{ Halloween Costume Ideas for Designers }

It's that time of year again when children go door to door begging for teeth rotting goodies. For a kid this is the best day of the year but when your an adult it can become depressing. The pressure to have an amazing costumes can be overwhelming especially if your a designer. People aspect you to have a great and creative costumes. That's were I can come in handy, here are some different ideas for a graphic designer who wants to dress up and celebrate this time of the year.

{1} You could go as the World Wide Web. For this costume all you really need is fishing lure and some kind of Internet content that you can post on the "web" you make out of the lure.

{2} You could go as graphic designer zombie. For this costume all you need is face paint, fake blood, riped hipster clothes, and either a Macbook or a sketch pad. Just make your self look like a zombie and walk around criticizing every piece of design that you see.

{3} Go as a QR code. For this costume all you have to do is create a QR code , print it out and tape it on to a plain white or black t-shirt, bonus if the code actually works with a QR scanner.

{4} You could go as a sponsored post. All you need for this is a square frame and a marker. Just write sponsor post on the bottom of the frame and put on a shirt your already own that has a brand on in. Put the frame around the shirt and start collecting the complements. { Sorry no picture }


{5} You could go as the cover of your favorite magazine, for example Times. All you need for this costume is the red boarder and the Times font. And before you know your on the cover of Times.

                                     

{6} You could go as a Roy Lichtenstein painting. For this painting all you need is face paint and polka dot outfit and a lot of patiences to complete the process.

                           

{7} You could go as a Instagram photo. For this costume all you need to do is print a large outline of the Instragram cut a hole in the middle and walk around showcasing your yourself.

                            

{8} You can go a designers true nightmare which would be Error 404. For this costume all you need is a sharpie and a white t-shirt. All you have to do is write Error 404 and then Costume Not Found underneath it. This is a great last minute costume for all kinds of computer nerds everywhere.

                                        

{9} You can go as a Photoshop file. For this all you need is a light blue placard against a navy background, and if you like you can make the logo tool out of painted wire. This is a perfect costume for the creative and lazy designer.

                                      

{10} And the last costume is to go as an over worked,and tired graphic designer who is trying their best. With all the stress of Halloween its okay to just go as yourself, because being a designer sometimes can be the scares thing you can think of.

                          

                      Happy Halloween !!!

{ Adobe Photoshop Shortcuts }

Around a month ago I posted a couple shortcuts for Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign. So it's about time to post the shortcuts for Adobe Photoshop. Hopeful this can help other Graphic Designers when it comes to memorizing and keeping track of shortcuts.

{ Brand Logos That Have Gone Flat }

In the last year there has been numerous logo changes on some of the worlds must popular logos. It seems that drop shadows, texture ans bevelled edges are out and solid colors are in. The latest trend in graphic and web design is to undo all those fancy Photoshop effects that have been popular for several years. Here are some of the logos that have changed to a much more flat approach.

{1} Salesforce-

Salesforce puts business intelligence in the cloud, and its logo used to be a softly rendered cloud with the company name emphasizing "force" by the strong color of text. The new version relies on the shape of the graphic to relay the cloud idea, using a uniform sans-serif font, except for the italic "f" that effectively highlights the word "force"

{2} MSN

MSN used to reference the four color pane of Window through the wings of an abstracted butterfly. The butter fly has been retained as a symbol of connectivity, but those colorful, overlapping, translucent wings have been clipped in favor of a flat, classy look that fits in with the greater Microsoft re branding project.

{3} About.com 

About.com used to depend on a 3D sphere that served as the "O" in "About", Now the 3D  look is gone, the ball has grown and the color of the logo has been unified. The new version is certainly cleaner and quite reminiscent of the AMC Theatres logo

{4} Fandango 

Fandango implements the suggestion of a ticket stub that also doubles as an "F" for its graphic. The shadowed older version gives way to subtler, flatter representation with its logo redesign. The new version is a welcome refresh. By comparison the old logo seems ugly with far too many outlines and shadows on the "F' and terrible kerning on the word "Fandango"

