Finally I got my copy of Advanced Photoshop Issue 47. I was especially looking forward to this one as I'm in it! Flick over to page 26 and you'll see my "Niyo" design there with a small write up about me and how I created the image. And lucky me, they put my design on the corner spot on the cover as well. What I'm really chuffed about is that on the very next page there's an article about Alessandro Bavari - one of my all time favourite artists. Me and Ale, in the same magazine. Happiness.

A big thank you from me to Advanced Photoshop for choosing my design for the pic of the week Issue 47 cover spot. My design was vying for the spot against 3 other beautiful designs so I'm glad the editor picked mine. You can see the new cover here. Issue 47 has just been released in the UK - the rest of the world will probably get it a month or two later.

So I spent some time in Ireland for a much needed holiday (of course taking a laptop and all my work with me - sure sign of a workaholic). I kept an eye out for any design agencies or freelance ads to get a feel for what the rates are in Europe. I didn't see much except for a street banner advertising design services for €10 for 10 minutes work. What kind of design can be done in 10 minutes? Honestly?

Freelance Switch is an excellent resource for all those freelancers out there. There are tons of interesting articles and useful tips for running your freelance business properly. There is also a forum for your to post your questions and have the opportunity to get a plethora of freelancers from around the world to help you out with any problems you have. They also broadcast a bimonthly podcast that I find very interesting.

If you spend a lot of time on the computer, this is a good one: "AntiRSI is a program for Mac OS X that helps prevent RSI (repetitive strain injury) and other computer related stress. It does so by forcing you to take regular breaks, yet without getting in the way. It also detects natural breaks so it won't force too many breaks on you."