Changes in Interactive Media

As this semester comes to a close, I have realized that technology is not the same as it was in January. I know that may sound crazy, but it's true take the Apple, Inc for an example they blogged about the technologies that they were launching later that year. They improved there iphone, ipads, imacs, macbook, etc. They took there software and made it better and more usability friendly.

Technology changes every second, hour and day. I have realized that the more I have blogged each every time I would go look to see what was the newest trend in design, what is the hottest font to use, what new way can I promote myself. I believe the only to stay on top of the new changes is reading the latest blog, researching, watching tutorials, read what people are saying, attend conferences and most importantly blog about what you feel about the new technology changes. Doing all of these should keep up to date with what is new in the technology world. 

As technology changes do not become comfortable with what you know how to do. Take risk in learning how to do something. Take me for example, I am currently building an interactive campus map on North Carolina A&T State University. When first deciding to do the map I had know idea of where to began, so i began researching different types of campus maps and what they used to build them. After that I began,  playing around with different ways to build the map and different ways to style the map. Once I was done coding the map I felt a since of accomplishment, I achieved something that I didn't know to do and I didn't take the easy way out doing it. My point is do not stay in your comfort zone, go outside the box to be the best!

P.S. Thank you Dr. Sturg for making me blog this semester, it really made look at my career and I how want to promote myself as a designer I really do appreciate it.

Reasons Why Designers Blog Part 2

1. Communication Skills

Communication can be done through proposals, email, phone calls, and other sources. Blogging is one great medium to communicate with the outer world making others well acquainted with your creative skills too that will directly help you in freelance business.

2. Online Appearance

What's the point creating amazing designs which no one knows about. Building strong professional network, having connections can lead to referrals and spreading the word around. This is where blogging comes into play. Through blogging you get to meet people all around the world.

3. Another Income Source

If you are a designer that doesn't meant that you can earn only through designing. You can add to your income if you want to by investing your free time and efforts in something productive like blogging.

4. Serves as a Platform

When you are handling some projects for clients you don't get the option to make other people know about your creative talent. This can be well done through one of the most effective blog. Whenever you create a new design, blog about it and let the world know about it.

4. Break the Monotony

No matter how interesting any work is at one point or the other you tend to get monotonous feeling by following the same routine, handling the same kind of projects, using the same tools over and over again for years. Blogging is one interesting trick that definitely works as its your personal space where you can share your ideas, viewpoints, designs, communicate with the outer world and much more.



Source: http://bit.ly/1kHlsCr

5 Reasons Why Designers Should Blog!

For the past couple of days I kept asking myself why should designers blogs? There are multiple reasons that came to my head on why I think designers should blog. Should they blog to get their name out to public, to give their advice, to gain clients, to let to people know there skill set, etc.  Then I thought about what other designers say about designers blogging.

1. Relatively Low Cost

Blogging costs a little money and takes a little time. It is still a relatively low cost to promote your design business-especially when you compare it to paying for advertisements.

2. Builds Authority 

Use your blog to show off your knowledge in your area. To do this, create and share high-quality that is relevant to your specialty.

3. Grows Relationships 

Blogs tend to have communities that grow up around them. These communities consist of regular commentators who interact frequently with the blog's authors and readers.

4. Shows off your skills 

Your skills aren't always evident in your portfolio, which only shows the end result. In your blog, you can connect the dots and tells prospects how you worked behind the scene to make that project a success.

5. Your Unique Voice 

No one approaches the design business quite like you. No matter who you are, you have a unique slant on the industry. With your blog, that uniqueness gets a voice.