Red Ice Designs » Joe Valdez

Creating a Custom WordPress Log-In Screen

Joe Valdez — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:22:41 +0000

So you want to spruce up your log-in screen from the standard WordPress look, where do you start?

The easiest way to implement a custom look is via plug-in. You could easily hack the WordPress admin files and CSS but that would make it a pain when you update your WP or change themes. Creating a plug-in will make it simple to transfer the custom look onto other themes and websites.

13 Sites For Logo Design Inspiration

Joe Valdez — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:52:07 +0000

Logo design can be a tedious process where you can either get “it” right away or you may need a bit of inspiration to get started. Below I have outlined some of the best sites to browse for logo design inspiration. Some of these sites feature unknown companies and some feature high profile logos.

What a Client Must Include in a Design Agreement

Joe Valdez — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:31:23 +0000

It doesn’t matter if you’re a person, small company or large company, when looking for a new logo design, print design or website there are items a designer must include in your design contract. You’re design project can vary from a small print design job to a large complex website. This list compiled will include items the designer must include in your agreement. If these items are not in your design agreement, make sure your designer includes them. The designer will always look to protect themselves, as they should, and so should you.

Items a Designer Must Include in a Contract

Joe Valdez — Thu, 27 May 2010 19:04:52 +0000

I’m sure as a freelancer we’ve all said to ourselves at one point, probably in the middle of a project, “why didn’t I include that in the contract?” As designers we know the importance of getting agreements in writing, for the benefit of both the designer and the client.

The designer’s guide to a great first impression

Joe Valdez — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:35:34 +0000

We’ve all heard the saying “you don’t get a second chance at a first impression”. When it comes to your design business and landing a deal, nothing could be more true. A great first impression is the first step to securing a client and forming an ongoing business relationship.

7 Web Design Clients to Walk Away From

Joe Valdez — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:12:08 +0000

All designers have had that client where you wonder to yourself, after being knee deep in the project, “why did I take this client?”

Knowing how to spot potentially difficult clients comes with experience. The longer you’re in this business the more you’ll run into them and the easier you’ll be able to spot them.

Always trust your gut if you feel a client is going to be trouble. Below are some of the most common types of clients and the warning signs to watch out for.

Tutorials: Backgrounds with CSS

Joe Valdez — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:00:25 +0000

Single Image Background

How is the best way to apply a single image as a background using CSS?

You can apply a single image background to any tag that is capable, such as divs, tables, etc using CSS. This example will show how to apply a single image background to the entire page. The best way apply the background is to use the body tag, making the body or background the first “layer” in your design.

The image being used

10 Things NOT to do When Designing a Website

Joe Valdez — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:45:25 +0000

1. Overload The Site (ads, images, clutter, etc.)

Having too many images and ads on a page will make the site unattractive and distracting.

You don’t have to fill every space, having an image or two makes a better and cleaner impression. For example, reading a magazine article is easier when you don’t have a picture or ad every two paragraphs. You should have white space between text, photos or navigation.

10 Things to do When Designing a Website

Joe Valdez — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:59:35 +0000

1. Be Creative and Original

When designing a website, you want it to stand out not look like everything else. Look up the competition and see how your site can differ, in a positive way. Being creative however doesn’t mean re-inventing the wheel.