Jumat, 30 Juni 2017
Kamis, 29 Juni 2017
Rabu, 28 Juni 2017
A Portfolio Cartier Bresson Would Be Proud - envato.com coupon
Fre Sonneveld has always been fascinated with images, whether drawing, painting or taking photos with a camera. “My first picture was an attempt to frame some shells on the beach. But mostly ended up being filled with my jungle print sneakers, which is now an Instagram cliche.”
30 years ago, however, this “cliché” was nothing more than a happy accident, and it accelerated into an interest she fully developed around a decade ago following a trip to Halle, Germany. “Here I explored many abandoned buildings with my roommates,” she says. “The adrenaline rush of exploring these places and really having to scan and try out what works for a photo and what doesn’t. It feels like treasure hunting.”
She found a love for street photography, exploring cities and seeing what the maze of streets has to offer. “It’s a great way of seeing new and familiar places.” And she drew her biggest inspiration from the work of Henri Cartier Bresson, the pioneer of street photography. “The longer I’m taking photographs the more impressed I am with his sharp eye capable of seeing little, strange things in everyday situations.”
Sonneveld has clearly tried to develop the same eye through her work, using various tactics to try and see those strange little details so easily missed. “I love to see if there are other angles,” she tells me. “Can you place anything in the foreground or does a weird perspective put the place in a new light?” She’s found, at times, simply turning and facing what’s opposite your assumed subject can reveal the more interesting shot you were missing. “The only disappointing landmark image is the exact one that you can also buy at the postcard stand next to it.”
With that said, she still manages to take photos in some very iconic places. I wondered how calculated the approach to results like this are. “For me holidays come first,” she responded. “The moment you are photo hunting on holiday, the place you visit might be disappointing because it isn’t as photogenic, even though just being there might be great. I also feel that looking through the lens full time makes you overlook the atmosphere which is a big part of the image for me.”
That atmosphere is the key to what separates Sonneveld’s photos from others. “…it’s usually the situation/environment that will naturally guide my style choices: I like the photo to have the same specific atmosphere that the place had when I took the image.”
Her entire setup process is also centered around capturing, and not disrupting the natural authenticity of a moment. “I like to travel as light as possible, just a camera in my hand at all times. So there is no delay between spotting a situation and taking the shot. If needed, there is usually a natural tripod in the form of a wall or rock available.”
She sees this photo as a great example of taking advantage of an opportunity.
“I was just strolling through Chinatown in Bangkok when I spotted this hardware store. I love the geometric shapes and colors. The owners were having lunch in the backroom and couldn’t stop laughing [about] why this weird girl was taking pictures of metal pipes and profiles.”
The photographer has also seen her work used in an interesting variety of ways. In fact, she created a Tumblr blog to document the multitude of uses people have found for one of her photos, taken on a road trip a few years ago. “…something like a road has so many meanings, from very literal uses for travel agencies to more psychological interpretations as the road ahead in life. I find it interesting to see how the images are interpreted.”
Thinking back to that photo of shells on the beach with feet in the frame from thirty years ago, to her work today, one can conclude Sonneveld has well and truly found her voice. “They show that an image doesn’t always have to be technically perfect to capture the soul of the situation and grab your attention,” she says of two more of her influences, Weegee and William Klein. What’s beautiful is that these very words could just as easily describe her work today. A portfolio that no doubt Cartier Bresson would be proud to endorse.
Discover Fre Sonneveld’s Photography on Envato Elements
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Breathtaking Photography Using Only Natural Light - envato.com coupon
Janne Amunet is attracted to contrast. Whether it’s images with lines, frames or silhouettes, he’s constantly on the hunt for visual opportunities that can produce a story entirely contained within a photograph.
“I rarely enjoy taking photos of just a scene, but would rather include a person in the scene to give the place scale and meaning,” he says.
Inspecting his influences, like the legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins (Skyfall, No Country for Old Men), and Instagrammer @locarl, provides some insight into what Amunet aims for with his photography. “I’d describe my photography as cinematic imagery with strong influences of minimalism that often study people’s placement in the world, and their relation to nature.”
The most breathtaking example of which being his piece, Man silhouetted against a beautiful alpine lake. “It was such a surreal feeling to be there in all its calmness and mystery, and I wanted to add to that calm mystery by giving it a hidden figure that would build the story.”
With no more than an image, Amunet provides enough context for his audience to assume a narrative. What makes this ability more impressive is that most of these images use natural light. “I’m a Cinematographer by trade so my photography is mostly about studying natural light, and learning about it to be able to recreate it later in movies.”
Amunet landed behind the lens by doing music and band promos. From there he quickly migrated to cinematography, eventually returning to the still image on the side. “I found it again as a creative outlet where I could do things differently than in my commercial film work.”
