PixlD Inc Blogs » Design & Web

June Wallpaper and Desktop Calendars

Prince Bazawule — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:48:45 +0000

Retro & Wireless

Retro & Wireless - Preview Download (With Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Download (Without Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Mobile/iPhone [ 320×480 ].

Sound, Sun & Smiles

Sound, Sun & Smiles - Preview Download (With Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Download (Without Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Mobile/iPhone [ 320×480 ].

Contribute Your Designs

Interested in contributing your designs to be showcased? Check out the guidelines here.

Share/Bookmark

May Wallpaper and Desktop Calendars

Prince Bazawule — Mon, 02 May 2011 06:05:58 +0000

Simple Office

Simple Office - Preview Download (With Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Download (Without Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Mobile/iPhone [ 320×480 - Folders, 320×480 - Mac, 320×480 - macbookpro, 320×480 - Timer,320×480 - Phone ].

Maybe So...

Maybe So... - Preview Download (With Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Download (Without Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Mobile/iPhone [ 320×480 - Vinyl ].

Contribute Your Designs

Interested in contributing your designs to be showcased? Check out the guidelines here.

Share/Bookmark

April Wallpaper and Desktop Calendars

Prince Bazawule — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:04:59 +0000

Outside My Window

Outside My Window - Preview Download (With Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Download (Without Calendar): 320×480 iPhone, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Aries

Aries - Preview Download (With Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Download (Without Calendar): 320×480 iPhone, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Contribute Your Designs

Interested in contributing your designs to be showcased? Check out the guidelines here.

Share/Bookmark

Around the World in 21 Outstanding Print Ads – Africa

Prince Bazawule — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:44:08 +0000

1. Arquivo M: Your contacts always safe - DDB Moçambique, Maputo, Mozambique

2. Fight for your ideas - Advantage Y&R, Windhoek, Namibia

3. Hyundai Heavy Industries: Arm - JWT Algiers, Algeria

4. Harmony between colors - DDB, Maputo, Mozambique

5. Cape Times: Zuma - Lowe Bull, South Africa

6. Lika Gum: Out of this world - Elephant, Cairo, Egypt

7. Beautiful taps - FoxP2, Cape Town, South Africa

8. Danone Fruit Yogurt: Burger - Leo Burnett, Cairo, Egypt

9. Kaya fm. 95.9: Fist - The Firehouse, Johannesburg, South Africa

10. Carrefour: Bar Code - Strategies, Cairo, Egypt

11. DSTV Bue: Simpsons - Executive Center, Luanda, Angola

12. Break tout Choco: Construction - Memac Ogilvy Label, Tunis, Tunisia

13. Tigo: Golf - Creative Eye, Accra, Ghana

14. Reynolds Permanent Marker: Stain - JWT, Tunis, Tunisia

15. Southern Sun: The Feast - MorrisJones&Co, Johannesburg, South Africa

16. Toyota: 2 Sides - Executive Center, Luanda, Angola

17. Audi: Dandelion - Ogilvy, Johannesburg, South Africa

18. Leopard: Leopard 'Lick' - Mccann Kenya

19. The Association of Newspapers: Hide & Seek - The Jupiter Drawing Room, South Africa

20. Boga Cidre Coffee House: Since 1956 - Memac Ogilvy Label, Tunis, Tunisia

21. NileFM: Programs - JWT, Cairo, Egypt

Have we missed any amazing print ads from the African region? not showcased here? Have an opinion or contributions? Point us to other resources (we like that) and join the discussion below as we decide which region to explore next.

Share/Bookmark

March Wallpaper and Desktop Calendars

Prince Bazawule — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 07:42:16 +0000

The Meaning of March

The Meaning of March - Preview Download (With Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Download (Without Calendar): 320×480 iPhone, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

What's On In March

What's On In March - Preview Download (With Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Download (Without Calendar): 320×480 iPhone, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Contribute Your Designs

Interested in contributing your designs to be showcased? Check out the guidelines here.

