Balderdash! Design(er)

Photo

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:25:51 -0400

The Best Designs / Best Web Design Awards & CSS Gallery

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:23:36 -0400

The Best Designs / Best Web Design Awards & CSS Gallery:

Last one for this morning ;)

After I meet with a cient and figure out what kind of application they want, I tend to take that information, let it sink in, and then I go browsing other inspirational websites to see what’s out there… and then I STEAL THOSE AWESOME IDEAS!

Design is about coming up with new stuff, but it depends upon what users already know and also what we’re able to do with development. Looking at galleries of other websites is actually my favorite part of the process as I get to ooh and aah at all the possibilities! From there my imagination takes over and I go nuts!

This gallery is one of my favorites and gets updated often. If you find yourself in a rut or just want a smile put on your nerdy face, check it out :)

Web Design by Designer, Speaker and Writer Brian Hoff

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:20:31 -0400

Web Design by Designer, Speaker and Writer Brian Hoff:

I find that there is never enough time to read. Reading really is one of my favorite ways to learn - you’ll go through a book and change your entire mindset on life and not even realize it. It’s fantastic. Especially if it’s not textbook learning with quizzes in the middle (yuck!)

But when you do get that time, I find it extremely valuable and you don’t want to waste what you spend your time reading. That’s why I recommend sites that I tend to use and find useful so you don’t spend your valuable reading time LOOKING for something to read.

Have a go at this blog - he’s always got great things to say!

The Noun Project

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:17:42 -0400

The Noun Project:

If you’re a designer - you need to check this site out.

It’s especially great for when you’re trying to pull together wireframes for a client, or even just pull some inspiration as you create a symbol/icon.

It’s a library of vector art, all FREE as long as you promise to contribute the work to the designer.

Grayden Poper – Interactive Designer

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:15:49 -0400

Grayden Poper – Interactive Designer:

I should have posted this link a million years ago when I found it!

Buuuut my blogging habits aren’t as great as I want them to be (…yet!).

I stumbled across this guy’s work accidentally when I was searching for inspiration for a website I was creating. The specific site of his I found was one I tweeted actually - his wedding website. I didn’t realize it was his own when I first came across it. —> http://www.jennyandgrayden.com/

It was cute and BEAUTIFUL and that was the moment I knew I was a #supernerd for wanting to do this for my own wedding one day. Absolutely adorable.

But anyways, the way he designed his site is awesome, and I tend to return to his site for inspiration often. I recommend checking him out when you get a chance :). It’s a website that’s just fun to get lost in

Oh check out the side bar on the right - that’s one of my favorite pieces!

Flat UI - CSS Library

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:11:44 -0400

Flat UI - CSS Library:

Found a beautiful CSS library for designers!

While of course I’m not down to use this for every website I create, but it would be a really neat wireframing tool… and not in the traditional sense, but in the skeleton of the website sense. Let me elaborate:

So you’re a designer who runs these sprints for companies and they want a design done on the front end. Welp, you’ve got some css/html basic knowledge and your job is always to create wireframes/mockups for your clients. So you whip up a quick web page, use this pre-created components, and have a live wireframe for your client to look at.

Vuala! You just delighted a customer (oh man I worked at Mighty Fine for too long…)

OR I really like the idea of, AFTER getting a design approved by a client, you go in and actually make a css library for each project. That way, your front end guy or developer doesn’t have any question as to how things work/run :)

Just an awesome thought.

visualgraphic: Jordon Cheung Vector I absolutely LOVE these...

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:07:40 -0400

visualgraphic:

Jordon Cheung Vector

I absolutely LOVE these colors. Lately with the Best Friends Apprenticeships stuff I’ve been playing with, I’ve been stuck in a “color rut” where I’ve been focusing mainly on red and blue palettes.

I really really like this one - while it’s still sort of in that trench, the orange fits beautifully - I might have to create something with these colors soon just to help myself climb out of my hole!