{5} Peter Piper Pizza

Peter Piper Pizza recently unveiled a possible new future for its brand. They've abandoned the pizza, paper fan banner in favor if a more abstract mark that incorporates both a slice of pizza and a salad bowl. According to WD, the agency behind the new branding. the update is an attempt to connect with Millennial parents. Unfortunately, in doing so they likely lose much of the "fun" factor that will appeal to their real target audience, kids. Thus far many outsider review of the new logo have been negative. The typewriter font especially an area of contention. The current Peter Piper website has maintained the old branding

{6} Olive Garden 

Olive Garden was definitely a brand with an old world aesthetic. It simply doesn't get much more textured and gaudy than their previous logo. The new version is greatly simplified. Though it has been the target of countless design bashing sessions, its certainly more in line with current design trends. The use of the olive shape in the typography , and the wording "Italian Kitchen" seems fresher than "Italian Restaurant"

{7} Netflix 

Netflix had dropped the shadowed lettering from its name, but retained the curve of the lower text line, reminiscent of old theater marquess. It's one of the most subtle, yet trans formative, re-work of any recent change in design, demonstrating how much can be done with minimal changes/

{8} Hershey's

Hershey's is one of the best known brands around, so a logo redesign is a big deal. The updates drops the apostrophe "s" and replaces the photo of a Hershey's kiss with a simplified illustration. The tag line has been updated as well, dropping serifs in favor of a more modern look. It's simple enough rework that likely moves in the right direction, but it instantly got a bad rep on social media due to some childish Photoshop tweaks.

{ Signs Your Dating a Designer }

Dating a designer has a lot of benefits and unfortunately some downfalls. Since Graphic Designers are just like everyone else it can be hard to tell right off the bat, if your new "bae" is one of them. Here are some sure fire signs that your dating a designer.

{1} Every restaurant you go to starts with a loud snark about the menu's typefaces.

{2} They choose their dinner wine by the label design

{3} Date night at home considers of watching Helvetica the Movie on Netflixs

{4} Their furniture looks cool but is super uncomfortable to sit on

{5} It takes months to replace anything you break in their apartment because nothing you can afford look good enough to replace what you broke.

{6} They inflict upon you an awareness of kerning, even when it comes to painted word on the street

{7} They complain about new Adobe Suites the way others would complain about their landlord

{8} Buying gifts for them is stressful. Nothing is cool enough { if your having this problem keep scrolling down I may be able to help you }

{9} If you're buying books for them, you most choose the cover design carefully

{10} You have a hard time finding any book because they're all organized by color

{11} Their fridge is stocked with weird food with great packaging

{12} Your iPad and iPhone apps library consists entirely of sketching apps

{13} You can put up with this because of their weird and thoughtful handcrafted gifts

{14} When you get married, you'll have great looking invitations and programs

{15} Your kids may have weird names, such as Helvietica or Serif

{16} But most of all, dating a designer means being surprised by their creativity and sense of wonder all the time,

{ Typography Tips for Non Designers }

For many non designers it can be hard to know what is right and what is wrong to do when designing with type. Here are some helpful tips on how to use type correctly

• Using a serif font? Combine the serif with a san serif font to create a well designed layout

• Using a sans serif font ? Combine it with a serif font

• Combing similar fonts is never a good ideas, every 

• Stick to two fonts or three if you must but use it sparingly. The more fonts you use the hard it become to read and focus on the design layout

• Contrast is essential to a perfect layout

• Don't mix moods in a design

• Combine fonts of complimentary moods

• Keep things simple, use different weights of fonts in the same font family 

• Combine fonts of similar time era 

And just to make things clear here is a photo that describe the differences between Sans Serif fonts and Serif fonts. Hopefully all this helps and gives you a better understanding of how to use fonts the right way. 

{ Tips to Amp Up Your iPhone Photography Game }

 As a designer I rely heavily on my iPhone both to keep me up to date on news and for taking photographs. So here are some tips on how to take the best iPhone photos.

{1} Wipe off your lens regularly, your lens can get pretty dirty when its in your pocket or bag. The dirt can lead to blurry photos which nobody wants.

{2} Use the iPhone's gird feature to help you compose your shots. To turn on the grid go to your phones setting, select the Photos and Camera and enable the grid feature. Also to make sure you get all that the grid setting has to offer read up on the Rule of Thirds ( to find out more click here) 

{3} Hold down the camera's shutter to take multiple photos in rapid succession. Also called the burst mode, this can help you take great action shots.

