Templates are not cheap. When it comes to your business’ identity, a prefabricated template is not a wise decision. Not only will all of your marketing material not visually flow, but the way in which design works cannot be used to its fullest potential and communicate effectively. When it comes to communicating effectively with your clients or customers, a seemingly “cost-saving template” can actually be costing you time and money.

What we do as designers many don’t understand. We (designers) sometimes like to joke around and say that we make pictures all day. If that were only true! As designers, the core of what we do is communication. Without effective communication, all we would be doing would be visual self-expression (or art).

Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.
— Steve Jobs

As a designer, we use visuals (or graphics) as the communication tool. There are many mediums in which visuals can be used: internet, TV, radio, outdoor, etc. Visuals have many purposes:

1. Uphold the brand
2. Foster consistent style
3. Create recognition
4. Communicate messages
5. Call action

The next time you hear the word, “template”, cringe, cover your ears, close your eyes, and run! Well, you don’t have to be that extreme. But, you should think twice before using a pre-fabricated “design” in which to promote your business. Ask yourself, what’s more important… saving $50, or knowing that a client understands your product or service?

He had been battling pancreatic cancer, and was only 56 when he died on October 5, 2011. I remember Steve Jobs as having created the best computers. As an avid Apple fan, I’ve been amazed at how innovative Steve Jobs was. His vision for the future and outside-the-box thinking was (and is) what sold me on Apple computers over 6 years ago. He has definitely made major leaps forward in personal computing, and his legacy with Apple will live on.

Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.

Here’s an interesting article and timeline I found that walks through Steve Jobs’ career and life, from his birth to his company’s birth and all the way to present:

New York Times Article

Here’s a great video of the introduction of the Macintosh by Steve Jobs in 1984.

Click here to view the embedded video.

It’s very close. As a matter of fact, the date is September 16-18, and I’m definitely going. Here’s more info.

Update!

I have to admit… WordCamp ABQ was great! I learned quite a bit, and mingled with various fellow WordCampers. I really enjoyed Ray’s session on using custom fields and custom post types. I can see why WordPress is truly a CMS with these types of functionalities (which I currently employ in my own website). Damian also had a very good session on WordPress security. Since his speech, I have been researching more ways in which to keep WordPress even more secure.

I’d like to say thanks to Karen and Jenifer and all the other volunteers for all of their dedicated organizational work on making the first ever WordCamp ABQ a great success!

My primary website was more business focused, and has been fading as my primary website, mainly because I landed a new job with the greatest branding and advertising agency in New Mexico the world, Kilmer & Kilmer!

After hiring on last January, I continue to realize that no matter how much I know, there’s always something more to learn. I enjoy this process.

I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoy working here. The people are great, the atmosphere is perfect for a creative mind, and they use only Mac’s! :D