This is my first post in blogger since I launched my WordPress site. Over the weekend I helped a friend get his own WordPress site live; his is still incomplete, but that's neither here nor there. Suffice it to say that through helping him with this project I have encounters a new challenge to overcome.
My friend, Jason of jasonelliottoriginals.com, had primarily been using tumblr to blog and wanted to integrate the two blogs. I did my research and discovered that WordPress does indeed support a feature that allows you to import content from other blogging portals.
Now, a little background on my bud - Jason is a project manager and game art 3d artist. His tumblr account favored the latter of these, so he has been using it primarily to show the progression of the development of 3d models works on. The challenge comes in the form of the importing feature not handling the information and presenting it truthfully.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Overhaul Time
I don't usually go through my previous posts and read what I've posted in the past, so I could very well be writing something I've already written. And to that I say: "So what?" Because, let's be real, I'm kind of selfish and I'm just going to do whatever I want, right? Right. Ok then. So with that said. Let us allow the particular post to get underway.
Simply put; it's time to overhaul my site. The operative question will be whether or not I intend to keep the current aesthetic intact or if I want to do something completely different. Before I argue the merits of either choice with myself I will elaborate as to what I mean by "Overhaul."
I just started a new job with Online Image in Murray, UT and I'm there as a web designer. Granted I have traditionally been a front end designer, the modern web design industry doesn't really differentiate from front and back end anymore.
My current website was built from nothing. It functions well enough and I'm happy with the end result, but there is one significant drawback to it. Any changes to it require "hard-coding." If I had developed this site for an end user that had absolutely no web design experience they would be forced to return to me to make updates. That's not entirely a bad thing. I can make money as a webmaster, being the administrator for clients. The only problem with this is that often times I am condemned to what I like to refer to as development hell. A realm in which a designer or developer waits patiently for his/her client to provide much needed information, content, or assets in order for a project to progress. And when one's life is directly tied to the completion, and collection of fees, for said project, development hell can cause some serious problems.
My solution for this is to offer someone a website with a built in CMS. I plan on working with WordPress as it is clearly the most popular content management system. So this brings me back to my initial question; keep the current aesthetic intact or go with a new look? As will be my first time creating a WordPress theme I think it would be quite an achievement to keep it looking the same. This would prove I can work within a specific project scope and still get to the end result I want. Unfortunately, this means my site won't really change much, aside from the way it gets updated.
Maybe I can create something that is new but is consistent with the look and feel of the current site.
Anyway, first thing's first. I need to backup the current html. Organize the content and then install WordPress. Oh yeah, this blog will cease to be used. which is quite unfortunate. I wonder if there's a blogger plugin for WordPress. That would save me a lot of time.
Simply put; it's time to overhaul my site. The operative question will be whether or not I intend to keep the current aesthetic intact or if I want to do something completely different. Before I argue the merits of either choice with myself I will elaborate as to what I mean by "Overhaul."
I just started a new job with Online Image in Murray, UT and I'm there as a web designer. Granted I have traditionally been a front end designer, the modern web design industry doesn't really differentiate from front and back end anymore.
My current website was built from nothing. It functions well enough and I'm happy with the end result, but there is one significant drawback to it. Any changes to it require "hard-coding." If I had developed this site for an end user that had absolutely no web design experience they would be forced to return to me to make updates. That's not entirely a bad thing. I can make money as a webmaster, being the administrator for clients. The only problem with this is that often times I am condemned to what I like to refer to as development hell. A realm in which a designer or developer waits patiently for his/her client to provide much needed information, content, or assets in order for a project to progress. And when one's life is directly tied to the completion, and collection of fees, for said project, development hell can cause some serious problems.
My solution for this is to offer someone a website with a built in CMS. I plan on working with WordPress as it is clearly the most popular content management system. So this brings me back to my initial question; keep the current aesthetic intact or go with a new look? As will be my first time creating a WordPress theme I think it would be quite an achievement to keep it looking the same. This would prove I can work within a specific project scope and still get to the end result I want. Unfortunately, this means my site won't really change much, aside from the way it gets updated.
Maybe I can create something that is new but is consistent with the look and feel of the current site.
