid lawsuits for copying the content from the owner and gaining financial benefits from it. Even so, you should contact the owner regarding your intended use and explain to them how you wish to alter their work to fit your project.

Can I Use Images From Any Source for a Book Cover?

Book covers are sensitive and are used to draw the potential reader’s attention. Using the right photos for your book cover could help generate interest and boost sales. However, you should have the authorization to use these images on your book cover, as this is where many legal issues arise.

Make sure you have the details of your license, regardless if you’re using royalty-free images or paid ones. Make sure to alter the images to make them unique even when you have bought them.

Consider using the book cover templates from Placeit.net because they will not only give you great pre-made layouts, but also give you access to tons of commercially usable images.

Outro

Pixabay images are free to use as you please without crediting the owner. You can use them in your books and as cover images, but you’ll need to alter them with more details. Pixabay images can also be used in KDP, but you have to show the proper license, especially if you’re using them as cover photos. You can use copyrighted images only after being granted rights by the owner.

Pixabay is loaded up with all kinds of royalty free images, vectors, videos and music. Therefore if you’re trying to find some images to use in your next video Pixabay may be your first stop. Still, before you actually go using them in your video, you’ll want to know if you actually can or if you will get some sort of copyright strike.

You can use Pixabay images in your YouTube videos because they are all copyright-free and come with personal and commercial usage rights. However, there are some restrictions when it comes to displaying people’s faces, logos, designs and anything else that could be sensitive. 

If you’re looking to spice up your next YouTube video with some royalty free images from Pixabay, but you’re not sure if that’s okay, we’ve got you covered. In our guide below we will discuss Pixabay’s policy on using their images as well as whether or not you can use their other media content. 

What Restrictions Do Pixabay Images Have On YouTube?

While Pixabay acknowledges that the images on their website themselves are copyright free and able to be used for personal or commercial reasons, they also point out that there can be some restrictions based on what’s in the image. You’ll want to make sure you know what these restrictions are before you use an image in your video. 

Below are some restrictions that may apply to images you find on Pixabay if you plan on using them in your YouTube videos: 

• Peoples Faces: Depending on how you’re using an image, you may not be able to show someone’s face without having their permission to do so. This really will come down to the distinction between editorial use and commercial use. We will get into that distinction in more detail below. 
• Logos: Logos from major companies can become a problem if you are using the images for commercial use. Be careful of what logos you allow in your images, unless, of course you are simply using them for editorial purposes. 
• Designs: Some people’s designs can also have copyright attached to them that makes them tricky to use for commercial purposes. Really watch out for these. 
• Property: You don’t want to accidentally put someone’s address out there by inadvertently showing it in your image. This can lead to the same kinds of problems as using someone’s face without getting their permission to do so. 

You can use any of these for editorial use. However if you plan to use them for commercial use you may need to make sure that you have a property release so that you don’t run into any legal trouble.

If you are in doubt, we recommend using a fully commercially usable library with YouTube thumbnail templates like the ones from Placeit. They will keep you out of any potential legal issues, and give you some really good templates to start with.

What Decides if You Can Use a Pixabay Image On YouTube?

At the end of the day, there are really two things that decide whether or not you can use a pixabay image on YouTube. 

We’ve broken down the two major factors in whether or not you can use a Pixabay image on YouTube below so you can be confident in what you choose: 

• The purpose of using the image: You can get away with using a lot more images if you are just using them for editorial purposes. You generally won’t need any releases or permissions to do so because you’re not using them commercially. Commercially on the other hand, you might need to be more vigilant of what you include. 
• Depicted content: This is really all of the types of content we listed in the previous section. If your image depicts a famous logo, you will need permission to use it for commercial purposes. 

For most YouTube channels out there, you’ll probably be good either way. It’s just when you’re using your channel for something like advertising that you really want to put your ear to the grindstone and make sure everything is in order. 

Can You Use Other Media Content From Pixabay On YouTube

The same rules that apply to images also apply to the other media content on Pixabay like video or music. Just make sure the depicted content doesn’t clash with your purpose for using it. 