{4} Use the rear facing camera instead of the front facing camera whenever you can. The front camera is perfect for taking selfies but should really only be used for that. The rear camera takes photos at a much higher resolution so you get much nicer images.

{5} Turn off the flash before taking photos of your food.

{6} Tap on the screen on the camera viewer to change the focus of the photo. You can tap on the screen to adjust the lighting that would be best for your photography.

{7} Avoid using the camera's zoom tool if possible. You should instead move your body closer to your subject or your can crop the photo after you've taken it.

{8} Use the headphones that came with your iPhone as a remote for taking photos. Plug the headphones in the phone and open the camera app and press the up volume button to snap photos. It's a great tool if you're using a tripod or if you want to take a selfie.

{9} Use a tripod with the aforementioned headphones trick to avoid shaky photos. Here's a link to GripTight GorillaPod that would be perfect for taking photos, click here to check it out.

{10} Keep in mind that your phone doesn't snap a photo until you take your finger off the shutter. So stay still as you release to avoid blurry photos.

{11} Adjust your photo's brightness and saturation before you start playing with filters. They can often do more for your photograph then what a filter would.

{12} Convert pictures to black and white for a more stunning photograph. Many professional photographers suggest doing this to get a better photo.

{13} Add text to your photo with the Over app. You can download the app at iTunes or you can click here for the link.

{14} Use an external wide angel lens to get amazing close up shots. You can try a macro lens from Photojojo. To find out more about Photojojo click here.

{15} Use the VSCO app for gorgeous filters. You can download the app at iTunes or you can click here for the link.

{16} Use the LookBirdy app when photographing kids or pets. This app makes a bird sound to get them to look at the camera. You can download the app at iTunes or you can click here.

{17} Nail silhouette photos using the Camera Awesome app. You can find out exactly what setting to use when you click here.

{18} Add sparkles with the Picfx app, you can download the app on iTunes or just click here.

{19} Try the Diptic app to create photo collages, you can download the app on iTunes or just click here.

{20} And the best tips for improving your iPhone photos is to keep snapping tons and tons of photos, the only way to improve your photograph game is to keep taking photos. It's also helpful to remember that you won't always nail your prefect photo on the first try, just keep snapping photos that's the only way you'll get better.

{ Gift Ideas for Graphic Designers- Part 4 }

To add to the growing wish list for Graphic Designers this Holiday season, here is another installment of Gift Ideas for Graphic Designers. This list is different then the rest because this one is focusing on PANTONE products.

First on the list today is myPANTONE. With myPANTONE you now have all the PANTONE colors at your finger tips. What makes this gift even better is that it's available on your iPhone so you can always have the PANTONE rainbow when ever you need them. You can find myPANTONE at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mypantone/id329515634?mt=8

Second on the list is PANTONE Universe Unisex Watch. This stylish watch comes in an variety of PANTONE colors and is the perfect finish to any outfit. You can PANTONE Universe Unisex Watch at http://www.pantone.com/pages/products/product.aspx?pid=1443&ca=33 

 Third on the list is PANTONE Mug set. This collections of stylish mugs comes in a huge range or colors and theme to pick from. These mugs will make any cup of coffee a true design experience. You can find them at http://www.pantone.com/pages/products/product.aspx?pid=1470&ca=33

Fourth on the list is PANTONE iPhone 5/5s cases. These cases are the perfect gift for the iPhone loving Graphic Designer in your life. The PANTONE cases come in a several colors and can be found at http://www.pantone.com/pages/products/product.aspx?pid=1469&ca=33

Last on the PANTONE list is the PANTONE Chips Journal. I can say from a owners viewpoint that this is the best journal I have every owned. It's grid like layout makes for perfect designing on the go. The beautiful colors and book binding makes for the perfect journal for the designer on the go or the designer who just needs to sketch down their next brilliant idea. You can find this at https://www.pantone.com/pages/products/product.aspx?pid=1448&ca=33&clr=2231

Keep checking back to see more products on my Gift Lists for Graphic Designers. I'll be

 posting more as we get closer to the holiday season. Happy Shopping !!!! 

