Dan Jasker // Creative Graphic & Website Designer // Available For Hire

Moved to danjasker.com

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:31:00 +0000

This blogspot address will be closing shortly and will no longer be offering up a blog to read. Everything is being moved over to danjasker.com and there will be all the same things found here, just updated more and with more goodies to grab. The site has already launched so head on over and take a look around.

It's also important to note that any screencasts or tutorials found on this website now have it's own section and it's own RSS feed to stay updated on. You never know, this template might be on there too.

I got a few more boxes to pack, so head on over and check out the place.

Thanks.

Two New Website Concepts

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:04:00 +0000

It's been ages since my last post and to be honest I haven't been in the mood to write up a blog about really anything. I've been strongly focusing on my work and taking a much needed time-out from the screen-casting and tutorials that I thought I'd really enjoy doing. The more and more I got into it I began to better respect those who do this for a living. With all the complaints and all the arrogant critics out there (you know who you are), props goes out to anyone who does these and lives to tell about it.

The point of this post is to show off two design concepts that are out there in the world and will be launching soon.

Both sites are going to be using ExpressionEngine as the CMS of choice and I will admit that both designs are a huge jump from the existing counterparts. This is a good thing and I look forward to seeing how the rest of the site turns out as well as the response from the clients that they are being designed for when they are finished.

I'd appreciate any feedback on these and I'll post an update when these are done. Thanks.

Clearing The First 1,200...

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 06:36:00 +0000

Clearing the first 1,200+ visitors goal of my little 100% Documented Freeway Tutorials website has been quite an honor. I'd like to thank everyone who followed the link, either on Freewaytalk.net or on this blog, and took the time to visit the site and then e-mailed me comments or suggestions about it. I find that these documented versions have been going faster than my actual video-cast's but they've also been a bit of a challenge.

Currently, as of this blog post, there are eleven 100% documented Freeway tutorials complete with screen-captures and thorough explanations for each step. Each topic is either chosen by a person who e-mailed me or is an updated version of a previous video-cast. I will admit that I've got some rather strange requests and it's been difficult trying to sort out the necessary from the ridiculous. There are just somethings that cannot be done easily I'm afraid, but I will admit that I looked into every one of them and tried to find a way to make it happen.

The website has an RSS feed to subscribe to as a way to find out when the latest tutorials are made available. Also there are separate mobile-optimized versions for iPhone users. Freeway tutorials on-the-go. How cool is that?

So go check them out and did I mention a new blog design is coming soon? Stay Tuned.

Documented Screen-cast's

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 09:24:00 +0000

Launching today is a trial run of documenting video-cast's by converting them into a manual like web version. These can be used instead of the typical video-cast's and will enable users to scroll down to a specific step within a document without having to re-download the video-cast and fast-forward to a specific spot. I got this idea from browsing around various other video-cast sites and found that little or no actual documentation was made available. It usually required going through various busy support lines or having to join a forum for something often trivial. This way you can quickly find the things you need without the hassle.

As far as video-cast's go I've revamped a few I had posted previously and would like to document the entire process and get those re-posted as soon as possible. I figure that working on both a new website and re-upping all my previous screen-cast's should keep me busy for a while. There are still quiet a few requests I've promised to fulfill and I will get to those. With that said I've posted my first revamped, and most successful video-cast with over 1,350 views, on creating simple fading slideshow's in Freeway. To those who haven't seen it, it's about using a single action to create a simple slideshow where you can have a series of images fade-in and fade-out all created in just a matter of minutes. So go check it out!

Lastly I'd also like to re-iterate that I'm currently available for freelance and even full-time work and have experience in handling all kinds of graphic design and web projects. I'd encourage you to contact me even if you'd like me to review a website or simply clean up your files if something isn't quite right. I accept either Freeway documents or just straight up CSS, (X)HTML, etc.

Well, what are you waiting for? Go watch the screen-cast and I'll be back with another one after I return home in about a week.

A Few Updates...