Now he’s able to turn opportunities for great images into pieces of an ever growing portfolio. Like his photo, The Tuscan sun.
“We got the chance to do an early morning hot air balloon ride in Tuscany. When the sun rose, it was like we were transported into a classical Italian painting.” The color pallet and tonality was all there before his eyes. And luckily, he was in the perfect position to catch the moment with his lens.
“I never thought that color palette and tonality could be real, but here it was, in all it’s golden beauty, unfolding before my eyes,” he tells me. As the fire in the bright red balloon he was on puffed a few times, Amunet found himself inching closer and closer to the perfect shot. “[It] gave us the chance to photograph this perfectly complimentary green and yellow balloon that just perfectly drifted between us and the sun, giving us the perfect vantage point.”
Opportunities for the perfect shot are fleeting. And whether by the necessity to be as agile as possible or something else, Amunet has learned how to to take beautiful photos with minimal setup. The hardest thing to deal with seems to be the occasional early starts. “…the amount of time to get to the locations, and the sheer will of force to get up at 4am for sunrise should be considered a feat,” he says, jokingly.
Having noticed his work mostly used for travel and inspiration based businesses, Amunet only sees more possibilities for how people can use his portfolio. “…it has huge potential for more narrated [work],” he says. ”
And with his portfolio now available on Envato Elements, he might just find the emerging audience that he’s looking for.
Discover Janne Amunet’s Photography on Envato Elements
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Senin, 26 Juni 2017
Minggu, 25 Juni 2017
Sabtu, 24 Juni 2017
Coding Like a Girl: Resources for Women in Tech and Developer Roles - envato.com coupon
People that work in technology, particularly developers, tend to be fixers.
They see problems and want to craft solutions. They look for how they can creatively hack away at a challenge, working with their peers, to build to a better outcome.
As an industry, they’re working on a big problem. The lack of women entering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines (widely held to be the most critical sectors of the coming century), and the systemic issues in tech that see gifted female players withdraw.
There’s a gap, and it’s not going away anytime soon.
Melbourne creator and coder Ally Watson has been minding that gap, and launched a new project to help close it.
Code Like a Girl seeks to connect girls and women involved in the tech industry or who enjoy coding.
Envato Senior Developer Shevaun Coker is taking to the stage to share her story to help kick it off.
Here’s a sneak peek at that story, and a chance to meet one of our talented team members.
Shevaun Coker, Envato Senior Developer
When – and why – did you decide to go into IT?
Shevaun: It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when I decided to make programming my career, but I have a few different experiences that all set me on the path to be a developer.
The first is also my first coding experience, which was in my first year of high school, during a “technology” module. We were given little round robots with wheels and keypads, and we could program them to move around the room and play musical notes. I made my robot dance in circles while playing twinkle, twinkle little star, and I thought that was the coolest thing ever!
That experience made me switch schools in Year 12 in order to attend a school that had a programming class. I took that class in Years 12 and 13, and at the end of Year 13 we all sat a scholarship exam and from that a number of us (including myself) were awarded a scholarship for our first year’s fee at the local university.
So it was an easy decision to study Computer Science and I enjoyed it so much that when I graduated I immediately started looking for programming jobs.
What factors do you think made it possible for you?
Shevaun: Having that initial exposure to programming at high school, and being able to take a class in it. Also my high school programming teacher, Mrs Baker, was a fantastic teacher and really encouraged my passion for coding.
What’s the most inspiring application of your skills you’ve experienced in your career to date?
Shevaun: I was working for the Ministry of Social Development in NZ when the Christchurch earthquake happened. A lot of businesses had to close and employers were left unable to pay their employees.
Our developer team banded together and worked round the clock to deploy a web application that would let people apply for and receive emergency benefits within a couple of days.
It was amazing to be able help people going through a really tough point in their lives.
What’s a great idea you’ve encountered to help reverse the gender gap in technology?
Shevaun: Buildkite sponsored “gender pay gap” subsidised tickets for women to a recent Railscamp, which was a great way to increase accessibility and let more women attend.
What other women in technology do you admire?
Shevaun: I admire people like Sandi Metz and Katrina Owen, who not only are passionate about constantly improving their craft, but are helping the rest of world do so too with their awesome presentations, books and blog posts.
What are you most proud of about being a developer at Envato?
Shevaun: Envato is full of caring, passionate and friendly people, which makes for an amazing work environment and one I’m very grateful for.
What excites you most about the next few years in tech?
Shevaun: As more and more of the world moves online, there is always more work to do and better ways to do it. The room to grow and take on new challenges is infinite.
If you’re in Melbourne you can catch Shevaun and many other talented female technologists at the Code Like a Girl launch event.
Resources for Women in Tech
Here’s just a handful of the many terrific organisations and initiatives set up to change the fortunes of women in technology worldwide.
