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Website Design And The Photo Dilemma

As principal of Bay Area Graphics & Marketing a small website design firm in the Tampa Bay area, I am always thinking of time saving and money saving strategies to help business owners get the best bang for their buck. When it comes to building affordable, custom websites, I think it’s fair to say that there are far too many website designers who are using “templates” forgetting one of the most important factors of business…”Your brand”. Additionally, some firms are pricing basic website design in-line with brain surgery. Now to be fair, it’s true that most people who hire a designer don’t fully appreciate the time that can be involved once the project gets off the ground. Initially, it all seems so effortless and most of the time it is but often it’s the smallest tasks that eat away at the clock.

Let’s talk photos, images and logos for your website which is one common frustration that many in my industry can agree upon— The “photo” dilemma. It’s an issue that keeps some up at night staring at countless numbers of clip art catalogues.

Many of my website design customers come to the table with no copy and no artwork. As a published freelance writer, providing the copy is a breeze. I can muster up blocks of meaningful text worth publishing on just about any subject. Someone once told me that if I wrote about Grandma’s horrid liver and onions it would most likely sound delicious! Finding an enticing photograph that agrees with her website layout, one with proper resolution for the web and agreeable colors to match her theme– is an altogether different story. Rest assured– if it’s out there, I’ll find it. This brings me to my point—

The most time consuming task of my job as a website designer is that of the “photo” search. I am a bit of a perfectionist and lean towards obsessive compulsiveness when it comes to my work. Locating the perfect “visual” for clients’ websites causes me to analyze the art options to death. I spend an enormous amount of time on this one task alone. Choosing the photo, designing the logo, tweaking, optimizing, polishing and so on and so forth—has kept me up for days at a time. Maybe it’s due to my marketing background and the realization that consumers are visually motivated. But if they can be motivated, then they can also be un-motivated and that is always my concern. What’s the big deal?

The photographs, artwork, clipart or logos on a client’s website must be the right dimension, crisp, attractive and it must naturally flow with the client’s website content. Most importantly, the visuals should portray the company’s message and reek of branding and integrity. “That’s far out there!” you say? Well, yes…yes, it is. But, it’s only far out there if you’re not a website designer with an eye for art and a background in marketing. Let the pictures tell the story, still stands true in many cases. Often times the greater challenge of website development is rendering artwork that has been provided, suitable for the web . Often it’s tough to explain why the particular clip art that my client is in love with, won’t work for one reason or the other. It’s heartbreaking when I have to tell them…it can’t be done and a suitable replacement cannot be found.

I think many conscientious designers feel much like I do when it comes to the quality of photos or logos on a website– Especially if they truly care about their client’s final product and bottom line. Website design, although a career for some for others it is a heartfelt labor of love. A website has to “look” awesome. They don’t call it “site” design for no reason, right? Compliance to all of the ever changing rules of web design is a must but– it can often take from the overall appearance of a website design and structure. Often, the addition of quality graphics to the site is the cure to boring CSS compliant sites. (No offense to the CSS gurus!) But– true quality isn’t just a photo that you think will look great for your product or service. It has to be right for the web and in-line with the overall design. My client’s who do come with photos in hand just aren’t aware of the differences between print or web graphics and may have no knowledge of either. Here are a few quick tips–

Save your photographic images as JPEGs and your graphical images as GIFs using 256 colors, or less. Save images as PNGs only if you are sure your viewers will be using a newer browser as not all browsers support this format. Try saving in different formats and sizes so you can first see the difference. It saves your website designer time– saving you money. Set the resolution at 72 DPI as monitors can’t project anything higher and higher resolutions will result in slower download time. If the image is compressed for faster download time, remember that JPGs will lose some quality when compressed, where GIFs do not. When you choose clipart, be sure to opt for scalable art. This means it can be scaled up or down to some degree without losing clarity.

Be sure to know what your website’s color schemes will be prior to choosing your artwork preferences, or vice- versa. Often clients will want a certain color scheme but they’ll provide photos with too many contrasting colors in opposite tones. Like I said, not everyone who wants a website will need to know these things but for those who intend on being proactive about their website design, then these are just a few tips that will help your website designer and may help you save some money in the end!

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to let us know.

Lori Ann Fiore is owner of Bay Area Graphics & Marketing located in Lutz, just outside of Tampa, Florida. Since 2001 Lori’s articles have been published on both the web and in print in various local publications including The Island Reporter and The Tampa Bay Women’s Newspapers. Lori provided graphic design and layout services to the Island Reporter and enjoyed recruiting and managing all contributing writers, edited all content, and designed advertisements for this monthly publication. She also maintained the accompanying website for the on-line version of the paper. Some of her articles can and samples of her layout work be found on her company’s website, http://www.websitestampabay.com

“By far the opportunity to serve as writer, editor graphic designer and web designer for a newspaper of this caliber required much time and dedication. It was a dream fulfilled.”