9 Lessons from a Design Entrepreneur

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:05:52 -0400

9 Lessons from a Design Entrepreneur:

I just stumbled across a design entrepreneur article that I thought was pretty neat. They make a couple really great points that ring true to myself so I thought I would share!

1. Expect a Huge Learning Curve
yes. In my case I had to go in and actually learn to speak a couple computer languages! But at the same time, design is still my passion and what I try to aim towards doing. While I can develop, I still develop with design in mind - that’s part of my background and what I will always bring to the table.

3. Be a Quality Hound
I’ve heard many different arguments for this one. At first, I used to do this - I would spend many many hours triple checking code and design before handing off a project. However after reading Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” as well as my own experience, sometimes “done” is better than “perfect”. Especially when your stress levels are through the roof and work is piling on top of you.

Obviously this is only to be used if your sanity is being questioned and your work is cutting into other priorities. However if work IS your priority (as it is with me most of the time), the quality of your work and whether your customer is happy is what’s extremely important.

4. Love your suppliers (or in my case - contractors)
In my case, this applies to contractors. They are the heartbeat of Balderdash and what allows us to stay away from growing to huge corporate sizes. They are the drive pushing us forward in projects, and their talent is something to not be taken for granted. We treat our contractors very well because we know they have a choice on who they want to work with. We want to be them. Because let’s face it, if you’re up against a deadline - you depend on them. And if you’re an ass and treat them like shit, they’re going to give you EXACTLY what you’ve earned.

Treat your people right! It’s as simple as that. They’ll return the favor. I promise. And if they don’t, then you misjudged their value.

5. Budget Budget Budget!
This is especially true, once again, when you have contractors. It’s nice to give them a cap for the week, but there are always chances (especially starting out) when you will misjudge how long a project will take. Plan for that. Never try to go right up against what you have in the bank.

ESPECIALLY if you deal with larger corporations. We’ve learned the hard way that the time it takes to get a paycheck out from a larger business may be MONTHS after the completion of a project. That’s just the structure of it all - so plan for this. At least as much as you can. There will be many months where you will have to give up your paycheck so a contractor can get paid (see number 4 my friend).

The rest of these were aimed at companies creating more physical items - which is not the ways of Balderdash. However if that applies to you — I’d definitely recommend checking out the rest of the article!

Video

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:41:01 -0400

You had me at “cat in a shark suit, on a romba, chasing a...

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:15:59 -0400

You had me at “cat in a shark suit, on a romba, chasing a duck”

Lean In By Sheryl Sandberg

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:57:32 -0400

Currently the chief operating officer of Facebook (since 2008) Sheryl Sandberg is a wonderful women with great successes under her belt. I was listening to her talk about her book “Lean In” this morning and she said something that rang quite true with myself:

She explained that when men and women look back on their performance, men tend to remember it slightly higher, and women tend to remember it slightly lower.

She says this is because men tend to attribute successes to themselves because they’re good!

However women tend to attribute success to a mix of hard work, help from others, and getting very lucky.

This phrasing rang so clear with me that I decided to purchase the book. I will let you know what I find!

The Time Has Come

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:50:35 -0400

I’ve had an interesting relationship with development since Balderdash began. Having a design background, I first got my real taste of code at night as I designed by day. It’s a grueling and exponentially rewarding process that is inevitable in my field. Needless to say, it’s time to dive in again!

My current knowledge consists of basic HTML, CSS, and enough PHP and Python to be dangerous. However after lack of practice with PHP, I think it’s time to not only refresh my skills on that front, but also to dive into some long overdue javascript.

Because of the Sails.js framework my business partner Mike created, backbone might be in need as well. However I tackle that hurdle as it comes.

I’m letting you guys know so you can come along with me! I know learning a new language is never an easy task, and I acknowledge that up front. But It’s a challenge worth overcoming. Besides, having done it already - I look back and can only be proud of the hard work put in. As all of you should be!

Last time i went through video tutorials on Lynda.com, but am going to try a different method - http://www.codecademy.com/tracks.

