SmokingDesigners

House on the Cliff by Fran Silvestre Architectos

Alex Tintea — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:57:43 +0000

House on the Cliff has recently received the german design Red Dot Award 2013, which will be celebrated on the 1st of July in Germany. It is designed by Fran Silvestre, a Spanish architect who is also a professor at the Architecture School of Valencia.

Due to the steepness of the plot and the desire to contain the house in just one level, a three-dimensional structure of reinforced concrete slabs and screens adapting to the plot’s topography was chosen, thus minimizing the earthwork. This monolithic, stone-anchored structure generates a horizontal platform from the accessing level, where the house itself is located. The swimming-pool is placed on a lower level, on an already flat area of the site. The concrete structure is insulated from the outside and then covered by a flexible and smooth white lime stucco. The rest of materials, walls, pavements, the gravel on the roof… all maintain the same colour, respecting the traditional architecture of the area, emphasizing it and simultaneously underlining the unity of the house.

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - House on the Cliff by Fran Silvestre Architectos and it was Written By Alex Tintea.

3200+ Royalty Free Vectors – only $37!

Mike Chliounakis — Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:09 +0000

Need a ton of illustrations in a really short time? Or maybe you just like looking through a slew of choices before deciding on that one perfect image for your project. Whatever the case, this Vector Mega Pack from Designers Folder is sure to make all other Vectors jealous!

Vectors Mega Pack Highlights:

Over 3,200 Vectors
That’s right! You’ll receive over 3,200 vector elements in this mega collection. You won’t just find the perfect image for your current project, you’re pretty much set for the next few hundred projects!
Huge Variety
Whatever your needs, you’re bound to find something you like in this vector collection. Covering a wide variety of categories, you’ll find construction workers, animals, Santa Claus, calendar pages, patterns, lipstick, babies, ribbons, arrows, people, body parts, word balloons, starbursts, envelopes, weather, computers, and so much more.
Scalable
The files will come in a variety of file formats including .AI, .PNG and .JPG. You can resize the .AI vector files without fear of losing any quality.
Royalty Free
Every one of these vectors comes with a royalty free license, so you can use them in any project you’re working on, whether it’s for business or personal use. And you never need to put on any attribution.

Pricing:

This enormous collection of over 3,200 vector images normally sells for $799, but for a limited time only, you can get this collection for just $37! That’s 95% off the regular price!

Preview of vectors included:

Deal terms:

Delivered as an instant download after completing your purchase.
Files are compatible with Adobe Photoshop Elements, Photoshop 7 or up, Adobe Illustrator and any application which supports JPG, PNG, and AI (vector) files.
All files are Royalty Free and can be used commercially without limitation on Time, Geographical Location of the use or the number of copies printed.
You may not share, resell or distribute any of these files.

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - 3200+ Royalty Free Vectors – only $37! and it was Written By Mike Chliounakis.

St Pancras Penthouse Apartment by Thomas Griem (TG Studio)

Alex Tintea — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:38:43 +0000

As the property is of highest public interest and the interiors listed by English Heritage as very significant, the floor plan had to be broadly maintained but all staircases, balustrading and partitioning, where possible, were replaced. The Studio and Arran worked closely together removing all bathrooms, floor finishes, built in wardrobes and the kitchen.

TG-Studio has transformed this 3 bed room penthouse located in the grade 1 listed St Pancras chambers. The apartment is one of three penthouses in the 52 unit development by the Manhattan loft corporation. It covers the top three floors of the west tower of this famous London landmark. The client Arran Patel hired TG studio to transform the unit from the standard developer spec into a personal and luxurious home.

Arran let The Studio select and furnish the entire penthouse and a meridiani bed in blue velvet was chosen in this bedroom flanked by vividly colored laquered bedside tables from Lema. The master ensuite has been enlarged too and now features a Portuguese travertine stone which has a cave like quality. The bathroom features an extra-large walk in shower with a flush TV and a bespoke double sink unit finished in the stone, mirror and the textile oak present throughout the Penthouse, which enhances the earthy and organic feel of this sanctuary.