Share/Bookmark

35 Outstanding Blue Website Designs

Prince Bazawule — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:39:28 +0000

jumpto.co.uk

cosmicsoda.com

criticalzero.co.uk

feedstitch.com

danwiersema.com

businesscardninjas.com

misayonara.com

milkjapan.net

larvalabs.com

freshbooks.com

designdisease.com

paraplyapp.dk

culturedcode.com

skype.com

zee.com.br

pojeta.cz

hd-live.co.uk

fubiz-interactive.com

morphix.si

eyedraw.eu

droplr.com

sanatrath.com

delicious.com

piipeonline.com

bird.ie

bluebonnetcafe.net

compal-international.com

vimeo.com

barackobama.com

bohemiadesign.co.uk

naugstudio.cl

thealamobasement.com

lafilm.edu

yodaa.com

jackrums.com

What do you think of all these 'Blue' websites? Do you have any more to appended to the list? Drop you additions in comments below.

Share/Bookmark

45 Of The Best Social Media Icons for Designers and Bloggers

Prince Bazawule — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:55:32 +0000

1. Hand Drawn Social Media Icons

2. Jeans Pocket Social Media Icon

3. Free Icon Set for Bloggers

4. Web 2.0rigami

5. Social Trucks Icons

6. Cheers

7. Freebies Released: Yammy Social Media Icons Set

8. WPZOOM Social Networking Icon Set

9. New free social icons sticker set

10. inFocus Simple White Social Media Icons

11. Polaroid icon set

12. Free Hand Drawn Doodle Icon Set for Bloggers

13. The Spherical Social Networking icons set

14. Social Media Circles Icon Set

15. A Free Sophisticated Premium Peel Over Icon Set

16. Free glossy social icons

17. Social Bookmark Sketchy Icons

18. Exclusive Scribble Social Media Icon Set and Tutorial

19. Web social icons

20. Website Icons Vol.1.1

21. Komodo Media Social Network Icon Pack

22. Heart v2: Free Social Iconset in Heart Shape

24. Social Cubes Free Icon Pack

25. Social Media Jeans Icon Pack

26. Amazing 3D Social Icons

27. SleekSocial: Icon Pack

28. Latte Art Social Icons

29. PinkStrip Icon Set

30. Social Icons Made of Wood

31. A Life In Pixel Icon Set

32. Free Social Media Set

33. 3D Social Media Icon Pack

34. IconTexto Web 2.0 Inside

35. Puzzle Piece Social Icons

36. 3D Statuette Icon Set

37. Apple Mug Icons and Extras

38. Rivet Social Icon Set

39. Extreme Grunge Social Icons

40. T-Shirt Social Icons

41. Bulb Social Media Icons

42. Picasso: A Free Social Media Icon Set

43. Magic Marker Icons

44. Café Icon Set

45. Free Grass Textured Social Bookmarking Icon Set

Want to add to this list? Leave a comment.

Share/Bookmark

Free February Wallpaper and Desktop Calendars

Prince Bazawule — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 02:39:24 +0000

Val's On 14th

Val's On 14th - Preview Download (with Calendar): 320×480 - iPhone, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Download (Without): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Heartsville

Val's On 14th - Preview Download (with Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Download (Without ): 320×480 - iPhone, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Contribute Your Designs

Interested in contributing your designs to be showcased? Check out the guidelines here.

Share/Bookmark

20 Elegant & Free Serif Fonts

Prince Bazawule — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:00:01 +0000

Fonts are invaluable for creating that 'Eye-Popping' Ad, Poster or Website. They are a very important resource in every designer's toolbox (both graphic and web) and the extent of your knowledge of, and access to them, directly affects your ability to produce outstanding projects rather than just okay ones. You will agree, however, that it is often a task, and not an easy one, to find that 'Best-Fit FONT', for use, especially, given the expanse of the "World of Font". In fact, 'Fontland' is so Mind-Boggingly BIG! that, it will take ages to explore. This post seeks to help (a little bit) by showcasing 20 of the 'Finest Free Serif Fonts', gathered from one of our expeditions through 'Fontland'. Explore, bookmark and share or just download for use in your next project.

