GRAPHIC DESIGNS

The joy of teaching

2009-07-11T03:25:00.000-07:00

It feels good to see that you have effectively shared your knowledge to other people specially if its someone from your team.

At Orange & Bronze, the Business Development and Creative Group advocate the use of Open-source Content Management Systems (CMS) in developing websites for Clients and internal portals. Some of the CMSs that I have lined up to explore are Drupal, Joomla and Wordpress.

Of all these platforms, I became most comfortable with Joomla, and that's actually the first CMS that I taught to my team mates when they first came to our office.

It's been great to see them absorb what you taught them, and even greater when you see them pass it on to other people. There's something about sharing skills that makes you feel good about it specially when it gets multiplied to others. Sometimes it's not easy to teach something especially when things get a bit technical. It's an effort to actually assist someone to learn a skill, and guide them with all their questions, but it pays off to see them share what they've known from you.

Caffeine on brain power

2009-07-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

Drinking coffee has been part of my routine. I often found myself become very dependent on the power of caffeine to energize my brain and keep it going even after lunch. It has become my fuel, and I can't run my biological systems without first drinking coffee.

I was just thinking about how caffeine fires up mental alertness when I came across this article:

http://www.psych.umn.edu/courses/spring05/dionisiod/psy3061/caffeine.htm

Cockroaches in my dream!

2009-07-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

This post is not related to design, but I'm guessing there is no other place for this story.

I had a dream last night, kind of weird.

In my dream, I went to my bathroom to make wiwi (pee), then I saw cockroaches everywhere. I hate those insects!

Weird thing is, while in my dream, I know that Im in a state of dreaming. I even thought of waking up after peeing so I could write my dream and look for its meaning on the internet.

Normally in our dreams, it's when we've awaken that we realized we had a dream, in my case, its different. I know that Im dreaming! It's as if I'm awake and conscious while I was in my dream.

I searched the net for what does cockroach means. This is what www.dreammoods.com says:

"Cockroach

To see a cockroach in your dream, signifies your need for renewal, rejuvenation and self-cleansing of your psychological, emotional, or spiritual being. You need to reevaluate major aspects of your life."

This has been one of the issues I've been trying to address these past months!

Graphika Manila 09

2009-07-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

This is definitely one of the Graphic Design events that I can't afford to miss!

"Graphika Manila has been instrumental in bringing in some of the industry's most respected professionals to share their experiences in multimedia and design, including top design firms Pixar, tokidoki, MK12, WeWorkForThem, Hue Visualab, The Asylum, TeamManila, Electrolychee, Collision Theory, The Acid House, and Inksurge, and renowned personalities Joshua Davis, Michael Young, Avid Liongoren, Robert Alejandro, Nico Puertollano, Drew Europeo, Steve Tirona, Halil Yildirim and Paul Guadalupe."

-http://www.graphikamanila.com

Featuring presentations by:

Industrial Light and Magic
Stefan Sagmeister
Brand New School
Adobo Magazine
Springboard
EverywhereWeShoot

Some things I don't understand about myself

2009-06-16T01:04:00.001-07:00

There are just times when you cant seem to focus on your task. What's even harder is that you can't find an inspiration and drive to reach the deadline. There are just some things about myself that I don't understand. I can't seem to get it if its just that I cant find an inspiration or if there's really something wrong with my system.

It's frustrating when you know that you have the ability to produce what your work demands but sometimes have no control over how to finally put things together.

I feel that I have these 2 personalities inside me, one who is very capable and one who just lacks confidence, and I don't know how I can choose which personality I can make available in crucial times. There must be some explanations to this. I don't know.

I love minimalist design

2009-05-31T06:45:00.001-07:00

I am obviously a fan of minimalist graphic design. You can see it from the design of this website, in my portfolio, in my blogs, from my favorite brands. Ask my friends about my taste and style, and you'll hear what you expect. I don't like clutter, I don't like layouts that are full of elements all shouting for attention. I love focus in design, and it gives me the freedom to make the core statement in design stand out.

Less is more, and the more you make things simpler, the more challenging it is to communicate the message more effectively. This applies not only to graphic design but also in designing websites where usability is one of the primary considerations in the development process.

