Articles Tagged 'tips'
Pros And Cons Of Using Frameworks
Ruben D'OliveiraSometimes you should ask yourself, why you need to do the same thing everyday when there's a new bridge to shorten the path. Think of a framework as a bridge that will help you code faster and easier. Did you notice I didn't include the word "better" in the last sentence? Faster and easier doesn't always mean better, but we will get to that later. First things first, so what is a framework really? It actually depends on the context it is used. It can be defined as an abstraction tool that makes it easier to develop applications and reuse code. "The framework aims to alleviate the overhead associated with common activities performed in Web development... and they often promote code reuse." Like everything else, when it comes to its use, a framework has advantages and downsides. Below is a list of some important facts you should consider, before you decide to start learning or using one.
Make Yourself Irreplaceable with a Limited Skillset
Kendra GainesNot all of us designers are a Jack-(or Jill)-of-all-trades. Some of us have that one thing we are really good at and we are okay at other things. We might be great web designers, but our coding skills are just sub par. In the design business, we can get discouraged easily, because clients and companies look for people who are well versed in their skill set. Also, job titles are becoming more and more comprehensive, but don't fear. If you don't have it all, there are some steps you can take to make yourself irreplaceable.
20 Reasons Why Your Website Design Sucks Part 1
We all have or have heard about those clients from hell, those that really love pink pages with red text. Even worse, what about those people who call themselves "web designers" with expensive prices and services listed on their really messy, horrible and amateur portfolios, just because they made their uncle's business page and they liked it. Unfortunately, many people believe that web design is all about personal style and smart IDE's with pre-built buttons. Let me tell you something - they are wrong. I love to play football, but that doesn't make me a professional player, and Dreamweaver does not make you a professional web developer. Web Design and development demands knowledge, practice, daily effort to learn and study, and passion, like professional football players. (Design conventions: Necessary guidelines in order to improve a specific design.) No matter how good or bad personal style is, the truth is that everyone has one. However, when design conventions are left out of a project, the result will be a bad or uninteresting design. That is exactly what happens with those terrible clients, when they try to implement their personal style without knowing anything about design conventions.
7 Ways to Create Your Own Unique Style in Design
Let's be honest: the big secret to becoming a well-known and super successful designer is to have your own unique style. Sure you'll bag some clients by perusing tutorial sites, but when you really develop your own style, that's when you'll own the world! For some, this is fairly easy, but for some this is a tough task. Well 1WD has compiled a list for you so you can get started on creating your own unique style.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Publishing
Rean John UeharaWith the use of the Internet, self-publishing has become easier. This article is for writers, illustrators, and almost anyone who dreams of publishing their work. This is a product of my research and understanding of things about self-publishing. I do not have any published material out there that you can buy, at least not yet. So you see, this topic is really of great interest to me, and I hope you share the same sentiments. If the thought of self-publishing is new to you, I am hoping that by the end of this article you will want to explore this topic more. Throughout the article, you will read “books and magazines,” but don't let that put you off if you're a musician or an illustrator since the same points apply to every creative.
What You Need to Know About Usability
Having good structure and navigation with poor layout does not provide a bright future for your website or application. However, having good layout design with poor structure and navigation does not provide a future at all. Aesthetics is an important factor, but keep in mind that usability must be number one on your list. When I started designing websites and interfaces, my main, and probably only, concern was to make something beautiful that would catch the user's attention - I had no idea about how wrong I was. If the user does not know where to go or how to proceed, he will close the page within 5 to 10 seconds.
How to Take a Sick Leave as a Freelancer
Samar OwaisI’m going to let you in on a little secret which will shock, dismay and maybe even anger you. You’re not invincible. Some day or other you’re going to get sick and will be unable to meet a deadline. When that happens, the world won’t fall apart and neither will your or your client’s business. No matter how much you believe it would. I can see from your expressions that you’re stupified. Horrified. Even terrified. So was I the first time I realized that. I was ill and wasn’t going to be able to meet deadlines and *gasp* the freelancing world as I knew it didn’t end! My clients all understood, my reputation remained intact and my business didn’t suffer at all! The thing with a freelance business is that there isn't any paid leave. There are also no sick days and no vacation time. Many freelancers end up panicking when they fall ill. Who is going to complete the project? I can barely stand on my feet, how will I meet the deadline? Unfortunately, cold and flu don’t give a warning before attacking. You may wake up feeling fine in the morning but by the afternoon, your throat would be aching so much you can hardly swallow and your eyes would be burning. And as much as you want to continue working, you simply can’t. To avoid the panic, you need to have a backup plan. A system you can put into place soon as you feel the first sniffles. Schedule your work around the possibility that you may fall ill.
Which Niche Should You Focus On in Design School?
StephanieFor those of you who aren’t self-taught designers and prefer the rigors of a solid education to jumpstart your career, there are a number of great schools worldwide to receive a thorough education in the design industry. When investing your time and money it’s best to assess each school programs and discover just what area of design interests you the most. The design world is ever changing and a ‘Graphic Design’ major definitely has its usefulness in the business world, but there are a number of other concentrations within the design world that may spark your interest. In this article I will present some up and coming design concentrations that may have you thinking more clearly on what area you would like to focus on in design school.
Whether you're just starting out and wish to pursue your Bachelors or looking to explore the possibilities of an MFA, there are very notable design schools based in the U.S. – each offering their own unique perspective, content, and approach in their programs. One thing they all have in common is they all offer a valuable experience that impacts professional lives and the society we live in.
Using Social Media To Establish Your Brand Online
Everyone has a brand, including you. You’re a freelancer, that right there is the start of your brand. If you are involved in social media at any level, whether personal or professional, you have a brand. Think about it, every time you interact with someone or say something in public, you’re establishing your brand. Did you help someone out? You just established yourself as a helpful person and that adds to your brand. Do you complain a lot? You’ll become known as a whiner. Are you the go to guy in your field of work? That’ll add to your brand too.
Pricing Tables – Best Practices, Tips and Inspiration
Daniels MekšsPricing tables have become an essential element of every online business website. While it can hike up your business if done neatly, it can also be the tombstone of your online business. A pricing table's task is to help users choose the best pricing plan for them based on their needs. But we often find the tables dazzling and hard to understand. Designing an efficient pricing table requires a subtle yet solid mix of design and usability. In this post I'm going to share some tips on creating stunning pricing tables, discuss some of the best practices and present a list of some of the most successful pricing tables out there.