Cappucino Serif

By keisans-bold Hmm! that warm caffeine feel, free to be used for non-commercial purposes. Download Link

Pompadour

By Andy Mangold exciting numerals set, now available under Creative Commons as both TrueType and OpenType fonts. Download Link

Berlin Email Script

By Peter Wiegel Download Link

Trump Town Pro

By CheapProFonts and you could donate to the Author HERE Download Link

Novello Pro

By Ingo Zimmermann Download Link

Angleterre Book

By Digital Graphic Labs Download Link

Leftist Mono Serif

By Domenico Catapano Download Link

Day Roman

By Apostrophic Labs Download Link

Oxford

By Roger White Download Link

Alexandria FLF

By Casady & Greene Download Link

Torchwood

By Sostopher Download Link

Bodoni FLF

By Casady & Greene Download Link

Matchbook Serif

By One X Four Studio Download Link

Divona

By Scriptorium Fonts Download Link

Are we blatantly missing any awesome (Free) Serif Fonts? Share them with us.

Share/Bookmark

Dropbox: Software to sync your files online and across your computers

Prince Bazawule — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:44:52 +0000

What is Dropbox

As much as i'm tempted to, I do not want to wrongly assume that everyone knows what it is so, here goes: Dropbox offers a cool service that lets you store and sync files online, so that they’re accessible from multiple computers.

Getting Started

An account is required so simply visit the website and, if I have not already convinced you enough, watch the welcome 750k hits per month video on the homepage, which definitely will. It's a pretty standard sign up process.

The getting started procedure is nicely illustrated and is quite simple to follow: Install it on your computers and mobile devices, drop in files and folders, and watch them sync. All your files then become accessible on each machine.

Packages and Pricing

After sign up, there are several price packages to choose from. The first plan is Free and offers 2 GB of space. This plan can be expanded via referrals, so do this diligently and you can earn up to an extra 3 GB of space, which is a total of 5 GB free space. Following that, you can choose from 2 levels of paid plans: A Pro 50 plan offering 50 GB of storage at $9.99/month and a Pro 100 plan offering 100 GB at $19.99/month.

My advice is to start off with the free option, which in most cases is more than enough to back up your work files. You can then work your way up as required.

Application Features

Feature list includes the following: File Syncing

On saving a file, it is instantly and automatically synced to all your other computers and and mobile devices, giving you the freedom to work anywhere and always have the most updated versions of files you need.

File Sharing

File, entire folder or photo album sharing is easy. Simply put whatever you want to share in your 'Dropbox' and invite people to them. This works very well as a collaborative tool on Team projects.

Online Backup

Any file you put into your 'Dropbox' folder is automatically backed up to remote servers, hence my images were safely synced to the cloud and I was able to access, make edits and save changes across all my other machines.

Undo + Undelete

A 30-day history of every change you make is kept, so you can undo any mistakes and even undelete files.

It should be said that, although Dropbox does a wonderful job at backing up and syncing your data allowing recovery from lose or damage, it may not suffice as your only backup/storage option, especially as most of us will be inclined to opt for the free package. 5GB of storage just won't cut it. I suggest that, while dropbox is good for regular backup of 'work files', more conventional options, including the use of Time Machine for Mac and numerous others for PCs, should be explored for longer term storage of all your personal files, music and video content.

Mobile Access

Dropbox also provides free applications for iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry and Android which lets you:

Access your 'Dropbox' on the go
Download files for offline viewing
take and upload photos and videos and sync them to your Dropbox.
Share links to files in your 'Dropbox'.
Export your files to other applications.
Sync downloaded files so they're up-to-date.