{ Gift Ideas for Graphic Desingers- Part 3 }

As promised earlier here are some more gift ideas for the Graphic Designer in your life.


First on the list is the iStick Multifunction Desktop Organizer with built in USB Hub and Memory Card Reader. This a most for any designer who uses a desktop Mac as their workspace. With this helpful organizer you can keep all your design need perfectly in place. It has compartment for all the most have items a designer needs such as their iPhone, note cards and all their black markers. You can find the iStick Organizer at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007A61M5O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007A61M5O&linkCode=as2&tag=youthedes-20

Second on the list is EZOPower Portable. This device is any designers greatest device. With the EZOPower  Portable you have the ability to transfer photos, music, movies, and other files from an SD card and USB storage device to any smart phone or tablet. Not only does it do all that it also doubles as a power bank to use on the go when your phone runs out of battery. You can find the EZOPower Portable at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EP13JBC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EP13JBC&linkCode=as2&tag=youthedes-20

Third on the list is the Nikon Camera Lens Mug. This is the perfect gift for your designer friend who also dabbles in photography. This humours mug is sure to put a smile on any designers face. You can find the Nikon mug at http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/nikon-lens-mugs/

Fourth on the list is 014 Letterpress Desk Calender. This helpful desk calender is perfect both in size and function, the small size makes in perfect for placing on any desk { or iStick Multifunction Desktop Organizer for that matter }. The calenders unique design is sure to look great on the desk of any designer. You can find the 014 Letterpress Desk Calender at http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/nikon-lens-mugs/

And last on the list for today is one of my personal favorites, Adobe App Pillows. These creative pillows are the perfect accessories for any designers home decor. They add a bit of fun and a touch of bright colors to any designers life. You can find these pillows at  http://www.adobebrandedmerchandise.com/12X12-Pillow-Full-Set-P160.aspx

Keep checking back to see more products on my Gift List for Graphic Designers. I'll be 

posting more as we get closer to the holiday season. Happy Shopping !!!!

{ Gift Ideas for Graphic Designers- Part 2 }

Again with the holidays only weeks away it can become hard to think of good gifts to give to your designer friends or family members.  Well I'm here to help you out with some perfect gifts that any designer would love to have, Part Two.

First on the list today is another t-shirt that would be perfect for a designers, because it highlights one of the most popular typefaces in a fun and cheeky way.  You can find this t-shirt at http://wordsbrand.com/t-shirts/give-em-helvetica-typography-t-shirt/

Second on the list is a Typography Scrabble. This game has all the fun of Scrabble and all the greatness of some beautiful typefaces. You can find this game at 

http://fab.com/product/typography-scrabble-462170

 That's it for right now, check back later today for more gifts to give to the Graphic Designer

 in your life. Happy Shopping !!!

{ Gift Ideas for Graphic Designers- Part 1 }

With the holiday season only around ten weeks away its around the time that people start to create their holiday wish list. One problem that my family members have every holiday is finding presents that show my love for graphic design. This I would imagine is a problem that a lot of love ones of designers have, so I'm here to give you a few hints on what every designer wants for Christmas.

First on the list is a prefect gift to give to your boyfriend or girlfriend. This shirt is clever and is a great play on words that would make any ones sweet heart rejoice with holiday cheer. You can find this shirt at http://wordsbrand.com/t-shirts/im-very-font-of-you-because-youre-just-my-type-typography-t-shirt/

Second on the wish list is the So You Need A Typeface poster. This a great gift idea because no matter how good of a designer you are, you could always use some help when it comes to picking a typeface. This helpful poster can be found at http://www.scribbleoneverything.com/prints/type-o-file/-preorder-so-you-need-a-typeface-poster/prod_260.html

And last on the list for today is PANTONE UNIVERSE ornaments. These would make great gifts to give on Christmas eve, before Santa comes down the chimney. These beautiful ornaments would make any Christmas tree feel just like home for any designer. These ornaments can be found at http://www.hyatts.com/pantone/pantone-universe-christmas-ornaments-2.5111

Keep checking back to see more most haves on any Graphic Designers Christmas list in the next couple of weeks. Happy Shopping !!!

