Cannabis Carrie's Blog

The capture of moving images

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 01:56:26 GMT

Video production is videography,...

... the process of capturing moving images on electronic media (e.g., video tape, direct to disk recording, or solid state storage like a tapeless camcorder) even streaming media. The term includes methods of production and post-production. It is the equivalent of filmmaking, but with images recorded electronically instead of film stock.

It is the art and service of creating content, video editing and delivering a finished video product as is the case of distributing television programs for broadcast syndication. This can include production of television commercials, corporate videos, event videos, wedding videos and special-interest home videos. A video production can range in size from a family making home movies with a prosumer camcorder, a one solo camera operator with a professional video camera in a single-camera setup (aka a “one-man band”), a videographer with a sound person, to a multiple-camera setup shoot in a television studio to a production truck requiring a whole television crew for an electronic field production (EFP) with a production company with set construction on the backlot of a movie studio.

Styles of shooting include on a tripod (aka “sticks”)[1] for a locked-down shot; hand-held to attain a more jittery camera angle or looser shot, incorporating Dutch angle, Whip pan and whip zoom; on a jib that smoothly soars to varying heights; and with a Steadicam for smooth movement as the camera operator incorporates cinematic techniques moving through rooms, as can be seen in Pulp Fiction and The Shining. A “Poor Man’s Steadicam” is the Easyrig[2] which is worn by the shooter like a tight vest with an arm that holds the camera.

Corporate Video

Main article: Corporate video

Corporate video production covers a wide range of purposes from corporate communication, training and education, videotaping conferences and conventions, products and services, and sales. A popular type of corporate shoot is known as the “candids” or “happy-face” video, in which a multiple-day event is covered by a video crew, including speakers, break-out sessions, awards ceremonies and local recreational activities in which the conventioneers participate. An on-site editor then creates a short video presentation that is shown before the close of the convention. Many associations take advantage of the convention venue to gather interviews of their principals, setting up a green screen or other type of background in a secluded room.

Video productions video tape or memory-based recording device or an edited version from a website video, optical disc, magnetic tape, or portable video device.

Event Video

Event videography is a video production, the art of capturing social and special events onto video by a videographer. The term is used to describe the videography of any event, aside from weddings and wedding videography.

History

Event videography is an off shoot of wedding videography and encompasses the video documentation of social functions, such as First Communions, anniversaries, dance recitals, bar mitzvahs, color guard contests, proms, concerts, etc.

Event videography started shortly after the introduction of consumer based video cameras, or camcorders, in the late 1970s, as videographers, who had businesses documenting weddings, began to look for other markets to offer their services.

Event videography today

The art of event videography is somewhat similar today as it was back when the camcorder was first introduced. The main differences lie in the improved video camera technology and equipment. Event videographer uses predominantly DV based equipment. Advances in high definition technology are also being applied to event videography.

Video production can be used at sporting, school, stage, wedding, church, and similar events to provide recordings of the events. Event video productions range in distribution from a wedding video that is custom made for a bride and groom and their immediate family and friends, to a dance recital where dozens to hundreds of videos are sold to individual dancers. Event video production can also be used to broadcast events live to viewers at home such as a press conference or concert. Video of live events can be sent by microwave or a satellite truck from the event location to a television studio in order to be broadcast.[3]

Marketing Video

Marketing videos are used to promote an organization or product and create awareness among consumers. Marketing video production ranges from Television advertisement to internet commercials and viral videos.

Internet Marketing Video production is primarily made in home based environments, and serves the purpose of interacting with the audience. There are two main types of video production:

- Transactional

A transactional video is one that aims to sell a product to a customer, and is a means of boosting the psychological effectiveness of your selling points.

- Reference

A reference video’s goal is to stimulate further navigation of a website.

Internet Video Production

As the internet develops video is having a changing application too. Videos are the second biggest search engine on the internet (YouTube) second to Google. Video Production with SEO and internet focus is a new thing on the web.

Training Video

Training videos are commissioned by organizations to promote make changes in workforce.

Source: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

How Can a Company Compete Today Without a Professional Presence?

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 01:52:30 GMT

It’s no surprise that we have become a visual society that demands instant access to information.

Some owners will tell you, they just don’t have the time, resources or budget to invest in marketing materials and plan on continuing as they always have. But in today's economy and technology driven age, can your business really afford not to change with the times?

Businesses using an outdated website and/or poorly designed marketing materials are giving their competition a marketing advantage.