Web Access

Although you can work with your files locally on your desktops and mobile devices, Dropbox has a web interface, powered by a 'millitary-grade' secure application, from which you can access all of it's features.

In Conclusion

Dropbox is by far the simplest, most stable and robust online sync tools out there. The website is easy to use and product information cannot get any clearer. It is a piece of software that is always assured a place on all of my desktop and mobile devices and will definitely be beneficial if incorporated into your own workflow, both at home and work. Do you already use Dropbox or any other online syncing tool worth raving about? Share your reviews and thoughts.

Other Resources

Checkout the following for more on using dropbox: Five creative uses for dropbox by Chris Bowler. Official Website.

Share/Bookmark

January Wallpaper and Desktop Calendar

Prince Bazawule — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 22:09:05 +0000

Jan Sky... Fresh Jan Sky - Preview Download (with Calendar): 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 Download (without Calendar): 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Interested in contributing Desktop Wallpaper designs to be showcased? Check out the guidelines.

Share/Bookmark

October Wallpaper and Desktop Calendar

Prince Bazawule — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 06:01:03 +0000

1. It's soo rainy it's soo Rainy - Preview Download (with Calendar): 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
Download (without Calendar): 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

2. Work to Do Work to Do - Preview Download (with Calendar): 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
Download (without Calendar): 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Share/Bookmark

Remember the Milk

Prince Bazawule — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:04:38 +0000

Warning: getimagesize() [function.getimagesize]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /nfs/c03/h01/mnt/51602/domains/pixldinc.com/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/rss-image-feed/image-rss.php on line 185

Warning: getimagesize(http://pixldinc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/rtm-1.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /nfs/c03/h01/mnt/51602/domains/pixldinc.com/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/rss-image-feed/image-rss.php on line 185

Warning: Division by zero in /nfs/c03/h01/mnt/51602/domains/pixldinc.com/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/rss-image-feed/image-rss.php on line 187

Warning: Division by zero in /nfs/c03/h01/mnt/51602/domains/pixldinc.com/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/rss-image-feed/image-rss.php on line 197

We've all heard/said it: "Time is our most valuable commodity", "Time is Money" etc. Guess what..., We're correct. Procrastination costs us time and money, leaves us stressed, exhausted and unreliable, whereas productivity pays (literally). In attempts to get back on track, we've used “To Do” lists of some sort, ranging from traditional 'Post-it' notes to the more recently launched on- and offline 'to-do' list products, which feature task sharing and other features. Enter Remember the Milk. It was created so that you no longer have to write your "To Do" lists on stickies, random scraps of paper, or even the back of your hand (I know, I used to do that). Remember The Milk is a task- and time-management web application which allows users to create multiple task lists. Added tasks can be edited to include (or not) various meta fields such as locations and an integrated Google Maps feature allows users to save commonly-used locations. Tasks can also be organized by tags or can be postponed, and Remember the Milk will inform users of the number of times that that task has been postponed.

Features

Website has a clean and simple (blue and white design)
Fast (via use of AJAX) with shortcuts for incredibly fast addition and edits of tasks
Meta integration, which allows the ability to assign due dates, repeating tasks, tags, locations and notes
Receive notifications via Jabber, GTalk, AIM, SMS or email.
Remember the Milk is FREE of charge and well-supported, with new features being added all the time.

How To Get It Simply go to and fill out a brief form at http://www.rememberthemilk.com/signup/ navigate to the Tasks screen once you are logged in.

Shortcuts

To add a task, just type t on your keyboard and start typing.
Type y if you have a lot of text and want to add a note to your task.
After you have saved the note, you can type d to set a due date and f to create a recurring task.
Once you have completed a task, just click on it and use the shortcut c to mark it completed.

See the complete shortcut list here: http://www.rememberthemilk.com/help/answers/basics/keyboard.rtm

Notifications It is impossible to forget your important to-do items with RTM. You will receive notification of upcoming tasks via Jabber, GTalk, AIM, ICQ, GaduGadu, MSN, Yahoo IM, Skype, email or even SMS.