So Really, Can You Use Pixabay Images On YouTube?

At the end of the day, Pixabay images are all copyright-free and meant for use both commercially and personally. However, depending on the depicted content, there may be some restrictions on what images you can realistically use if you’re using them commercially. 

If you are using the images commercially, just make sure they don’t have any logos in them or other sensitive/copywritten material like peoples faces or well known designs. Still, nine times out of ten, you should be good to go!

Adobe is known for coming up with amazing software, and InDesign is one of them. The software comes in handy when creating print and digital materials like books, catalogs, resumes, and interactive digital publications. In 2013, Adobe released Creative Cloud, which helps designers access multiple digital manipulation programs and save their work on the cloud. However, some have questioned whether it’s possible to use InDesign without accessing Creative Cloud.

Unfortunately, you cannot use InDesign without Creative Cloud, as you’ll have to use it to validate your purchase. However, you are able to buy InDesign as a single-app rather than buying the entire Creative Cloud suite.

With that said, let’s dive in and discuss how to download InDesign, if it’s possible to get it for free, how much it costs, and more.

Can InDesign Run Without Creative Cloud?

Besides assembling all the apps in one place, Creative Cloud also helps push the necessary updates, validate the purchase, and secure your files on the cloud. It has become an essential tool for clients using Adobe products, and it’s impossible to run the designing software without this desktop app.

Adobe released Creative Cloud in an attempt to consolidate all their software in one place and make it easy for designers to access the tools. InDesign is simply one of their apps that’s within the Creative Cloud. Although you can purchase and use InDesign as a single-app, you will be running it within Creative Cloud.

Can you Get Adobe InDesign Without Creative Cloud?

It’s impossible to get a safe and functioning InDesign app without using the Creative Cloud app. Although pirated InDesign apps are out there with promises to work without a Creative Cloud capability, they are not safe to use, and Adobe might sue you for breaching their copyright.

Be cautious not to download InDesign software from any other sources than the official Adobe website.

Can you Get InDesign for Free?

Yes, Adobe has a 7-day trial where you can use InDesign for free. You get a chance to test the app’s full capabilities, and you’ll have access to every plugin and add-on. You can then choose to purchase or not at the end of this period.

The only way to get InDesign for free is with the Adobe 7-day free trial. Refrain from downloading any ‘Free’ or ‘Cracked’ versions offered online, as this might expose you to malicious malware and viruses. The software could also have spyware embedded within, which might steal your personal information. You’re required to use the Creative Cloud app even with the InDesign free trial. You can cancel before the end of the trial period without incurring any fees.

What’s the Cost of InDesign? 

Adobe InDesign has a monthly plan of $20.99 when you buy it alone for personal use. The business license costs $79.99 per month. However, you can get it as a ‘Creative Cloud All Apps’ package that costs $52.99 per month. There’s also a student and teachers discount on the full ‘Creative Cloud All Apps’ that only cost $19.99 per month.

The ‘Personal License’ allows only one person to use the app, while the ‘Business License’ permits a team to use the app without needing additional licenses. You can also use the personal license for commercial purposes, provided the license is used by one person only. The two apps have similar features but differ in ownership and use.

You don’t pay extra for Creative Cloud but you tend to save more when you buy a ‘Creative Cloud’ package. Instead of paying for each application individually, which might amount to hundreds of dollars, you only pay a $52.99 monthly CC subscription and get access to all these applications.

The ‘Creative Cloud All Apps’ package gives you access to over 20 apps that you can use as you wish without needing licenses for each app. With this package, you can use apps like:

• InDesign
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe After Effects
• Adobe Premiere Pro

With over 20 apps at your disposal, you’ll manage to save money you’d use to purchase individual apps. This type of license is perfect for business and commercial use.

Is It Easy to Use InDesign? 

Like any other design software, InDesign has a lot of features that you use to enhance your work. The dashboard is easy to use, with all the features listed or labeled and placed strategically, making it easy to access them. However, the software requires a bit of a learning curve to understand.

It can take you around two weeks to grasp InDesign basics and over a year to master the software. However, it all comes down to your commitment and what you plan to achieve with the software.