Let’s face it, word-of-mouth used to be the best form of marketing, but times have changed drastically. Technology has quickly reshaped the way we do business in the industry. Most consumers focus on vendors who offer website interaction, a social media presence and professional marketing materials.

Dental professionals are forced to change or risk becoming extinct.

In order to compete with dental labs that offer the same quality of products and services, it is imperative that a lab demonstrates a strong professional presence. Lack of a consistent design and company branding reflected across all platforms of media could be detrimental to the lab's success.

WE CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS

Everything you need all in one place, that’s the advantage of Ck2design

We can create custom websites, company identity packages, direct mailers, logos, photography, videos presentations, product videos, instructional videos and motion graphics to match your company's' identity.

We can take your Brand to the next level

Our objective is to understand your company, and help others understand your abilities through your business offerings. We believe that each project is unique and should be approached differently and customized to match each client’s needs.

Bridging the gap between the professional side of business and the digital age of marketing, Mary Janez Brand / Ck2design offers innovative creative media solutions from Concept to Completion.

You Have the Choice to Take Charge of Your Destiny -

We Can Help You Get There In Style!

We have over 30 years experience in the graphic arts field, dedicated to designing for professionals like yourself. Our objective is to understand your business and help others understand your abilities through your business offerings. And we believe that each project is unique and should be approached differently and customized to match each client’s needs.

Ck2design - Creative Media for All Industries

We understands the needs of the most industry. Whether clinic or lab, our designs will benefit your business. Your website, company identity packages, direct mailers, logos, photography, videos presentations, product videos, instructional videos and motion graphics can be created to match your visual brand identity.

Our specialty is helping professional put their best foot forward.

Most business owners are extremely busy and have very little time or resources to dedicate towards the marketing of their business. We can help ease the transition from your current look and marketing materials to an exclusive design package just for you.

Your marketing materials make a huge impact on how the world perceives your products, services and business.

Who Doesn't Judge a Book By It's Cover?

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 01:44:00 GMT

Back in the day before digital devices, the old saying was, "You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover" or "It's what's on the inside that counts". That might have worked back in the days before digital marketing but it sure doesn't applied to products, services or individual professionals, any more.

Who Doesn't Judge a Book By It's Cover? Each and everyone of use judges companies, products and service provider on the way they appear online and offline.

If a company has either a unappealing website or only listing on some random business directory, or worse yet -no website at all. You can beat they are losing many more possible customers then just myself. After all, if a company thinks it's not worth investing into their website and marketing materials, then why on earth would anyone else think it's worth doing business with them?

Since most of use are internet savvy customers with instant access to research for any product, business and service provider. If we don't like something, get bad service or have any other reason for being a unhappy customer, we all have the internet for placing reviews, comments or complaint and spread the word via social media around the world. So why on earth won't a business take the time to create a user friendly, professional website that offers customers the information they want or access to online help. Ck2design online business websites make it so easy for companies to interact and work with customers, keeping everyone happy.

Seems like common sense to have a professional presence both online and traditional marketing materials. Yet, there are still many companies out there that hang on to the thought that they are better then their competitors. And that they have always done things this way and don't need to change in order to keep up with the times.

FOR THOSE BUSINESS OWNERS WHO STILL FEEL THEY DON'T NEED TO KEEP WITH WITH OUR CHANGING TIMES, GOOD LUCK!

Dental Labs Must Avoid Becoming Extinct

ck2design@gmail.com (Carrie Kuehn) — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 01:39:44 GMT

Is your dental lab about to becoming Extinct?

The Importance of Branding and Online Presence for the Dental Industry is often overlooked. In order for dental labs to compete in the market a professional company branding along with a strong online presence is a must. My catch phrase, "Either you're visible or you're invisible!" is the honest truth.

Please watch my presentation below on the importance of standing out among your competitors. The last half of this short video demonstrates how an online business website can help small business owners operate a modern online system that is quick, easy to use and efficient. This is a must have for any serious dental lab, clinic or dental related company to compete in today's market.

Nowadays you need more than a basic business card and a plain old website.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to Avoid Becoming Extinct.

Dental Labs Need to Read This!

ck2design@gmail.com (Carrie Kuehn) — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 01:36:57 GMT

How Can a Dental Lab Compete Today Without a Professional Presence?

It’s no surprise that we have become a visual society that demands instant access to information.

Dental labs using an outdated website and/or poorly designed marketing materials are giving their competition a marketing advantage.