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - St Pancras Penthouse Apartment by Thomas Griem (TG Studio) and it was Written By Alex Tintea.

Beautiful and Inspiring Summer Photos From Benidorm – Spain

Erkan — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:38:38 +0000

Summer is on its way. It is time to glance at touristic places for holiday season. If any summer city can be considered to be, or to have been for many decades, representative of tourism and leisure at every level, that city must be Benidorm. Not just in Spain but also in Europe. Benidorm is one of the most important tourist resort in the Mediterranean. This is not only because the city was built with tourists enjoyment in mind. Benidorm has friendly people and a wonderful Mediterranean climate that ensures magnificent vacations all year round but also because, together with its famous touristic setting and beautiful beaches; the city offers a wide range of accommodation, leisure activities, tourist attractions and exquisite restaurants that make it the ideal place in which to enjoy holidays or to attend congresses and every kind of professional gathering.

This lovely city’s beaches are of vital importance not only because they are the city’s principal tourist attraction but because they integrate to the image and the identity of the resort. The value which is given to the city’s beaches is reflected in the attention which is devoted to them. The local authorities concentrate their ventures in making sure that they are always immaculate, in constantly renewing their amenities and in scrupulously caring for their environment, consequently the European Union has awarded Blue Flags to city’s beautiful beaches year after year since 1987.

After checking below photos, you would probably add Benidorm to your ‘‘places to see before you die’’ lists. There are lots of holiday/travel companies that you can make your booking today. One of the best with their services is Co-op Travel. Co-op Travel offers great holiday deals to the Benidorm. Now it is time to enjoy beautiful and inspiring summer photos from Benidorm…

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - Beautiful and Inspiring Summer Photos From Benidorm – Spain and it was Written By Erkan.

How to Care for Your Movie Collection

Evan Varsamis — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:34:49 +0000

When you’ve made the popcorn, put the kids to bed and finally gotten ready to snuggle up with your loved one to watch your favourite DVD or Blu-ray movie, the last thing you want happening is a scratched disc that won’t work properly or a player that keeps freezing. While curating and keeping your movie library healthy isn’t always easy, it is important because let’s face it, that library is part of who you are. It shows a history of your life through your choices in film, from the ’80s classics that are just a bit cringe-worthy, to the latest dramas that had you on the edge of your seat time and again. Read on for some tips on how to care for your DVDs and Blu-rays so they’ll bring you many more hours of entertainment — and much less frustration!

One of the biggest culprits with regard to electronic equipment issues is the collection of dust or fingerprint smears that build up over time. Dirt and fingerprints can negatively impact the quality of the disc playback and lead to annoying skipping and freezing. To avoid manhandling your discs too much and loading them with grime, ensure you handle them only by the edges or hold in the centre to prevent unwanted smudges collecting on the surface.

Another tip is to purchase a good quality, commercial disc-player cleaner at the first sign of picture or sound degradation. Available at most electronics stores (your favourite ecommerce site that sells DVDs online is likely to stock them), the cleaners simply pop into your machine for a short time to cleanse the equipment. They help to get rid of the dirt and dust that can accumulate over time in the machine and are usually priced at under $20, making them an affordable repair solution.

When choosing a method to clean your DVD or Blu-ray player and your collection of discs, it’s important to steer clear of any abrasive options that contain harsh chemicals. The usual sprays you use to clean the bathroom or mirrored surfaces, for instance, are not the right choice for your technology. Strong chemicals (such as ammonia) can permanently damage discs by attacking the plastic coating on them. Instead, choose a soft, lint-free cloth or a commercial disc cleaner that is purpose-built for the job, and rub the disc in a circular motion to wipe out any scratches. While some people might think that tissues are a handy alternative, they actually contain small fibres that can scratch your discs, so they are not the appropriate choice.

