Allworth Press

Creative careers in photography; making a living with or without a camera.

Heron, a freelance photographer of three decades, offers details on the diverse paths available to aspiring career photographers. Jobs considered fall under one of stock categories: publication, consumer, service, digital, stock, or fine art photography, each of which is complemented by an interview with a practitioner. Also addressed are non-camera photography careers such as buying and dealing, representing, and writing or teaching. Advice mainly comprises job and equipment descriptions — the author forgoes speculations on employment and salary outlook. The book concludes with advice on career building and self-marketing and a list of institutions teaching photography and professional organizations for photographers. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

The graphic designer's guide to better business writing.

Two business communications instructors present this reference for commercial graphic designers discussing the business writing techniques most necessary to establishing and advancing a career in the field. The authors offer tips on writing: résumés, professional letters and reports, material for conducting client research, design briefs, client agreements, human relations copy, and brochures, among other tasks. The book teaches techniques according to when they might arise in different stages of the reader's career, from setting up shop to building clientele and maintaining quality service. Numerous examples support the text. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

How to start and operate your own design firm; a guide for interior designers and architects, 2d ed.

Baltimore-based Rubeling draws from two decades of owning a multimillion-dollar architectural firm to offer insights to readers interested in the business side of design. Fourteen chapters offer tips and exercises for making the decision to own a firm; establishing vision and goals; understanding financial, marketing, banking, equipment, legal, and insurance considerations; developing marketing and business plans; assessing risk; setting fees and establishing a client base; defining success; and thinking about the future. Appendices contain a sample design proposal and glossaries. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Voiceovers; techniques and tactics for success. (CD-ROM included)

For beginners and actors wanting to transfer their skills, Wilcox, a voice actor who also teaches at UCLA Extension, outlines the voiceover industry. The book is meant to be a voice-acting method book, with emphasis on acting technique, with exercises presented in a sequential pattern. She begins with an overview of the industry and basic techniques, describes different genres and jobs, and compiles tips and advice from experts. The CD-ROM contains vocal exercises and interviews with actors Michael Yurchak, John Matthew, and Melanie Chartoff. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)