Dental professionals are forced to change or risk becoming extinct.

WE CAN HELP YOUR DENTAL LAB

Everything you need all in one place, that’s the advantage of Ck2design

Ck2design can create custom websites, company identity packages, direct mailers, logos, photography, videos presentations, product videos, instructional videos and motion graphics to match your companies' identity.

Let's take your dental lab's image to the next level!

Bridging the gap between the professional side of dentistry and the digital age of marketing, Ck2design offers innovative creative media solutions from Concept to Completion.

YOU HAVE THE CHOICE TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR DESTINY -

WE CAN HELP YOU GET THERE IN STYLE

Ck2design has over 30 years experience in the graphic arts field and 20 of those years have been dedicated to designing for dental professionals like yourself. Our specialty is helping professional dental labs put their best foot forward.

Ck2design knows that most dental labs are extremely busy and have very little time or resources to dedicate towards the marketing of their business. We can help ease the transition from your current look and marketing materials to an exclusive design package just for your dental lab.

Your marketing materials make a huge impact on how the world perceives your dental lab, you need a strong positive image for your lab, contact us today.

Knowledge Is Power

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 01:30:35 GMT

Carrie Kuehn Is The Missing Piece To Your Company Brand Puzzle

Each project is unique and should be approached differently and customized to match each client’s needs. Our objective is to understand your company, and help others understand your abilities through your business offerings.

Ck2design's extensive website services and hosting capabilities allow you to focus more on the important things in your business.

Adaptability, able handle any task from graphic design, logos, web, motion graphics, video, trade show booth designs, displays, large format graphics, corporate branding to direct marketing mailers and etc., makes Ck2design an excellent choice for all your creative media needs.

How Did Ck2design Get Started?

Most companies are started by one hardworking person.

And for Ck2design, that one person was Carrie Kuehn.

Back by in the late 80s, before computers were used in the graphic industry and marker comps, typesetting, paste-up and clip art were used, Carrie began working as a part-time freelancer. Through the years as the graphic arts field changed and morphed with technology, so did Carrie's creative abilities and career choices. After working for well know corporations as a full time marketing department in-house designer, while also working as a part-time freelancer, it was time for a change.

As the economy seem to be rapidly deteriorating in 2009, Carrie made a leap of faith and expanded Ck2design's freelancing into a full time creative media studio. Focusing on helping dental related small business owners obtain quality creative services and resources in order to compete in today's challenging market. By offering only a few exclusively with a few clients at a time. Offering similar creative media services found at large exclusive design agency, video production companies, photography studios and many online business resources that they would not normally have access to.

Can You Really Help My Business?

Chances are if you are a business owner, then the answer is yes.

But first we would need to go through a introduction phase to get a better understanding if we would be a good fit. Ck2design works exclusively with only a few clients at a time, this is to ensure the best possible service is provided. Once we have established specific strategies for your company we are off and running developing and creating custom designs that will give your business the edge in the market.

Consider Ck2design a ambitious, highly motivated, self contained design studio that incorporates many innovative, diverse, artistic and technical abilities. With excellent knowledge of design and typography, thorough and meticulous. Fast and able to work under pressure, capable of doing a massive range of styles and has the ability to stick to the creative brief and other guidelines.

There is no limit to what Carrie Kuehn can create

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 01:28:19 GMT

Being the best in creative design

Carrie Kuehn of Mary Janez Brand and Ck2design is constantly learning the newest trends and opportunities to make our clients look their very best in every type of media. See for yourself by contacting us for your next project.

IMPORTANCE OF A LOGO

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 22:26:37 GMT

IMPORTANCE OF A LOGO

A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition. Logos are either purely graphic (symbols/icons) or are composed of the name of the organization (a logotype or wordmark).

In the days of hot metal typesetting, a logotype was a uniquely set and arranged typeface or colophon. At the level of mass communication and in common usage a company’s logo is today often synonymous with its trademark or brand.[1]

LOGO DESIGN

Logo design is an important area of graphic design, and one of the most difficult to perfect. The logo (ideogram), is the image embodying an organization. Because logos are meant to represent companies’ brands or corporate identities and foster their immediate customer recognition, it is counterproductive to frequently redesign logos.

