Firefox 1.0 is now available for download. It is my preferred
browser on any Windows box. I just can’t seem to live sans tabs.

This morning the Mozilla server must have been taking a beating,
but now (12 PM EST) the install file downloaded in a flash.

I do like Safari, but I’m on XP most of the time, unfortunately.
What’s your favorite browser?

Ryan Sims was interviewed
by SkinnyJ. I really like his work, and to find out a bit more
about his thoughts on the process is quite fascinating. Just goes to show how
different (or not) we might work to reach an ultimate goal. I’m not sure
how much personal info I would divulge if I were interviewed, but whose going
to interview me? Ha.

Keith
bit the bullet and upgraded to Moveable Type 3.1. I thought about
upgrading, until I read his review. I’m currently working with 3.0, and
I have to keep telling myself, “if it aint broken, don’t fix it!”

Is aint a word?
I think so, although I don’t use it all that often, but I digress.

Stumped?
I used to be. Creating the odd rays of this drunken star were always my folly.
Apparently I was not using the left side of my brain. It won’t be the
last, I’m afraid.

What have you found interesting over the past week?

Designers
critiquing designers, it’s nothing new, in fact I believe it is our responsibility.
Giving effective feedback can be very difficult at times, but being able to
explain ones likes or dislikes about a piece takes time, practice, and real
forethought. If a designer does self-critiques, he will further his ability
to dissect other’s work. But remember, before doing a critique or blurting out
your opinion, ask yourself vital questions, such as: Who is the target audience?
What are the size/color restrictions for the piece? Does it have unique elements,
and are they appropriate?

For example, I did an ad for
a florist. I had it critiqued. Someone, who will remain nameless, says,
“I don’t think the typeface is a good choice for this. I would rather
see something more elegant, like a script.” “Who is the target audience?,”
my art director asks. “Men buying gifts for women.” The art director
says, “It was a good choice. Having used an elegant script, this ad would
not appeal to its audience, making it much too feminine.”

What are your critiquing experiences?

Home Sweet Home

The concept of having a
link to the home page of a site seems to be common practice. Right? I’m
not a really big fan of actually having a link labeled home in a sites navigation.
I realize not all web users are very computer literate, but I think when labeled
as home the link is more confusing than helpful. I make sure that the logo/site
identifier is always linked to the main page, and that logo/site identifier
is always at the top left-hand side. Maybe “home” can be replaced
with “main”, but that’s just an idea.

As we just begin the second half of 2004, one must reflect on his/her accomplishments
thus far. Set new goals, achieve higher standards, and reach out for those dreams.
Although the year is half over…

The Old Get Older

Well, yes, I am a week older. But that’s not the point. Cameron Moll did a wrap up article to the ever-popular Wicked Worn Look series. I love the look, and he has done an especially superb job of tutorializing* it.

The best part about the last week is he had some of the best, writers that is, comment on their techniques for creating the worn look. One point I noted was how necessary it is to start with a good piece of artwork with accurate typographic treatments. Basically, if you start out with a crappy design, adding any filter or wearing it by hand won’t make it look any better. So do us all a favor and take time to form a great graphical foundation.

Justwatchthesky

First seen over at the CSS Vault, Justwatchthesky is a gorgeous web site to behold. It is eye candy in its purest form. Ryan Sims, the author, also contributed to the Wicked Worn Look this week too. Be sure to check it out.

Blogs Vanish

Apparently the well ran dry over at Weblogs.com. Thousands of angry bloggers protest after their sites vanished; no doubt you have heard about this. Can you blame Weblogs.com?

No, I can’t. If anyone is getting something for free, that something is not going to last forever. For example, Enron, a for profit company, went bankrupt, left thousands unemployed, and lost a lot of money for its stockholders. With billions at loss, a handful of businessmen are incarcerated, that’s all.

Weblogs.com had no commitment to its bloggers, billions of dollars weren’t on the line, and hosting disk space was freed for other use. If you want a more stable solution, pay for hosting space (as little at $5 a month), and backup often.

*tutorializing is a word I just made up.

How do you view Fine Art versus the product of Graphic Design? Continue the discussion by commenting.