People don't like complications and the back buttons and the buttons that close browser windows are very accessible to the users allowing them to just go on to the next search results when they cant seem to find what they're looking for in your website (even if its already in that same page where they left off).

Simple and minimalist designs just make the focus seem more obvious, because there are less distractions. White spaces facilitate the direction to where the eyes should go. There's no doubt that this approach in design has so much influence on the usability and the way design elements relate with each other creating more balance.

More white spaces in graphic design just make me feel that the elements can breathe and the whole visual seems to be free from complications. I get so much inspiration from looking at the Apple website, there's just no doubt how their products, services and of course their website have exemplified simplicity, effectiveness and minimalism. paired with technology I believe they are the benchmark of great visual design, technology, usability and so on.. There're just too many words to associate the brand with.

This post has actually been inspired by this article, and I'd just like to share a good read about minimalist design.

1-day Joomla tutorial for a client

2009-05-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

My latest Joomla Web Design project for a personal client is about to end and as part of the package, I offered them a one-day tutorial on how to use Joomla CMS (Content Management System) to manage the contents of their website. I actually can't think of any CMS to use but Joomla! The client wanted a basic and simple website but something that's extensible enough for future plans like, online forums, news and updates page. And of course, the platform should be something that a non-technical client could easily understand and use.

The client is a company that specializes in creative promotional solutions and corporate giveaways. They manufacture leather goods and other non-woven materials. They actually have a huge collection of items that they have produced in the past, but I suggested that we only pick the best to include in the website. I also suggested that we invest in a little photography to improve the way items are presented.. I actually did the photography.

The admin staff (which was actually a close friend) was actually the one who has to maintain the website. Having no experience in using a CMS, she made it clear that probably the only thing that she's comfortable doing online is sending and receiving emails - and also not to forget, she also uses YM. I briefed her about how she can get to the back-end of the website and gave her an overview of how everything works behind the face of the website . I told her that if you know how to use Yahoo and Gmail, then you can use Joomla! I guess, for someone who is looking at the interface for the first time, it's as if you need to learn how all the buttons work, before you could use it, but I assured her that there are just few that she needs to remember and understand.

She was ecstatic to see how easy it is to actually understand how to control their online articles. But as expected, first timers would really find the Modules, Components and Plugins a bit confusing. I had to draw and illustrate how a given layout is composed of different modules, how Joomla component renders the articles, and why writing articles in Joomla could get a lot easier with Plugins.

She actually enjoyed the session and very excited to have the editing done all by herself. It took us almost half a day to wrap things up. I know there are still things that confuse her. There are really some parts of Joomla that are a little bit complicated. But just as any other tools, you become accustomed to it as you go along and try to learn the interface. I think there's nothing more complicated than to build a static website that has no dynamic functionality, and you need to manually and technically change everything when something needs to be updated.Static websites are out, and dynamic websites where clients will be able to update their own content is definitely what the industry demands.

The trend for companies today has significantly evolved when it comes to building reputation and image for brands and labels. Traditionally, the power of costly advertising and other marketing campaigns dictate how people perceive brands, but now, people are more inclined to going online for some real stories having a more realistic impressions about things around us.

I guess, a corporate website is one ideal place for stories that build reputation, and making a website that is easily maintainable by the client itself has better advantages and also cost effective, because you dont have to hire a web designer everytime you have a new story to tell online.

Ipod Shuffle

2009-05-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

Cant wait to see this cute talking ipod. Its my first time to order online at the Apple store. Really cool!

Form Function & Class Web Design Conference

2009-05-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

It's finally here.

Form Function & Class Web Design Conference is the first and only event in Asia for web designers by web designers. Initiated by the newly-formed Philippine Web Designers Organization, the conference provides a venue for discussion and learning of world-class standards, latest trends, current opportunities and challenges in the web design industry, and other emerging aspects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The event aims to unite over 400 professional and aspiring web designers to actively discuss work-related values and practices, exchange current web standards, compare experiences, and share stories to the next wave of web experts through a lively, interactive exchange of ideas. In the long term, the event aims to uplift the state of Philippines web design.