Integration With Existing Apps RTM includes an Atom and iCal feed for each of your to-do lists and for all lists together. The iCal feeds work with all the usual clients, including iCal.app and Sunbird. You can now also see your tasks on your Google homepage, or event-manage them with Google Calendar.or can add single tasks or import whole lists via email.

Facilitates Team Work With RTM you’re not limited to working alone. You can designate other RTMers as contacts, setup groups, share to-do items and send and receive to-do items. RTM makes working as a team a breeze.

Share/Bookmark

August Wallpaper and Desktop Calendar

Prince Bazawule — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 19:44:59 +0000

1. Hummingbird Hummingbird - Preview Download (Calendar): 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

2. August! (A Tribute to Summer) August! (A Tribute to Summer) - Preview Download (with Calendar): 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
Download (without Calendar): 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Share/Bookmark

June 2010 Desktop Calendars and Wallpapers

Prince Bazawule — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:06:02 +0000

1. I ♥ June (Because it's Sunny almost Everywhere) I ♥ June (Because it's Sunny almost Everywhere) - Preview Download (Calendar): 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
Download (Without Calendar): 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

2. World Cup 2010 (Choose your Team) World Cup 2010 (Choose your Team) - Preview Download: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Share/Bookmark

Finetuna, A collaborative image annotation tool

Prince Bazawule — Sat, 22 May 2010 05:32:08 +0000

There is the constant need to send images and designs back and forth to clients or peers for feedback, many times however, the people who are sent these images neither have the knowledge nor software to annotate on the images. Result usually is feedback in the form of lengthy word document which is separate to the actual image and the subsequent toggle between image viewer and word processor windows...

... Enter Finetuna.

It is a fast simple online application to send and receive feedback on designs and images.
It lets you make a few short notes or highlights on an image and send it off to someone else. They can view your edits, make their own, then send it back.
You can upload images either from your computer or any webpage.

Features

Add comments to pictures and share them with others.
Upload either from your computer or get them as an image from a webpage.
Use on-screen tools to add comments however you like.
Generates fast, secure and unique URLs.
Free and simple to use with neither sign-up nor registration required.
Firefox Addon to allow sending images to FineTuna from any webpage. > Download
Check out Finetuna.

Have you tried Finetuna? or do you use any similarly useful tools? Share your feedback and opinions.

Share/Bookmark

Around the World in 21 Outstanding Print Ads – Asia

Prince Bazawule — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:53:08 +0000

Warning: getimagesize() [function.getimagesize]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /nfs/c03/h01/mnt/51602/domains/pixldinc.com/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/rss-image-feed/image-rss.php on line 185

Warning: getimagesize(http://pixldinc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Soccer-player.jpeg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /nfs/c03/h01/mnt/51602/domains/pixldinc.com/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/rss-image-feed/image-rss.php on line 185

Warning: Division by zero in /nfs/c03/h01/mnt/51602/domains/pixldinc.com/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/rss-image-feed/image-rss.php on line 187

Warning: Division by zero in /nfs/c03/h01/mnt/51602/domains/pixldinc.com/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/rss-image-feed/image-rss.php on line 197

As creatives we are always looking that inspiration in order to take our designs to the next level. We watch TV, read, travel and even move house < --Try it if you haven't :) I have recently gotten curious about design styles from around the world, hence this initial compilation. In this series of posts, the intention is to showcase outstanding and inspirational Print, TV and Radio pieces from around the world. Thankfully I do not need a "round-the-world" travel ticket for that, just my macbook and loads of coffee. Enjoy.

