As graphic designers, we are constantly looking to learn and refine our skill sets. The wealth of inspiration and knowledge that can be found in a good book is usually incomparable to the readily available content on the internet. Whether you are an established design professional or a beginner who is looking to learn new skills, we recommend this list of 12 inspiring graphic design books to fuel that creative spark.
Articles
The Nuances of Typography: Ligatures, Diphthongs, Swash Characters & Variables Fonts
Typefaces are designed keeping the tiniest details in mind. It is also the emotive quality of these individualistic typefaces that help us express and communicate ideas with clarity. Our fascination with letterforms and typography and using it as a tool for expression has evolved with time. So has the typefaces and how we use them today. Here are some examples of typographic elements and nuances that are quite often overlooked by designers but their relevance and importance haven’t changed.
10 Commandments for WordPress Blogging Beginners
If you’re wondering how to start a blog, look no further than the most popular publishing platform on the market, WordPress. With more market share than all other content management systems combined, there is no question which CMS is best for bloggers both new and seasoned. The reason why 27% of the internet is powered by WordPress, is because it has the simplicity to support blogging for beginners and the capacity to run massive corporate sites.
Shopify vs. Bigcommerce: Detailed Comparison
Do you want to launch an online shop and don’t know where to start? If your budget is on the minimum and you don’t want to spend a lot on hiring a web designer to create your website, e-commerce platforms like Bigcommerce and Shopify may be the best solution for you.
The Evolution of Website Web Design Trends from the 90s to Now
Just like us, the Internet has gone through some phases as its grown up. From its very basic and primitive beginnings in the mid 90s, to its rebellious phase in the 2000’s and its precocious phase in 2010 to its much more stable and appropriate self today, we’re able to reflect upon how technology has enabled websites to be customized to suit any need and aesthetic.
What Will Be the Next Big Thing in App Design for 2019?
Reflect upon the growth of mobile device use over the last ten years. In 2008, iPhones were merely a year old and releasing their iPhone 3G. Facebook had just experienced it’s initial boost in usership (100 million users). Snapchat, Instagram and Pinterest had yet to be conceived.
9 Low-Cost Ideas to Inspire Your Ecommerce Site
Everyone needs a fresh start now and then. Even your eCommerce site, no matter how convenient and functional, could probably use a little revitalizing. Whether it’s applying a fresh coat of virtual paint, or expanding functionality for your customers’ convenience, here are a few ideas for sprucing up your eCommerce site without springing for a complete redesign.
Prototyping Tools All Designers Must Try
Good communications and sharing of information are essential in all spheres. Communication can determine the success of any software design and development activity. This, of course, includes web and app design and development.
Prototyping offers one of the best means of communication these days. Prototyping tools are popular among project team members and other project stakeholders. Yet, it still takes quality prototyping tools to help create prototypes that can get the job done.
Prototypes and wireframes demonstrate how software products are supposed to function. Wireframes focus on a software system’s functionality and interactivity.
Using Pre-built Websites to Get Stunning Designs with Limited Resources
You know the drill. You’ve got a deadline looming just around the corner, or you’re running out of the budget. The solution? You’ve got to work that much harder to finish the project before the allotted time or money runs out.
You’ll succeed as always, but sometimes at a cost. The end product might be not quite what you envisioned. Or, you’ve had to compromise on the visual appeal of your website or its functionality. While your client may be satisfied with the outcome, he or she isn’t exactly thrilled.
Magic wands are hard to come by. You don’t particularly want to sell your soul to the devil to avoid these situations.
Fortunately, there’s a solution that’s so simple it’s almost laughable. That solution involves pre-built websites that come pre-packed with excellent UX. They also follow recent design trends and adhere to specific industry standards.
Interested? Read on.
10 Home Page Designs That Pull Clients In
We’ve learned that the first things that a potential client sees when viewing your company or business, is the logo. But what happens when the logo works, and they feel compelled to visit your website in order to learn more about you and your company? The first and foremost important is your web design, but the homepage of your website is what they see first, and whether they decide to navigate and spend any time learning about you is based on how much they like the home page design, and how user-friendly it is. Today, we will discover 10 home page designs that pull clients in.
