Blog #7

Style

Style has finally arrived! Woo–Hoo!CSS is going to be so
rewarding as graphic designers.

Just as facial hair can be styled in many ways, your web site can be styled in even more ways.

CMS

CMS is not what you are thinking but rather a content management system. CMS is a computer application utilized to oversee work flow needed to jointly create, edit, review, index, search, publish and archive various kinds of digital media and electronic text. CMSs are mostly utilized for storing, controlling, versioning, and publishing company specific information such as news articles, manuals, guides, and marketing brochures.

The elements overseen may be computer files image media, audio, video, and web content. CMS is also just like DMS, document management system which is a computer system used to track and store electronic documents and/or images of paper documents. DMS can be very small or very large for huge companies. Most methods for managing include location, filing, retrieval, security, recovery, retention, archiving, distribution, workflow, creation, authentication and traceability.

There are many different names for this area of work and Web CMS is one of them. WCM or web content management system is a CMS geared to ease the publication of web content to sites, specifically, allowing content creators to submit content without requiring technical knowledge. More info can be found at Wiki.

Tid Bits

• Elements of an Ad include the visual, a headline, body copy, tagline and the sign–off.
  The visual is just that the image or combination thereof that grabs the viewer. The headline is the
  main message that is conveyed usually at the the top. The body copy is the info
  that supports the over all message. The tagline is the theme or spirit of the
  campaign. Finally, the sign–off includes the logo or photo of the brand ore even both.
  All of this information can be accessed in chapter 11 of our Graphic Design
  Solutions book. Always a good reference for design.


• Be attentive and actually pay attention to not only your
  teachers but your peers as well. Acknowledge your listening and understanding
  with eye contact and nod your head occasionally. Ask questions and also provide
  constructive feedback as well. Everyone is spending both time and money to
  be here so it should be spent wisely.
  


• Do not chew gum during an interview. Also, be sure that you don't
  drink too much coffee or energy drinks prior to either. It may have the
  opposite effect you want.


• Quote to live by "Furious activity is no substitute for understanding."
  -- H.H. Williams, Oakland, California.

Useful Web Sites

• Throughout my posting process I am constantly researching and coming across many links that are helpful and even some that are not. In addition to your own research it is also a great idea to ask fellow designers about what sites they like to visit as well.
  




• 
  I am sure all of you know about PSDtuts already but I just thought I would
  let you know that they have some international works posted on the site right now
  and they are amazing. Be sure to check it out. It is Awesome!
  

  
  


• Another one I came across was Textures. This site has a ton of different textures and
  backgrounds available for use. And the best part is that they are free. The two shown below were found on this site. Be sure to read
  the information about redistribution because you are not allowed to sell
  the textures even if you make changes.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

In Other Graphic Design News

This first site I came across when I was doing a search on unconventional advertising
ideas. This reminded me of the Red Shoe Fundraiser that Philippe spoke to us about. The artist that is featured is Michel Tcherevkoff. He creates these amazing botanical shoes
utilizing both photography and Photoshop.

I also found a website that provides a collection of sites providing free
web icons, buttons, and flags even. It is Technacular. This site was created by Vikas Sah, a techie who just loves to share information and knowledge with others (kind of like us right now).

Check out this hilarious t–shirt that I found.