1. Soccer player - TBWA, Shanghai, China

2. 116114 - Raynet-Ogilvy, Shenyang in the Liaoning, China

3. Girl - Grey, Mumbai, India

4. The Identity of Young Chennai - JWT, Chennai, India

5. Bulletproof your SUV, Revolver - DDB Mudra, Bangalore, India

6. Restaurant - Publicis India

7. Snowboarder - JWT, Dubai, UAE

8. Samurais - IBD Hakuhodo Percept, Mumbai, India

9. Pigeon - Impact BBDO, Beirut, Lebanon

10. Mug - McCann, Bangkok, Thailand

11. Kat's State of Mind - Cuckoo, Singapore

12. Prostitution - Mccann Erickson, Tel Aviv, Israel

13. Help - Mccann Erickson, Tel Aviv, Israel

14. Fish - Diamond Ogilvy, Seoul, Korea

15. Hands, Female - dentsuINDIO, Philippines

16. FIFA World Cup - JWT, Dubai, UAE

17. Acrobatics - JWT Hong Kong

18. Resurrect - Grey Advertising, Dhaka, Bangladesh

19. Circus - BBDO/Proximity, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

20. Celebrate - Soho Square, Lahore, Pakistan

21. Scissors - Grant McCann-Erickson, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Contribute by suggesting other brilliant pieces I, obviously would have overlooked.

Share/Bookmark

5 Font Replacement Techniques to Embed Custom Fonts

Prince Bazawule — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:57:25 +0000

Typography is very important in Web Design. Current Web Design trends suggest the use of 'fancy' fonts to ensure a good user experience, however, most of these 'fancy' fonts are not standard system fonts.
Font Replacement techniques provide a good solution to allow the use of your 'custom' fonts on websites. This post outlines some of the most popular Font Replacement solutions that can be used to incorporate your 'custom' fonts into your next website; to make it 'pop'.

sIFR sIFR (Scalable Inman Flash Replacement) uses flash and javascript to generate the text in the custom font. A web safe font is used if a user doesn’t have flash installed. Styling is handled by both CSS and JavaScript. Advantages • Text is selectable • Any font can be used. (sIFR does not violate the EULA) • You can easily add shadows, anti-aliasing, and other text effects in Flash Disadvantages • Requires Flash and JavaScript both to be enabled. • Takes quite some time to load. • Difficult to implement Resources • sIFR Documentation - Official sIFR documentation • sIFR Generator - An online tool to generate sIFR compatible .swf font files • sIFR Font Library - A Library of sIFR free fonts • sIFR WordPress Plugin - WordPress plugin, which simplifies setting up sIFR in wordpress

Cufón Cufón is a Javascript-based font replacement solution which makes use of canvas and VML. It converts your font to a proprietary JavaScript format and link to it and the main Cufón script. Styling is handled by CSS as normal. Advantages • Quite easy to implement • Does not require flash • Works with all browsers • Rendering of text is quite fast Disadvantages • Not all fonts can be used ( EULA issues ) • Text is not selectable Resources • Cufón Documentation - Official Cufón documentation • Cufón Font Generator - Online .js file generation tool for Cufón • Cufon WordPress Plugin - A wordpress plugin to easily implement Cufón

Typeface.js Typeface.js uses the HTML5 canvaselement or VML to draw text. It is quite similar to Cufón in that your font is converted into a proprietary JavaScript format and link to it and the main typeface.js JavaScript library. It is styled normally via CSS. Advantages • Easy to implement • User does not have to have flash installed • Compatible with most browsers Disadvantages • Text cannot be highlighted. • Not many font’s are permitted to be embedded • Currently, it does not support :hover Resources • Typeface.js Font Generator - To convert truetype fonts to .js files compatible with typeface.js • Typeface.js Documentation - Official Typeface.js documentation

FLIR Face lift image replacement (FLIR) uses PHP and javascript to generate an image that replaces the desired text. Advantages • All fonts can be used • Rendering is faster than sIFR • Font is rendered as an image, so there is no EULA violation • Rendered font is printable, since it is an image Disadvantages • Difficult to implement • Text is not selectable • Requires PHP with the GD enabled Resources • FLIR Documentation - Official FLIR documentation • FLIR WordPress Plugin - A WordPress plugin for easy FLIR implementation

PIR PHP Image Replacement uses PHP and jQuery to dynamically generate images for your text. It basically requires you to upload a standard font file to your web server, which is used along with your CSS to display your font accordingly. Advantages • All Fonts can be used Disadvantages • Difficult to implement Resources • PIR Documentation and Download - PIR Documentationt, examples and download resource.

