Don Lewis Designs

Web design is the most important part of any website. Whether your site is a blog for personal use, a business or e-commerce site, or a review website, think of your websites overall look as the finishing touch. It should be alluring and well matched, not mixed up and boring. A website’s look is what your viewers will see when they visit. Without catchy visuals, they may never read your content or click on your ads. A good designer knows that proper placement and coloring will make all of the difference in the world when it comes to traffic and conversions.

While website templates usually require hours of hard work and skill, you can typically obtain themes for free or get some custom made. It’s worth investing in a custom theme because you can tailor it to your exact needs. Trying to find a smooth and enticing theme for your website can be similar to finding a needle in a haystack. A good website template, for any website, will have great usability and quick loading times. You don’t need to be fancy with your design, but something lightweight and eye catching will usually get the job done. You wouldn’t want to look at a woman wearing something overly dramatic, but you would want to look at a female wearing something attractive and reflective of her personality. The same concept applies to your websites overall design. If you are in the business of finding a quality web theme, don’t be afraid to look around. There are thousands of designers ready to dress your site up to meet your needs.

Look at various profiles and price ranges, and never be too shy to pay a bit more than you were expecting. A good theme will last the life of your website and you won’t be disappointed. However, using a cheap or ugly theme will result in a short lived design. You want something classic that will stand out and be relevant to your site for years to come. Many famous websites have still retained their original themes with a few tweaking – even after 5 years or more! It’s also proven that flash isn’t read by search engines, so ditch it for now. The bottom line is that your website graphics will make a huge impact on the overall quality of your site. Anyone can slap up some basic HTML, but it takes an artist to create an alluring website.

Visitors will likely leave immediately if it loads too slowly or doesn’t look visually appealing. Having adequate space and constraints for ads and text will also make a huge difference. Easy to navigate menus are helpful in having a great theme, and have been proven to boost visits to other parts of your site. In the end choose something that reflects your websites idea. Don’t have a theme featuring sexy lingerie if your site is actually about a health or medical field. Make your web design leave a lasting impression!



By: Guinanie Almonte

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In today life marketing is equally important as your products. Your company logo represents your image to your customers.That is why the companies spend so much time and money to make their logo unique and appealing. It is not an easy job to do company logo design. Many companies opt for multicolored logos and some other companies opt for simple logos. It is advisable to go for the simple logos. Company logo designing is tough because one needs to understand what type of products and image the company wants to project. Some recent surveys show us that the companies who have logos do appeal more to the customers than the companies without symbols. With that note in your mind you should start working on your company logo designing.

When you are into company logo designing then you must take care of a few things. The symbol must have some words and graphics both. You must not just make it too big or too small. It should look clutter free and sleek. Your potential customers must understand your company symbol and even if they do not understand they must get attracted towards your company. It is a part of your marketing strategy and it needs to be perfect. If you cannot spend thousands of dollars for your logo you can still hire some affordable designing companies and ask them to design your company symbol. There are many companies who opt for cheap designing firms and then end up having something cluttered and not classy as it.

Remember one thing that simplicity rules in logo industry.When a simple logo can create wonders then why should you go for some complex graphics and symbol? When your symbol becomes your representative and can bring a lot of customers and respect to your company then you must take special care about your company logo designing. If you have any idea in your mind then you can say that to your designing firm. There are plenty of interesting logo designing ideas you can find on internet and you can even have invent one. If your idea is unique then it will reflect itself. Make sure that the company charges nothing to edit or reedit the logo. There are many companies who charge extra for editing and reediting. You must not get trapped into that.

You must protect the copyright of the logo you are going to opt for your company. The logo designing firm must take care of that. Otherwise your reputation will get hampered by this. You need to stay safe from all these. Try to avoid using any common graphics or signs that you have seen in other logo. You can register the chosen logo with your company name. It will then belong to your company and no one will be able to steal it or use it outside of your company and products. If you are into partnership business then too you need to make sure who will use the logo if in case the partnership breaks. Follow these rules and stick to the simple designing. Your company will surely make your place strong in the market.