So let’s dive in! Step 1: getting refamiliarized with PHP

Video

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:50:13 -0400

I finally got a moment to check out TED Talks this morning (I always love it when I have the time to do that) and I discovered a great 20 minute video I've embedded here about motivation and what makes people enjoy their work! Surprisingly it's not money, but actually recognition and value. When someone feels that their work is valued and they can see continued progress toward a goal, or at least progress in general, that is far more motivating than doing the same thing over and over without any kind of recognition. Really great stuff and I highly recommend at least watching the first 10 minutes!

Video

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:30:25 -0400

Video

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:00:52 -0400

22 Tricks Happy People Do Differently :)

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:43:49 -0400

Found this great post here —>http://successify.net/2012/10/31/22-things-happy-people-do-differently/ and thought I would share. Enjoy!

There are two types of people in the world: those who choose to be happy, and those who choose to be unhappy. Contrary to popular belief, happiness doesn’t come from fame, fortune, other people, or material possessions. Rather, it comes from within. The richest person in the world could be miserable while a homeless person could be right outside, smiling and content with their life. Happy people are happy because they make themselves happy. They maintain a positive outlook on life and remain at peace with themselves.

The question is: how do they do that?

It’s quite simple. Happy people have good habits that enhance their lives. They do things differently. Ask any happy person, and they will tell you that they …

1. Don’t hold grudges.

Happy people understand that it’s better to forgive and forget than to let their negative feelings crowd out their positive feelings. Holding a grudge has a lot of detrimental effects on your wellbeing, including increased depression, anxiety, and stress. Why let anyone who has wronged you have power over you? If you let go of all your grudges, you’ll gain a clear conscience and enough energy to enjoy the good things in life.

2. Treat everyone with kindness.

Did you know that it has been scientifically proven that being kind makes you happier? Every time you perform a selfless act, your brain produces serotonin, a hormone that eases tension and lifts your spirits. Not only that, but treating people with love, dignity, and respect also allows you to build stronger relationships.

3. See problems as challenges.

The word “problem” is never part of a happy person’s vocabulary. A problem is viewed as a drawback, a struggle, or an unstable situation while a challenge is viewed as something positive like an opportunity, a task, or a dare. Whenever you face an obstacle, try looking at it as a challenge.

4. Express gratitude for what they already have.

There’s a popular saying that goes something like this: “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.” You will have a deeper sense of contentment if you count your blessings instead of yearning for what you don’t have.

5. Dream big.

People who get into the habit of dreaming big are more likely to accomplish their goals than those who don’t. If you dare to dream big, your mind will put itself in a focused and positive state.

6. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Happy people ask themselves, “Will this problem matter a year from now?” They understand that life’s too short to get worked up over trivial situations. Letting things roll off your back will definitely put you at ease to enjoy the more important things in life.

7. Speak well of others.

Being nice feels better than being mean. As fun as gossiping is, it usually leaves you feeling guilty and resentful. Saying nice things about other people encourages you to think positive, non-judgmental thoughts.

8. Never make excuses.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” Happy people don’t make excuses or blame others for their own failures in life. Instead, they own up to their mistakes and, by doing so, they proactively try to change for the better.

9. Get absorbed into the present.

Happy people don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. They savor the present. They let themselves get immersed in whatever they’re doing at the moment. Stop and smell the roses.

10. Wake up at the same time every morning.

Have you noticed that a lot of successful people tend to be early risers? Waking up at the same time every morning stabilizes your circadian rhythm, increases productivity, and puts you in a calm and centered state.

11. Avoid social comparison.

Everyone works at his own pace, so why compare yourself to others? If you think you’re better than someone else, you gain an unhealthy sense of superiority. If you think someone else is better than you, you end up feeling bad about yourself. You’ll be happier if you focus on your own progress and praise others on theirs.

12. Choose friends wisely.

Misery loves company. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with optimistic people who will encourage you to achieve your goals. The more positive energy you have around you, the better you will feel about yourself.