Keeping your discs safely protected in their respective covers is another way to protect your movie library and stay organised at the same time. When they’re not in use, secure each disc in its specially designed cover to prevent unwanted food or drink being spilt on top, or you or your family accidentally dropping and scratching them. Don’t forget to also dust your cases occasionally to prevent a build up of dirt and dust; and to prevent warping, ensure you store the discs away from any areas with high humidity and out of direct sunlight. When discs are not stored properly the possibility of damage increases dramatically, so apart from helping you to find the right movie when you need it, you’ll also increase the longevity of your library at the same time. When you’re ready to watch one of your shows, make sure that you bend the case rather than the disc to remove it from its cover.

When it comes to Blu-ray machines, you should also remember that they are sensitive to the vibrations caused from programmes being played loudly, and their function can be affected as a result. A Blu-ray player that’s situated too close to a sub-woofer, for instance, or right near the speakers of your television, is likely to react unfavourably to the vibrations caused by a loud volume. Keep the position of your player in mind when setting up your entertainment system and you’ll limit this potential risk. Similarly, DVD and Blu-ray players and their discs are also susceptible to static interference, which is easily generated in carpeted rooms. Manage this downside by walking carefully across carpeted rooms and remember not to drag your feet — this way you’re less likely to create electro static when placing a disc into your machine.

Avoid any pesky tech problems by taking care of your carefully edited movie library. Follow these simple tips to look after your movie collection and you’ll never have a dull Friday movie night again!

About the Author: Stacey Blake is a guest blogger and lifestyle writer with a passion for film. She loves to keep up to date with the latest news and events in areas as diverse as the cinema, travel, health and wellbeing.

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - How to Care for Your Movie Collection and it was Written By Evan Varsamis.

Business Card Bundle: 33 Stylish Templates – only $27!

Mike Chliounakis — Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:34 +0000

Creating an identity for your business is an important step towards success. That includes creating an identity for yourself as well. With a professional and memorable business card, you can keep yourself at arms’ reach from all of your potential clients and customers. But how exactly do you stand out in a tall stack of cards?

If you’re a designer, you can whip up some funky card design. But the rest of the world is at the mercy of hiring designers to do the work for them. Or you can take advantage of this incredible Mighty Deal from Vandelay Premier, featuring a bundle of 33 high-quality business card templates!

Business Card Template Bundle Highlights:

Over 30 Business Card Templates
This bundle includes more than 30 templates to create a wide variety of business cards for you and your company. With all sorts of color options available on most templates, you’re certain to find the exact style you’re looking for.
Double-Sided
Every template includes a front and back design, so no matter how your card stacks up, you’ll always be pushing your name.
Standard Sizes
Your templates come in standard business card size at 3.5 inches x 2 inches, plus a ⅛ inch bleed. So once you’ve filled in your information, you can simply save your file and have your cards printed out either at a local printer or at one of thousands of online stores.
Original Files
You’ll receive your templates in Photoshop format, all print-ready at CMYK color with 300 dpi. The files are all layered and organized, so you can easily edit them with your own information, or customize to your liking.
Royalty-Free
Use these templates to create an unlimited amount of business cards for yourself or your clients. And since this license is a royalty-free one, you don’t need to give attribution at all.

Pricing:

This collection of business card templates from Vandelay Premier normally sells for $178, but for a limited time only, you can get all 33 templates for just $27! That’s a whopping 85% off!

Here’s a look at the templates included in this bundle:

Deal terms:

Delivered as an instant download, after completing your purchase.
The templates cannot be re-sold or re-distributed.
Before printing, please check with your printing company regarding their specifications (bleed size, file types, etc.).

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - Business Card Bundle: 33 Stylish Templates – only $27! and it was Written By Mike Chliounakis.

