Volunteer your career efforts and reap the rewards

     There hasn't been a word that ruffles my teenage feathers more than "Volunteering". I loathed the day when my church group was recruiting individuals for a weeding service project. Volunteering in the garden and outdoor chores was boring and always happened to take place on the one morning that I could sleep in. The monotony of pulling weed after weed, only to look up and see a vast weed city, wasn't what i wanted to do on a Saturday morning.  This lovely teenage attitude attached itself to the "volunteering" phrase and made it very difficult to give of myself. 

     I am happy to announce that my way of thinking has changed. I have fully embraced a volunteering spirit and want to share how I accepted such change. I realized that the only experience I had with volunteering was that of the physical outdoor labor and sought out other ways to give back to the community that had more impact. I discovered that I have an intense love for web development and I sought out business and individuals in need of my services. I know what your thinking. Why should I volunteer my services when I can be making money doing them? Keep in mind that volunteering is all about meeting new individuals in the business world and cultivating a reference catalog, if you will. Every major corporation and college recognizes volunteer service with great weight. Also, grateful business owners will gladly provide anyone with a letter of recommendation and give you the edge in any job interview. 

     After finding a volunteering project, I dedicate myself to the success of said project. Checking in with the CEO and staff in charge on a regular basis will shows my level of commitment and allows opportunities for additional communication. I love scheduling meetings to show the progress that I have made and get additional direction. Delivering a solid product in a fast and efficient manner will spark ideas in the CEO and staff's mind of people they may know that need such services. Creating buzz for my company and aiding in Dibble Dabble Design's future success.

     I cant thank the individuals that encouraged me to volunteer in my given career field enough. I have been blessed with tremendous opportunities and I am very excited to see what is in store down the line. Remember to volunteer in your given career field and network with the individuals you come in contact with and you will reap the rewards. Don't give up if the first volunteering project doesn't produce your desired outcome. Get right back out there are keep priming the pump with new challenges and projects. 

(Volunteering Efforts for www.cfkidaho.org) 

(Volunteering Efforts for Shanti in San Francisco, CA.)

Saved Creations - Dibble Dabble Design's NEW project.

     Looking for a conversational art piece to buy for your house? Dave Fairbanks of Twin Falls, ID creates these amazing metal rose center pieces from 100% recycled material. This is a perfect example of being resourceful and utilizing parts that most people wouldn't even consider creating something with. Nothing is painted. All the colors that you see are the original color of the recycled material. From car antennas to old water heaters, Dave Fairbanks of Saved Creations in-visions the final product and delivers an amazing product.

     When I first saw the Saved Creations, I noticed the amazing color and texture of the "stems" and wanted to have that be the star of the website. I focused on earth tones for the background and then the red and green of the rose can catch your eye when you look at the product image. I also wanted to incorporate the recycled sign in the header, because all the material is 100% recycled. Talk about creating something amazing from nothing (aka Trash). 

     The "Home" page will feature a brief content section that informs the client about the process and what recycled materials Dave Fairbanks used for the Saved Creations. The textural element that i implemented into this layout is the navigation bar that goes all the way across the top of the page. I opted for a grain texture to offset the solid background color. The order page will implement a Paypal check out process and feature the Saved Creations Signature Selection. Last, but not least is the contact page that provides the client with a means to get a hold of Dave Fairbanks and the retailers that stock his work. 

      I'm very excited to get started on this project and can't wait to see the impact that my design brings to Saved Creations potential profits. Thanks for the excellent opportunity Dave. 

P.S. J. Michaels Florist in Boise, ID (208-322-3500) has a small stock of Dave Fairbanks Saved Creations. Call them today to inquire about obtaining a gorgeous Rose Center piece. They come in Rustic Rust, Red, Yellow, and White Roses.

     

Utilize texture to draw in the viewer

What separates a good website layout from an AMAZING

layout? Ill give you a hint. This block of text is the meat

of this texture sandwich. When I chat with prospective clients,

the number one thing that I always show them is the use of

texture that I incorporate. This gives viewers areas to make them

feel like they are in a rich welcoming place, cold commercial

building, or warm summer cottage. Beware of using too many

textures though. Like everything else in life, overuse of anything

becomes overdone and loses its impact. A well balanced layout

is like a deck of cards shuffled perfectly in place. Enjoy this 

texture sandwich and implement texture into your website.   

Individuals are 95% more likely to.....

 

     Why aren't things selling on your website? An owner or manager says, "I posted the most comment and explained everything in detail and our business still hasn't moved any product." Before you turn your back on the website and blame the economy, try adding interesting / provocative product videos. Individuals are 95% more likely to purchase items from a website when they contain videos.

     

     Lets face it, everyone is visual and they don't want to read a lengthy page and a half when they can watch seconds of colorful, informative video. Show them!! This is also true in the world of face to face sales. The salesman can talk someones ear off and tell them that this product will change their life; however, the customer doesn't want to take that leap until you show them results. Show people why your products are exceptional and your sales numbers will increase.

     

    Take J. Michaels Florist in Boise, ID for example. I produce video promos of how their designers create their unique flower arrangements. I started shooting these videos with my Flip Video and the response has been ever growing. J. Michaels can tell when I haven't posted videos, because sales are lower by the next week. Give people what they want and SHOW them why you're the best in town.

(J. Michaels featured Designer - Terri Matlock)

WOW 104.3 Billboard Design Contest Entry

     

     This is the third revision that was submitted to the WOW 104.3 Billboard Design Contest. I loved the design process that i went through to get the final product. I started by turning on Brad Paisley and submersing myself in a Cowboy Hat, if you will. WOW 104.3 has a more modern country feel and i feel that this billboard captures that essence. I was thinking of what would catch my attention on the side of the freeway and i came up with this linear horizon to anchor your eye and then go on to read the catch phrase. "Alandify your morning" was the initial phrase, but i consulted my good friend Mallory (Avid 104.3 Listener) and she suggested Ralandify. I was a little put off by the new phrase, but after a while i began to like it much better than "Alandify".   I asked for quite a bit of feedback and learned a fabulous lesson that i need to take everyone's input with a grain of salt if I see that it doesn't apply. 

     I believe that the contest is going to go for another week or so and the station will choose the Billboard Design that "WOWs" them. I hope that my design can influence Treasure Valley citizens to check out Randy and Alana in the mornings. Thanks for the opportunity WOW 104.3. I have grown in my design efforts and loved creating my view of what i think the public will react to.