If the learning curve is too much for you, consider a beginner friendly graphic design software like Placeit.net to start making professional designs much quicker.

Outro

InDesign is a great digital design tool that is mostly used in the publication niche. Although you can buy InDesign as a single-app without buying the rest of the Creative Cloud, it’s impossible to use it without a Creative Cloud app since you’ll need the app to validate your purchase. With that said, you cannot buy InDesign without using Creative Cloud to access it.

Lastly, be cautious not to pay for any lifetime access InDesign offers because they are not authentic and likely pirated with malicious viruses in them.

Shutterstock is a perfect place for photographers, experienced and novice, to present their work to marketing agencies and publication organizations, hoping to sell them. With over 600,000 contributors uploading breathtaking photos and videos, there is always something for buyers to see. However, there have been concerns whether it’s possible to upload watermarked images to Shutterstock.

Shutterstock doesn’t allow watermarked images even if it’s your logo. The purpose of Shutterstock is to provide clear images that can be used commercially, and watermarked media is not suited for this purpose.

That’s not all, as you still need to know whether it’s worth selling images on Shutterstock, the type of images they accept, and the minimum payout, which you will find out if you read on.

Can I Upload Watermarked Images on Shutterstock?

Shutterstock is the first place that marketing agencies, businesses, and media organizations go to when looking for images to use in their line of work. With over 600,000 contributors, 225 million images, and 13 million video clips listed for sale, there is always something that reflects the nature of your work.

Photographers looking to establish their name and build their portfolio opt to use Shutterstock for several reasons:

• Ready market – Shutterstock has around 1.9 million customers always looking for something to buy, and you won’t need to hustle for clients.
• Good pay – it also pays better than its competitors, although you can get more money when freelancing.
• Secured work – it’s easy for someone to steal your work if you list it on your website, but Shutterstock helps to add a watermark until someone buys it.
• Timely pay – get paid on time when someone buys your work.
• Connecting with peers – Shutterstock is a great place for new photographers looking to connect with their colleagues and share ideas.
• Getting feedback – the only way to improve your work’s quality is to get constructive feedback and work on it.

However, Shutterstock doesn’t allow uploading watermarked content on their platform as this violates their terms of the agreement, even when it’s your watermark. Instead, Shutterstock offers a watermarking system that you can use to secure your work.

Is it Worth Selling Photos on Shutterstock?

Selling images and video clips on Shutterstock has its benefits, such as tapping into a ready market, securing your work with watermarks, and building a portfolio on a reputable platform for free. However, some drawbacks exist, and they include:

• Stiff competition – over 600,000 contributors post their work hoping to capture the buyers’ attention, and this could be problematic, especially if you’re new to the platform.
• Low pay – Shutterstock pays contributors cents whenever their images are downloaded and 30% on footage clips. The pay is minor for someone looking to make a living.

You can sell your images and footage clips for top dollar without using the platform, but you have to be an excellent photographer with a strong reputation and your own customer acquisition strategy.

What Type of Images does Shutterstock Accept?

Shutterstock accepts any JPG or PNG media, provided it’s not nudity, child pornography, or anything that violates human and animal rights. The media needs to be below 25MB each, and up to 100 files can be upload at once.

If you want to stand out from the competition, it would be best to upload files that have commercial use and be as unique as possible. It would also help to upload crystal clear files and avoid duplication. Reach out to your peers and friends for feedback on your work.

What’s the Minimum Payout in Shutterstock?

Shutterstock releases payments once you reach the $35 mark, with the maximum being $2000. Shutterstock also accepts electronic payment systems like Payoneer, Skrill, and PayPal. Each Shutterstock account should have one of these payment platforms listed.

Payments are disbursed monthly, and any changes you make to your account during the end of the month will only reflect the next month. You only get paid once you reach the minimum payment threshold. If not, then the balance is carried forward to the next month’s pay.