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:09:00 +0000

I'd first like to thank everyone for the feedback that was given on the last post about whether people would be into buying screen-cast's for a few dollars. I received overwhelming support for offering both paid and free version's and I have been building a site that will house these items. More on that in a minute.

Going beyond that this week I've been working heavily on the rebuilding and updating of EagleEngineSales.com. I've gone ahead and rebuilt the entire site from the ground up. I've integrated Expression Engine into the site and it has saved time in my workflow by allowing more site specific automation rather than placing content manually like the older site. It's also enabled me to better understand yet another dynamic CMS option and I look forward to using it for future sites. There are a few major improvements to the site which include a handful of new pages and content as well as a few updated graphic related items. Overall the majority of the work was done on the server-side and that included lots and lots of data entry and then a few new things including request and contact forms that contained a control mechanism over specific field entries that could then be exported out for use in any typical office software such as Word or Excel. Before the website had used Forms2Go and that served it's purpose but wasn't flexible enough to export the data. I used FreeForm from SolSpace.com and I'd recommend using that to anybody who wants to create forms easily. Overall I'm pleased with the update and I consider it an accomplishment because it took 5-6 months to get it together originally and then it only took a week and three days to rebuild it all.

I've also recently finished a website for a book publisher and that site can be found at Titopublishingcompany.com. What was great about this project was that it had existing content and any additional content that I needed was sent quickly by the client. What bothers me most about the preliminary web design process is unprepared clients who expect something to simply appear out of nothing. Things were different this time and I'd like to personally thank Cliff, my client, and I wish him the best with his website.

Lastly, I want to discuss this site I'm working on for the screen-cast's. I had an idea today that consisted of creating downloadable versions of my tutorials in PDF format. I thought about having them be written out and then have an optional video to watch. It seems like it'd be double the work, but some people like paper copies that are smaller than these often large video clips. I'd like to have my site content laid out like PSDtuts.com and would then have screen captures of the different sections and then offer an optional download depending on it's type. What do you think?

I know there's been quite a few people asking when it will be done and to be honest I'm working on it like crazy so it shouldn't be much longer. I appreciate everyone's support and I look forward to seeing how the community reacts to it.

FW5: Screen-Cast's Update!

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:29:00 +0000

For a while now I've been recording free instructional screen-cast's on how to do various tasks, often outside of the program, for Softpress' Freeway web software. All of them seemed to be well received with download counts and views in the thousands and I want to thank everyone for taking the time to watch them. Although I will admit a few comments here and there were unnecessary and unfounded, I kept going and what I didn't know was that what started out to be a fun hobby could turn into a business. With that said I want to make one announcement and then present my readers with a question.

The big announcement is that any new screen-cast's will now be split into free versions and paid versions. The free versions, which there will be plenty, will cover simple topics and plenty of in-program tasks. The paid versions, with a brief preview available, will often be series types and will involve a bit more advanced knowledge and understanding in HTML and CSS. I've received quite a few e-mails from people who disagree about splitting things up, but I can't afford my time being given away.

I don't do these screen-cast's to feel like a "god" or for personal self-worth issues or for any kind of respect and recognition, I do these because I enjoy simply helping people and it also helps push my name a little bit further out there as I continue looking for full-time work.

I consider my time to be just as valuable as yours and, since in reality I'm helping you out, it's only fair. As far as pricing goes that will be announced soon, but don't expect anything more than a few dollars.

Now for the question part of this post, I'd like some feedback on this topic. A while back I was approached by someone who suggested the idea of doing hands-on training services to be offered over iChat through screen-sharing. The idea would be to charge a fee and then later remotely connect with them and show them how to do basic things in Freeway. Basically an interactive screen-cast / web-inar. The idea intrigued my entrepreneurial side of trying to create a successful business but I'm not sure how the Freeway user base would feel. Well, what do you think?

Thanks for reading!