Website Templates - The Advantages

Website templates present a quick and simple way to set up your own website. If you are involved in internet marketing in any form, you will find it much easier with your own website. Sure, many people have been successful without them, or got by with the free sites offered by the particular program they are using, but nothing beats your own site.

Although the content of each of your web pages is relatively easy to find, or to write yourself, it is the look and feel of the site that gives your visitors their first impression of your site, and we all know what they say about first impressions.

Basically, website templates are ready-made website designs that you can load into your web space and immediately start filling with content. Templates give a regular look to your website, with each page based on the same design. This gives it a professional appearance, and your visitors will have more confidence in your ability to deliver.

Many templates are beautifully designed, and offer you or any other online entrepreneur the most convenient and quickest way to build your own website from scratch without having to pay for your own designer. Because they are almost always of the highest quality, you will be acquiring the professionalism that you need to give your business a boost without having to pay hefty web designer prices.

Templates are very easy to use. Every time you use a word processor you are using a template: your active page is a template - every page looks the same except for the content it contains. When it is claimed to be the easiest thing that you can use in creating your own website, it is a totally justifiable claim. A template is really very simple to use. If you have chosen the template that you want from those that are available, you can the easily set up the high quality website that will help to keep your business running smoothly and successfully.

Once you have a template of a website that suits your needs and preferences, all you have to do is replace all the content in them with that of your own, leaving the design just the way it is. If you have the know-how, you can even modify it a bit to make it completely unique and distinctive compared to the original template that you chose.

As you get more involved in internet marketing you will understand the importance of having a unique design with unique content, and there are many graphics programs around that can help you to alter your template graphics and text. Some of these are even free, being what is termed ‘open source’ software.

Because this design template assists you in setting up your website faster, another advantage that you can get out of it is being able to throw up a good website in very little time. Once your site is active you will be able to focus on the other things needed for your business, such as attracting traffic and finding the tools needed to make life easier for you.

Compared to designing your own website, making use of a design template is also more advantageous because it is handed to you clean and bug free. This way, you will be having a website that has been cleared of all the usual problems that people come across when they have designed their own website from scratch. The Internet marketing end of your business will be guaranteed to run smoothly if you use a template.

There is another advantage to using a website template for your web design. You will frequently be able to get regular updates to keep up with all the others on the web. Once you have found out what developments and updates are needed to keep your site fresh and modern, the template will make it simple to integrate the changes throughout your website without having to make changes to the layout.

Such templates certainly cut the cost of designing a website, since web design firms can be very costly, even for a relatively simple site. If you have ever tried designing one from scratch, then you will know that it is not an easy task, and can take a long time, especially when these bugs start popping up all over the place. A template avoids that, and renders what could be a complex and costly task into something easy and inexpensive, while allowing you to make changes to suit your own particular needs.

So, if you want to create your own website to market the services or the products that your business is offering, try the most hassle-free and convenient way to do it. There is no use in going at it the hard or the expensive way if you can have everything handed to you on a silver platter through the use of website templates.

Bina has helped many newbies build their own website. Check out her site for some non techie web design tips and tutorials.

Shock Absorber Bra

For the longest time men have been offered items to help protect themselves when they are playing any sport, but especially high impact sports. Finally, women have the same items being made available to them through the Shock Absorber Bra. The name may be a little off putting, but this bra can come in very handy for women that are taking part in sports that may cause pain or injury to their breasts if they are not careful. This isn’t just your every day, average sports bra, either. The Shock Absorber Bra isn’t just a tight fitting bra to hold your breasts down or in place; it is a functional protective device that is both attractive and comfortable.

The Shock Absorber Bra is available in all of the typical sizes and such so that every woman that chooses to take part in any sport or activity can protect herself. Athletes such as Anna Kournikova swear by the Shock Absorber Bra, and that says something if a woman that has balls flying at her at top speed can vouch for such a bra! The great thing with this bra is that you can choose which shock level is right for you. Because not all high impact sports or activities are the same, neither are the bras that will protect you while you take part in them. The Shock Absorber Bra ranges from 1-4 with 4 being the highest level of protection.

The way these bras work is that they have a double inner layer. Not only do they have a double inner layer that adds more protection, they are made of a breathable mesh that not only supports the breast, but also holds it comfortably close to the body to limit the movement and the chance for injury. Unlike sports bras of the past, the Shock Absorber bra isn’t something that women will have to squeeze themselves into and out of, because this is a comfortable level of closeness to the body, so that you don’t feel as though your breasts are being squished off your body! Not only is the level of firmness and closeness better, the design of the bra is better as well. Instead of having to slip these extreme sports bras over your head and then over your chest, these bras fasten in the back like your typical bra. The hooks have extra padding so that they do not dig into the skin, and there are three hooks so that even the most vigorous activity will not unlatch your bra and leave you exposed to embarrassment or pain.

What is even better about the Shock Absorber bra is that it is not all that expensive. We all know how expensive bras can be, but the Shock Absorber bra won’t drain your bank account. They are also available in several different styles from strapless, racer back, your typical bra design, and your typical sports bra design. In addition to design choices you will also have your choice between white, beige, and black for colors so that you can look great, feel great, and play hard no matter what your choice of sport is.