Women in Technology International is a global network of women working in tech, dedicated to advancing career opportunities and building meaningful connections.
Black Girls Code provides young and pre-teen girls of color opportunities to learn technology and computer programming skills at a critical time in their lives.
Girls in Tech is a global organization focused on nurturing women to positions of influence in technology.
Rails Girls is a global organization aggregates resources and creates a network to help women leverage technology to bring their ideas to life, and bring more women into the folds of programming careers. Envato Developer Trung Le is helping bring this to life in Vietnam.
Geek Girl Dinners are a global network with local outposts in various cities, that host socials, dinners, bootcamps – anything to connect women in tech, extend their skills and open up new horizons.
Anita Borg Instituteis dedicated to the transformative impacts of technology – and of women within the technology fields. Founder Anita Borg is the woman behind the annual Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing (the largest gathering of women technologists on the planet).
Girls Who Code works with high school students to teach them and equip them with the resources to get involved in computer science.
CodeEd is a U.S based organization that teaches computer science to middle-school girls
appcamp4girls is a North American spin on holiday camp where girls can use their creative talents to design and building applications.
Program a New Future
Rewriting the future for women in technology starts with early education – shattering stereotypes, recalibrating expectations and shining a light on heroes living those changes.
These initiatives are focused on empowering younger women; teaching them that there’s no one way to program, and no one type of person that is a programmer.
Kodable offers light touch curriculum content to teach elementary age children programming.
Iridescent Learning aims to help children get started in the field of engineering, and specifically focuses on those in underserved areas.
Hello Ruby is a book for children between five and eight interested in learning programming. It uses the Ruby language (and a character named Ruby) to teach basic concepts through reading and illustration. It’s a great way to engage a young girl in the craft.
code.org is a U.S. non-profit is on a mission to make coding more inclusive – to everyone – with a focus on underrepresented groups like women and minorities.
Read Envato co-founder Cyan Ta’eed’s playbook for combating imposter syndrome
Creating an even playing field and changing fortunes for women in technology is a long game, but like many industry peers, Envato is invested for the long haul.
This article was originally published on Inside Envato in August 2015.
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What is WordPress Managed Hosting? - envato.com coupon
The trickiest part of setting up a website is the technical aspect. This can include coding a layout, but if you go with a ThemeForest theme you’ll be all set there.
But the other tricky part is web hosting and installing WordPress to get your site online. Thankfully with managed hosting this process can be super easy.
Managed hosting is where you pay a web hosting company to fully maintain your server. This means they’ll setup, configure, and secure your server 24/7. They provide all security updates and data backups to make sure everything’s running smoothly.
But there are many different types of managed hosting so it’s good to learn more about the industry. In this guide I’ll explain what managed WordPress hosting is and why it might be a good choice for your next web project.
Managed WordPress Hosting: The Basics
The term “web server” describes many moving parts. Stated simply, this is just a computer meant to be online 24/7 to deliver websites to visitors. But it’s obviously more complicated than that.
A managed hosting platform installs everything so you don’t need to worry about the server setup.
If it’s managed WordPress hosting then they’ll also install WordPress and optimize the server to load faster. This usually comes with other benefits such as:
- Malware sweeps & virus removal
- Protections against DDOS/injection attacks
- Automatic server updates
- Automatic website backups
- Problem solving whenever an issue arises
If you go with semi-managed hosting(or “unmanaged”) then you’ll need to deal with some of these things yourself. Granted most hosting companies are very secure and will protect you from hacks/downtime.
But managed hosting basically guarantees that you don’t need to do anything. It’s the surefire way to manage a high-volume WordPress site while moving all the technical work over to the experts.
If you want access to your server but don’t want full responsibility then a shared hosting account might be better. The problem is that these shared accounts are very poor quality and do not hold up for larger websites.
If you have a WordPress site doing more than 100k pageviews/mo then you might be better with a managed server.
But to properly compare managed hosting against typical “unmanaged” hosting you’ll first need to understand a little about web hosting in general.
The Details of Hosting a Website
All websites basically run with the same software, it’s just the details that change. For example a WordPress site needs a few things:
- Web server software
- PHP software
- Database software
Both managed & shared hosts automatically set up these environments. So if you buy an unmanaged hosting account you still get this software pre-configured and ready to go.
The difference with unmanaged is that you need to install WordPress, install your own theme, and manage your own data backups. This stuff isn’t really too difficult.
But if you don’t have the time or patience to learn then it can be a huge annoyance.
One other aspect of web hosting is email. Many companies want to setup their own addresses like myname@domain.com, and many times you will get this feature included with managed hosting(not always).
A mail server is a whole separate can of worms which is why the managed route is typically better.
WordPress is the simplest way to launch a site and it has amazing security built into the framework. So if you go with a managed host you’re really saving yourself time while foregoing the option to customize & tweak the server.
