Source: Anatomy of a Winning Email Design by Campaign Monitor
Designer’s block: Five ways I jumpstart creativity
There are an uncountable number of posts written on the subject of how to break designer’s block. Many say the same thing: relax, go outside, go somewhere creative. And some of these work well for others. I have found more specific ways that tend to work for me. Not to say the others don’t work, but I have found it very useful to compartmentalize my work into spaces, physical and mental. I have a space I design in, a space to learn, and a space to play. Mixing them up too much can create the same problem as having a TV in the bedroom: it’s the activity you associate to the device that puts you in certain spaces, again physically and mentally. [Read more…]
Which way should the paper’s watermark face?
First, what is a watermark? A watermark is a branding embedded in the paper stock. When you hold some paper up to the light, you can see noticeable brand or logo or wordmark that is brighter than the rest of the paper. This is because that particular part of the paper is thinner than the rest of the paper, allowing the light to pass through more easily. The process is usually created when the paper is made (while it is still wet, usually) and the final result can best be seen by holding the paper up to a light. [Read more…]
Derby of San Francisco: Unboxing a Beautiful Package Design
I just received my jacket from Derby of San Francisco. I’ve needed a good jacket for awhile now, and have been waiting for its arrival after we got a ‘VIP discount’ offer, and then had to wait for hours while the website crashed under all the pressure of the launch. Supposedly they sent out 500 discount coupons to get the jacket before it went public, and on the day of the sale they posted on Facebook: “Website crashed…. Over 5500 people clicked ‘Add To Cart’ and it CRASHED!!!” I usually leave quick-style when a website is unresponsive, but the discount and pre-public offering was worth me checking back in every few minutes. (500…5500…how many coupon codes did they give out?) [Read more…]
How college and university ‘web design’ degrees are failing our students
To help prepare web design students for real world web design, Colleges and Universities today must offer courses focusing on User Experience and User Interface design. You can have a complete, functional and informative website without Flash, video, and even jQuery, but you cannot do without solid, logical user experience and user interface implemented. [Read more…]
A personalized, and thoughtful tasting experience.
My sister and I were invited to a personalized tasting at a prospective caterer’s house in Mill Valley. My cousin and his fiance were researching caterers for their wedding. I knew that I had signed up for one good meal, but I had no idea what an amazing thoughtful experience this was going to be.
Chef Jacqueline has a passion for food, and the art of “a meal” that is immediately apparent. She is extremely calm and knowledgeable–treating each ingredient as a precious gift; each plate emerging on the spot as a work of art. The plate shown above is: porcini rubbed filet mignon with black olive tapenade, watercress, baby carrots, polenta cakes, and haricot verts and saffron onions–a culinary masterpiece, and a multi-layered flavorful experience.
This plate actually is missing the watercress (it was of course still delicious without it). When I asked Chef Jacqueline about it, she said that she grabbed the wilted greens because it fit. You really get the sense that there is nothing about food that this woman does not know.
Each bite–from the appetizers, the bread, the salad, and entrees–provided a true moment of enjoyment, and inspired conversation. I also got to thinking about the importance and art of building relationships as an important element of making the sale. We were only potential clients, and Chef Jaqueline opened up her home to four of us, let us get to know her in her own personal environment; she gave us her time: spending three hours with us, and all day cooking; she shared her wine and food–after all that, we were certainly sold.
If you are ever in search for a caterer in the San Francisco area, I recommend that you give Chef Jacqueline a call.