By: roxenrobert

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According to the U.S. “Wall Street Journal,” October 28 reported that 10 years ago, ranked the world’s top three well-known automotive design master’s Oliver mined in order to obtain a new ultra-luxury brand, Mercedes – Benz inspiration specializes in Japanese The car culture. Now, mine has chosen to 367 U.S. dollars riding on an electric bike with a myriad of Beijing residents through the local streets together, imagine the future of cars.

 

Bray is a 52-year-old Mercedes – Mercedes-Benz brand in China’s chief designer. This year, he moved from Tokyo to Beijing, set up a design studio. Bray said: “China is thinking about the future of the perfect place car. My job is to encourage my staff to challenge the limits, from Beijing to think the future of the global automotive industry.”

Bray’s experience reflects a major shift in the automotive industry. With China’s auto market is gradually increasing, more and more international auto giants in China’s enactment of design. The resulting change in China’s car consumption trend is reflected in the automotive products, while these products have been sold around the world.

Although the Chinese market, Mercedes-brand vehicle sales accounted for only 4% of global sales, but the Chinese consumer preferences have been reflected in a number of products, such as installation of a larger luxury car type rear seats, more advanced entertainment systems and interior temperature and ventilation control systems. In China, many high-end customers are only 30 years of age or over 40 years old, much younger than other countries. Chinese consumers like to use lighter color interior design, while others like the gray or black consumers.

A few years ago, China has replaced Japan as the world’s second largest auto market, and this year will exceed the United States as the world’s largest market. Therefore, such as Volkswagen and Toyota, the world’s auto giants have invested substantial resources in China.

In the bankruptcy reorganization, General in Shanghai, the establishment of an international operational headquarters. SAIC GM’s joint venture is here. Ford recently decided to Asia in Bangkok, Thailand moved its headquarters from China.

General Motors already has three, including the Chinese elements. These models include the Buick LaCrosse, Buick Regal and Chevrolet Cruze. Buick LaCrosse from a shape called the Invicta concept car. The concept car is from GM in China and the United States to jointly develop the design room.

Buick LaCrosse for internal use of light and warm, cherry wood installation of multi-function steering wheel and leather seats. These designs are derived from the Chinese consumer preferences.

General Motors is responsible for international operations, vice president of product development, Paddock (Lowell Paddock) said: “We attach great importance to the views of Chinese consumers.”

In China, the world’s automobile manufacturing enterprises not only to consider the next 4-5 years models, but also the 10 to 15 years within the types of products. Daimler Northeast Asia, Ulrich Walker, chairman and chief executive officer (Ulrich Walker), said: “China is the Daimler Motor Company’s global strategy and other important pillars.” He was responsible for supervision of Mercedes – Benz in China??.

China has become the world’s fourth largest market for Mercedes, while in 2006 China has only routed No. 10. China is the most advanced S-class luxury sedan, one of the largest markets. To the Chinese market before the S-class products, Mercedes companies from Chinese consumers who get a lot of information. Mercedes-Benz and even for some customers, and other branded products to customers to travel to Germany watched the early models.

As of September this year, Mercedes-Benz sales in China reached 44.3 thousand, 52% over last year, while sales in Japan over the same period fell by 28%, to 21829.

Bray had been living in Japan 17 years. He came to Beijing reflects the importance of the Chinese market on the rise. This well-known designers want to feel full of electric bicycles and electric vehicles exudes the charm of the hope of gaining the next Mercedes-Benz vehicle design inspiration, there may be to design a luxury electric vehicles.

Mined how the Chinese electric bike as an everyday means of transport and the Chinese government to promote electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles very interested in the rapid development of ways. He said: “You can see a new generation of consumers in this country such a leader in this area.”