13. Never seek approval from others.

Happy people don’t care what others think of them. They follow their own hearts without letting naysayers discourage them. They understand that it’s impossible to please everyone. Listen to what people have to say, but never seek anyone’s approval but your own.

14. Take the time to listen.

Talk less; listen more. Listening keeps your mind open to others’ wisdoms and outlooks on the world. The more intensely you listen, the quieter your mind gets, and the more content you feel.

15. Nurture social relationships.

A lonely person is a miserable person. Happy people understand how important it is to have strong, healthy relationships. Always take the time to see and talk to your family, friends, or significant other.

16. Meditate.

Meditating silences your mind and helps you find inner peace. You don’t have to be a zen master to pull it off. Happy people know how to silence their minds anywhere and anytime they need to calm their nerves.

17. Eat well.

Junk food makes you sluggish, and it’s difficult to be happy when you’re in that kind of state. Everything you eat directly affects your body’s ability to produce hormones, which will dictate your moods, energy, and mental focus. Be sure to eat foods that will keep your mind and body in good shape.

18. Exercise.

Studies have shown that exercise raises happiness levels just as much as Zoloft does. Exercising also boosts your self-esteem and gives you a higher sense of self-accomplishment.

19. Live minimally.

Happy people rarely keep clutter around the house because they know that extra belongings weigh them down and make them feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Some studies have concluded that Europeans are a lot happier than Americans are, which is interesting because they live in smaller homes, drive simpler cars, and own fewer items.

20. Tell the truth.

Lying stresses you out, corrodes your self-esteem, and makes you unlikeable. The truth will set you free. Being honest improves your mental health and builds others’ trust in you. Always be truthful, and never apologize for it.

21. Establish personal control.

Happy people have the ability to choose their own destinies. They don’t let others tell them how they should live their lives. Being in complete control of one’s own life brings positive feelings and a great sense of self-worth.

22. Accept what cannot be changed.

Once you accept the fact that life is not fair, you’ll be more at peace with yourself. Instead of obsessing over how unfair life is, just focus on what you can control and change it for the better.

Hamburger Icon

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:17:00 -0400

Hamburger Icon:

Brilliant AND beautiful. This is now part of my vocabulary :)

Human Mission to Mars in 2018

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:01:40 -0500

Human Mission to Mars in 2018:

I added a post less than a month ago about this very topic. However this appears to be a separate mission than mentioned previously, and this one appears to have a “return” schedule unlike the one way ticket trip I first talked about.

There is a great scene in one of my favorite shows Firefly where Wash is commenting on something spooky in the ship (I believe someone was talking through the intercom - making it sound as if the ship was speaking) and he says “It’s like something out of science fiction!”

His wife looks at him and says “we’re on a spaceship”.

This is where life will be before we know it. We won’t even have time to appreciate how far we’ve come. We’re already there. Look at old star trek videos and all the technology that didn’t exist. There are RECENT movies, made in our generation where people don’t have cell phones. That world existed. That world existed LESS THAN A GENERATION AGO.

Take the time to appreciate where the world is going and make sure you figure out what you want to experience. If you plan it out right, who knows? You could be one of the first people to have been to mars and back :)

#dailyinspiration

Ladies and gentleman. May I introduce the new and improved...

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:00:40 -0500

Ladies and gentleman. May I introduce the new and improved Balderdash.

We’re heading in a direction that our old logo didn’t quite seem to stand up to. We needed a new logo. A better one. One that maintained the iconic Balderdash rabbit but also said “class”, “professionalism”, yet “unique”. We needed to rethink things.

I cannot even tell you how excited this new design makes me. I guess it’s neat something this small can get even just me so excited :).

This is the face that will be representing us on the roof of Fogo de Chao during SXSW Interactive. Feel free to let me know what you guys think!

it8bit: Not sent from my iPhone 4.25”x 5.5” Valentines...

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:40 -0500

it8bit:

Not sent from my iPhone

4.25”x 5.5” Valentines Card printed on a heavy card stock.

Available for $4(USD) @Storenvy

Created by Red Letter Paper Company

Very cute :)