There are genuine pros & cons to both sides and the choice really depends on your situation.
So let’s go beyond the basics and get into the differences of managed and unmanaged hosts. What really is the difference?
Managed vs. Unmanaged WordPress Hosting
The comparison of managed vs unmanaged can get tricky because the phrase “unmanaged” has a few different meanings.
But let’s look into managed hosting first. It’s basically a catch-all solution where you get everything handled for you. Setup, installation, configuration, and constant maintenance are included in the bill.
You can be pretty much hands-free and let your own IT team handle the server stuff.
This is partially true with unmanaged hosting if you get a shared server.
There are (generally) two types of unmanaged hosting:
- Unmanaged shared servers
- Unmanaged VPS/virtual servers
Shared servers are horribly slow. They’re really only useful for small websites, and even then performance won’t always be great.
The other type of unmanaged hosting is a VPS/dedicated server which gives you full control over a virtual server. This means the entire setup, config, and maintenance is 100% your responsibility.
If you’re reading this guide then you probably don’t want that.
So what’s the real deal between managed & unmanaged? It comes down to basic maintenance & upkeep. Shared hosts are unmanaged but they still come with responsibilities.
If you try a shared host you’ll still need to:
- Update WordPress on your own
- Check for security flaws or hacking attempts on your site
- Watch server loads and try to avoid overloading the server
- Backup your website and keep those backups safe
A good portion of shared hosts do have support teams that can help you. But they won’t always do all the work for you.
This is perhaps the biggest difference between managed vs unmanaged.
It may cost more for managed WordPress hosting but it’s generally worthwhile. You really won’t have to do much but pay the bill each month, and the tech support quality is like comparing economy class tickets to flying first class.
Why Go Managed?
If you ever look at managed host pricing you may be surprised at the massive fluctuations.
Some plans can be as low as $20/month while others can be 10x that price (or more!)
So what’s the real benefit of running with managed hosting? Obviously it’s great for webmasters who just don’t have the time or patience to learn server administration. Managed hosting platforms specialize in what they do so your site gets the VIP treatment.
But the biggest asset of managed hosting is ease of mind. You’re paying for professionals who know how to optimize a server, get it running fast & keep it that way.
When you go managed you’re guaranteed a few things:
- No technical setup
- Faster & easier problem solving
- Consistent website backups
- Updated software & frequent security checks
- Very fast server speeds with high uptime
If you’re willing to handle this stuff on your own then go for it. There’s nothing wrong with learning basic server admin skills and it’s surely a valuable asset!
But there’s also nothing wrong with going managed. It’ll save you time, headaches, and ultimately give you some peace of mind every day knowing your site is in good hands.
Is Managed For You?
Everyone loves WordPress so it’s no question that WP is a great choice. But what about managed hosting? Is it the right call?
This comes down to your budget, your needs, and your technical skillset. If you’re willing to pay a little more to offload the technical stuff then I say absolutely go managed. This way you can focus on running your site and it just makes sense to let experts handle the stuff they do best.
And if you’re looking for a way to get managed WordPress hosting for your site, check out Envato Hosted. It works with high-quality ThemeForest themes and it’s backed with the trust of Envato’s incredible brand in the web design space.
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Kamis, 22 Juni 2017
What Volkswagen, Afrojack and Razer used from Envato - envato.com coupon
Welcome to the Famous Five, 5 famous places Envato items have been used.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen has used Envato items in two different ads.
Item used: Action Powerful Rock by IvanLuzan
The first is this video, which takes a look at the Volkswagen lineup through the context of what men dream of, “a regular and powerful car”.
It breaks down all the main elements people look for when picking a vehicle to discover why a Volkswagen might be for you. It’s certainly aimed at the male market, and it uses Action Powerful Rock by Ivan Luzan.
Item used: Summer Pop Party by Alexiaction
This next video by Volkswagen News is a quick look at the new Volkswagen Beetle.
It’s only 51 seconds long, and works mostly as a montage of the car’s interior and exterior. And it uses Summer Pop Party by Alexiaction.
Pixologic – ZBrush
Item used: Epic Abstract by Audio_Wave
ZBrush is a digital sculpting tool that combines 3D modeling, texturing and painting. And this video, by its parent company Pixologic, shows off the ways in which you can use its new addition 4R8, which has just been released.
The incredible video uses Epic Abstract by Audio_Wave.
Afrojack
Items used: Clouds Over Singapore Skyline Timelapse Fisheye by Rickyloca, Sunrise Over New York by timemediafilm
Dutch DJ, Afrojack, has used two VideoHive items in a video promoting his birthday gig in his hometown of Rotterdam.
Clouds Over Singapore Timelapse Fisheye by Rickyloca, and Sunrise Over New York by timemediafilm both feature in the 1 minute video.
Afrojack has over 2 million followers on Twitter, nearly 10 million on Facebook, and nearly 1 million on YouTube.