{ BlogLovin }

Just found out today all the things social media marketing can do for you. If your like me you probably have a hard time when it comes to checking the blogs you follow on a daily basic, well worry no more. BlogLovin is the perfect website for you. BlogLovin allows you to follow all your favorite blogs so that they all show up on one feed, something like Facebook. With BlogLovin you can favorite and follow to keep up to date with all your favorite blogs. You can even post your own blog to get traffic that you may not have gotten other wise. Go ahead and check it out for yourself. http://www.bloglovin.com/

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13021151/?claim=6xpvncwj3gf">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

{ New Website }

I just wanted to post that I have a new website that is up and running. I would really appreciate it if you guys would check it out. Thanks

Here's the web address http://rkayedesigns.weebly.com/. 

{ Bonus- Creative Market }

About a week ago I came a across a new website that I would like to add to my Top Ten List of Designer Resources on the Web as a bonus. This website is Creative Market a site dedicated to buying and selling handcrafted, mouse made design content such as vector patterns, icons, photoshop brushes, fonts, and so much more. The best part about Creative Market is that each week they give away Free Goods of the Week, they give three away each week and three more a week if your a Facebook fan. All of the freebies are really helpful and help you grow a great collection of design goodies that can be used later on. As a designer a website like this is great because it helps connect to other designers and helps you get a better idea of whats trending in the design world. You never know maybe someday your design work could be that weeks Free Goods on the Web.

Below I have posted the link to Creative Market, and some photos to help give you a better idea of what Creative Market has to offer. 

{ Creative Market Link }

This Creative Markets homepage from here you have the ability to search for whatever design needs you have. The homepage also features the most popular downloads of that time.  

This is Creative Markets freebies page. Every Monday they post three new free good of the week

 and three free goods for Facebook fans. Since it changes weekly you have around 52 chance

 to grab some great design freebies.

Happy Downloading!!!

{ The Ad Club of Buffalo}

The last website on my Top Ten List for Designer Resources on the Web is the Ad Club of Buffalo. Now I know this one really will only work for others if they live in the Buffalo area, but the Ad Club has numerous location across the United States. The Ad Club of Buffalo is an organization that brings together numerous people in the community, such as advertising agency employees, print vendors. interactive experts, media reps, PR people, in- house marketing teams, photographs, visual studies and then students. They bring in people from different backgrounds with different points of view. As a student member for the last three years I can say that The Ad Club of Buffalo is a great resource for designer or anyone who things they could fit in the design community. The Ad Club of Buffalo also is a great resource because of there numerous events such as their AdLabs and Student Portfolio reviews. The Ad Club of Buffalo also has a job posting board that shows jobs in all fields, including internships for design students. There are so many reason why you should join your local ad club but the main reason should be that you get the chance to connect with so many like minded people that could possibly help you out when it comes to finding your dream job.

Below I have shared the link to The Ad Club of Buffalo, along with some photos from The Ad Club of Buffalo to help you better understand what The Ad Club of Buffalo can do for you.

{ The Ad Club of Buffalo Link }

This is the homepage for The Ad Club of Buffalo. Here you can find out what's happening in your local ad club. This changes monthly or as soon as other events are added. 

This is the job listing page on The Ad Club of Buffalo, here you can find numerous job listings in different categories. Categories such as account services. creative. interactive, marketing and even internships. This page is updated ever couple of day or as soon as a new job is posted. 

Well that's the end of my Top Ten List for Designer Resources on the Web, hope you found my resource websites just as helpful as I do :D

{ Font Squirrel }

Number nine on my Top Ten List for Designer Resources on the Web is Font Squirrel. Font Squirrel scours the Internet for free fonts that are high quality, designer friendly, commercial usable and make them easy for download. Font Squirrel is much different then other font downloading websites because they go thru all the fonts uploaded to them and only pick the very best. Font Squirrel even sorts the fonts into the right categories making it easier to pick a san serif font in a world of serifs. This a great resource for designers because it allows you to find fonts that could set your design apart from the pack.

Below I have shared the link to Font Squirrel, along with a photo from Font Squirrel to help you better understand what Font Squirrel has to offer.