Anyway, first thing's first. I need to backup the current html. Organize the content and then install WordPress. Oh yeah, this blog will cease to be used. which is quite unfortunate. I wonder if there's a blogger plugin for WordPress. That would save me a lot of time.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Many Changes
It comes as no surprise that many things have happened in my life since the last time I've posted. I'll admit; I am not the most consistent in terms of blogging. If I had a webcam... Yeah... I don't have one. I would Vlog instead. Wait! I have a cell phone! Those have cameras!! Wow... I can't believe this just occurred to me. Ok... So I guess I'll be posting up my first ever Video Blog in the coming days/weeks.
Anyway so here I am, living in the greater Salt Lake City area in Utah. Yeah. I moved and this change came about in the most unexpected of ways, but I'd rather not elaborate on such matters. The important thing is that I have once again found myself in a different scene and, as always, I intend to make the most of it and I've already begun.
Since the move here I've already worked for UPS, then I was offered a better paying position with Guitar Center. The job at GC introduced me to a handful of people that I intend to create lasting friendships with. Most importantly, however, is the fact that I am moving onto yet another job, starting tomorrow. This will the the best paying job I've had in the past five years and it will allow me to make the most use of my skill set.
I will be a Web Designer for the company Online Image. I will be part of the Fulfillment Team and honestly, I'm not too sure exactly what that means. All I know is that I met with the CEO and I really like what they're doing there and I love the fact that I will be able to put my design skills into full practice here. Going forward this will only strengthen my design vocabulary and undoubtedly expand my skills with the programmatic side of Web Design.
I also have plans of returning to school in the Fall and going after my Bachelor's Degree (finally). I will be pursuing a degree in Web/Graphic Design. I know this seems redundant, but I want to know everything current with the field in order to further improve my place in this world.
Finally. The book is still a work in progress. I've been spending some time off practicing digital painting techniques, thanks to my library of Gnomon Workshop DVD's. I've also been practicing modeling in 3D with Sketchup. I intend to learn to use higher-end 3D modelling software like 3DS Max or Maya in the near future, but as I need to prioritize my time and money I will need to self teach those subjects. My plan is to compete in another Gnomon Workshop art challenge. I don't have to win, but if I can get in the top 3 then I will win at the very least 5 new DVD's and I can request 3D subjects this time around.
The real challenge is the upfront cost of the software. Both 3DS Max and Maya cost almost $3,700 each, but once I'm enrolled in school I will look into getting the student discounted versions. Once the money is there and I'm earning enough. I will spring for a full commercial license, but before that I need to get my new Wacom Cintiq Companion. It costs $2,700 and will enable me to work on my book from anywhere at anytime. At the very least I'd be able to sketch out my ideas on Painter X and Sketchup and then import those designs into Photoshop on my main rig for final paint over and touch ups.
And that's about it for now. An update from yours truly and my plans going into the rest of 2014.
Anyway so here I am, living in the greater Salt Lake City area in Utah. Yeah. I moved and this change came about in the most unexpected of ways, but I'd rather not elaborate on such matters. The important thing is that I have once again found myself in a different scene and, as always, I intend to make the most of it and I've already begun.
Since the move here I've already worked for UPS, then I was offered a better paying position with Guitar Center. The job at GC introduced me to a handful of people that I intend to create lasting friendships with. Most importantly, however, is the fact that I am moving onto yet another job, starting tomorrow. This will the the best paying job I've had in the past five years and it will allow me to make the most use of my skill set.
I will be a Web Designer for the company Online Image. I will be part of the Fulfillment Team and honestly, I'm not too sure exactly what that means. All I know is that I met with the CEO and I really like what they're doing there and I love the fact that I will be able to put my design skills into full practice here. Going forward this will only strengthen my design vocabulary and undoubtedly expand my skills with the programmatic side of Web Design.
I also have plans of returning to school in the Fall and going after my Bachelor's Degree (finally). I will be pursuing a degree in Web/Graphic Design. I know this seems redundant, but I want to know everything current with the field in order to further improve my place in this world.
Finally. The book is still a work in progress. I've been spending some time off practicing digital painting techniques, thanks to my library of Gnomon Workshop DVD's. I've also been practicing modeling in 3D with Sketchup. I intend to learn to use higher-end 3D modelling software like 3DS Max or Maya in the near future, but as I need to prioritize my time and money I will need to self teach those subjects. My plan is to compete in another Gnomon Workshop art challenge. I don't have to win, but if I can get in the top 3 then I will win at the very least 5 new DVD's and I can request 3D subjects this time around.
