Well, the Olympics are over, but some athletes are already training for the Rio Games. Like this guy:
What’s in a Font?
Last week my wife and I were exploring downtown Hot Springs, AR with my family and we stopped to look into the windows of a local shop. My little sister admired some of the clothes inside, but I quickly (and jokingly) told her she wasn’t allowed to shop there because they used the font “Curlz.” That’s right, with a “z.”
I don’t remember what the store was actually called, but what I read was:
So that made me think about a subject I’ve visited many times before: What do our fonts say about us?
Too many people settle for the preinstalled fonts that come on computers these days. If Arial or Times New Roman represent you perfectly then that’s what you need to do. But most companies are trying to capture the attention of an audience with many options. They need to make an impression and they need to stand out.
The littlest difference in a font can change its perception by a potential client. The addition of a serif can add a sense of tradition and a slant can create a progressive motif. We chose our font, “Bebas,” because it’s modern, simple, and clean. That’s how we want to be viewed by our potential clients.
So, if other fonts could talk, what would they say about you? Here’s a little picture we came up with for fun:
Casual Fridays
We love the Olympics… and Star Wars
Which sport and movie would you mash-up?
Why I love what I do
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.
Casual Fridays
Casual Fridays – SuriTV
These guys always create some funny stuff. Be sure to check out our personal favorite, the iBible.
Living in a Post-PC world
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.
New Friday Tradition – Casual Fridays
Happy Friday everyone!
As our second Friday post, we thought we might take the time to start a Friday tradition on the Illuminate Design Studio Blog. Most days we’ll be talking about the importance of Web development and design, but Fridays are more casual. So without further ado…
Casual Friday:
You’re welcome Lady!
There are 10 types of people…
What’s your favorite color?
It’s a question we often ask during ice-breaker sessions or when we’re trying to get to know someone better. My answer changes sometimes, so I’ll usually say something like, “Today it’s blue.” Your favorite color can say a lot about you, and it helps your listeners to understand more about who you are.
The colors we choose to design Web sites help the world understand more about you, as well. Calm blues can show a down-to-business attitude, while bright orange can convey a sense of athleticism. We picked the blue on our Web site because it appeals to a wide range of viewers, but it’s also bright and makes a bold statement against the clean grey and white of the rest of the site.
Color combinations also say a lot about your company or organization. The logo we designed for Hollison conveys a sense of American nationalism. It not only gives the company an identity, it confirms to the viewer that their work helps secure the nation’s food supply.
So what are your colors saying about you? If your Web site or logo need a color overhaul, feel free to contact us or request a quote.