{ Font Squirrel Link }

This is the homepage to Font Squirrel, from here you have access to thousands of fonts to use for designs. The top page on the homepage changes daily to showcase a font that is on sale or 

a font that is popular on the site.

Happy Font Searching!!!

{ Typophile }

Number eight on my Top Ten List for Designer Resources on the Web is Typophile. Typophile helps you find that perfect font for your next project. Typophile font identification board has you covered when it comes to finding fonts. With a wide range of users and fonts experts on the site you can find help with any type related crisis you can imagine. With Typophile you can also be a font experts in no time. This is a helpful resource for designers because it the perfect source for any type questions that you could possible have.

Below I have shared the link to Typophile, along with a photo from Typophile to help you better understand what Typophile has to offer.


{ Typophile Link }

This is the homepage to Typophile from here you have the ability to search the site for 

it's numerous font tips and experts advice. 

Happy Typing!!!

{ The Design Encyclopedia }

This is number seven in my Top Ten List for Designer Resources on the Web is The Design Encyclopedia. The Design Encyclopedia is an extensive online resource for reference material about design. Whether you're looking for modern inspiration, applications or historical information on people behind iconic designs The Design Encyclopedia is your bible. This is a great resource for designer because it's the perfect source to find out more information about anything design related.

Below I have shared the link to The Design Encyclopedia, along a photo from The Design Encyclopedia  to help you better understand what The Design Encyclopedia has to offer.

{ The Design Encyclopedia Link }

This is the homepage to The Design Encyclopedia, from here you have the ability to search for any design related content that you wish to find out more about.

Happy Searching!!!

{ Awwwards }

Number six on my Top Ten List for Designer Resources on the Web is Awwwards.  Awwwards is a website that recognizes and promotes the talent and efforts of some of the best developers, designers and web agencies in the world.  Awwwards allows users to vote on designs and give crowns to the top designs of the day, month, and year.  Awwwards also allows you to get your work in front of thousand like mined people. I would suggest  Awwwards to anyone who wants to get exposure in the design world.

Below I have shared the link to  Awwwards. Along with photos from  Awwwards to help you better understand what  Awwwards has to offer.

{ Awwwards Link }

This is the homepage for Awwards. Here you can see the top sites of the day. It also lets you 

see what and who is trending. 

This a category page for Awwards , this particular page is from blogging websites. You can have the ability to search for website or for people who share the same interest as you.

Happy Voting!!!

{ Fonts In Use }

Number five on my Top Ten List for Designer Resources on the Web is Fonts In Use. Fonts In Use is a search able achieve of typographic designs, indexed by typefaces, format, and industry. Fonts In Use allows you to upload and check images for fonts that are similar. You can search their index of fonts to com pair fonts from around the world. I would suggest Fonts In Use to any designer or anyone who wants to find out more about fonts

Below I've shared the link to Fonts In Use, along with photos from Fonts In Use to help you to better understand all that Fonts In Use has to offer.

{ Fonts in Use Link }

 This is the homepage for Fonts in Use from here you have the option to look thru the website for numerous categories such as industries, formats, and typeface collections.

This is just some of the fonts that they have in their collection. They have thousands to choose 

from to help you find just the right font.

Happy Font Collecting!!!

{ FontShop }

Number four on my Top Ten List for Designer Resources on the Web is FontShop. FontShop is a font reseller, it's also the first font reseller in digital history. FontShop allows you to download various free fonts in different categories. Categories such as web fonts, font families, and foundry fonts. Another thing FontShop provides its visitors with a blog that is updated daily. I would suggest FontShop to an another designer because it's a great source when it comes to finding the perfect font.

Below I have shared the link to FontShop, along with some photos from FontShop that may help you better understand FontShop and what it has to offer.

{ FontShop Link }

This is what the homepage look like on FontShop. From here you have the ability to click on several links that they provide. The homepage changes over time creating a unique experience.

This is the font page where you have the ability to purchase fonts and look for fonts that can be downloaded for free. You can look though thousands of fonts for every design needs.

This is FontShops blog that is updated everyday. The blog talks about fonts and other design needs 

Happy Font Shopping!!!!