The real challenge is the upfront cost of the software. Both 3DS Max and Maya cost almost $3,700 each, but once I'm enrolled in school I will look into getting the student discounted versions. Once the money is there and I'm earning enough. I will spring for a full commercial license, but before that I need to get my new Wacom Cintiq Companion. It costs $2,700 and will enable me to work on my book from anywhere at anytime. At the very least I'd be able to sketch out my ideas on Painter X and Sketchup and then import those designs into Photoshop on my main rig for final paint over and touch ups.
And that's about it for now. An update from yours truly and my plans going into the rest of 2014.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Start of a new online presence
It's time for more web design work and since I don't have a paying client right now I'm going to reinvent my own website. I've been studying reponsive (fluid) design and after spending hours looking at really cool websites I've set my mind on a new direction.
As I'm a visual person I'm still going to make graphic mock ups in Photoshop. Three in total; Each mock up will be set to a predetermined (pixel) width; 960, 768, and 480. These widths will be a milestones, breaking points of sorts. Using CSS media queries I will be able to check for viewport dimensions and display the appropriate layout.
As I'm a visual person I'm still going to make graphic mock ups in Photoshop. Three in total; Each mock up will be set to a predetermined (pixel) width; 960, 768, and 480. These widths will be a milestones, breaking points of sorts. Using CSS media queries I will be able to check for viewport dimensions and display the appropriate layout.
 |
| This is a screenshot of a Google Chrome extension called "Window Resizer" it allows me to view any website at predetermined widths. It's a great tool for getting an idea of what a website might look like in different viewports. As it would be extremely tedious to create a layout for each one. I will only be focusing on three, the true responsive work will come later. Time for the mock ups. |
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
The Web Design Process
It all begins with a needs assessment. Through this discussion, the obstacles and challenges of any design can be understood and systematically addressed. What does the client wish to show the visitor? How is the visitor guided through the information in a logical manner?
I will use my own website, www.psypher101, as the example. And it, like many other web sites, started with the 960 Grid.
The 960 Grid (available at http://960.gs/) is an open source grid system that has effectively streamlined development based on commonly used dimensions. It has been used the world over by many a web designer. It essentially divides the "real estate" of a browser window into 12 or 16 columns or even 24 thinner columns, based on a width of 960 pixels.
When creating a layout I always start from the top down. I create a header that will contain my logo and navigation, a shape to work as a placeholder for what will eventually be the graphic slider, and finally a stylized box for the main content, and an empty footer section that will have a secondary (redundant) navigation and links to social media.
After that I create all of the elements that will fill the containers for the desired layout within Photoshop. I start with the Homepage, keeping all of the elements for the Homepage in a Photoshop group. At this point everything is still only in the design stage, this is not an actual functioning website although it appears to be. I decide to create a small contact form that will persist on the footer of every page, making the footer more functional.
Next is the main content for the About Me page, like the Homepage I keep all the contents in a Photoshop group. And the contents of each column are in aptly named sub-groups for better organization.
The following screenshot shows the Layers Pane in Photoshop, with the about group expanded. Each page is structured in a similar manner within Photoshop.
I then create the layout for the My Skills and Portfolio pages.
After the layout work is finished in Photoshop I start the task of "slicing" all the graphical elements. This process allows me to quickly export the logo, buttons, and any other graphics.
After the slices are created for the Homepage I hide the background layers to allow me to export clean transparent PNG files which I deploy and position correctly using CSS.
Now that all JPEG and PNG files are ready, I begin the process of creating the HTML for the website using the newly created assets. Like any website this starts with simply getting the copy together, not worrying about the layout just yet.
The process of applying the 960 Grid CSS to the completed HTML is simple. Most of the pages I designed use 3 columns for the copy, using the 12 col variant of the 960 Grid, I simply divide 12 by 3 to get 4. Now I know that I need to wrap the content for the 3 columns in the grid_4 div class. I do so and everything fits together perfectly. If something needs to be nudged left or right I either add the push or pull class to the div tag, or I write a unique line in the Grid CSS for more specific manipulation.
