AR Design Blog

11 Examples of Creative Web Design

2011-02-21T11:14:00.000-08:00

These are just a few examples of creative design, that I have happened to find during my web travels (and saved for my own inspirational purposes). I was simply going to do a top 10 list, but of course, all great lists go to 11 :-p

16 Examples of Stylish Image Sliders

2010-04-21T13:35:00.001-07:00

Nowadays image sliders are extremely common in portfolios and other websites where you need to showcase items. Here’s a few samples of different styles of sliders on the web.

27 Blog Designs With Amazing Design And Functionality

2010-04-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

Usually blogs serve one purpose – design or function. Just a few blog designs fulfill both important tasks...

New Website/Blog Design Services

2010-04-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

Up until now, I have simply asked potential clients to give me an idea of what kind of web design work they'd like done, and then I provide a quote. This is a service that I will still provide :-) However, I've decided to outline a few of the services I can provide, along with specific pricing!

Custom "Brochure" Site - $500

This option is perfect for those who just want a simple, yet attractive and professional website to effectively get the word out about the products/services they offer. This price includes:

1) Personal consultation to discuss your needs/vision.

2) If you don't already have a domain/hosting services, I will walk you through the set-up process.

Note: You will have to purchase these things yourself, but it is something you will want to do. I am available for updates, but this way, you always remain in control of your own site. Also, while many may charge high fees for this service, if you do it yourself, it costs more to buy a couple of movie tickets once a month, than it does for the registration/hosting of a website :)

3) Up to 5 pages, with custom graphic design and text creation. Of course, you may also provide your own images/text that you would like used on the site, as well.

Optional Add-Ons:

Extra Pages - $25 each

E-Commerce (via PayPal) - $100
This includes setup of a simple shopping cart system for a single product or service.
Each additional item - $5

Blog Installation - $150
This price includes the addition of a blog, consistent with the theme/design of the main site.

Updates - $15 per 15-minute block
Most updates can be done within 15-minutes. Of course, more extensive updates may take longer.

Custom Blog Header Design - $50

If you just want a quick, new look for your blog, but don't want to spend a lot of money, this is a great option. This price includes:

1) Personal consultation to discuss your needs/vision.

2) Custom graphic design... of course, you may also provide your own images/text that you would like used, as well.

3) If you need a tagline, I can help you come up with one, free of additional charge!

Note: These are just some of my basic services... if you need anything else, just drop me an e-mail!

Does learning kill creativity?

2010-04-15T05:41:00.000-07:00

(View Article)

That Dirty Word - "Creative"

2010-04-14T05:34:00.000-07:00

Design by Committee = The Death of Creativity...

(View Article)

An Amazing Resource for Icons (Social Media or Otherwise)

2010-03-25T10:06:00.001-07:00

This is one of those sites that, when I happen across it I think, "Why am I just finding this now?" :-p

True Blue: 90 Outstanding Blue Websites

2010-03-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

Although blue is often associated with dull, corporate web design, it doesn't have to be boring! Here's a bunch of amazing websites taking blue out of the box!

100 (Really) Creative Business Cards

2010-03-22T04:14:00.000-07:00

100 examples of business card designs which show that there are truly no limits to the design of a business card...

Top 10 Websites for Texture Downloads...

2010-03-21T05:38:00.000-07:00

Of course, be sure to always read distribution licenses, but here are some great places to get started if you're looking for that perfect texture...

50 Awesome Website Design Galleries

2010-03-19T05:03:00.000-07:00

One of my best sources of inspiration is web design galleries... here are 50 great ones!

50 Green Websites and More For Your Inspiration

2010-03-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, here are 50 green inspiration pieces! :-)

How To Create A Custom Background For Twitter

2010-03-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

This is a great tutorial for designers and non-designers alike... this article shows how easy it is to create your own custom Twitter background!

The Ultimate Roundup of Free Social Media Icons

2010-03-15T06:05:00.000-07:00

Social media icons can either detract from your design, or complement it (or even enhance it)! Some of these I had seen before... many I had not. A really great collection of social media icons, that you can use on your site, blog... wherever!

Create a Rotating Billboard System

2010-03-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

I so wanna try this out... just need to find the right project for it! :-D

Free Grunge Fonts...