Outro

Shutterstock is a great platform for photographers to list their work and attract potential buyers. The platform doesn’t allow uploading watermarked images even if it’s your watermark. You can add a watermark once you’ve uploaded the images or video clips using the platform’s system. Selling images on Shutterstock is great for new photographers looking to build a reputation. You only get paid once you reach the minimum pay mark of $35.

Designing a billboard isn’t as easy as it might sound on the surface. Not only do you need to know the right scale at which to make it but you also have to have a program that can handle designing one. With Adobe’s InDesign being the leading design software on the market, you’ve got to wonder, can you use it to design a billboard?

InDesign can be used to design a billboard, however, it will have to be scaled correctly to avoid becoming blurry when scaled to the massive size of a billboard. There are programs that will let you preview your design on a Billboard as well.

If you’re thinking about designing a billboard in InDesign, then look no further. In our guide below we will discuss what all you can use InDesign to create as well as how you can scale your image for a billboard within the program. We’ll even provide you with a list of other software and services you can use if you want to take your billboard designing skills to the next level. 

What Can You Design in InDesign?

Before we dive into how to scale your billboard in InDesign, let’s first review what all InDesign is capable of designing. 

Some of the most common pieces designed in InDesign include: 

• Brochures and flyers 
• Newspapers
• Postcards 
• Stickers 
• Comics
• Magazines 
• Letterhead 

You’ll notice that all of these designs are small in scale. So how exactly do you take a software that creates small scale designs and turn it into a billboard?

What Size Should You Make a Billboard in InDesign

Getting the right size can be one of the hardest parts of designing a billboard in InDesign. While we would need to know the specific specs you are using to give you a real step-by-step guide, we’ve put together a brief overview of what that process is like. 

Below are the fundamental steps in figuring out the dimensions you should use in InDesign to create a scalable billboard: 

• Contact or find a billboard printing company: You’ll first need to pick which business you’ll want to print your billboard. Depending on the company, they may use a different scale for translating your smaller design into a larger image. 
• Find out what scale the printer uses: You can either ask them or you can look on their website. However, they should be able to tell you what scale they print at. For example, many companies use the scale ½” = 1’. 
• Calculate how long each side must be in InDesign: Using the scale you will now need to calculate how long each side should be in InDesign to match up with the specs provided by the billboard company. These calculations can be tricky and are best learned by watching someone else to them for their billboard first. 
• Account for bleed: Accounting for bleed will ensure that your full image gets displayed where it is meant to. You can find what bleed to account for on the spec sheet from your billboard company. 

Once you’ve completed your calculations, you will be able to create a document in InDesign with the specs that you need. Once you are done you can send it off to the billboard company and they should be able to scale it up for a full billboard. 

What Program Should I Design a Billboard In 

While you certainly can use InDesign to create a billboard, it’s not necessarily the first option most designers would go with. So, that leaves the question, what other programs are there that are good for billboard design? 

The following programs are great options if you’re looking to design a convincing billboard: 

• Placeit: Placeit is an excellent resource for all of your design needs. You can literally design everything from simple logos to discord themes and album covers. While they aren’t a one stop shop for billboard design, they do allow you to create billboard mockups from pre-made templates that you can hand off to the billboard company. If you want the process made easy, this is definitely the way to go. 
• Adobe Illustrator: If you’re going to use an Adobe product to design a billboard it’s better that you go with Illustrator. That’s because Illustrator is a vector based program. Practically meaning it doesn’t end up looking all pixelated when it’s blown up to a large scale like a billboard. In fact, you could use Illustrator in conjunction with InDesign.
• Vectr: Like Adobe Illustrator, Vectr is another vector based program great for creating large designs. Unlike Illustrator however, it is free. You can’t beat that. 

There are loads of options when it comes to designing billboards. Don’t forget, you don’t just have to choose one. You can always use multiple in conjunction with one another. 

So Really, Can You Design a Billboard in InDesign?

At the end of the day, you can, in fact, use InDesign to create a billboard. Just keep in mind that you will have to do some pretty critical calculations to make sure that you are designing it to scale. 

Overall, it might just be better to go with a vector program like Adobe Illustrator instead, as it is more geared towards creating large, clear images. You can also use services like Placeit to create mockups and really see how your project is going. 

