Indeed, words are powerful. But today, in a world where competition flourishes, images prove they are even more powerful and forceful. This is because more and more people appreciate visuals and appealing illustration compared to overwhelming texts in any marketing and promotion strategy.
With today's fast-paced and modern technology, images are used to communicate and convey messages and information. Unlike texts where there are boundaries because people speak different languages, images created by freelance illustrators are used in most marketing campaigns because they can appeal even to those people who have different ethnicities and backgrounds.
Becoming A Freelance Illustrator
Almost all business establishments need designers and illustrators. This is because they realize illustrations can be more powerful in promoting their services and products. Instead of hiring full-time illustrators or in-house designers, many clients prefer to hire freelancers because they are oftentimes more creative and resourceful.
For companies that want to create a new marketing strategy to communicate a message or information effectively, illustration can be the key. Whether you are into publishing a children's book, instructional booklet, or website, your product can be more appealing if it has illustrations. So, it is now time to consider your options for freelance illustration or design.
To become a freelance illustrator or designer, you should specialize in the required field. You can do this by earning a degree or certification at various colleges and universities. But if you are too busy to take classes in educational establishments, you can take courses online that can help you to succeed as freelance illustrator.
An excellent resource to learn about launching a freelance career is Andy Anderson's book or audio book, ?How to Make Money from Home as a Freelancer,? published by www.PaydayPublishing.com.
Here are some of the sites where you can take online courses:
1. Sessions. This is one of the online schools of design and media. Many freelance illustrators agree that being a student of Sessions enables you to enjoy an award-winning curriculum of design and illustration classes right in the comfort of your own home. http://www.sessions.edu/
2. Tutorials. There are many websites that offer online tutorials over the Internet today. Most of these multimedia tutorials can help you to learn graphic design, web design and illustration without the delays of downloading. You can even start using these web-based tutorials as soon as you sign in. Go to Google.com and key in ?tutorials? + ?graphic design? to pull up a list of websites that offer tutorials.
3. Academy of Art University. This site provides comprehensive online continuing education classes in very interactive classrooms. If you want to take graphic design, web design and illustration courses online, then you should start browsing this website now. http://online.academyart.edu/graphic_design.html
4. Penn Foster Career School. This is one of the sites that offer at-home and self-paced training that teaches web design, illustration and graphic design for individuals who want to learn without having to enroll in a major college or university. http://www.pennfoster.edu
Aside from expanding your education, you will also need the tools and software to be a graphic designer or illustrator, such as Adobe Photoshop with Image Ready to help boost the resolution of your photos; Illustrator to help your graphics become more appropriate for print, web, and dynamic digital media use; and QuarkXPress or InDesign to achieve ultimate professional publishing results.
Andrew James Hymel is the owner, proprietor, and music director of Andy Hymel School of Music in Gretna, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans. It is a success story that has blossomed from one man's dream of music education into a consortium of teachers and students who strive for excellence and value the importance of the preservation of the arts in today's New Orleans.
When asked about his Post Katrina experience, Hymel relied, "It was scary to reopen the school and it was like starting over, but I felt the community needed something to use as an outlet for the emotions caused by Katrina. We weren't just rebuilding a music school; we were rebuilding the minds and souls of our students and their families."
Andy Hymel earned a degree in Jazz Performance from Loyola
University in New Orleans, LA. At a young age, his musical talents developed from ?jamming? with neighborhood musicians in the Algiers area, notably Frank Saucier, a regular solo artist at Kerry's Irish Pub in the French Quarter. In the 80's, he honed his guitar skills at the World's Fair with the vocal group ?Celebration? and is to this day appreciative of that opportunity.
While his music accomplishments were self-developed, his community involvement and business acumen were mostly inspired by his dad.
His father, Lloyd Hymel, is a pillar of the Algiers community and an elder of Saint Andrews the Apostle Church. He was Chairman of the West Bank Chamber of Commerce, President of the Petroleum Club and the West Bank Rotary Club, and Vice President of AMF Tuboscope in Harvey, Louisiana.
One of his brothers, Philip Hymel, is the Chief Financial Forecaster of Entergy New Orleans and recently served as President of the University of New Orleans Alumni Association. Another brother, David Hymel, is in the oil and gas business and for years organized the oil field ?Chili Cook Off?; recently at Boomtown Casino and previously at Alvin Andrew Callender Naval Airforce Base in Belle Chasse, Louisiana.
Another brother, Greg, owned and operated a Zack's Frozen Yogart franchise and is a Ginger Baker ?Cream? style drummer. His is also an artist/painter and is displayed in several restauraunts in the New Orleans area. Obviously, the senior Mr. Hymel set a solid foundation for his children to excel in business and community development.
With that said, it is apparent that Andy Hymel has parlayed his strong family values and love of music instruction from a work at home business into a full blown, reputable, school of music.
Branching off from the security of working from home, Hymel first opened his school at 601 Terry Parkway in Gretna, LA, in an area commonly known as Terrytown. What started as a handful of students quickly blossomed into a full school of music with 280 students strong and has had to relocate to a larger building at 1800 Stumph Boulevard. Predominantly a guitar teacher, he also teaches piano and bass. His drum instructor, Jumpin? Joe Gelini, graduated from Berklee School of Music in Boston, a great accomplishment considering only 2% of those who attend Berklee actually graduate. The school has a wide variety of teachers, including band directors and vocal coaches, covering several instruments and genres. Even Hymel's high school guitar teacher from Holy Cross is on the payroll!
Mr. Hymel (not his dad Lloyd) believes that music education can start at the Pre-K level and has programs and original songs in place for the youngest of students. He also has courses geared for ?Baby Boomers? as well.
In between those age groups, one of his most amazing accomplishments is that 5 of his students have received full scholarships to various schools of music and EVERY one of his 10 students who have applied to NOCCA was accepted on their first audition!
One former student begins as an understudy this fall with the Metropolitan Opera Association. Another, Alex Zander, is a published singer/songwriter. Alex is an entire story yet to be written. Stay tuned.
In addition to his accomplishments as a teacher and entrepreneur, he has written and recorded hundreds of original songs and his efforts are starting to be recognized. Most notably. the son of Clarenece ?Frogman? Henry, marketing himself as Clarence ?Frogman? Henry Jr. , is considering many of Hymel's songs for his soon to be released CD.
For Andrew James Hymel this is only the start. As an unabashed Beatles fan, an admitted student of New Orleans music, and an unwavering ambassador of music education, the sky is the limit!
Whether you listen to me or not, you will certainly hear from him.
Both Melissa Gallagher & Nathan Gurley are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Melissa Gallagher has sinced written about articles on various topics from Work From Home, Web Development and Careers and Job Hunting. Launch a freelance career today! Download Melissa's free e-book, , at www.WritingCareer.com or visit her blog at. Melissa Gallagher's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.
Nathan Gurley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Network Marketing, Entertainment Guide and Property Investment. Nathan BF Gurley is owner of Gurley Residential Appraisal Services, LLC in New Orleans, LA & is Editor of at. Nathan Gurley's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.