Razer
Item used: Abstract Ambient by Nicolas_T
Razer has used an Envato item in the ad for its latest Lancehead wireless mouse.
It’s slick as hell, featuring panning shots of the mouse’s matte black body, and neonish lights, making it look like more of a race car than a PC accessory. Once revealed, the ad goes into compare the pair mode, putting the hardware to the test of that of competing brands.
Altogether, It’s a very sexy video by an exciting high performance PC manufacturer. And it uses Abstract Ambient by Nicolas_T.
Macro Room – Ink In Motion
Items used: Dramatical by alexbird, Movie Trailer Credits Intro by TimMcMorris
And finally today, YouTube channel Macro Room have used two AudioJungle tracks for this beautiful piece of work they call Ink In Motion.
Aiming to show off “the hypnotising beauty of colored ink in water and the interaction of…” it with different elements, this video, which has gotten over 600 thousand views on YouTube, makes great use of the stunning Dramatical by alexbird, and, over the end credits, Movie Trailer Credits Intro by TimMcMorris.
If you’re wanting your breath to be taken away, check this video out. The link is in the description.
Credits
And that’s the Famous Five for this week.
Our logo was designed by designercow. Today’s show was written, presented and edited by me, Dom Hennequin, you can follow me on Twitter. And for more content like this go to envato.com/blog.
Please share this video with everyone you know, and I’ll see you next time for another Famous Five.
Other tracks used:
Urban R&B by GrooveProduction
Boom Bap Hip-Hop by Akoahi
The post What Volkswagen, Afrojack and Razer used from Envato appeared first on Envato.
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How Alexandru Padurariu Turned an Unstoppable Desire to Explore Into a Career in Photography - envato.com coupon
For around ten years Alexandru Padurariu, who goes by the username PadurariuAl, has been honing his craft as a photographer. After multiple detours through specific styles of photography, he’s emerged as an incredibly versatile artist.
“I was an extremely curious child. This is how I started with photography: out of curiosity and from an unstoppable desire to explore. I got my first camera as a teenager around 17-18 years old and my first subjects were flowers.”
He most enjoyed capturing the details of flowers not visible to the naked eye. He also appreciated photojournalism. “I spent days and nights reading and gathering info on this topic,” he said, “…discovering photojournalists and viewing their albums as if I had felt all the experiences on my own skin.”
From there he would try several types of photography, from street photography to events, landscape, architecture and portraits. “Everytime I’m on vacation I’m eager to explore new sites and buildings – but as a job I am a freelance events photographer (weddings, conferences, parties etc.) and I recently opened a product photography website (mostly for tabletop products).”
“I don’t think I have a particular style,” he tells me. “In fact, since I started working in this field, I’ve wanted to keep an open mind, read and learn from the best, but never copy.”
While he’s reluctant to zone in on any specific characteristics that define his work, Padurariu’s photos all share the distinct qualities of elegance and restraint, without sacrificing emotion.
What strikes me as remarkable is how he can maintain those broad characteristics with minimal stage management. “If that moment catches me with my camera, I go ahead and take the picture. If not, I decide to come back soon and get the photo I have in mind.”
Arriving at a location, he doesn’t always have an agenda. “I happen to find places or things or people that draw my attention,” he tells me.
One such opportunity he took advantage of happened in Amsterdam a couple of years ago. “I was walking around an area with fancy buildings and the atmospheric light falling inspired me to see the place with different eyes.”
Aiming to capture the geometry of the space in perfect parallel lines along with the lighting pillar, he took this:
“The sole splash of color was the green from inside. And then, a few seconds later, the inspiring light had disappeared.” A fleeting moment of beauty, captured in his portfolio.
How much effort goes into the setup depends mostly on the type of photography he’s working on that day. “I sometimes need one hour for setup if I have products [that are] easy to capture or even a couple of hours for more complicated items (glass, glossy items etc.).”
As for seeing his work in the wild, he’s mainly found his photos used on Facebook pages, websites and even as album cover art.
The cover for Moritz Adam’s track, “Light”.
Using this photo from his personal portfolio.
Padurariu is most inspired by light, colors and shapes. “I have a “math” trend to capture geometric things,” he says.
And now, with a decade of experience under his belt, Padurariu is joining Envato Elements as an author.
“I am 27 years old. I am self-taught and well informed. And I don’t see myself doing anything else.”
Discover Alexandru Padurariu’s Photography on Envato Elements
The post How Alexandru Padurariu Turned an Unstoppable Desire to Explore Into a Career in Photography appeared first on Envato.
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Rabu, 21 Juni 2017
How to Think Like a Designer - envato.com coupon
Road signs, clothing, cars, furniture and computers are all the result of design.
Design is everywhere, which sometimes makes it easy to overlook, but there isn’t much we see or rely on that hasn’t been designed.