20 Pixel Perfect Retro Fonts

Mike Chliounakis — Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:28 +0000

For every website, logo, brochure and so on, typography plays a major role in creating the perfect environment in which the viewer can focus on that visual element in a split of a second. Every designer knows that if you want to create something catchy such as a package design or an illustration, you need to carefully blend three main elements: content, graphics and typography. Mixing them right means that your product will get noticed by the customer or client. A good typography means attention to details so if you don’t choose a good font, you can give the impression that you don’t actually care, which can be a killer in any type of business.

There are thousands of fonts, suited for any type of design so there is impossible not to find the perfect solution. Among them you can find one type which actually defines the evolution of typography: the retro font. This type of font is extremely versatile and it can be used in a plethora of design styles such as elegant or childish, funny or serious, discreet or catchy.

If you are planning to create a new creative design, you are in the right place because here you can see a great collection of 20 retro fonts which I’m sure you will love.

Diehl Deco – Alts

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - 20 Pixel Perfect Retro Fonts and it was Written By Mike Chliounakis.

Want to Make Easy Money as a Web Designer?

Evan Varsamis — Tue, 14 May 2013 05:00:11 +0000

If you`re passionate about your work, no amount of effort, headache and long nights spent in front of your computer will kill your enthusiasm. And for many of our fellows making their first steps as freelancers, the paycheck isn`t that important, either. Well, as long as it`s enough to pay the rent. But as much as I appreciate the dedication, let`s be honest: sometimes, we could use a break. From time to time, it`s nice to work on something we love without going through draconian briefs, uneducated clients, tiny fees and way too many cups of coffee. If you tell me you`ve never dreamed of chilling in your chair one afternoon, creating some awesome design that you`d actually use for your business, and getting a fat paycheck at the end of the month… I`d have to call you a liar. But here`s the good news: you can stop dreaming about it, because now you can have your afternoon chill work and your fat paycheck starting today. And I`ll tell you exactly how you`re going to get it:

1. Visit stamplia.com

This is the first dedicated marketplace for email templates and it has just launched its private BETA version for sellers. Basically, it`s a platform where web designers get in touch with clients, sell their work and get passive income with every sale they make.
There is a wide variety of e-mail templates designers can submit, ranging from transactional emails (confirming a registration, an order, or a notification, estimates, invoices, etc.), newsletters, to online registration forms.

2. Sign up and start working

It only takes you a couple minutes to sign up and then you can start working on a newsletter template, for example, and then submit it to the website.
It all depends on how much time and effort you want to invest in this, but if I were you, I`d give 110% and make some high-quality, great-looking templates.
Just think about it: you only work once, but you get hundreds or thousands of clients buying your designs over time. That means more money for you and more time to work on brand new templates.

3. Get a 60% commission with every sale

source: www.brinksblog.com

After you submit your template, the Samplia team checks to see if it meets their standards. If it gets approved, you instantly receive a $50 bonus. Basically, they give you money simply for being accepted on their site. Now that`s what I call appreciation for a web designer`s work.

After seeing your template up on Samplia, all you have to do is sit back and wait for the money to come in. You don`t need to do anything more, the admin part is all covered by the guys at Samplia, so you can relax and work on your other projects. Or start creating a new template for more passive income.

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - Want to Make Easy Money as a Web Designer? and it was Written By Evan Varsamis.

Rustic Canyon Residence in Pacific Palisades by Griffin Enright Architects

Alex Tintea — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:34:24 +0000

This project set out to invert the conventional means of organizing a single family home, taking an existing, highly compartmentalized ranch dwelling and converting it in to a contemporary space for living that allows for expansive open spaces and a welcoming, informal atmosphere. Above these spaces, an existing pitched roof is cut laterally and folded back up in order to blend the interior with the landscape. This blurring internalizes a hillside garden where an existing, 300 year old Sycamore tree becomes the new centerpiece of the expanded house. While the public areas are open and blend seamlessly with one another, the Library trades openness and informality for introspection and tranquility, anchored by a fireplace that floats in glass with the hillside and ancient tree just beyond.

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - Rustic Canyon Residence in Pacific Palisades by Griffin Enright Architects and it was Written By Alex Tintea.