Thinking Like A Graphic Designer

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:17:00 +0000

Since yesterday I've started reading an eBook called "How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer" by Debbie Millman. I've been reading it because it not only relates to my field but it also speaks more to the individual than it does to the design. Recently, as many of you know, I've been trying to land a job in the field of graphic design / web design. So I thought that reading more about a general history of my field, from people who started where I am, would somehow empower me to keep going no matter how amusing the lackluster search has been already.

The first part of the book is about how an interviewee needs to be engaged by an interviewer. This made sense in a way because I feel, if a role reversal had taken place, I'd want to engage my interviewee more than I've been engaged myself. When I've been interviewed I often get asked very generic questions by an HR person and the interview process has always lacked a certain kind of creativity from the interviewer and it often ends in a result of boredom by me the interviewee. This shouldn't simply be. Interviews must be tackled with zeal and the interviewer must control the discussion with the interviewee allowing time for the expected to turn into the unexpected.

The book continues on to walk you through the steps in the minds of various designers in different eras. Debbie starts with Michael Bierut and his transition into the design giant Pentagram. Followed by others such as Chip Kidd and Stephen Doyle. But what does this book really teach you to think about to be a great graphic designer?

So far, the first thing that it has taught me is to realize that as designers we pride ourselves in the past and that "we never forget our first" and we need to move on and let that go. What I believe is that we often pride ourselves in our old design because we want to constantly feel that genesis of being apart of something, perhaps somewhere else. I believe that we pride ourselves to the point that eventually later in our lives it has consumed us and the tragedy of it all is that we will soon find it hard to disguise the fact that the very thing that gave us pleasure for so long is now not enough for us. The book refers to this as a basic psychological reaction, "it's like rats with pellets in the maze."

The second thing I've learned so far is that you can compensate for whatever flaws and shortcomings you have as a creative person by being smart and well-read and by working really, really hard. This makes sense because the more opportunities you have to work hard the more success you'll have in your life. I admit, I work hard at what I do. I take pride in my design and I often try to shadow my flaws in my presentation.

The last thing I've learned so far is that we all find our way somehow and it very well may bring us back to where we started. For instance this week I'm working on a redesign of spiral94.com. Back in March of 2004 I designed it and had someone else put it together, but I took pride in it because it was my first big project. Now 5 years later, with nothing changed or updated since then, looking back it wasn't a big project, it was just big to me. I've learned this week that things don't always go according to plan and I think we'll find ourselves when we least expect it. Growing up I didn't know drawing goofy pictures would turn out to be a career opportunity. In fact for a while I gave up drawing and tried something else. But you keep going and that's what matters.

I'll have another post on this book after I'm done reading it. Thanks.

10 Most Used Freeway Actions (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:30:00 +0000

If you remember in the last post, I went through my bottom five out of ten Freeway Actions that I use regularly within my design workflow. During that time, between part's one and two, I did make some corrections to the Action descriptions and fixed a program specific situation by replacing it with an Action that does pretty much the same thing. Continuing forward from "Part One" here is a list of the top 5 Actions I use regularly.

5. Google Analytics

Google Analytics now makes the features that experts demand easy to use for everyone. Gain rich insights into your website traffic with Advanced Segmentation, Custom Reporting, Motion Charts, and more.

Included in the Freeway 5 software series is the Google Analytics Action that allows you easy access to entering your tracking code from the free Google website tracking service. I use this service for every site I design and have had great success in knowing what people are looking at and if they're able to get around the site as intended.

4. Expression Engine ($40)

ExpressionEngine (EE) is a highly flexible content management system (CMS) that allows those without extensive PHP experience to create database driven websites that rival sites with tens of thousands of dollars of custom scripting and database development.

If you're building a website using a CMS, I'd recommend using Expression Engine. Combined with this Action set you will be able to create a manageable website that easily contains both static and dynamic content.

3. Crowbar

CrowBar is an enhanced version of the Markup Item.

I've used this Action recently with the Expression Engine Suite. It allows you to insert code snippets before or after a specific HTML item and is available in three flavors of "Page, Inline, and Item."