The animated elements of the site were implemented using JQuery. I used the Superfish plugin for the navbar; the Fancybox plugin for the portfolio viewere, and a combination of plugins for the Graphic slider at the top of the Homepage.
Finally, cleaning up the URL and separating the Header, Main Content, and Footer sections is handled through PHP. This is done so updates to the Header or Footer will be applied site wide and not require hard-coding of individual pages. This will save time in the long run.
I will use my own website, www.psypher101, as the example. And it, like many other web sites, started with the 960 Grid.
The 960 Grid (available at http://960.gs/) is an open source grid system that has effectively streamlined development based on commonly used dimensions. It has been used the world over by many a web designer. It essentially divides the "real estate" of a browser window into 12 or 16 columns or even 24 thinner columns, based on a width of 960 pixels.
When creating a layout I always start from the top down. I create a header that will contain my logo and navigation, a shape to work as a placeholder for what will eventually be the graphic slider, and finally a stylized box for the main content, and an empty footer section that will have a secondary (redundant) navigation and links to social media.
After that I create all of the elements that will fill the containers for the desired layout within Photoshop. I start with the Homepage, keeping all of the elements for the Homepage in a Photoshop group. At this point everything is still only in the design stage, this is not an actual functioning website although it appears to be. I decide to create a small contact form that will persist on the footer of every page, making the footer more functional.
Next is the main content for the About Me page, like the Homepage I keep all the contents in a Photoshop group. And the contents of each column are in aptly named sub-groups for better organization.
The following screenshot shows the Layers Pane in Photoshop, with the about group expanded. Each page is structured in a similar manner within Photoshop.
I then create the layout for the My Skills and Portfolio pages.
After the layout work is finished in Photoshop I start the task of "slicing" all the graphical elements. This process allows me to quickly export the logo, buttons, and any other graphics.
After the slices are created for the Homepage I hide the background layers to allow me to export clean transparent PNG files which I deploy and position correctly using CSS.
Now that all JPEG and PNG files are ready, I begin the process of creating the HTML for the website using the newly created assets. Like any website this starts with simply getting the copy together, not worrying about the layout just yet.
The process of applying the 960 Grid CSS to the completed HTML is simple. Most of the pages I designed use 3 columns for the copy, using the 12 col variant of the 960 Grid, I simply divide 12 by 3 to get 4. Now I know that I need to wrap the content for the 3 columns in the grid_4 div class. I do so and everything fits together perfectly. If something needs to be nudged left or right I either add the push or pull class to the div tag, or I write a unique line in the Grid CSS for more specific manipulation.
The animated elements of the site were implemented using JQuery. I used the Superfish plugin for the navbar; the Fancybox plugin for the portfolio viewere, and a combination of plugins for the Graphic slider at the top of the Homepage.
Finally, cleaning up the URL and separating the Header, Main Content, and Footer sections is handled through PHP. This is done so updates to the Header or Footer will be applied site wide and not require hard-coding of individual pages. This will save time in the long run.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Mobile App Development
I have been a "designer" for many years. I have designed logos, business cards, posters, brochures, websites, interactive flash movies, characters, creatures, environments. I even "designed" an entire world, when I decided to become an author and write a 120,000 word manuscript.
Now I embark on a new journey where a lot of the landmarks are strangely familiar. I am going to begin to learn to design Mobile Apps. This is something that has always tickled the back of my mind. I know I can do it, because although I am no expert, I do have some experience with programming languages and when you've stared at code long enough it's really just a matter of syntax. Logic is logic, no matter what syntax is painted over the top of it. And logic is really just math and conditional statements.
I will begin by creating a very basic Android App, nothing that I intend to make money with, but as I get further along I will definitely be uploading some of my projects to the Google Play store. The goal here is to have working samples of UI/UX experience.
Now I embark on a new journey where a lot of the landmarks are strangely familiar. I am going to begin to learn to design Mobile Apps. This is something that has always tickled the back of my mind. I know I can do it, because although I am no expert, I do have some experience with programming languages and when you've stared at code long enough it's really just a matter of syntax. Logic is logic, no matter what syntax is painted over the top of it. And logic is really just math and conditional statements.
I will begin by creating a very basic Android App, nothing that I intend to make money with, but as I get further along I will definitely be uploading some of my projects to the Google Play store. The goal here is to have working samples of UI/UX experience.
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