Developing concepts and ideas for a website design, icon or logo, or any type of graphic development can seem like an overwhelming task at times. No matter how many websites you have created or logos you’ve developed, the creative process is always something that can take a lot out of you. True, there are days when this process seems to come as easily and naturally as walking or breathing, but those days come about less often then I would care to admit. This is where sketching, for me, enters the picture (no pun intended). Sketching out ideas and concepts helps me quickly sift throughout the ideas trapped inside my head. I must admit, I do spend a bit too much time in this phase of the project because of my love for it.

Layout sketches for Zoowee Music. Developed layout for container that would hold Artist profile, album list, songs, etc.

Thanks to an extremely talented artistic mother, I have been sketching obsessively since I was young. Thankfully web and graphic design gives me an outlet to put this obsession to use. Sketching out layouts for websites is essential to my process, but I really enjoy icon and graphic development. This is where the pen and pencil really helps me plan out how an objects or graphics will end up being rendered on the computer.

Zoowee Icon Development

Sketch for Zoowee Dashboard Graphics. Depicting the monitoring and managment of your Zoowee Bubbles.

Launch Icon Development

Rocky Horton helped me discover the graph paper moleskin (I know, I know its typical designer to carry this around but it fits so well into my bag and they are so easy to keep organized) which has really helped with sketches for websites and logos. Its a wonder I didn’t make this connection sooner (living in a pixel based world).

Layout sketch for Addicted to the Outdoors

I’ll post a follow-up to this with more of my sketches once I get my sketch books together. This just happens to be the sketchbook sitting in front of me at the time, but I will sift through the boxes I have at home and post some more detailed images and more on my process in my next post.

I won’t go into detail about the trip, but will tell you some experiences.  Most of the people there live in makeshift houses and have few to no amenities.  Most of the individuals were without and in need before the earthquake.  I did see houses that had collapsed and devastation, but what I will bring back from this trip is that the children there have nothing, but they are always happy.

When we would walk down the street, children would run out just to wave and smile at you.  It was amazing.  We were involved in several clean up efforts at an orphanage, school, church, clinic, and the house of the missionaries(Haiti Gospel Mission).  We were able to hand out food to about a thousand people one morning, which was an awesome site to see.  As I am standing there in the ninety degree heat trying to keep order in this massive line, I am totally overcome with chills.  The day before, tickets were handed out in the villages surrounding the clinic, which would allow individuals to receive the food.  Some didn’t have tickets, some tried to rush the line, and one even tried to create a fake ticket.  It hit me right in the face.  What is going to happen when we stand before the Almighty?  Will we have tickets?  Will someone say to you, “why didn’t you tell me where to get a ticket,”  as some did.  Do you think you have the right ticket, but in the end it is a false one?  It was an incredible experience.  I don’t know if I did anything to change the country, but being in Haiti sure changed me.

Level2 Design 2010 Update from Level 2 Design on Vimeo.

We’re not all copy-writers, or English majors, so writing copy can be a difficult task. It’s important to be succinct and grammatically correct, while also getting your point across. Here are a few pointers that will help you write effective copy for your website.

1. Brevity – Web audiences don’t like to read. Fewer words are better.

2. Graphics/Images – Support your brief text with a good picture or image. Remember, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

3. Lists – Bullet points or numbered lists can be very effective.

4. Hierarchy – Important information must stand out. Font weight (bold), size, and color matter. A box containing key phrases from the text will be read before the text itself. Use the boxes to insure your main points are conveyed, especially when large amounts of text must be used.

5. Proper Grammar – Use proper tense consistently (first person, third person, etc.). Here’s a helpful link Elements of Proper Grammar

6. Keep it Simple – Although tempting to use big complex words and descriptors, don’t. You’ll only confuse the reader.

Broadly speaking, the short words are the best, and the old words best of all.
– Winston Churchill

7. Quotes – Use well-known sources and quotes to support your copy. Testimonials can add credibility, and are more likely to be read.