2. Upload Extra Resources

Use this Action to upload extra files/resources to your server.

This Action enables you to select external files, to eventually be uploaded to your server, that are not included within your Freeway document. It is great for uploading those externally linked PDF's or an image XML file for a slideshow.

1. External Style Sheet / Convert To Style Sheet

Use any external CSS style sheet in your Freeway page. This can be a page within the site that you converted to a stylesheet using the ESS-Convert to Style Sheet Action or a stylesheet created with another application.

This is my most used Action because of the lack of full-CSS support in Freeway. These two Actions allow you to attach your own style sheet to your projects and enables you to use your favorite CSS editor to do the things that Freeway can't.

This completes my list of "Most Used Freeway Actions" and I hope that you use these for your web projects as they are the best of the best.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great Thanksgiving.

10 Most Used Freeway Actions (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:10:00 +0000

I was asked recently what were my most used actions that I use for Freeway 5 Pro. If you haven't used Freeway 5 Pro you've been under a rock and a quick Google search will get you up to date. Although I don't use Freeway for my main web-design software, I find it's ease of use unmatched if you're in need of building something quick and easy all the while staying cost effective. Within the software are included "actions" which work like "plug-ins" that can help accomplish complicated things rather easily. The support and the development of these actions has been greatly appreciated so I'd like to take a moment here and thank everyone who has submitted an action.

The difficult part about this post is narrowing it down to 10 standard use actions based of a long and distinguished list of "comes with the program" actions and 3rd party actions. Usually my action selection is based on a project-by-project basis, but in my daily workflow I find that I use these 10 often and, regardless if you would use any of these, I find these the best of the best for me. I'll start off this two-part post with Part One of my bottom 5 and post another of my top 5.

10. Comment

Add a set of comments around any layer on the page. This helps you locate a particular element when viewing or editing the source code.

Since there are times when you have to edit the source code you'll need to be able to locate a specific area and nothing is easier than using the Comment action. It creates a nice HTML comment around, say, a specific DIV that you have placed. HTML comments are also a great way to organize your site, code-wise.

9. Dynamic Page Titles

Freeway will normally encode any non-alphanumeric characters, such as < and >, in page titles. This means that you can’t use ASP tags to dynamically generate titles.

If you're building a site using a CMS (content management system) and you want to put dynamic page titles for, say, your articles to include the title of the article in the bar at the top of the browser you'd use this action. Most CMS softwares use a tag based system and they can include "<" or quotation marks and when Freeway goes to publish your document it'll convert those symbols to the HTML equivalent.

8. Form Element Styler

Apply this action to each form element and set the style options. Handy for element widths, heights and setting coloured borders or fills for text fields and text areas.

If you're doing any kind of form work you'll need to have this action. It allows you to style the form elements (fonts, font-size, color, weight, background color...) as well as force their specific width's and height's. This action will save you lots of time in terms of styling and formating.

7. Fading Slideshow

Fading Slideshow is a great alternative to using Flash for a slideshow or using a Flash component. It uses javascript libraries and is super simple to use and understand. So simple in fact I did a screen-cast on it.

6. Slimbox

Let's you assign a Slimbox (Lightbox) popup image.

If you've been to any modern website I'm sure you've run across what Lightbox is and Slimbox is pretty much the same thing. Lightbox/Slimbox happens when you click on an image link and the browsers inner-window goes usually grey and then a white box draws itself out and inside of that holds your chosen photo acting almost as a layer above the page below it. This action is part of the MooTools Action Suite.

Now that Part One is completed please take the time to comment on any actions that are "must's" for you and would make your list.

Also I'd like to say that I am currently seeking employment opportunities in the United States and I know the economy is tough these days, but if you are in need of someone who is knowledgeable, educated, experienced, loyal, and committed to the success of your agency or small business I'd encourage you to drop me a line and give me the opportunity to show you what I have to offer. I'd greatly appreciate it.

Stay tuned for Part Two.