Definitely explore and try out a Font Replacement technique in your next project, if you don't already.
This list is not at all exhaustive so kindly share any other effective Font replacement techniques you use or may have encountered.

Share/Bookmark

How to build your own Twitter Background using Adobe Fireworks

Prince Bazawule — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:25:57 +0000

Warning: getimagesize() [function.getimagesize]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /nfs/c03/h01/mnt/51602/domains/pixldinc.com/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/rss-image-feed/image-rss.php on line 185

Warning: getimagesize(http://princebazawule.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/fig-1.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /nfs/c03/h01/mnt/51602/domains/pixldinc.com/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/rss-image-feed/image-rss.php on line 185

Warning: Division by zero in /nfs/c03/h01/mnt/51602/domains/pixldinc.com/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/rss-image-feed/image-rss.php on line 187

Warning: Division by zero in /nfs/c03/h01/mnt/51602/domains/pixldinc.com/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/rss-image-feed/image-rss.php on line 197

Twitter has become one of the hottest sites to be seen on, everyone is on it. It is increasingly being used as a real-time direct marketing and expression tool, whether you are, Life training coach, Designer, an Artist, a Musician or a Blogger. Wouldn't it be nice to STAND OUT? This post outlines how to build your own Twitter background using Adobe Fireworks. If you're ready to design, lets commence.... HINT: You can browse through popular Twitter users’ profiles for inspiration. However be careful about copying designs and photographs and other resources as they may be copyrighted. PREPARATION: Plan your background design (sketch if you have to) before you begin. I intend to design an extended layout to display 'Additional information' in the sidebar (left of the background). I am thinking; "Twittersphere" comprising, clouds, flying planes, various twitter birds and very brief 'additional information' (My name, and what i do) LETS DESIGN (TUTORIAL): 1. Create a blank canvas with dimensions 1280x768

2. Choose your canvas background. I have chosen a light grey with the use of the 'color-picker' tool

3. Using the 'rectangle tool', and 'guides', draw your rectangular 'active twitter content' (timeline, sideline and menu) as show below.

4. Google image search, download, open and paste the twitter logo into place as shown below.

5. Holding down the shift button, click all 3 shapes and the twitter logo to select them all, then 'Right-Click' and select 'Group' to group all objects together.

6. With the 'grouped' item selected, select your 'Align' tool from the 'Window' drop down menu if it is not already open, make sure the 'Position' is activated and Click the 'Align horizontal center' to align the 'Grouped Object' to the stage

NOTE: Colors of both the timeline and menu boxes are non-editable and will stay white but the color of the sidebar should be chosen to compliment your overall background design. 7. 'Lock' and 'Hide' the grouped 'active twitter content' layer to avoid accidental edit as you proceed to design your background 8. Proceed to layout your background design, ensuring that the 'Additional information' fits within the Background area to the left of the 'active twitter content'. 9. I achieve the 'Twittersphere' background by 'Copying', Pasting, Re-sizing and altering Opacities and Contrast levels of my graphic elements. I make use of the 'Chamfer', 'Rectangular', 'Pen', 'Text' tools (a combination different fonts) and my 'Avatar Graphic' to achieve the 'Additional information' section.

NOTE: Your design is entirely up to you - knock yourself out. Remember, however, to tweak your design to display properly at the major screen resolutions. You can test you design in your web browser using the 'Preview in Browser' button under the 'File' drop-down menu. If you are previewing in the 'Google Chrome' browser, the 'Resoultion Test' extension can be used to preview your design at different browser sizes. 10. Select all your 'Background (Twittersphere)' elements and again 'Right-Click' and select 'Group' to group all objects together.