Programme
8:00am-8:45am - Registration
8:45am-9:00am - Opening Remarks and Introduction to PWDO by Sophia Lucero
9:00am-9:45am - Design 101 by Rico Sta. Cruz
10:00am-10:45am - Interaction Design by Nap Lara
11:00am-11:45am - Web Standards, Accessibility and Usability by Regnard Raquedan
12:00nn-12:45pm - Lunch
12:45pm-1:15pm - Disabled Friendly Awards by Jojo Esposa
1:15pm-2:00pm - Sponsor Talks
2:00pm-2:45pm - Workflow by Marco Palinar
3:00pm-3:45pm - Industry Tips by Gail dela Cruz-Villanueva
4:00pm-4:45pm - State of the Web by Luis Buenaventura II

4:45pm-5:15pm - Panel Q&A

Speakers
Rico Sta. Cruz - Creative Director, U.S. Auto Parts Philippines
Nap Lara - Software Developer, Friendster
Regnard Raquedan - Web & Usability Consultant
Jojo Esposa - Founder, Philippine Web Accessibility Group
Marco Palinar - User Interface/Web Design Consultant
Gail dela Cruz-Villanueva - Creative Director, Sheero Media
Luis Buenaventura II - Co-founder and Social Software Architect, Syndeo Labs Director of Engineering, Exist Global
Raffle
Thanks to the Adobe User Group - Philippines, you will get a chance to take home an original Adobe CS4 Design Standard or Web Standard bundle. In order to be eligible to for the Adobe software giveaway, you must register at Adobe Groups and join the Adobe User Group - Philippines group. Only those who registered and joined the group are eligible for the Adobe software giveaway.

Adobe CS4 rocks!

2009-04-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

I recently installed the latest Design Premium of Creative Suite 4 from Adobe, courtesy of our good office, Orange & Bronze Software Labs. I admit that I had not maximized the full power of CS3 and I had used it only for basic layouts and very simple effects but this CS4 has blown me away.

I have just been using this (Photoshop and Illustrator) for less than a week so I might not share a whole bunch of new features but these points are worthy of attention:

1. Tabbed artworks.

This feature means so much especially when there's more than one opened artwork and you need to juggle between each of them at the same time. Same thing with what browsers did, this minimizes noise and clutter, allowing designers to easily navigate through the illustrations.

2. Multiple Artboards

Multiple artboards scattered everywhere is a thing of the past. In CS4, you can have multiple artworks within 1 file. You can have up to 100 artboards of varying sizes, you can save, export or print artboards independently or together. So cool!

3. Easily select overlapping elements:

One of my nightmares in CS3 is to select an element through overlapping elements. It is likely that you select the topmost element and it has to be locked to get to the next element, or disable the "preview mode" to get to your desired element more precisely. In CS4, I appreciate that its effortless to select an element in preview mode even if its few levels under. The element is highlighted when hovered, making it easier to select.

4. Streamlined Tools Panels

This makes it look more uncluttered even if most tools are visible. They removed the soft corners, I also love the way borders are minimized.

Yet another reason to be productive. Thanks O&B for the CS4! :-)

Yahoo PingBox!

2009-03-26T20:33:00.001-07:00

It's been a very long time since I visited this Blog! Anyway, i got something to share! I was browsing the net for some SEO insights when I got into a site that has a chat feature. It uses a Yahoo PingBox to get prompt inquiries from site visitors.

Interesting and very easy to install and use! Looking forward to more features and enhancement. :-)

Its Flash based so browsers should get the latest version of Flash to make this feature enabled.
I installed it on my sidebar, just below the Ads. Try it! :-)

Here's the link:
http://in.messenger.yahoo.com/pingbox/

Notes on Designing Products Page

2008-01-04T22:56:00.000-08:00

I was reading this article in "www.thedough.co.uk/blog" about Poor Product Description in websites.

The author stated 6 points that a web designer must take into consideration when creating the "products page". these are:

1. Avoiding dependence on pure textual descriptions.

2. Using Lifestyle Imagery.

3. Employing interactive views.

4. Details, details and details

5. Information Hierarchy

6. Making cross and up-sells

Some notes on investing on good imagery.

Often, we forget that there are things that affect the viewing patterns of surfing buyers. The way products are presented takes part in efficiently getting consumer's attention.