Giving Away $300, $200 and $100 worth of Netlings coding services to 3 lucky winners

Evan Varsamis — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:32:25 +0000

Netlings, the PSD to HTML conversion company, is giving away $300, $200 and $100 worth of services!

This contest will really be useful for web designers, developers and agencies that require a little help in their coding and implementation projects. One week from today, we’ll be giving away $500 worth of Netlings services to 3 lucky readers. You can use the prize to order PSD to HTML, PSD to WordPress or PSD to Email service! Read on to see how you can enter.

ABOUT NETLINGS
Established in 2008, Netlings is a leading PSD to HTML slicing services provider. Netlings offer more than just PSD to HTML conversion, should you need a responsive layout, email template, mobile website or WordPress implementation, you will find a perfect solution at http://www.NetlingsHQ.com. Netlings has worked with thousands of digital agencies, freelancers and businesses spread across the world and delivered over 3000+ projects.

With their great re-launch this January, Netlings guys want to show their fans, potential customers and visitors a whole new way of providing PSD to HTML services and CMS implementations. They have come up with a whole new way to manage projects and orders with a completely redesigned project management and GIT version control system. They not just offer coding services but a complete production system.
HOW TO ENTER
All you have to do for a chance to win is:
1. leave a comment below, explaining as to how you will use this giveaway and how it is useful to you.
2. tweet about this giveaway and post a link to your tweet in the comments section to double your chances (optional).

Only one entry per person please. Duplicate entries will be voided.

We will contact all the winners via email.

Good luck!

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - Giving Away $300, $200 and $100 worth of Netlings coding services to 3 lucky winners and it was Written By Evan Varsamis.

Over 1,200 Pixel Perfect Hand Crafted High-Quality Icons – only $27!

Mike Chliounakis — Mon, 13 May 2013 06:23:01 +0000

If you want a successful app (or even just a functional one!), there’s no way to do it without using icons. You can use a few or a ton, but either way, you need to get across a tremendous amount of information in a tiny amount of space. And that’s what icons do best.

Creating your own icons can be a serious time killer, not to mention a cost factor. But why even bother when you can get your very own mammoth collection of vector icons for Web, iOS and Android apps, from Webbicon? Best of all, you can save 50% right now through this incredible Mighty Deal, which we’ve just managed to arrange to bring back, by popular demand.

Highlights:

Over 1,200 Vector Icons
This insane collection features over 1,200 different icons to choose from. Chances are incredibly low that you won’t find what you’re looking for throughout this set.
Dozens of Popular Categories
All of today’s hot categories are covered in this set. You’ll find high-quality icons representing categories like the Internet, eCommerce, Documents, Communication, Gadgets, Food, Maps, Medical, Transportation, Software, Weather, and so much more!
Multiple Formats
Your purchase of this Icon Collection features each icon in multiple file formats. What formats? Glad you asked! Formats include GIF, ICO, PNG, TIFF, AI, CSH, EPS, PDF, and SVG. Why, this set even includes a Webfont format too!
Varying Sizes
Depending on what you plan on using these icons for, you’ll most likely need different sizes. The collection includes 5 different sizes for each icon: 16×16, 32×32, 64×64, 256×256 and 512×512. You can also resize the vector version to any size that you wish, without losing quality.
Royalty Free
Whatever your need, either business or personal, you can use these icons on your projects without the need for any attribution. That’s because the entire set is 100% royalty free!

Pricing:

This gigantic collection of over 1,200 icons normally sells for $69, but for a limited time only, you canget it all for just $27! That’s more than 60% off the regular price!

Click the BUY button now to jump on this deal before it slips away!

Preview of icons included:

Deal terms:

Delivered as an instant download, after completing your purchase.
All files are Royalty Free. This means that you are free to use it in your projects or modify it any way you would like.
Reselling and redistribution of these icons in another package or in its entirety is strictly prohibited.
Unlimited use is allowed for a single buyer/ user

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - Over 1,200 Pixel Perfect Hand Crafted High-Quality Icons – only $27! and it was Written By Mike Chliounakis.