Bray added: “China’s conspicuous consumption culture and the growing luxury market makes it to generate new ideas and new concepts of the ideal place. We hope to use China to promote ourselves. This is what we came here to establish the reasons for advanced research and development studio , like many years ago in Japan. “



By: chenxiao

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As an active jewelry designer who attends meetings and workshops all the time, I hear a lot of jewelry business owners complaining that their online stores are not a success at all. I used my web design experience and a lot of research in the domain to gather a few hands-on tips for you to use and turn your online jewelry store into a business success.



Photos that sell the product – The most important thing you have to remember when you have an online jewelry store is that your customer will not be able to feel your jewelry or try it on to see what it looks like. Therefore, clear photos that show as much detail as possible are very important because, afterall, the photo sells the product. Multiple photos for each item are very helpful to show your potential customer all the details. If you have a necklace, try to have at least one photo on a stand, so they can see what it will look like around their neck. If your necklace has a pendant, take an up-close photo of that alone, so you can show all the details of the stones used. When taking photos of jewelry it is crucial that you do that in daytime, without flash. This approach will show the true colors of the stones used without unnecessary reflections.

Search-friendly sites – If you have the possibility to add a search function on your site, please do so. People don’t always know the names of the stones they are looking for and a search functionality will give them the possibility to look for pieces that have a certain color for instance. The idea here is to create the easiest way for your clients to find what they want. When somebody looks for a pearl bracelet, it will be much easier to type that in the search box and hit “Go”, than look through your entire bracelets category to find what they want. Having a search function on your website will be very helpful to your customers but it will certainly add a little more work for you. When you add a product to your store you will have to always remember to tag it with terms that other people might be searching for.

Detailed information – Product descriptions are very important as well when it comes to online jewelry stores. After your client sees the photos, they will want to know what was used to make that piece of jewelry. Try to give as many details as possible about the materials and techniques used as well as sizes. The overall size of the necklace is important, but also include the size of the pendant if you have one, as photos don’t always show the true ratio of the pendant. If you are a custom jewelry designer, I found that people are always interested to find out what your inspiration was. Share that with your visitors and raise their interest in your products.

One size doesn’t always fit all – Since you are selling items that people wear, remember that “One size fits all” doesn’t always apply. Create your jewelry at standard sizes, but always offer people the opportunity to order a smaller or larger item. This way you will increase your clientele.

The price is right – Last but not least, price your jewelry pieces right. As there is a significantly large number of online jewelry stores, you have to be competitive, but at the same time respectful of your work and the materials you use. The art of pricing is probably one of the most difficult, and there is no exact formula or how-to. Using your best judgement and a lot of research in the market area that you are trying to reach, you can find the formula for your prices.



By: Elle Jewelry

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Typically designers draw heavily from historic archives to give their design concepts substance. This becomes the inspiration for style progression and then captured in contemporary frameworks in all eras.

In an endeavour to create something that challenges generics various concepts are reflected in these collections of designer silk ties following; Art deco, French Textile Designers, and, Paris Fashion designer Jean Patou have been major influences. The classically formed school/sporting tie stripes and college colours are also subtly introduced; even the vivid floral patterns have been arranged in diagonal lines reflecting the school tie concept. It is easy to trace the progress of silk ties through the ages; a timeless method of male adornment.

A history very accurately documented and thanks to the advent of internet is at your fingertips. The entire story lends substance to these finely crafted accessories, and, is told every time the knot is tied four in hand or full Windsor. The concepts, the history, the colours, the thought and great attention to detail, the selection of age old weavers and makers, the technical specifications and inspirational origins conclude all the essential elements of a luxury silk tie.

A Cherry blossom silk tie; inspired by early Japanese Kimono designs. And, the blooming of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. has come to symbolize the natural beauty of our nation’s capital city. The famous trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, signal Washington’s rite of spring with an explosion of life and colour that surrounds the Tidal Basin in a sea of pale pink and white blossoms. This ornate floral pattern has been widely used in textile, ceramic and furnishings, on gift cards embroidery and now our own adaptation in a finely crafted silk tie.

A blaze of daisies with oak leaves shadowed in the dark burnt umber spaces reflect the dying summer and the birth of spring. In shades of grey just like the English winter sky in winter.

