Reading time: 1 – 2 minutes

So here’s the deal: I’m going to SXSW this year and hopefully giving a talk with my friend @unruthless. She’s the genius developer/designer and I’m the awesome designer/developer and we will hopefully be giving a talk titled: “Connecting Concept to Code: Tips for Designer/Developers”. We will be exploring the why’s of design and connecting them with the how’s of code. We’ll cover all the fun stuff like web typography, colors on screen, webpage visual hierarchy, grid systems, and making the logo bigger (it’s Texas right?). Read more about our panel over at the SXSW Panel Picker site and consider giving us a vote if the topic peaks your interest!

Thanks!

Reading time: < 1 minute

In this quick tip I’ll show you how to add some subtle texture to make your designs a bit more realistic and earthy.

Reading time: 2 – 2 minutes

This past week I had a chance to speak at the Front-End Design Conference down in steamy St. Petersburg Florida. I had a great weekend that included meeting tons of awesome people, lots of tasty drinks, salsa dancing and plenty of air-conditioning.

My talk was titled “Design is in the Details” and it went pretty well even though I was nervous. I made sure to include lots of good design guidelines in my talk as well as jokes and lots of plaid references. You can take a look at my slides below. Not sure if anyone got a video or audio recording of the talk.

Also just wanted to say a quick thanks to everyone that helped put the conference together, the speakers and all the attendees! You guys are AWESOME!

Reading time: 1 – 2 minutes

I feel pretty comfortable talking about design in most situations. I love critiquing and offering design help, writing blog posts and sharing my design knowledge. One thing I’ve never done is speak in front of a group of people. Blah blah blah everyone has a fear of public speaking blah blah blah, myself included. But this time I’m doing something about it and kicking that fear to the curb.

I’ll be speaking at the Front-End Design conference on July 23rd in St. Petersburg Florida. If you are in the area take the day off and come on out! If not stay tuned – I’m sure there will be a video of me rambling about design and plaid after its all over. If all goes well I’ll (hopefully) have another talk lined up down the road with my super awesome developer friend @unruthless at this small little gathering in Texas. *crosses fingers*

So I just wanted to challenge you guys to grow a pair and do what scares you. This is the only thing that will push you to grow.

Reading time: < 1 minute

I’m sure we have all had experiences with P.I.T.A. clients before. These types of clients require lots of meetings, phone calls, emails, special attention and hand holding. If you aren’t prepared for the time commitment, these clients can blow through the alloted hours in a design budget faster than I can down a Red Bull. I’ve had some interesting experiences with these types of clients and have some tips and suggestions that will make the client designer relationship much smoother.

Read More »

Reading time: 1 – 2 minutes

I recently participated in Meredith Marsh’s Business card exchange and received a CRAPTON (yes thats a scientific value) of cards. I’ve picked out the cards that caught my attention and talk about the design traits that make them stand out from the crowd.

How Does Your Business Card Measure Up?

What did you do to make your business card stand out and have some impact? Post a link to your design and let me know what you did and why you did it.