In working with clients, I have often had a need to share large files that are too big to send over email. After researching options, I started using online file sharing services. My favorite ones give you a URL to share with others where they can go and download the files. Sure, FTP is an option, but let’s be honest – who hasn’t had problems or frustrations using that method? With online file sharing people are able to collaborate between partners, clients and teams. No more attachments or FTP, just send a link.
After trying several file sharing services, I would like to share my favorites:
Speed up Wordpress: Upload Photos to Flickr
In an effort to speed up the load time of my wordpress website, I wanted to share one tip I learned.
Upload Photos to Flickr to Trim Down on Server Requests
There are several reasons why Wordpress web sites get bogged down. One of them is due to requests to the web server.
(The following explanation comes from The Three Easiest Ways to Speed Up Wordpress)
“Every single item on a page generates a separate request to the web server. That would include the HTML page, the CSS page(s), javascripts, images, movies, and any other item. A server can only handle a certain number of requests at a given time, so trimming down the number of items or off-loading content to a second server can dramatically improve performance. For example, if you are going to have a post with several images embedded in it, consider uploading those to an image sharing site like Flickr and then embedding them in your page. That way, when visitors come to your site the images are being served up by Flickr’s giant servers which can easily withstand the load.”
Tutorial: Inserting Flickr Files into Wordpress Blog
Here is a collection of different, creative business that are some of my favorites. I find that looking at inspiring design always helps get the creative juices flowing! If you still need more ideas after looking at these, there are links at the bottom for even more ideas.
I wanted to share a great new tool for graphic designers that I have been using called redmark.
What is redmark?
redmark is a web-based tool that let’s clients review and mark up designs through an online interface. It is a brand new web-based service that is simple and intuitive. It helps designers and their clients collaborate visually on a design, and leave comments and feedback right on their design to indicate changes. The service was recently only open by personal invite, but it has just come out of beta testing and has launched to the public. Because Redmark is web-based, there is no need to download or install any software.
I was recently asked to review a resume to see how the design could be improved. With so many people reviewing and updating their resumes lately, I thought it would be appropriate to write a blog about how having good design can improve a resume.
Although the content and substance of a resume are most important, it is essential to present the information in the best way possible so that your resume will get noticed and stand out. The best way to do this is to make the resume visually appealing and easy to quickly skim over.
There are so many stock photography websites on the internet now with varying quality of images and different pricing models. All of these microstock sites are not created equal. I thought I would post my favorite sites that are the easiest to use, return the best search results, and are reasonably priced. These websites feature files that have been inspected for quality and legal integrity.
I loved this list from the book “The Non-Designer’s Type Book” by Robin Williams. These are good tips to be reminded of every now and then.
1. Using Straight Quotes – like these ” ” instead of curved ones
2. Double Returns – leaves big, awkward gaps. Learn to use “Paragraph space after” and “Paragraph space before” to adjust the spacing
3. Two spaces After Punctuation – we did this when took keyboarding class, but it is not visually appealing.
Graphic design solves communication problems by organizing information in an aesthetically pleasing way, and creating visual solutions that will best appeal to the target market. Every successful business builds upon a foundation of marketing and the use of their distinctive identity to promote their company and build a good reputation in the minds of consumers. [...]
Let me explain a little about what Spec Work is. “Spec work” is any work done on a speculative basis, meaning “I will pay you if I like it”. This includes design contests where there is no guaranteed payment given, and any “sample work” for clients because they want to try before they buy.
Spec work and design contests devalue design and treat it as a cheap commodity, thus damaging the design business.
The Comparison
In other industry’s you don’t get to “try before you buy” or invest time and resources without a guarantee of payment. Let’s say you go to a massage therapist for a one hour massage. You tell the therapist, “If I like the massage, then I will pay you.” Well, she is going to tell you that it doesn’t work like that because she provides a service when a fee is agreed upon up-front. It would damage her business to be giving massages out for free.