8. Key Words – Don’t forget about Search Engines – Be sure to include keywords wherever possible, but don’t be tacky. A good rule of thumb is to use a keyword no more than 5-7 times per 250 words.

9. Proofread – Show the text to 3 people who will provide honest feedback.

10. Avoid Clichés – Phrases such as “state-of-the-art,” “high quality,” and “high tech” are overused and ineffective. If it doesn’t sell you, it won’t sell the reader.

Using these helpful copywriting hints will greatly improve the text and readability of your website.

Whoever’s Bronco this is… I like it.

If you ignore your website, however, and don’t fully commit to it, it will be like a valuable car that you keep in your garage and never take out, and after time the parts will rust, the gas will separate and the car will be undrivable.

So what are some things you can do to make sure your website is fulfilling its potential.

• 1. Update your website regularly. This is the most important thing, so schedule time to update or you won’t do it. Whether it’s once a week, or once a month, updates will pay off. The more frequent the better.
• 2. Give your website a good surrounding cast. Point people to your website with a good overall marketing plan. Brochures, Business cards, fliers, email and print newsletters, and any advertising should all point to the website.
• 3. Think creatively about how to push people to your site. Events, promotions, & contests are all good ways to get people to your site. If your website contains information for a contest for a new ipod then you can be sure people will go there to get it.

Here are more examples of ways to promote your website. Remember, your website does nothing for you if you don’t commit to it.

1. Put your web address on EVERYTHING:
- Business cards
- Stationary
- Brochures
- Email signature
- Any other marketing material or communications
- If possibly, include your web address with your companies logo

2. Establish links with other sites (reciprocal links)
Many sites have a “Links” page or section. Find sites similar to yours, or sites that offer complimentary products or services. You can support each other by adding reciprocal links.

Be active on blogs, forums, and other online communities. Most forums and blogs allow your web address to be included in with your signature. Your activity will generate visits to your website.

3. Social Networking
Create a Facebook account and establish a Dedicated “Page” featuring your company and website. This is very simple and requires no ongoing maintenance
Create a Twitter account. This service allows communication and updates from one Twitter accounts.
We don’t really like MySpace, but it can be an effective avenue to your website.
Your videos can be posted on YouTube and Vimeo (both video sites) along with links to your site. We prefer Vimeo.
Many other social networking sites are available. Explore.

4. Update your site frequently.
The best way to gain exposure and encourage repeat visits to your site is to keep your site current. Visitors love fresh content.

5. Be innovative; think outside the box.
You may want to sponsor or host a local event. If so, make sure your website is prominently featured on all promotional material. Create a press release about your site and your company. Send it to newspapers and media outlets in your region. Smaller newspapers and publications are often more receptive and accommodating, and sometimes they’ll follow-up by writing their own story.
*Here’s a great document to help you prepare an effective press release: press-releases-how-to. This document is from MSR Associates.

6. Consider renting booth space at a conference or business expo.
These provide great opportunities to meet and interact with potential clients. Renting booth space is not required–you may want to just go to the conference and exchange business cards.

7. Make sure you monitor your website statistics.
When you try something new, or expand your marketing, your website stats will clearly indicate whether or not your efforts are making a difference. This will help you determine the most cost-effective marketing strategies.

8. Create an email newsletter specifically for your clients.
Collect email addresses and establish your newsletter distribution list. Make certain your newsletter contains relevant and valuable information for your clients. Do NOT send newsletters too often (we suggest monthly), or with too much information (short and sweet is best). Be sure to always include a link to your site.

Take a look at SheJustGotMarried.com owned by Denee King. She does a great job of marketing her site, and taking advantage of social networking. We’d like to feature Denee’s ideas and recommendations in a future blog.

Here you will find posts, displays, explinations, examples, and anything else that give you a bit more personal view of Level 2 Design and what it is that we do day to day. If you have any ideas or things you would like us to talk about more, just let us know. We are more than open to ideas and suggestions. We will try and take the time to reply to any questions or concerns that you may have.

Again thanks for stopping by and let us know if there is anything we can help you out with today.