If you can’t find the Shock Absorber in your typical bra supplier shop, you should look in your local sporting goods stores. Because this is a bra that is meant specifically for sports, you’ll probably have the most luck finding it there. If you want to shop from home, you will have no problem finding every variety of Shock Absorber bra that you could ever want from the Internet. While you may be skeptical, this sports bra is definitely worth its price tag!

Clark Hunter Shock Absorber Bra

Dressing For The Season

Parties, balls, open houses and more…tis the season for dressing up!

So, how do you know what fits for each engagement? Here are a few tips that will help give you the WOW! (what o’woman) factor - no matter where you go.

1. Do your homework. Find out what the hostess, chairperson, etc. will be wearing - and what the appropriate attire is.

2. Be a study in practicality. If you are going to have to walk quite a distance or you are likely to be in inclement weather for any period of time you need to adjust your attire. You do not need to under-dress just to be practical. Use your imagination and creativity and dress great despite the conditions. Of course, if your event is black-tie, you will need to carry those great sandal heels and gown in a bag to don in the sitting area of the ladies room once you have arrived.

3. Study the colors of the season. Black, red, gold and silver are always stylish choices. But, this season also try a rich chocolate brown, royal purple or deep teal.

4. Wear fabrics that are suitable. Balls call for filmy, lightweight fabrics or clingy velvets; whereas open houses and home parties need clothing made of more substantial fabric.

5. Watch the “glitz”. Clothing that grabs attention whether you are in it or not is certainly not a good choice. Be cautious when choosing shiny, glitzy, sequined pieces. They should not shine and reflect parts of your figure you would rather leave in the background.

6. When in doubt - go “casual dressy”. That means no tattered or faded jeans, t-shirts or clunky footwear. Great fitting designer jeans, sleek pencil legged or palazzo slacks paired with great sweaters (clingy or roomy), a stylish pair of boots or kitten slip-ons and fabulous accessories will always fit the bill.

Have a great time! And remember you WILL make an impression. So, make sure it a GREAT ONE!

Carin Hansen was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40. After a long battle she emerged victorious and began a one-on-one wardrobe and beauty consulting business for other women journeying through cancer. She has been a model, actress, talent agency owner, benefit founder, certified acting/modeling instructor, writer, speaker and passionate cancer advocate. It is important to remember that Carin is not a physician and does not subscribe to or recommend any particular medical procedure or alternative treatment. She strongly urges you to consult with your Primary Physician, Oncologist and/or Surgeon before implementing any of her curriculum. Please visit http://www.bridges2beauty.net for information and products related to beauty and cancer along with self-esteem building. Subscribe to one or both of her free monthly newsletters. We also invite you to visit her blog at http://bridges2beauty.wordpress.com You may also want to purchase her e-book Beauty During the Cancer Journey. Just go to http://www.bridges2beauty.net/e_books.html

What Economic Downturn? - Haute Couture Flourishes

We all know that the lifestyles of the rich and super-rich differ markedly from those of the average citizen. Nowhere is this better pointed out than in the world of ultra high-end fashion, otherwise known as haute couture.

While the general populace tries to figure ways to save money so that the family car can be filled up with nearly $100 worth of gasoline, the super rich are jetting to private showings and fittings in various countries or having their own private sales consultants flown in from Paris to assist with six figures worth of couture expenses.

There is little doubt that couture continues to flourish despite the economic hardship elsewhere. Double digit sales growth is showing up across most couture houses and, what’s more, the client base is increasingly expanding towards the east and is coming from among the nouveau riche of the Middle East, Asia and Russia.

What is interesting is that executives of these high-end fashion houses are seeing no reduction of interest from their American clients, despite the economic problems in the United States. It appears that haute couture is the ultimate luxury and makes very important personal statements about the owners of these fashions.

It was not too many years ago that the experts were sounding the death knell for haute couture as a long list of fashion houses discontinued their couture activity. Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, Balmain, Jean-Louis Scherrer and Hanae Mori are all examples of companies that closed their doors to the haute couture line.

Ah, but that was then. Now, sales of those that remained to serve this niche are roaring ahead and these houses are expanding and hiring temporary help to keep up with the demand. All this seems to underscore the belief that at this very high end of the market, clients appear to be impervious to economic downturns.

The clientele for haute couture is very demanding and requires much attention as is evidenced by the fact that couture sales teams are often required to fly halfway across the globe for a single days work. When all the extras are added up it is not at all unusual for a client to be handed a bill in excess of one million dollars for that seasons high end fashions.

The world of haute couture is certainly a different world and if you are to dress the part you must be ready to pay if you want to play. What is surprising is that there is no shortage of players; even in times of economic turmoil.

The Teacher (aka John Pawlak) has been involved in education for over 25 years. He has developed a series of fashion websites which include: Coach handbags and accessories and Vera Bradley handbags and accessories