11. 'Re-arrange' your layers by dragging the grouped 'Background' layer underneath the 'active twitter content' layer. Un-hide the 'active twitter content' to show it's content and there you go.

It's complete - admire your new background.

12. Re-hide your 'active twitter content' layer as you prepare to 'Optimize' and 'Export' your new background. 13. To Optimize, 'Right-Click' and 'Insert Rectangular Slice', 'Edit' the 'Width' to 1280px and height to the shortest which includes all your active design (vertically). Remember to keep the file size as low as possible.

14. Open the 'Optimize' panel from the 'Window' drop down menu if it is not already open and choose JPEG - Better Quality, Quality - 80% as shown below.

15. 'Right-Click' and 'Export Selected Slice'. 'Save' and proceed to load your New Twitter Background design to your profile.

NOTE: Although a canvas width of 1280px was used in this tutorial, I have tweaked my final design to a width of 1920px so that my design spans the entire width of a 1920px resolution monitor

HOW TO SET UP: Setup you new Twitter background on your Twitter page.

Click Settings -> Design -> Change background image.
If you do not intend to tile your background image, uncheck the 'Tile background' radio button. Click Save changes.

To set up other colors used in your profile (Text, Name, Link, Sidebar fill and Sidebar border) click Change design colors.

Finito!,... You have a distinctive Twitter Background, Now go conquer the (Twitter) World : ).

Share/Bookmark

March 2010 desktop wallpaper calendars

Prince Bazawule — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:12:05 +0000

1. Springtime's Here Pleasant warm springtime feel - Preview Download: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

2. March of the Colours Colourful typographic warmth - Preview Download: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

3. Ghana [ Special Independence Day Edition ] Special Ghana Independence Day - Preview Download: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1440×1050, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Share/Bookmark

20 Mouth-Watering Food Print Ads

Prince Bazawule — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:56:10 +0000

As Web designers, we may be inclined to think that our inspiration should only come from the online domain, right? Wrong. Over the years I have incorporated into my web projects, inspiration picked up form more traditional sources (print tv, radio) as well as the not so traditional sources. So I have decided to begin a series of showcasing inspirational bits and bobs from all over. I'm having breakfast now while leafing through the newspapers so, which better way to start than to showcase some outstanding 'Food-Themed' Print Ads. Enjoy the showcase.

1. Avocado - Yo Sushi Restaurants

2. Woman - Trim

3. Street vendor - Tongyi TangDaRen Soup

4. Woman - Swift

5. Spoon, 3 - Post Honey Bunches

6. Fake - New York Fries

7. Miracle seesaw - Miracle Whip

8. Color by numbers - McDonald's

9. Stairs - Les Champignons de Paris

10. Surrender, 3 - Latina Kids Pasta

11. Chilli - Kettle Chips

12. Office - Kellogg's Just Right Original

13. Designer ice cream, 3 - Kapiti

14. Hummingbird - Eini & Co cupcakes

15. Digestive System - Compañía de Galletas Noel

16. Veins, 2 - Cheerios

17. Beef - Campbell's Real Stock

18. Hot-dog - All-bran

19. Slide - All Bran

20. Small burger, 1 - McCafé

Share/Bookmark

February 2010 desktop wallpaper calendars [black valentine edition]

Prince Bazawule — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:36:02 +0000

It's Twenty Ten, It's February and Valentine Day's just around the corner. I thought i'd quickly whip together some valentine [FREEBIE] to share with you. It's Two Valentine-themed Desktop Wallpaper Calendars, Free to download, which means there is the 'Eye-Candy' for your desktop, you can 'Keep To Schedule' all through February and you'll have 'Valentine Cheer' all month long. Download and Enjoy.... 1. Love Black Valentine Preview Download: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200 2. Mac Black Valentine Preview Download: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

Share/Bookmark