One of the defining characteristics of humans as a species is our ability to understand and harness the extraordinary capabilities that tools – like flint blades and the wheel – bestow upon us. What are these tools? Design objects.
Learning to observe the world from a design perspective and think like a designer is useful, since it provides an essential way to understand our world. Design was and is integral to our survival.
Thinking like a designer is not difficult but can require a change in focus. People are already wired as designers to one degree or another as they shape their living spaces, selves and relationship to the world.
Let’s look at some key elements of the designer thought process.
Designers aren’t artists. Design’s first emphasis is on utility and function that serves a purpose; it can be a work of art, but that’s not its primary goal.
Design works like the modernist principle form follows function. This idea, developed by architect Louis Sullivan, states that the shape of a building or object should be based on its intended function and purpose. Form follows function was a response to a time when decoration, ornamentation, and artful design were more common.
To think like a designer versus an artist is to question the function and purpose of what you are making as a priority over exploring a concept or aesthetic approach. It’s not that aesthetics don’t matter (they most definitely do!) but they’re not more important than utility in a design.
Questions a designer may ask:
Can this solve the problem?
Is this the best or most elegant solution for a problem?
Does this serve a purpose?
Will this help us?
Thinking practically, based on ideas of usefulness and functionality first, can make problem solving simpler and reduce complexity. A design that is approached in this way will more likely have clarity and simplicity.
Designers follow the rules of form and function but also break rules too.
A good designer really knows how to creatively mix elements up, and they do this in more ways than one.
- Designers mix up typography, color, pattern, shape and photo to create interesting and effective compositions.
- They mix up elements and material from different cultures and periods of time to develop visual stories with more richness and depth.
- They mix their own capabilities and know-how to come up with new solutions that blend technical, creative and cultural ideas.
Essentially, designers learn to be adept at noticing contrasts and juxtapositions and then working with those contradictions to create harmony. Designers, and particular contemporary designers working in web and mobile, have a technical understanding that they meld with their more creative side. We also live in a world with a vast visual culture that graphic designers learn to interpret in fresh, nuanced and expressive ways.
Thinking like a designer means learning how to juggle and integrate very different elements into an organized whole, and this makes the design process a game of balance and juxtaposition.
How designers go about achieving balance and juxtaposition in their work involves following a few basic rules.
1. Use Space Wisely
A key way designers are able to meld contrasting elements is through the use of space. If you have two elements in a design with drastically different visual styles you can use space to allow them to coexist within a composition. Space is a great way to reduce visual clutter in a design.
Space is also used to bring elements closer together. Designers may do this either because stylistically the elements are cohesive or because, from an information design standpoint, it makes sense to group them.
You see the use of space to associate content used a lot in editorial and invitation design. In an invitation you may place the date and time close together because as information modules, they make sense located in the same area of the design composition.
2. Align Intentionally
Along with grouping elements in close proximity, alignment is also used to create continuity within a design. Alignment seems like an obvious simple thing that designers do, but that doesn’t make it any less important.
Alignment uses the grid and can be explored via grid-based design in general. The grid is key to organizing the layout of a design in a way that makes it easier to understand and read.
On the flip side, sometimes designers don’t align everything completely to the grid since a design can appear stiff and rigid this way. Designers also use their eye to create visual balance in a layout and tweak the arrangement of elements a bit off the grid if they just *look* better that way and appear more visually balanced.
So, designers use alignment, but do so intentionally, staying aware of the role it plays in the larger composition.
3. Establish Hierarchy
A design has tiers of elements of lesser or greater importance. Design hierarchy is about making the more important elements, information, in a design stand out more.
Designers use a variety of methods to create visual hierarchy. The key ingredients for establishing hierarchy are scale, color and shape, along with the previously mentioned space and alignment. Here are some examples of visual hierarchy:
- In an invitation design the name of the event may be scaled large to draw attention to it.
- For a mobile UI kit color can be used to draw the eye to important buttons within the interface.
- Shapes are used around typography to create a focal point in poster design.
- The title of an article in a magazine design may be in a display font that appears bold and large within the design.
When designers begin a project, they think about what is being expressed and then organize the design with a clear visual hierarchy. Creating visible hierarchy makes a design easier to parse and understand and enables clear visual communication.
Designers love the world. So, designers follow some rules and employ a variety of techniques in order to create work that has utility, balance and beauty. Designers have an awareness of form, function, color, shape, type, pattern — many things in our visible field.
Developing this kind of awareness of design can definitely make the world more interesting. But, perhaps, one of the more beneficial things about thinking like a designer is not only having this awareness, but also developing a deep appreciation of all that is design around us, and in some ways, made for us.
From a designer’s perspective, you can look at the world as this carefully and sometimes lovingly made place where everything was crafted by some designer or another to be more functional, easier to understand, cheerful, awe-inspiring or just beautiful.
