While designers are by trade swimming in cash, in fact my own mattress is comprised entirely of money.  While sure, it is uncomfortable- there was simply no more room for padding, especially after the bank just wouldn’t take anymore of it.

For those designers and artists out there who may not exactly be swimming in money (and less delusional than myself), it seems like the only resource out there are the free ones. Swimming through those can make even the strongest will snap.

Free Commercial Use Fonts:

For those times that Helvetica may not exactly cut it, and you really need that right font in a commercial license- there is limited options available.

There are a ridiculous amount of typeface-oriented websites out there.  Sorting amongst them is a borderline impossible task.  There are two primary ones that are simply fantastic.  These are the one’s that are the general only stops that need to be made about 99% of the time.

• Larabie Fonts: Most of the fantastic fonts on this website have a free version.  They are all commercial-usable as well.  One feature that is seriously awesome?  The ability to change the display/ preview text to anything from ‘The Quick Brown Fox” to the latest headlines.
• As a note, be careful when making your selection as not all the font options are free across the board.  If, upon check-out you see that there is a total aside from 0, scan the list.  While I would definitely say to buy something from Larabie, to support the fantastic website.
• daFont: While you do need to make absolutely sure that the font you are getting is free for commercial use, the notification is right above the download link.  The website has a huge selection of all types*.

Information and Tutorials

There comes a time that anyone from beginner or even old-hats may need advice, or some information.  The resources below are all personal favorites and have saved me some time and given their fair share of inspiration as well.

• Typedia:  If you happen to be a typography-o-phile** this website will ruin any chance you may have at free time for the foreseeable future.  It has a ton of information about typefaces, their use, their invention, and a ton of other information.
• PSDTuts:  This website has a brilliant set-up for their tutorials.  If you want to be able to download the sample files, you do have to join.  If, however you are looking for some new ideas or information- it’s free.  Even if you do pay, it’s only $9 a month.  So, just skip two lattes and you are set.

Copyright and Legal

If you are a freelancer, you need to protect yourself.  If you are normal, more than likely you aren’t fluent in legalese.  There are still some resources for when you can afford a translator (ie: a lawyer).  While these are far from being end alls, they will help protect you in the short run (at least until you can afford that lawyer).

• Creative Commons:For licensing and all that ‘fun’ thing.  It’s best to protect yourself early and avoiding any damages later.  For more information on Copyright, here’s the US government’s information page: Copyright Office.
• Contracts: About.com guide for designers.  This link has a bunch of resources for contract needs.

The plan is to keep updating this list, so if you have a free resource you can’t live without, or at least has helped you out- link it in the comments.  I’ll add it in.

*Yes, I did just make a font joke.

**Word fail.

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