Best Photoshop Arrows

By guest contributor Tori Bowman.

Arrows are a great addition to blog graphics. Whether it's a curated image featuring a few of your favorite fall trends, or a collection of images from your latest adventure, arrows can be your best friend when used correctly. Here are a few tips for how to use arrows in your graphics and how to create arrows of your own.

1. When using brushes in Photoshop, always make sure to create a new layer for each arrow. It will make your life so much easier!

2. Use arrows to highlight fun and important details. Point out your favorite donut at the bakery or your favorite detail in an outfit. Make it easier for readers to see the best parts of your photos and graphics.

3. Arrows help your readers put two and two together. Use them to connect a specific piece with its price, or to connect an image with a specific memory from your latest trip.

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Balancing the Workload

By guest contributor Maddy Hague. Photography by Leslie Shewrig for Decor8.

Today's post focuses on an issue you're sure to encounter once you start taking on new projects. Whether you are a contributor, or are leading a project, balancing your schedule can be the hardest part. Here are some time management skills I've learned over the years that can help you manage a large plate of work:

Keep a calendar
This sounds pretty straightforward, but keeping an organized calendar is absolutely vital. I keep separate colors on my calendar for each blog or project, and block out time for each task involved in the blog/project. You will be amazed at your productivity if you stick to your schedule. If you go over the time allotted, move on to the next task on your calendar. Simply add it to your calendar in a future spot where you can complete it.

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The Basics of Estimated Taxes

By guest contributor Helena Swyter. Photography by Chuck Wendig.

WHO?

If you earn income from self-employment (i.e. in any way other than as an employee of someone else), you are required to pay estimated taxes each quarter. Since you are self-employed, the responsibility of setting aside part of your income for taxes falls to you.

In most cases, you need to pay estimated taxes if, after subtracting withholdings and refundable credits, you expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes for the year. To avoid penalties, the sum of your four quarterly payments should be at least 90% of what you actually owe for the current year, or 100% of what you owed the previous year. Special rules apply for high income taxpayers. A high income taxpayer is someone whose adjusted gross income for 2011 was $150,000 or higher if married and filing jointly. If this is you, it is best to consult your tax professional.

In the end, it is your responsibility to make sure your tax situation is correct. Everyone’s tax situation can be different, so be sure you know the facts as they pertain to you.

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Communication with Advertisers

By Victoria Hudgins. Photography by Laura Marii.

Let’s talk about your relationship with your advertisers. They occupy a space on your sidebar, and sometimes get a feature post - but most people only think of them when it is time to renew. It’s important to think of your advertisers as partners - a mutually beneficial relationship. You have the traffic that advertisers want their brand in front of, and they have the money to help you continue to do what you love. When it is working right, everyone should be happy in this relationship. The key, as in any relationship, is putting in the necessary work to keep it healthy.

The center of every healthy relationship is communication. Some of us know this all too well. We have read books on communication, gone to seminars, and even seen professional help! When it comes to your partnership with your advertisers, when, how and what should you communicate?

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Win a Free Ticket to Alt!!!

By Melanie Blodgett. 

Win one of five Free Alt Summit Passes

For those of you still hunting for an Alt Summit ticket, we have some good news. Beso, the shopping site, is giving away five full registrations! To enter, simply complete the following steps:

1. Register for a Beso account.

2. Search for something you love on Beso, and then share the item through a Beso.ly link on your blog, or another form of social media.

3. Then comment here with your Beso account name, a link to where you shared your item, and tell us whether you want to win a gift card or an Alt Summit ticket.