FW5: Progressive Image

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:32:00 +0000

Today I am releasing this BlogSpot's previous template, now entitled "Progressive Image," as a free download for Freeway 5 Pro users. With a few tweaks here and there within Freeway an extremely similar look has been easily accomplished. It is built as a box-model site which provides a flexible layout (vertically) and is compatible with IE6/IE7/FF(PC) and all MacOSX browsers.

However, with my previous template, I had a few extra tidbits of CSS that were manually added into the style sheet to adjust some of the margins and paddings. If your template version doesn't look quite like mine used to this would be a probable reason.

This template is also distributed under Creative Commons Attribution (by) 3.0. This enables you to share (copy, distribute, and transmit) or remix (to adapt the work) to fit your needs. This also means that you cannot sell this template for personal profit or gain. There is a whole other mess of legal jargon, but essentially it means that I deserve credit as author and licensor of this template, but in no way suggest that I endorse you or support the manner in which you use the template. So, don't be bad with it because I won't endorse you anyways. But I am interested to see what Freeway users do with this and would like to see any links if you use it.

Finally this template file (located in the template folder) needs a BlogSpot address / and / or / an external server address to the Resources folder added under the "Upload" tab (in "Document Setup") to the "Web Address" field before any of the Blogger actions work. If you're not sure how to do this make sure and download my screencasts involving Blogger templates; now easily available in the sidebar.

The next hurdle is going to be distributing my new template here "InBeta." There are numerous CSS changes that were done manually using CSSEdit and I'm not sure how those are going to fit into Freeway's limited post-CSS routine. Most of the edits were to specific BlogSpot tags outputted by Freeway, so some CSS courage would be necessary if an easier way could not be found.

But till then enjoy the free template and stay tuned for the release of "InBeta."

Files for "Progressive Image"

http://www.mediafire.com/?w5atpjlj3yr

Password: apple

FW5: Pro Templates Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0000

With a new template out today for this BlogSpot, named right now "InBeta", I will be releasing my old template and this new template to be used in Freeway 5 Pro. The reason for the change is that I felt my old template accomplished a form, but truly lacked function. It was easy to read, but not all of the links were easily viewable and were often being skipped over according to Google Analytics. The images and wooden background were a big hit, but from a strictly "posting" perspective it wasn't easily providing a styled way to distribute my thoughts, my experiences, nor my screencasts.

What I feel this template accomplishes is that it now has an "artistic" feel along with better typography and a modern color scheme. It compliments me as a designer and is another great example to the power of Freeway 5. This software has allowed me to build this easily and I would be interested in building more templates for others, and the program itself, in the future. I will admit there are a few things that cannot be done in Freeway 5 in the way of CSS additions that were manually added via CSSEdit, but overall the look is easily accomplished and its purpose could be used outside of BlogSpot.

Moving on, I am still actively seeking full-time employment. Right now I am focused on my existing freelance career and would love to transition over to an office setting. My resume and portfolio are promptly available via the links at the top and I would appreciate any applicable opportunity to present itself.

I've also noticed that Screenflow has been updated and looks to have better compatibility with PPC Mac's but the real plus is that the encoding process is said to go plenty faster. This is encouraging news because it takes on average about 2-3 hours to encode an 8-minute video. I also have a few screen-cast ideas I've said I'd do and a few I was not sure I'd take the time to, so with the update if encoding times improve stay tuned to those.

To wrap things up I'll say that I've had a great time with BlogSpot so far and I've enjoyed moderating the comments I get with people asking questions and I'll never be able to thank my readers enough for leaving appreciative notes and kind messages. It really has been a great learning experience and I hope that there is more I can contribute to helping out in the future.

5 Principles For Freeway Users

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:25:00 +0000

Creating a website is getting a lot easier these days. With third party programs, now being both affordable and attractive, we've seen the dawn of many people who never thought they'd be a designer and have now entered the age of digital freedom. People are now able to create attractive and professional print and web pieces with the greatest of ease. Paid designers are now being undone as they see their business not being able to output the quality that these programs now have to offer.

