Digital Design Advice

Here at Digital Design Advice we are really excited about Christmas and have added snow to our design.  What do you think?  Fingers crossed for snow on Thursday if the weather people are right ;o).  So instead of the usual design post I thought we would take a look at Christmas gift ideas – we  have just picked our secret santas. (more…)

We covered the UK Google Doodle competition last year, it’s always a really interesting and fun idea for Google and it gives loads of kids out there chance to showcase their skills and have their logos featured on the Google Homepage!

This years theme is “My Hero”.  It centers on finding out who children really look up to and  asks them to create a Google Doodle representing one of the heroes from their family, friends, community or even world famous figures.

The final winner will be chosen by Dennis Hwang, the original Google Doodler and the winner even gets a trip for California!

Please take a look at each of the age groups and vote for a finalist, here are my choices! (more…)

Hi, I love guerrilla marketing I think it is an effective marketing strategy because it is usually unexpected marketing that catches your eye and almost shocks you.

Having been around since the early 1980s it has proven it self to capture and engage peoples attention and be an inventive way to promote your brand. Guerrilla marketing can be used by large organisations or small start up companies. (more…)

Hello,

When you start your initial design concept there are areas of the design that you don’t always consider initially, as the site is designed around what concepts the client needs to get across on the homepage.  Most websites follow the same page structure throughout having the nav and content positioned in the same place to maintain a consistent design throughout the site.  There are one or two exceptions to this consistent design where you are able to think outside the box and one of those is a 404 page. (more…)

Hey Everyone,

Welcome back to DDA, we have an excellent post today with a few friendly tips about logo design. Logo design is, without a doubt, one fo the most important areas of design from a business point of view and if you’re good at it it can be both profitable and fun.

There are certain rules however to developing a good logo, especially if you want to provide value for a business.
(more…)

I’ve finally been dragged into the world of microblogging and signed up to Twitter. It seems to be the buzz word on everyone’s lips at the moment, crashing sites left right and centre with recommendations from Stephen Fry and Pete Cashmore the power of Twitter as a marketing tool is clear.

But so many companies aren’t using it to their full advantage. Whilst searching for people to stalk… I mean follow… I was amazed by the amount of businesses not capitalising on their twitter presence.

(more…)

Hello

I have always been a huge fan of encouraging design and just generally being creative from a young age, afterall this is where the future of design lies.

With the finalists of Doodle 4 Google in Ireland picked for each age group from juniors to 6th year students now is the time to vote.   Contestants enter from different schools within Ireland and then the competition (I think moves to English entries)

You can vote for your favorite on Doodle 4 Google online with the voting ending on Monday 16th February 2009.

Here are some that caught my eye:-

Age 5th/6th year

Evan O’Sullivan Glynn, aged 16

(more…)

Hello, I thought for a change I would look at some offline design in the form of brochure design.  It is  important to match your online and offline in quality of design and represent what you are trying to achieve.  I have seen some really good websites before and then been dissappointed when I received their brochure.    Receiving some folded A4 sheets of paper is not good brochure design.

I have found some great brochure designs for you and if you have come across any that you have seen leave me a comment with a link.  I really appreciate interactive and interesting brochure design.

The brochure below is a great use of illustrative photography showcasing Boundless’ core services.  It is also nice to see the designers have integrated into their design a functionality of a pocket folder for any additional information.

(more…)

Hey Everyone,

How is 2009 going for you all so far, I really can’t believe we are a month in already! Jeez.

I really hope you are all doing OK out there during this crazy “credit crunch” time, today we are going to look at my top five tips for being a successful graphic designer.

These tips are designed to help you to prove both your ability and worth as a designer. If you already have a portfolio it’s worth going over these tips at the side of what you have, if you are yet to develop one then keep them in mind for when you plan the project.

(more…)