If you’re like most people these days, you’ve got thousands of images stored on your cell phone or tablet. You may even draw and create original works on a tablet or computer. Not every picture is wall-worthy, of course, but occasionally you may want to transform a digital image into a tangible piece. You need to know if digital art can be printed on canvas. 

Yes, digital art can be printed on canvas however the art must be at a resolution of at least 300 pixels and an aspect ratio of 1.25 to 1.50, depending on the shape of the canvas. There are several online platforms that will allow you to upload and print your art to a canvas in a few clicks.

Ready to showcase that night shot of the Eiffel Tower or bring Machu Picchu to life on a blank wall? Read on to find out if, and how, digital art can be printed on canvas.

Digital Art Works Well on Canvas

Art software, multi-camera cell phones, and wifi-capable SLR cameras have revolutionized the way we create original art and capture beautiful scenes. From professional artists to everyday folks snapping family photos, everyone has the opportunity to craft an art piece worthy of display.

Beyond paper or cardstock, images and digital art files can be printed on just about anything, including canvas. There are tons of online websites that provide customers with a lot of different printing surface options.

Here are just a few examples:

• Blankets & pillows
• Mugs
• Wallpaper
• Calendar
• Puzzles
• Bags & hats

Using canvas as the display material gives you so many more options in size and shape. Canvas boards come in a variety of dimensions so you can find the right one to suit the image you’re trying to print.  

Popular sizes include 8×10, 16×20, and 12×12. When you want to fill a larger space, consider these dimensions: 24×36, 30×40, and 36×36.

A canvas board consists of white canvas material stretched tightly over a wood frame. Wood frames are typically about 1½ to 3 inches thick. The canvas material wraps around the sides and attaches underneath. 

The structure of a canvas adds several qualities to your art piece.  

• Depth comes with the thickness which allows you to wrap the image around the sides if you choose.  
• Canvas provides a durability not found with regular paper or cardstock.
• The colors may seem more vibrant on canvas because the image is bigger and printed at a higher resolution.
• The texture of the canvas material enhances the image with a feeling of warmth and realness. 

Printing Digital Art on Canvas

Printing great-looking digital art is as simple as clicking a few buttons. Take some photos on your digital camera or phone. Upload the photos to a printing service. Edit, crop, and enhance. Choose the size and surface for your image. Checkout and pay.

There are even websites like Placeit.net that offer ready-made digital art for purchase. There are a few more details to consider when you decide to turn digital art into a canvas print and that’s what we’ll talk about next.

1. File Format

Whether you are printing a photograph or an original digital art piece, your image should be saved in an appropriate format for printing. What format you choose will depend on the source of the image.

In general, TIFF is the best format for printing photographs and scanned art. TIFF, or Tag Image File Format, is a high quality, larger-sized file that gives the level of resolution you need to enlarge an image on canvas. Because TIFFs are large files, storage can be an issue.

JPEG is a frequently used file type that offers a range of good to higher quality images with a low file size. Quality will depend on the source of the image and the manner of export.

2. Resolution

Resolution refers to the sharpness of the image. It is expressed in horizontal and vertical pixels, or the number of small dots per inch. A low resolution of 5 pixels equals 5 dots per inch and would look grainy or pixelated.

For printing images in a larger size, you should use a higher resolution. The best choice for printing is 300 dots per inch which gives a uniform look.  

For best results in photographs, start with a quality camera that offers a range of pixel options. 

3. Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio has to do with achieving the right proportions for your image. It comes from dividing the number of pixels on the long side by the number on the short side of the image. For example, a 24×36 piece at a resolution of 300 should have an aspect ratio of 1.50 (6000p/4000p).

Without the proper aspect ratio, your image can look wonky or skewed at any size. Take care when cropping or editing an image so that you don’t alter the aspect ratio.

Final Thoughts

It’s a shame to let your creativity sit undiscovered on a digital device. Printing your best images on canvas puts it out there – on a wall, in a frame – for you and others to enjoy. Let your artistic side shine, and who knows? You might even find yourself with a new business!