The vine in stripe is just like the wisteria vine gouging out lime mortar between orange brick, eventually causing structural failure and buildings to crumble. Look closely and you can see representation in silk, whit for mortar, orange for brick and shadowed black vine.

It would be sad to let lay the tie alone, so we’ve created worthy, faithful companions to compliment any colours and any mood or fulfilling any fancy.

Taking a slightly different angle a subject or topic can be told many times over. We’ve been writing reviews and unearthing historic anecdotes on fashion clothing and accessories for a number of years. Our knowledge base continues to grow and so does our range of products. Collar stiffeners being one new addition. Surprisingly many men know nothing of their functional value, keeping collars dead straight all day long, it all helps projecting confidence and class.

Now in early stages of development; the side saddle hip bag, which is a more compact replacement to the clumsy man bag. The hip bag is made from ultra fine Napa leather and simply a belt is looped through to sit on your hip. The fine leather allows it to fit your shape, there is no bulk at all, and will accommodate, cell phone, wallet, coins, pen and pad.

The concepts, the history, the colours, the thought and great attention to detail, the selection of age old weavers and makers, the technical specifications and inspirational origins conclude all the essential elements of a luxury silk tie.



By: Patrick McMurray

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Modern design is a state of mind. It is both space and place. The elements that define modern design come together at the confluence of substance and style. Choosing to bring that style to your environment is one that is becoming more prevalent as we look for that something different. The creativity that sparks modern design often is based on being a little different. It is a reflection of one’s ideas, personality, and individualism.

Deciding to bring that style to your home or office can be accomplished through a number of avenues. Maybe you need a help from an interior decorator, check with the www.asid.com website for a listing of capable designers in you area. If you are looking to use your own creativity, there are many companies out there in cyberspace and in real space offering pieces to the modern puzzle you are trying to solve.

Start by having a plan. Write out ideas you have, sketch drawings of what type of furniture you would want and where you would like it to be. This does not mean you need to know the exact pieces yet, but this will give you an idea of what pieces you will need to look for when you are ready to start shopping. Once you know the pieces needed, the real challenge begins. If you need inspiration, start by visiting a modern home store or look ton the web. This will give you ideas that you can incorporate into your own original thoughts that you might not have ever conceived.

There are many factors of modern furniture design. Typically modern furniture is cutting edge, sleek, and it flows. You just know it when you see it. Modern design is both art and function.  Just make sure there is an emphasis on the function. A well thought out environment can help bring a zen like feeling and approach to your life.



By: Chris Bowley

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There are many types of music that people enjoy listening to, for inspiration or simply for their own listening pleasure, but few musical genres espouse positive messages as much as Christian Music and the artists that create it.

Many people that aren’t familiar with this genre may assume that Christian Music is primarily made up of hymns, gospel, church songs for kids, and other types of music that you would commonly hear in a church, sung by a choir. On the other hand, fans of this genre know that it encompasses much more.

Some of the most famous in this genre are P.O.D., MxPx, Kutless, Switchfoot, Toby Mac, As I Lay Dying, Underoath, Stryper (from the 1980’s), and Evanescence – although, Evanescence has moved away from their religious roots since they’ve tasted big time success. Evanescence’s divergence from faith just helps to illustrate the challenges the Christian rock stars have to face, making P.O.D’s unwavering path to success and their inspirational message even more amazing. Other bands like Creed may contain Christian recording artists, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are a Christian rock group.

Unlike Stryper, who used to toss Bibles out to fans during their onstage performances, Christian artists are more careful about being outwardly religious today. This stems from the fear that they may alienate some fans if they’re “too religious.” However, this is not to say that groups like P.O.D, MxPx, or As I Lay Dying shy away from their faith. These groups embrace their faith through their positive lyrics and their lifestyles, but they also make sure not to “push” their faith on anyone – this way no one feels alone.

