Author: Gareth

In yesterday’s entry, we covered the magazine from Future Publishing for artists, ImagineFX. Today, we cover two more of their publications, devoted to Insurgent Creative musicians: FutureMusic and ComputerMusic.

FutureMusic is devoted to the techniques and technology of making music, whereas ComputerMusic focuses specifically on (not surprisingly) the use of computers to create music. In other words, FutureMusic will cover non-computer tech like mixing gear, synthesizers, mics, etc., whereas ComputerMusic features software synths, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), etc. To be completely honest, there’s a ton of overlap between the two, but they maintain separate publications — then again, this is a publishing company that produces three different guitar magazines. All of Future’s musician-focused publications (FutureMusic, ComputerMusic, Guitarist, Guitar Techiques, Total Guitar and Rhythm) are all featured on a single website, MusicRadar.com.

Like with ImagineFX, both magazines feature gear reviews, technique tutorials and interviews with professionals. The pricing on both magazines are in the same range as well — because, again, the magazines are packaged with DVD-ROMs with every issue. The DVDs are the real value for musicians — each one features free software (Computer Music, in fact, loads an entire magazine-branded freeware DAW platform, complete with softsynths, samplers, drum machines, in every issue), literally thousands of royalty-free samples, trial versions of commercial software, workshop files for the magazine tutorials, as well as tutorial videos like the one featured below:
 
 

 
 
Over years of buying occasional issues of both magazines, I have a library of dozens of DVD-ROMs, featuring so much freeware and royalty-free samples that I doubt I’ll ever need to purchase any, ever. Making the best use of what you have available is a big part of making it as an Insurgent Creative. Currently, my music production is firmly in the “hobby” category — I haven’t released anything commercially. Given tools like these, however, and sites like BandCamp (which I covered back on Day Eight), I’m pretty sure I’ll make a go of it at some point in the coming year — perhaps connected to one of my other projects (Far West, perhaps). Why not? If you’ve got the tools, and the skill, there’s no reason not to give it a try.

Storm the gates!
 
 

This weekend, we turn our attention back from services to more direct tools — specifically a tool for Insurgent Creative artists: the magazine ImagineFX.

ImagineFX is a digital art magazine that features workshops and interviews with artists from the science fiction, fantasy, manga, anime, game and comic fields, as well as reviews of software, artistic tools, books and graphic novels. The main focus of the magazine are the tutorial workshops, in which working artists give direct instruction in technique for various styles.

ImagineFX is one of the magazines published by the UK-based Future Publishing, and is available via most large bookstores in the US. As an import, it’s a bit expensive ($16 bucks or so an issue) — but as with most of Future Publishing’s magazines, you also get an included DVD-ROM with each issue, featuring bonus material and tools. In the case of ImagineFX, that DVD features software samples and free trials, free Photoshop brushes and textures, 3D Models, all of the files necessary for the tutorial workshops, as well as videos (some of which are later available via the magazine’s YouTube page). The tutorials aren’t minute-long overviews, either, but full-length hands-on lessons, like this hour-long video featuring Concept Artist Bobby Chiu:
 
 

 
 
Each issue gives artists not only hours of high-quality workshop instruction from top talent, but also free tools for you to use in your everyday work. In addition, the magazine also spotlights artists who submit their material, making it have the potential for being a platform for increasing your exposure as well. Well worth your time if you’re an artist, or even aspiring to be one.

Tomorrow, we’ll take a look at a couple of other releases from the same publisher, of specific interest to Insurgent Creative musicians.
 
 

So you’ve studied and practiced and learned, and yet there are still some things that you can’t quite manage for yourself. There’s no shame in that. For example, despite years of practice, my illustration skills are nowhere near the level where I feel comfortable relying purely on myself for that sort of work. So in that situation, what’s an Insurgent Creative to do?

Hire some freelance help.

There are sites all over the internet where freelancers can be hired for everything from web design and application programming to personal assistants and illustrators. In fact, many of these freelancers are Insurgent Creatives themselves, making their living by providing their skills to others (and you should consider supplementing your own income in this way as well — every little bit helps, after all).

The most secure option is to use a site which connects you to freelancers, and also brokers payment between you — like Elance. Elance allows you to post a job, and take bids from freelancers who have passed admissions tests based on skills. Once you’ve found a freelancer, both of you are protected by the site accepting your payment and holding it in escrow — the freelancer knows the payment is there, and you know they’ll only get paid if you’re satisfied. The freelancers are from all over the world, so you can set a task and have it completed by someone on the other side of the planet, who work while you sleep! The site handles freelancers in tons of different categories: Programmers, Designers, Writers, Marketers, Admins, Consultants, Finance and more. A brief overview of how to hire a freelancer is provided here:
 
 

 
 
Another site on the same model is ODesk, which offers a similar method. Posting a job, finding a freelancer anywhere in the world (or searching and contacting specific freelancers, based on portfolio and skill), and handling all aspects of the job brokered by the site itself. They provide a video overview of their service as well:
 
 

 
 

In addition, you can search for freelancers via portfolio sites: Artists via Deviant Art, for example, allowing you to browse artists galleries and then contact them via comments or email. Forum sites also often provide places to post jobs: the Penciljack forum is a good place to find artists. The Kindle Boards offer a specific thread for people offering services to independent authors. There are literally hundreds of other such sites out there, and, of course, it’s also worth using your social media resources — chances are, you know somebody who knows somebody who has the skill you need.

Just because you’ve decided to go around the traditional gatekeepers doesn’t mean that you have to do it alone. An insurgency is strongest, after all, when it’s a connected network.

Storm the gates.