Free PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript editor (IDE) – Codelobster PHP Edition

Evan Varsamis — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:25:12 +0000

For great results of sites you surly need a gorgeous editor. There are tons requiring paid products for this purpose, but on the other hand most of us use free softwares that are easy to use and bug-less. I’d strongly recommend you Codelobster PHP Edition .

Let us consider some important possibilities and advantages of this program:

All code highlights depending on a type, the also mixed code is thus supported, so the area of HTML will be highlighted as HTML, PHP as PHP, and Javascript as Javascript in a the same file. Thre is possibility of choice from color schemes, including popular IDEs.
Powerful autocompletion for HTML, PHP, CSS and Javascript, including HTML5 and CSS3. For PHP the structure of project is fully recognized, and the complete list of methods falls out in the proper places.
HTML/CSS inspector on the type of Firebug, which allows easily to correlate the selected elements of page with a code and proper style.
Context help on all supported languages. By pressing F1 key the page with detailed description for current tag, attribute or function will be opened.
PHP debugger. PHP debugger allows to execute PHP scripts incrementally, watching the values of all variables in every line.
SQL manager allows to produce all necessary actions with a database – to add, delete, edit a structure and records in tables, to export data, execute SQL queries. Highlighting and autocompletion works for SQL files also.
Support of FTP allows to work straight with a remote server and to do all necessary changes with files;
The portable option allows to use editor without the preliminary installation.
Other useful utilities: pair highlighting, possibility of blocks selection, collapsing, tooltips, navigation on descriptions of functions and included files at withholding of the key of CTRL, viewing of structure of files and project, preview in a browser, book-marks, and all other standard possibilities for work with a code.

Also there are special plugins for work with

CMS: Drupal, Joomla
PHP frameworks: CakePHP, CodeIgniter, Symfony, Yii
JavaScript libraly: JQuery
WordPress blogging engine
Smarty template engine

Developer: Codelobster Software

Website: http://codelobster.com

Language: EN, RU, DE, SP, FR, PR,

Supported OS: Windows 2000, Windows Xp, Windows Vista, Windows 7

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - Free PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript editor (IDE) – Codelobster PHP Edition and it was Written By Evan Varsamis.

Cacoon Bar Lounge by Eftychis

Alex Tintea — Thu, 09 May 2013 05:00:20 +0000

Cocoon is an intimate bar in the heart of corporate Johannesburg. The first thing one notices is the all-encompassing wooden filigree, creating the cocoon-like shape of the space and blurring the lines between floor and wall, wall and ceiling. While one feels embraced by the shell of this cocoon, openings in the walls and ceiling and a mirrored back wall, prevent the space from venturing into claustrophobic territory. There is an elegant contrast in finishes between the polished black and the organic timber, animated by the strategic lighting. The lighting serves to enhance the ambiance of the space, which provides for varied personal interaction; there are seated booths, standing counters and a glimmering bar that draws in its guests. The space is seductive, enfolding its guests and separating them from the outside world to ultimately create an alluring and intimate social experience.

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - Cacoon Bar Lounge by Eftychis and it was Written By Alex Tintea.

Gorgeous Accessories for Your Macbook

Evan Varsamis — Wed, 08 May 2013 08:22:02 +0000

Today we have compiled a collection of cool accessories for your macbook. Within this collection you’ll find many useful gadgets and accessories from cases to cable organisers and stands. Also we have included some really cool stickers that we think that you’ll find interesting. Have we missed any cool gadget? Let us know on the comment section below.

Macbook Keyboard Super Hero Skin

Lego Buddy Sticker for Macbook

Stash Wall Mounted Docking Station

Lazerwood Keys for MacBook Pro

Grab Laptop Folio

PluBug World

Brooklyn Decal For MacBook

mStand For MacBook By Rain Design

Retro Apple Logo Sticker

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - Gorgeous Accessories for Your Macbook and it was Written By Evan Varsamis.

eBook: Be Awesome at Online Business – only $9!