Since Christian Music is always reaching out to its fans, it’s not surprising that fans also feel more comfortable with their religion. Thanks to major Christian bands as well as the music that many enjoy in their home or church, artists of this genre help promote a positive message that is inspirational to everyone.

Article written by Doug G.



By: Soal

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Every time we refer to VanCleef&Arpels, we usually talk about the magnificence, beauty and uniqueness of its fantastic jewelries. This time we transfer our topic to discuss its new collection of Christmas wristwatches. In my eyes, they are representatives of elegance and luxury with unique and creative design. Relax yourself to have good enjoyment of below styles.

Round-dial design of VanCleef&Arpels Charms wristwatch is inspired by the guilloche veins of Alhambra Lucky Clover. Two rows of round diamonds are dazzling on the bezel, and the center space is the magnificent metal or another row of dazzling diamonds. The ring upon ring effect of the diamonds bring a special beauty of the simple and exquisite wristwatch to you.

The elegant silhouette of Charms wristwatch and the carved “Van Cleef & Arpels” characters subtly pop out the layer beauty of the whole from another perspective. The most charming point of its design should be the exquisite Alhambra Lucky Clover pendant dangling at the side. It symbolizes the good luck of the wearer, adding more charm and elegance to the whole.

The second style refers to Alhambra Vintage Lucky Clover Classic Wristwatch. The simple, sensible and pure design is inspired by the four-leafed clover symbolizing good luck. The Alhambra Vintage and Alhambra jewelry are always considered to be the representatives of eternity, magnificence and elegance. In the passed several centuries, four-leafed clover was the design inspiration of the designers in the world. You can find its track from the floors in the Mosaic period, Roman baptism, Spanish basilica and Japanese cloth.

Just imagine you are set in an amazing world where the time is controlled by a mysterious fairy and the stick on her hand is the master of time. It’s a romantic scene, isn’t it? Now, Van Cleef & Arpels transferred the dreaming scene into an entity. That is Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Féerie Wristwatch. It subtly combined the fertile imagination of the designers and the top craftsmanship of the watch to create the mysterious and unique piece. The beautiful fairy is sitting in the dial, fully paved with diamonds. The novel design of the watch relies on the stick of the fairy. The mysterious tool becomes the hour hand. And the flimsy wing becomes the minute hand. In my opinion, it’s a fantastic piece of luxury and elegance, worthy of collection.



By: Jane Ye

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Web Design Inspiration

The exemplary vision and mission of LetIThelp has finally been put into action. LetIThelp began its holistic endeavor by conducting free lectures to colleges and universities in Northern Mindanao to further educate the IT graduating students and to prepare them on the tough life outside the classroom. Its main goal is to help deserving fresh IT graduates who have the passion and dedication in their chosen IT profession to earn and learn at the same time.

STI (Systems Technology Institute) Cagayan de Oro City was the first IT College of which LetIThelp had the honor to conduct the first seminar entitled “IT Students: Identify Where You Are Headed”. The speaker of the said seminar is none other than the dynamic President of LetIThelp Ms. Stephanie P. Caragos. She talked on the possible IT Professions of which the STI IT graduating students might pursue after college. She also pointed out the necessary skills, requirements and most importantly the qualities of an IT professional that the students must learn and be equipped with as early as possible to be able to have an edge and stay ahead of the competition of fellow graduates in getting desirable IT jobs in any of the IT companies in the IT industry upon their graduation.

LetIThelp was also honored to have Mr. Simon Healy as the guest speaker in the seminar. Mr. Healy is a mentor of LetIThelp. He shared his experiences in the IT industry to serve as an inspiration to STI IT Students for them to develop their skills to achieve endless possibilities in the IT industry when they graduate. He talked about his humble beginnings until he reached the peak of his career of which he owes a lot of the said success to information technology.

STI IT graduating students were very cooperative and actively participated in the discussion. The students were eager to learn the new things that presented to them during the lecture and very much positive on learning the new terminologies and skills that they need to develop.