2010-03-13T03:50:00.000-08:00

A dirty, distressed and grungy font is what tops off a superb grunge design. On the contrary, using the wrong font can really kill the grunge theme you were aiming for. Don’t get stuck without the resources your creativity needs. Download all 50 of these dead sexy grunge fonts for your collection. All these grungy fonts can be downloaded for FREE, so stock up and enjoy!!!

Social media advice for small businesses...

2010-03-12T05:35:00.000-08:00

This is a really great article that actually speaks to a philosophy we've held for many years. So many times, a business will become so obsessed with getting ahead and beating the competition, that they will wall themselves up... which usually leads to becoming obsolete.

Sharing and being a part of a community is so important, especially for a small business. That might mean easing up and even sharing what other businesses are doing through links, retweets, etc. It might seem counter-productive at first... how can you gain more sales by advertising the competition? However, this is a practice that has stood the test of time.

It's all about building a foundation of trust and community... which is the key to building long-term customer relations. This might not be the best example, but remember the movie "Miracle on 34th Street?" Remember how mad the executives at Macy's and Gimbel's became at first when Santa Claus started directing customers to other stores, when they couldn't find what they were looking for at Macy's? Again, while it was nice, it seemed like a bad business decision at first. However, in the the end, it wasn't just a nice thing to do... it was actually good for business! It lifted the store above the competition by, again, building a sense of trust and community. People felt like Macy's really cared about them... which, in the end, led to customers returning to a store that didn't treat them like just another number.

The point is, don't become so obsessed with each individual sale, and rather think about the big picture. Assuming you want your business to have long-term success, it's much more important to think about how to keep your customers coming back... even if they don't buy anything the very first time you encounter them.

OK, my first rant here is finished :-p Onto the article!

Digital Mascots in Web Design

2010-03-11T04:37:00.000-08:00

Much like most fast-food establishments or other businesses with mascots for promotion and marketing, these websites considered this strategy to differentiate themselves from other websites...

30 Amazingly Creative Social Icon Sets

2010-03-10T04:52:00.000-08:00

A list of creative Social Icon Sets for your web sites or blogs...

Newsletter Design: 50+ Great Examples

2010-03-09T20:02:00.000-08:00

A good newsletter campaign can be a great way to inform your subscribers of all your company’s latest news, products and specials. In this post you will see some great examples of newsletter designs from various online companies. If you're in need of some design inspiration, this post just might do the job. Enjoy!

24 Beautiful Hotel Website Designs to Get Inspired

2010-03-08T04:56:00.000-08:00

A great website design can be a powerful tool for establishing a brand. In the hotel business, a website gives the chance to present the services and atmosphere that is being offered to the target group.

This collection demonstrates how hotel websites can incorporate beautiful design and target their audience in the right way...

A Resource Motherload of Textures and Patterns

2010-03-07T05:20:00.000-08:00

From time to time we all need a little texture and pattern goodness in our designs and keeping a toolbox of resources is a great way to stay proficient as designers...

50 Examples of Beautiful Illustration in Web Design

2010-03-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

To stand out from the crowd, your website designs need to be unique and creative. And, there's nothing like great illustration to help accomplish that. Check out these great examples!

Welcome, to the AR Design Blog!

2010-03-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

Hello! My name is Jennifer Miller and this blog is actually an extension of my site at autumnraindesign.com

Until now, this site has mainly just served as a listing of my projects, but I figured after 4 years, it might be time to do something more with it :-) Especially since lately, I have discovered so many great web design resources. And, while there are a lot of web design blogs out there, I figured, hey, why not... I'll add another to the mix :-p As a web designer, you can usually use all the resources, inspiration, etc., that you can get.

In addition, my husband Dave has always been in the background, helping me (and our extended network of family/friends) with computer/tech issues. And now, he's agreed to come on board in a more official capacity and contribute to this blog, as well, by answering your tech questions! So, if you're having a computer issue, please feel free to drop him a line at dave@autumnraindesign.com. He may not be able to answer EVERY question... but he is our go-to guy whenever a problem arises. And now he's yours, too! I offer him up to you... use him as you will :-p

So, be sure to follow us... we have lots to share!