When it comes to strictly the web design part of today's digital age, it doesn't get any easier than software such as Freeway from Softpress.com. For this specific post I am going to be talking directly to Freeway users (both Pro and Express) who have taken their business into their own hands. I'd like to point out 5 essential principles that all new and old Freeway users need to know.

1. Don't Use All The Fancy Features Unless It's Necessary - One of my biggest pet peeves is finding people who have tons and tons of JavaScript coding all over their pages just because they can. Whether it is having a site unload for 20 seconds in a shingle format full of odd contraptions and delayed text modules. Understand the features before you use them and make sure that it fits a purpose.

2. Don't Underestimate The Dark Side Of Internet Explorer - For the past two days this site has failed to show up in both IE6/IE7 and even thought FW5 has IE6/IE7 compatibility it won't always fix the situation. If you ever loaded up that "ie6.css" file you'd see it's mostly fixing height issues along with an image loader for handling PNG transparency.

3. Understand both a CSS layout and a Table Based Layout - Understanding the program is the first step to mastering it. Whether you're trying to build a CSS layout or using tables, understand how to complete a project both ways because someday you'll run into someone who wants something the only way they understand.

4. Expect Delays In CSS - For years people have been complaining about the lack of a full CSS suite from Freeway 3.5-5.1.3. You'll see that not every option is available and the entire user base have begged for a resemblance to that of CSSEdit (from MacRabbit.com.) Makes sense to me and I feel this would be a huge step forward in the design process if everyone had options at their fingertips all under one category and all in one place.

5. You Can't Do Everything - Not to burst your bubble for number five, but there is just certain things you can't do. Day after day I run through new user messages and see people asking if Freeway has a built-in content management system or how to create a MySpace page. It can't do everything, but it can get you started and that's important for someone who doesn't understand always how it works right off-the-bat.

These are just 5 essential principles that can be used on any projects you're working on, but remember there is at least an infinite amount of great things that can be done properly.

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Glad to see people are still downloading the blogger tutorial and stay tuned for more updates.

New Site, Next Screencast, New Software...

noreply@blogger.com (Dan) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:04:00 +0000

Just wanted to announce a new site I designed using Freeway 5 located at www.production-studios.com. It had been quite a while since I had originally laid out the first design, but now I've redesigned it from the ground up and things have turned out quite well. The turning point in my design process was using the wood-background found on this blogspot and utilizing it in the designed site. It provides a clean and tailored feel and also draws attention to the way the photographs appear on the various pages. Thanks to Brandon and Sarah for the opportunity to clean up the site and I wish the best of luck to them in getting Production Studios running at full speed.

In other news, my next screencast is coming up and is being worked on. I've just checked my download stats tracker and about 50 people have downloaded my second blogger tutorial + template released in the last post. It's been downloaded faster than the other one and that's exciting and I've been receiving some solid feedback on it. Thanks to those who have downloaded it. However my next screencast steps away from Blogger and moves to another CMS (Content Management System) named Expression Engine. I've been learning Expression Engine for a project I'm working on and I have been finding it even easier to implement over my CMS Made Simple routine.

The site is being built without actions (although Joe Muscara it's been tempting) and has been written with tags in tact plus using Tim Plumb's paragraph tags action. It's actually easier for someone whose never used tags much before to figure out plus it's all done in Freeway 5. My next screencasts will be how I'm implementing Expression Engine tags into Freeway 5 then into Expression Engine and then finish with a preview. So stay tuned to that.

Finally I'd like to wrap things up with praise for a software item I've recently acquired named TextMate. I had seen the software title thrown around on a few websites with mixed reviews and never really considered it thinking it was just another text editor and felt that I was satisfied with Text Wrangler meaning that I didn't need anything else. I downloaded a trial and messed around with it and it's super intuitive and also an Expression Engine bundle can be added to it that with a few clicks can drop in the tags needed without having to look them up. Very convenient, 5 big stars to them.

That's all. Thanks for reading.