Mike Chliounakis — Wed, 08 May 2013 05:00:58 +0000

These days, everybody and their mother seem to be creating their own business. With so many tools available it’s a breeze to get yourself up and running online. The trick, however, is getting people to come to your site and, more importantly, come back.

Whether you already have a business or you’re preparing to launch a new one, you’d do well to give Paul Jarvis’ info-packed eBook a read. Be Awesome at Online Business isn’t just a powerful resource, it also happens to be one of our current Mighty Deals!

Be Awesome at Online Business Highlights:

Proven Advice
Don’t expect any get-rich-quick schemes in this guide. Instead, you’ll learn from 15 years of experience how to fully prepare to create a sustainable and honest business.
Successful Topics
Be Awesome covers everything you’ll need to know to create or refine your online business and make it successful. From goals and planning to hiring designers, as well as from selling products to promoting your business to a wide audience, you’ll be led through the complete process. Specifically, you’ll read about topics like this:
- Defining your online business
- Redefining your online business
- Finding the right web designer
- Getting an accurate project quote
- Your project responsibilities
- Design tips
- Critiquing mockups
- Making your website credible
- Writing effective content
- E-commerce
- Selling self-published products & services
- Your launch responsibilities
- Post-launch responsibilities
- Promoting your website
- Building a newsletter
- Using social media
Real-Life Examples
Author Paul Jarvis uses his own personal experiences working with powerful companies like Microsoft, Yahoo, and MTV to formulate a legitimate process. Additionally, he’s mixed in advice from a number of entrepreneurs with their own incredible digital empires, including Danielle LaPorte, Alexandra Franzen, Linda Sivertsen, and Kris Carr.
Helpful Workbooks
In addition to the eBook, you’ll also get a number of key workbooks to help you prepare for your new online business. Loaded with a slew of questions and suggestions, consider these workbooks as helpful checklists to make sure you’re completely prepared to move on. You’ll find workbooks like Nine Questions to Ask Before Redesigning Your Online Business, Ten Questions to Ask Potential Web Designers Before You Hire Them, and Five Common Features Your Website Might Need.
Multiple Devices
This 100-page PDF also comes to you in an ePub version so that you can read it on your computer, e-reader, iPad, iPhone and a number of other popular devices.

What Others Are Saying:

“I rarely say flashy stuff like this, but here goes: I have a million dollar online business. Why am I telling you this? Because Paul Jarvis, creator of Be Awesome At Online Business, is my long time web guy (we’ve built about a dozen sites together.) And because I agree with every single word he says about how to succeed on the web.” - Danielle LaPorte, creator of The Desire Map

“My phenomenal web designer wrote a book about how to be awesome… online. You should buy it!”- Alexandra Franzen, alexandrafranzen.com

“This book is the most fun I ever had reading about business!” - Maris Dagis, Sellfy.com

“This book is a breath of fresh air. I just wish this would have been written two years ago, it would have saved me months of scrambling around and doing crap that didn’t matter.” - Erin Giles, eringiles.com

“Fledgling brand creators, aspiring online business owners, and anyone who wants the real rundown of what goes into bringing a brand online: this is the primer for you.” - Abby Kerr, The Voice Bureau

“Paul has written a book for normal people that answers questions about what makes a business work on the web. This book will dominate the world of online business hopefuls.” - Sarah Bray, sarahjbray.com

Pricing:

Be Awesome at Online Business normally sells for $17, but for a limited time only, you can get this life-changing eBook for just $9! That’s almost 50% off the regular price!

Deal terms:

Delivered as an instant download, after completing your purchase.
Your download include the 100-page DRM-free eBook in PDF and ePub formats (which can be read on all computers, e-readers, iPads and iPhones). You’ll also receive a separate PDF file containing all of the workbooks.
Sold on a per user basis.