Looking back at the spring season, bright colors were creeping in to many designs. An example of the colors I had predicted in use is in the new FedEx/Kinko’s logo; notice the touch of aqua, and fire. Coincidence? I think not. Too bad the design is horrible.

Get The Sunglasses

Because it is bright out. Throw out the dungy grays, and make your designs friendlier. Just a quick note, though, I personally wouldn’t use these colors for text. But, on the other hand, a nice bold typeface used in a headline might look cool in a light bright color.

From The Water, To The Sand

This selection of colors was designed to be used as a set. Pick any two light colors (the three in the middle), and pair them up with one of the darker colors (the outermost two). Mix and match. The colors won’t blow up, so don’t be so scared. Walk on the wild side before it’s fall.

Follow The Yellowlane

A recent acquisition of my bookmarks menu is Yellowlane. The content is filled with quite a variety of items, and the author shows off his new house; I’m not too sure about his interior color choices, but more power to ya.

Milton’s Playground

Albeit dated, not from this week but I listened this week, are a pair of recordings of Milton Glaser speaking to students on design, education, and jobs. It’s an interesting listen. I don’t really agree on what he mentions about students graduating from design school (AKA college) not knowing about graphic design. That might be the old man talking. Overall, I highly recommend it.

iNoKern

Typographica mentioned a custom kerning application iKern. Ever heard of InDesign CS?

Loitering Computer

Somebody was timing their start-up lag time again. Give me a break! I can think of other things that cut into my productivity.

Any thoughts?

This is not meant to influence any designers color choices. However, have a look at what I have put together, then remember to check back at the end of the season, and see if you or any others found the predictions to be accurate. All of the color codes are given in Hex format. Use photoshop or any other design program to use the colors in CMYK or RGB.

Feel the crisp tropical air.

My first pick of colors is what I’d like to call aqua. Aqua will be popular because of the representation of cleanliness and freshness. This spring, many will be looking forward to warmer weather, cool breezes, and fun at the ocean side. This mix of colors provides a sense of calming to the eye.

It’s getting hot in here.

Lets thaw out. Well, I’m in Florida, but I know how bitterly cold a winter it has been. So, get into the sunshine with this set of colors. The warm vibrance of a bright red, goes well with the burnt orange, just so the color is not overwhelming, but done in with taste.

Not just grey.

Warm grey will keep our spirits up, but out of the thunderstorms. Grey might just be too bland for many print applications, but with a touch of warmth, your color choices will show a sophisticated S T Y L E, style!

yea, so if you haven’t heard the news (sorry guys, i have been out of blogging for a week, but i’ll be more regular because i started taking fiber supplements) adobe creative suite has been released. instead of repeating what all of the other sites have said i’ve included some links within my comments. AND, as allways, please share your comments, reactions, ect. with the rest of us by commenting.

the newest previous versions of photoshop, illustrator, and indesign were number based revision systems, but now every piece of software is followed by cs (thanks to microsoft for starting the alpha numeric system for software and even hardware, followed by amd with their XP / MP, then maxromedia with MX and now the MX 2004 ???? line. come on gimme a break. or a kit kat) creative studio ( or suite. really havent figured that one out yet.) the harmony of all programs running in a perfect world. not! ok, so what’s so darn creative about a program. from what i’ve seen the user of the tool has the most affect on their studio being creative, or not so creative. those photoshop 8, oops i mean cs, feathers are really not flying with me. not so creative in my opinion.

“but what do you like?”

lots!
especially in the revised version of illustrator. according to adobe’s new features pdf, i have reason to believe that illustrator is going to be a graphic artists best friend, esspecially when it comes to those small jobs. the print screen shows a print preview and has a fit content to page printing options for printing comps of oversized pieces! it is good. more advanced typography will give us the ability to use illustrtator as a light version of indesign cs. some kind of scribble tool will make your vector art look more organic, from the examples it seems to be a nice touch.

i’m eager to get my hands on it to test it out, and when i do i will be sure to let yall know.

untill next time, speak graphically!

MacCentral Clip

Apple supports their partnership, Built for os X

Cnet interview with Adobe ceo. focus on pdfs