Editor’s note: The background patterns for the images in this article were also designed by the author! Check out Stucco patterns by Hellomartco.
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What’s a WordPress theme? A beginner’s guide to your ThemeForest purchase - envato.com coupon
So you’ve downloaded a WordPress theme from ThemeForest. Fantastic! But now you’re wondering what to do with it…
Don’t panic! Anyone can set up a WordPress website or blog, even non-techies. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know to create a website and get your new ThemeForest theme up and running.
Getting started: frequently asked questions
Before we get started, let’s run through some common questions around using ThemeForest themes and WordPress, specifically what is WordPress, and the differences between a theme/template and a website.
Back to basics: What is WordPress?
WordPress is software you can use to create a website. There are two versions of WordPress you need to be aware of:
- WordPress.com, also known as hosted WordPress, is a blogging and website service owned by a company called Automattic. WordPress.com uses the WordPress software. When you sign up for an account, you get free hosting. You can upgrade your account to get premium (i.e. paid) features like a domain name, no ads, and support.
- WordPress.org, also known as self-hosted WordPress, is where you can download the WordPress software so you can set up a website yourself. The software is essentially just a bunch of files, so you’ll need to buy web hosting and a domain name, and take care of things like security, themes and plugins yourself.
Currently, the WordPress software is used by more than 28% of all websites – almost one-in-three sites online. WordPress originally started out as blogging software and while it’s still used by bloggers all over the world, it has evolved into a powerful content management system that is used by big brands, including Wired, The New Yorker, Sony Music, and even Beyoncé. So it’s safe to say you’re making a good choice with WordPress.
What do I need to build a WordPress website?
Before we get started, there are a few things you need:
- Website hosting – there is where the files for your website will be stored
- A domain name – this is the name of your website, like myawesomesite.com
- A WordPress theme – there are thousands of themes available for purchase at themeforest.net
What is a WordPress theme?
A WordPress theme is a collection of files that work together to control how your WordPress website looks. This includes things like page layout, where your sidebars are located, and font and color choices.
Changing your theme changes the design of your website, including its layout, i.e. what a person sees when they visit your website.
A WordPress theme is not a website. This means that when you download a theme from ThemeForest, you simply have a file you can use to change how your website looks.
Can I use my ThemeForest theme on WordPress.com?
No, you can’t. WordPress themes that are purchased at ThemeForest can only be used for self-hosted WordPress websites. When you sign up for a WordPress.com account, you can only use the themes provided by WordPress.com.
Can I Use a WordPress theme with Squarespace / Wix / Weebly?
No, you can’t. WordPress themes can only be used on a self-hosted WordPress website. Website platforms such as Square, Wix and Weebly have their own proprietary methods for changing the design of a website.
Setting Up a WordPress Website
Now that you know what you need to create a website, let’s walk through how to setup a WordPress site and install your ThemeForest theme.
Step #1: Choosing a Web Host
A web host, or hosting provider, is a company that provides the technologies and services needed for a website to be view on the web. Website files are stored – or hosted – on special computers known as servers.
There are lots of hosting options available, but here are the ones that WordPress recommends:
Check out the links above and choose the web host and hosting plan that best suits you and your needs. Basic web hosting typically starts at around US$4.95 a month.
When you’ve worked out which web host you want to go with, go ahead and sign up. During the signup process, you should be given the option to buy a domain name for your website, so purchase that, too.
Once you’ve signed up and your account has been created, you’ll be taken to your web host’s dashboard where you can manage things like submitting a support ticket, updating your personal details, and setting up email. Depending on your web host, it’s here where you’ll also have the option to install WordPress.
Note: If you would rather not mess around with setting up your site and want a quick and easy solution, check out Envato Hosted, managed hosting for WordPress websites where all the fiddly bits are taken care of for you so you can get on with creating content for your site.
Step #2: Installing WordPress
How you go about installing WordPress depends on your web host. Choose your host below for instructions on how to setup WordPress on your website:
- Setting up WordPress with Bluehost
- Setting up WordPress with Dreamhost
- Setting up WordPress with Flywheel
- Setting up WordPress with SiteGround
If your web host offers installation via Softaculous, do it! Softaculous offers an easy and automated way to install WordPress for you.
Step #3: Installing Your ThemeForest Theme
With your WordPress website now set up, you’re ready to install your ThemeForest theme.
When you first setup your WordPress website, a default theme will be activated using some demo content, so when you visit your website it should look something like this:
It looks okay, but it will look even better once your ThemeForest theme is installed!
Before you install your theme, you need to log in to your website. To do this, go to:
http://ift.tt/1oHP0SG
Where “example” is your website’s domain name. Enter your username and password to log in (your web host should have emailed these details to you).
