It’s no secret that I love what I do.  I was once asked, “If you could do any job in the world what would it be?”  Without thinking I leaned over to Meredith and said, “Web designer.” (I did then say I’d also be an adventurous archeologist like Indiana Jones, but that’s besides the point)

I count myself extremely blessed to have a career that not only provides for my family, it makes me happy doing it and has provided numerous ministry opportunities along the way.  We’ve created Web sites for churches, Christian bloggers, worship leaders, and non-profits with a Christian mission.  It’s a very humbling and encouraging realization that the work we’ve done has made a difference in the world.

That’s what we’ve set out to do from the beginning, though.  Our company name comes from the Latin phrase, “Dominus illuminatio mea,” meaning “the Lord is my light.”  We serve all kinds of companies and organizations, with many different backgrounds, but we approach each project from the same foundation.  We’re not just working for a paycheck.  We’re serving a higher calling, and loving every minute of it.

This career path has also opened other doors in ministry unrelated to the Web.  The opportunity for remote client relationships allowed us to move the company to Colorado and support a new church.  Most jobs wouldn’t provide that amount of flexibility.

The truth is, though, everything we do should have a ministerial approach.  We need to realize that our career is not only overlapped by our ministry, it is completely enveloped.  So, whether we’re working for a church or a corporation, we’re working hard to do everything for the glory of God.  That’s the real secret to making work so fun.

So, what do you do and how do you see your career and ministry overlap?

After years of market research and planning, we’ve decided to switch our focus from developing Web sites and integrated marketing solutions to the exciting world of fashion. Specifically, the fast-paced, fashion industry of hamster hats.

Hamster hats have been an extremely untapped source of revenue for some time now and we’re ready to grab our piece of the pie.  In a world flooded with hamster wheels, balls, and cedar chips, we’re excited to usher in a new age of stylish headgear for the modern rodent aficionado.

Our first line of products will feature such classics as:

The Cuddly Cowboy

The Fuzzy Fedora

And the Fluffy Frenchman

We also plan to launch a line of specialty hats in the near future for true fans and collectors the world over.  So far, we have three in production, which include:

The Cosmonaut (perfect for Russian Dwarfs)

The Pharaoh

And the Duck Dynasty

Of course, all our models are guaranteed to fit all hamster breeds and are made of non-toxic, recycled hamster pellets.  For more information, and to place orders, please visit http://www.illuminatedesignstudio.com/hamsterhats/

If you haven’t heard yet, we’re moving out headquarters out West to Loveland, Colorado.  It’s about 45 minutes north of Denver and provides lots of new Web development opportunities that we’re very excited about.  We’ll be making the trek next week, so please bear with us if our blog doesn’t stay up-to-date for a week or two, but we promise we’ll be back up and running very soon!

The longer I work as a Web developer, the more I realize that I love what I do.  I count this as a huge blessing.  While most people dread their work, or at least consider it menial, I find myself again and again looking forward to upcoming projects.

Growing up, my Dad always encouraged me to find a job that I like so much that I’d do it for free and do it so well that I get paid.  It has been great advice and God has blessed me so much that I have found that job.

The thing I love most about Web development is the ability to think both analytically and artistically.  The constant switch between left and right brain makes my work always interesting and keeps me on my toes.  Every project is a new challenge that requires different skills, and I love that I get the opportunity to grow as a developer and learn at each new turn.

The ever-changing landscape of the Web that demands I constantly learn and adapt is a huge benefit in my career.  I’ve never been the type of person who could work in a repetitive position, using the same skill day in and day out.  This on-going pressure to grow keeps me on my toes and insures that things stay interesting.

Do you love what you do?  If so, we’d love to partner with you.  We’ve found that our best work come from companies with a clear vision and appreciation of what they do.  Leave us a comment and let us know why you love what you.

Today’s internet landscape is rapidly changing. Whether you realize it or not, the world’s dependence on stationary computers is shifting to a more mobile alternative: Post-PC devices like smartphones and tablets.  It makes sense, too.  When you can do as much or more on a device that fits in your pocket and lets you travel anywhere, why would you want to limit yourself to a heavy, stationary computer?

We recently did some data crunching on a client’s Web site and projected that, by the end of this year, 12.9% of all visitors will be on mobile devices, and our other sites are seeing similar trends.  When one out of every ten visitors to your site is on a Post-PC device it creates some very interesting situations.

Most people think of the limitations these mobile devices present on the Web, but the growing number of users is actually a very good thing.  The typical complaints of small screens, short battery life, and missing Flash integration are overshadowed by all the benefits that arise from these portable devices.

The typical desktop computer lasts more than four years, but mobile devices like phones are usually upgraded every two years.  This means that technology stays up-to-date and the oldest devices are typically only two years old.  The modern technology found on these Post-PC devices provides lots of capabilities that escape many standard PC browsers.

It also lets you meet your users wherever they are.  74% of smartphone users have made a purchase from their phone and a clumsy Web presence might make the difference between a sale or a pass.  Mobile Web sites help you seal the deal by providing intuitive interfaces that lead clients to taking action immediately.

Then there’s the customization for mobile devices.  Mobile Web sites let you capture a whole new audience and tailor the experience to their smaller platform.  Creative layouts, large buttons for touch screens, geo-location services, and rearranged content are all possible features for a stand-alone mobile site that help users on-the-go find the content they need quickly and efficiently.

The custom interface for Post-PC devices also says a lot about your company or organization.  It shows the world that you put your users’ experiences first and that you’re doing your best to utilize emerging technology.  This improves your reputation and converts leads into results.

If you want to see how we’ve made a difference in the Post-PC realm, check out our Web site or www.kwc.edu on a smartphone or tablet.  Then, when you’re ready, contact us to request a quote and see how we can create a custom Web presence that connects you to Post-PC users everywhere.