Apr 16 2012 No Comments By Isaac Gube

There are a lot of rules when it comes to design and the creative arts. In fact, one can even argue that design is built on well-tread techniques and methods that achieve results time and time again. Colors are chosen with purpose, layouts are composed based on grids and other rational means, and techniques are employed based on how effective they will be in a design. So then why does it seem that these rules are always being bent, sometimes even broken completely, and to great effect?

Apr 14 2012 7 Comments By Jacob Gube

Here’s a set of free web/UI buttons that you can use in your sites and app UIs. The buttons have a subtle pattern overlay featuring three of my favorite custom-made patterns from my personal Photoshop pattern collection. The PSD is fully editable (you can even resize the buttons), and I’ve organized them so that you can find the layers you need to edit. I hope you enjoy these!

Apr 12 2012 8 Comments By Jacob Gube

Using large photos as a web page background is a popular technique that can result in a design that’s vivid and memorable. Caution though: Using large photographic images can significantly affect your web page’s page-loading time, so if you choose to go this route in your design, be sure to optimize your images. In this collection, feast your eyes on some excellent websites that use large photographic backgrounds!

Apr 10 2012 4 Comments By Edmar Cisneros

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a mixed media composition using different “over painting” techniques with the help of only one brush with different sizes as well as using some stock images to produce a minimalistic yet powerful composition.

Apr 8 2012 2 Comments By Jacob Gube

Applying textures in your design can be an effective way to give it an added bit of intricacy and detail. If you’re thinking of using textures in your website layouts, we hope that these beautiful examples of textured web designs will inspire you.

Apr 4 2012 2 Comments By JC Parmley

Going from a mid-sized company using SLDC, RAD, and the hybrid of other software development methodologies to a one-man shop was extremely difficult, to say the least. One would think that having the flexibility and autonomy of being an entrepreneur would prove otherwise. These advantages, ironically, were the root of my problems in getting my design projects done on time; I lacked the skills to manage my own projects by having too many options.

Apr 2 2012 2 Comments By Isaac Gube

For this month’s typography showcase, we chose some bold designs to get those creative juices flowing! There are a lot of fresh ideas and new perspectives displayed by the artists chosen this month. Check them out and see if it doesn’t ignite a few creative sparks.