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - eBook: Be Awesome at Online Business – only $9! and it was Written By Mike Chliounakis.

Going Abroad: What to Expect From Japanese Bathrooms

Mike Chliounakis — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:55:08 +0000

Traveling the world creates once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience new cultures. However, even if there’s one thing all cultures have in common — all cultures use bathrooms — not all countries have the same type of bathrooms. If you’re headed to Japan, you may be surprised to discover these differences, but may like some of them so much that you’ll keep them in mind the next time you’re remodeling your bathroom.

The Japanese Culture and Cleanliness

Public Japanese BathroomsJapanese culture values cleanliness and purity, as evidenced by practices such as removing your shoes before entering a home and swapping your outside shoes for indoor shoes inside school buildings. As Web Japan explains, most Japanese people prefer not to use Western-style toilets outside of their homes because it involves contact with the toilet seat, which they find dirty.

In the majority of public Japanese bathrooms, particularly in metropolitan areas, you will find at least one Western-style toilet. However, the majority of stalls will have an Eastern-style toilet, called a washiki, which is essentially an oblong porcelain toilet directly on the ground. Men stand to urinate into the washiki. Women and men who need to use the toilet for more than urination crouch over the ground facing the toilet, with their knees near their shoulders and refrain from touching the toilet.

Many Westerners find it difficult to stay upright, as their default position is to crouch and balance on the balls of their feet; however, most Asian people crouch and keep their feet flat, which aids with balance. If you don’t want to try the washiki, look through the stalls to find a Western-style toilet. You can use toilet paper and sanitizer provided in a dispenser to clean the toilet seat before sitting down.

Other Public Bathroom Tips

When you use a public Japanese bathroom, carry a small handkerchief in your purse or pocket to dry your hands once you’ve washed them. Many public Japanese bathrooms do not provide paper towels or hand dryers.

In some traditional buildings, you’ll notice a pair of slippers outside the bathroom. These are meant to keep outside contamination from your shoes out of the bathroom. You should take off your shoes, put on the slippers, use the bathroom and then leave the slippers where you found them once you’ve finished.

Private Japanese Bathrooms

Most modern Japanese homes and hotels have sit-down Western toilets; however, they’re not typically in the same room as the shower and tub. To keep the bathing area clean and separate, toilets typically have their own small rooms consisting of only the toilet and a sink. The toilets are typically more high-tech than those you encounter in the West and may have buttons that allow you to:

Warm up the toilet seat
Squirt water to clean yourself (a bidet)
Control the temperature and pressure of the cleansing water
Make soothing noises to cover up the sound of going to the bathroom
Release an air deodorizer
Flush the toilet

In some apartment buildings in more crowded areas of Japan, there may not even be private bathrooms. Residents and guests share a single bathroom with one or more toilets on the floor. They may have to go to a public bathhouse to bathe.

Some Design Ideas for Home

Short of importing a Japanese-type toilet — which may be possible, but can prove extremely expensive with shipping — you may not be able to capture the exact experience you had in Japan when you return home. Nonetheless, there are a number of things you can do when redecorating your bathroom to capture the Japanese feeling of cleanliness and function:

Look for a toilet with a bidet
Decorate in wood colors to celebrate nature or in black to celebrate simplicity
Use bamboo materials
Make a spa bath a focal point

The Japanese bathrooms you encounter during your trip may surprise you, unless you study before you go and know what to expect. Keep an open mind and you may find a fixture or two you wish you could take home with you. When you have the chance to build a new home or redecorate your bathroom, you may capture a little of that Japanese style.

Image By Plebian Regime From Flickr’s Creative Commons

About the Author: Shawn Collins is a contributing writer and world traveler. He lived and worked in Japan for three years before moving back to the States to become an interior designer.

This article was originally published on SmokingDesigners Website - Going Abroad: What to Expect From Japanese Bathrooms and it was Written By Mike Chliounakis.