Once logged in, you will be taken to the WordPress dashboard, which looks like this:
To install your ThemeForest theme, click “Appearance” in the sidebar and then click “Themes”.
On the screen that loads, click “Add New.” A new screen will load. Click “Upload Theme.”
When you download a WordPress theme from ThemeForest, it will come as a ZIP file. It’s important that you don’t unzip this file because WordPress only accepts ZIP files.
Click “Choose file” and navigate to where your theme is saved on your computer. Then click “Open.”
WordPress will install your theme. When the page reloads, you’ll be presented with three options: “Live Preview,” “Activate,” or “Return to Themes page.”
Click “Activate” to finish installing the theme.
The page will reload and you’ll either see a welcome page for your new theme or be taken back to the Themes screen where your newly activated theme will be displayed.
You’re now ready to start customizing your ThemeForest theme!
The theme you bought should include details on how to customize your theme. If you need further help, get in touch with the theme author.
Resources:
- A Beginner’s Guide to Using WordPress – Online Course
- The Best WordPress Themes This Month
- 20 ways to take your WordPress site to the next level
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Selasa, 20 Juni 2017
Stars and Stripes: Designed for the 4th of July - envato.com coupon
The United States is an enthusiastic country, known for being super-sized in its celebrations and festivities.
With summer kicking off, buckle up your cowboy boots and get ready for the biggest rodeo of them all: July 4th. While most Americans might not see the founding fathers or a Revolutionary War reenactment on Independence Day, they will likely be celebrating with barbecues, fireworks, and maybe even some shopping. No matter what the 4th of July is a kickoff to summer and at the forefront of the minds of all Americans. Join in the spirit by decking out your online presence with stars, stripes, and all things red, white, and blue!
To celebrate, we’ve curated 13 of our favorite July 4th-themed design items to honor the 13 original American colonies and stripes on the flag:
1. Watercolor Texture 4th of July
The trend of watercolor illustrations has definitely sparked, so apply this handmade and artistic touch to your Independence Day decoration. The download includes 21 PNG files in various shapes and sizes for your creativity to work its magic.
2. 4th of July Flyer Template
Say it loud and say it proud with these vibrant and information-packed Independence Day flyers. With easy to edit text, font, and colors, you can modify or keep as much of this design as you wish to create the perfect invitation to your community or backyard bash.
3. 4th Of July Banners
There’s nothing like a physical or social media banner to display your patriotism with the U.S. of A this July. These 16 versatile vector banners available in AI, EPS, and JPG files are a perfect download for all your holiday uses.
4. 4th of July Desserts
Americans are known for their desserts when it comes to cookies, cupcakes, pie, and ice cream. Independence Day is no different than any other sweet tooth-filled day with these adorable vector illustrations of red, white, and blue.
5. USA Patterns
Pinwheels and spirals and Statues of Liberty, oh my! This pattern package of Adobe Illustrator files is perfect as the backdrop for any party or marketing materials you design and is resizable to match your exact specifications.
6. Independence Day Pack
With 5 Independence Day and 5 Barbecue packs, Scredeck has your July 4th cooler of resources stacked with plenty of logos to illuminate your designs. With a flat, simple aesthetic, these graphics are sure to enhance any flyer, invitation, or banner you’ll be creating this summer.
7. American National Holiday
Almost anything can fit your July 4th design with a little bit of red, white, and blue. This vector illustration shows all the joyous aspects of an American celebration amidst other designs that evoke all the spirit of American life.
8. U.S. 50 States Map Shapes
Although Independence Day is a national holiday, there’s nothing like a little local rivalry and pride in the United States. Add some state-level vintage flair to your design with these hand illustrated silhouettes of the great 50 states!
9. Vintage American Flag
Americans love to wave their stars and stripes on all days of the year, but Independence Day calls for an extra amount of flag-waving. Evoke some authentic Americana with this vintage vector illustration, available as an EPS and high-resolution JPG file.
10. Stars 4th of July Flyer
While this invitation keeps it simple and classy with a star-studded, patriotic design, that doesn’t mean your event has to be too proper! However you choose to celebrate American independence and freedom, this invitation is a clean and clear choice for your design.
11. Waving American Flag
Bring your design to life with this 360-download of a waving American flag. Drag to rotate the flag in the position you choose before downloading and watch as this design appears to flap off of the screen.
12. American Scribe
Throw in a bit of historical accuracy to your design with the swift, swish of the quill of Thomas Matlock, the official scribe of the Declaration of Independence. This download is ready to record whatever you’ll write in celebration of Matlock’s hard work with 560 glyphs and full Latin language support.
13. Patriotic Badges
Stamp your support for America boldly with several takes on the classic motifs of stars and stripes. These USA badges with messages of Independence Day and economic patriotism are available in both AI and EPS versions.
Download all of these designs (and more!) on Envato Elements.
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