When browsing products on a website, we're not there to touch it, to feel it. Investing in a good photography helps the viewers more appreciate what you're trying to sell. Instead of very long text description of what it does, it's more effective to use imagery. One good example of this can be seen in the apple website (www.apple.com). The website shows you very clear images of their products, and what it does.

Often when we sell something, you also sell the lifestyle of having that product. If we're trying to sell an expensive or exclusive product, proper use of imagery would be of great help to imply who we are selling the products for.

As a graphic designer, i tend to be more inclined on aesthetics. Often, our vision tells us lots of things that we encounter. We judge some things by how it looks. Just a glance, we know if we'll like it. Looking at something thats pleasing dictates a different feel.

Goodbye PC, Hello Mac.

2007-12-31T20:48:00.000-08:00

Got my new Macbook after months and months of staring at the apple website. Now its in my hands, its very precious and beautiful. This is the best christmas gift i have ever given to myself.

Now il be more energetic and inspired to do my creative works. Time to be mobile now, the idea of ugly and cluttered cords, big and spacious CPU and monitor is a thing of the past. I will just give my old PC to my nanay who needs a computer at work. One more thing, I think I need a bit of self-branding. I should look credible in designing and making things beautiful. Things that I have would remind people and potential clients about my taste. Time to move on. Good bye PC, hello Mac. Hello new world. :-)

OnB Shirts

2007-11-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

Time to stretch our brand to the world!
We’re literally taking our name to a trip as we put on our symbols.
Even our little office pet “Oyange” feels good to have it.

I miss my 3d jobs

2007-08-21T02:43:00.000-07:00

Its been more than a year since a stopped creating 3D designs for exhibition booths, store designs, and other visual merchandising design works. Im happy with what I do now and I feel empowered by my new skills like web designing, etc., but somehow I miss the things that I was doing in my previous job. I miss 3D max. Few years back I remember the first program that I used to set up every morning - 3D Studio Max . It became part of my routine to experiment with lighting and shapes in a 3 dimensional environment. That was the part that I enjoyed most in a 3D software.

When I was designing exhibition booths clients are ok with plain and simple elements, but it's very important to achieve a balanced and accurate lighting, I believe this helps emphasize the areas and elements that need to get more attention, like the areas for brand name, product displays, etc.

I am so amazed at how light creates texture which brings the logo out and stunnning, like what I did to one of the designs I created for mitsubishi. The booth was so high, it was an advantage for the brand to stand out. Light created enough radiance for the logo in a very simple way.

Aside from directing the viewer to an important area, one of the challenges is develop designs that align with time constrains and budget.. Hmmm i know, most of the time we used only timber constructed modules and steel, We seldom used expensive materials unless that would be provided by the client. But I find it really a pleasure to have had that kind of work even though I have no background in "Interior Design". Maybe one day I will have the chnace to design again, not for a client but for my own set which I could call a home or house...or home..whatever...

My simple thoughts on direct designing.

2007-08-21T01:07:00.000-07:00

When I focus my attention to people, faces seem to set a somewhat spectrum of aura in me. Some have wonderful features, others are quite plain, and sometimes I feel negative looking at them, but often, lots of people look noticeably great! At times, we don’t know why, we just feel it. But putting things into a closer look, there has to be an explanation how and why things do and do not go together. It’s about proportion, bone structures, symmetry, contour, outlines, harmony, contrast, and how you carry it.

I get the same concept when looking at designs and layouts. Elements that we see normally occupy weight in our vision, attract attention depending on their properties- I find it interesting for a design element to put itself on top of your focus even if its placed somewhere at the bottom (this is what they call visual weight).

I already accepted the fact that people treat you based on what you dictate them to, same thing with designs, we look at them based on what they imply. We would never want to express impurity, incompetence and inefficiency when we develop a visual identity for a medical institution. Many creative masters stated that designs should establish credibility. I also learned that designs should express what they stand for (we might not be always present to rationalize verbally), serve a function according to why they are created. I learned that it should clarify a sense of integrity.

There are times when I get overwhelmed with lots of filters and effects that I could use to add spark to my designs, it’s nice to add manipulations in a design that would make people ask “How did you do that?”, but when I look at someone who I cant recognize because of too much make-up, I wonder would I have my concept stand out, or just flaunt with accents that saturate all the details. I have found out in some cases that simplicity and unity are important to be able for an idea to be communicated.