The main reason for the seminar is to enlighten the students of the realities that await them after college. By giving these free seminars and lectures ahead of time they will have an advantage on to what they need to do, to prepare their selves in facing their future profession and with this very reason that LetIThelp proudly declares that the first step of their mission has been a rewarding success.

LetIThelp.org strives to be a sustainable social enterprise by providing IT services such as web development, Search Engine Optimization and Blog Customization using Wordpress and through the income generated by the enterprise, more trainees will be given the opportunity to be part of the training program.

LetIThelp is supported by the Youth Social Enterprise Initiative (YSEI) and that of Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP). LetIThelp hopes that this fruitful beginning will eventually lead into fulfilling the organization’s ultimate mission: to help and to give back to society the blissful yield of the organization in a holistic way.



By: Cesar Marlo M Rivera

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Is there a specific manner of writing for the web? Actually, yes, there is. Clear formatting, concise wording and efficient delivery. This is the gist of the protocol for this area of publishing.

Not strange, most would say. Hasn’t the Web evolved so as to be part of every person’s world now? You can access the Web from your TV, your computer, your phone, your digital gadgets. Whatever is on these pages can be logged into anytime, from virtually anywhere, with whatever you are looking for a few clicks away.

But web readers are not like novel readers. Therefore, someone writing for the web cannot write like someone that is writing a novel.

Here are a few things to consider when writing for the web:

- Layout considerations

- Reading manner

- Attention span

- Relevance of information

All the above affect the way writing for the web differs from writing for print.

- Layout considerations

When words are laid out on paper, the eye tends to automatically take in margins and such bearings to make sense of the layout. This doesn’t happen on screen. Words tend to jumble and merge into a big mass of characters that is hard to decipher.

How to address this then? Writing for the web requires using more white space and placing the information in such a way that it is easy for the eyesight to grasp.

A few ways to do this are:

- breaking long paragraphs into smaller blocks.

- inserting a blank line between paragraphs.

- keeping paragraphs short and concise.

- use visual cues such as bulleted lists and tables and graphs, which provide information in one glance.

- use easy-to-read fonts such as Georgia and Verdana, in a legible size, so the eye can grasp it and focus easily.

- Reading manner

It is a fact that people don’t read words on screen as they do on paper. Here are a few considerations where reading ease is concerned:

- The top of the page is vital space. A web page usually displays the top third of the page when it loads. The user needs to scroll to read the lower thirds. Therefore, when writing for the web, making use of this top space to catch readers’ attention is essential.

The above distinction brings us to an essential aspect of writing for the web – the format. Web writing follows the inverted pyramid format.

Traditional writing makes use of an introduction, a body of information, and finally leads to a conclusion. The reader needs to read the whole thing to get to the conclusion. Basically, this conclusion is what he wants to get to. The format of such a piece then starts with an introduction at the top, very much like the tip of a pyramid, leading down to the conclusion, the foot or the base of the pyramid.

Writing for the web makes use of an inverted pyramid format. Flip the pyramid, with the base at the top and the tip at the bottom. Thus, it starts with the conclusion.

When writing for the web, the first paragraph of any article writing piece for the Web should start with the conclusion of the matter being dealt with. A reader, by reading the first paragraph alone, should already know what the full piece will tell him in more detail.

- Remember, readers skim a page on screen. They won’t read everything word by word. They’ll scan the page for a general idea of what is being said. Therefore writing for the web means using keywords and displays such as bold or color help to present a better picture for the ’scanner’.

Hyperlinks fall in this category, but beware using too many stylistic devices and too many links, as they detract from the content.

- Attention span & Relevance of information

The attention span of the on-screen reader is very fickle. It is thus better to have short, concise pieces that deliver the information quickly and efficiently.

Information should pertain to the topic being dealt with. Use of examples and anecdotes should be kept to a minimum. Writing for the web should be active, as in they should provide the reader what he is looking for and not digress into unnecessary detours.

On the whole, writing for the Web is not all that different. It is mostly the delivery that has to be adjusted to fit this medium.



By: Matthew Henderson

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