Color is considered important to brand recognition, but it should not be an integral component to the logo design, which could conflict with its functionality. Some colors are formed/associated with certain emotions that the designer wants to convey. For instance loud primary colors, such as red, are meant to attract the attention of drivers on highways are appropriate for companies that require such attention. In the United States red, white, and blue are often used in logos for companies that want to project patriotic feelings. Green is often associated with the health and hygiene sector, and light blue or silver is often used to reflect diet foods. For other brands, more subdued tones and lower saturation can communicate reliability, quality, relaxation, or other traits.

The logo design profession has substantially increased in numbers over the years since the rise of the Modernist movement in the United States in the 1950s.[11] Three designers are widely[12] considered the pioneers of that movement and of logo and corporate identity design: The first is Chermayeff & Geismar,[13] which is the firm responsible for a large number of iconic logos, such as Chase Bank (1964), Mobil Oil (1965), PBS(1984), NBC (1986), National Geographic (2003) and others. Due to the simplicity and boldness of their designs, many of their earlier logos are still in use today. The firm recently designed logos for the Library of Congress and the fashion brand Armani Exchange. Another pioneer of corporate identity design is Paul Rand,[14] who was one of the originators of the Swiss Style of graphic design. He designed many posters and corporate identities, including the logos for IBM, UPS, and ABC. Rand died in 1996. The third pioneer of corporate identity design is Saul Bass.[15] Bass was responsible for several recognizable logos in North America, including both the Bell Telephone logo (1969) and successor AT&T globe (1983). Other well-known designs were Continental Airlines (1968), Dixie (1969), and United Way (1972). Later, he would produce logos for a number of Japanese companies as well. He died in 1996.

LOGO DESIGN PROCESS

Designing a good logo is not a simple task and requires a lot of involvement from the marketing team and the design agency (if outsourced). It requires clear idea about the concept and values of the brand as well as understanding of the consumer or target group as marketers call. Broad step in logo design process would be formulating concept, doing initial sketch, finalizing the logo concept, deciding the theme colors and format.

PSYCHE OF SYMBOLS

The effective design and use of a logo employs the understanding of human behavior. Whether cultural, or internal, people recognize and react to color, shapes, lines, fonts and other symbolic forms with emotions tied to their experiences.

Colors have a broad range of meaning according to different nations and cultures. A color could mean one thing in a particular setting, and something completely different in another.

People’s minds have been trained to recognize the motion of a line. Horizontal lines often communicate a leveled security. Vertical lines convey dignity, and diagonal lines are full of energy, suggesting either rising or falling, or movement in one direction or another.

Source: Wikipedia , the free encyclopedia

Seven Ways to Fix Your Biggest Management Mistake

ck2design@gmail.com (Carrie Kuehn) — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 22:20:06 GMT

While surfing the net today, I came across an interesting article by Maureen Mackey from the Fiscal Times. I feel much of this information could be useful to many of us. Mainly on how to go about fixing some of our biggest management mistakes.

The open-plan workspace may be the biggest boon to productivity in decades because it fosters collaboration, innovation and creativity among employees. But plenty of bosses stumble and even fall when it comes to managing effectively in today’s team-centered set-up. Many leaders want to excel at collaboration, but instead are stuck in the behavioral patterns that worked well for them in the hierarchical and authoritative org structures where they first cut their executive teeth.

RELATED: 6 Career-Killing Phrases to Quit Using Now

Carol Kinsey Goman, a management coach and career adviser, says that when these leaders “move to today’s collaborative environment, leadership – instead of being about power, status, authority, competence – becomes more about engaging other people, about getting workers to contribute and talk to one another, about building bonds and relationships for success.” High-status cues can now be the enemy.

The transition hasn’t been easy for many – and workers everywhere know it.

Goman recalls how one executive royally messed up at a weekend retreat for his team. “People were dressed in their khakis, their jeans, all the other informal clothing that are typical at retreats,” says Goman, who was sitting in the background.

Then in strode the exec – dressed as if he were about to attend a boardroom meeting in 20 minutes.

“He had the power tie, the briefcase, the Rolex watch, the Gucci – the whole bit. I saw what happened the minute he entered the room,” says Goman. “He was late, first of all – so, non-verbally, he was signaling that the meeting wasn’t really that important to him. Second, he came in dressed like he was in charge, which is fine if that’s the message he wanted to send.

“But he started out by saying, ‘I’m so glad to be here. We need all of your contributions, all of your collaborative work in order for us to hit our goals.’ The problem was,” adds Goman, “his words were derailed by the way he looked. And then, third, he stood at the head of the table, which again signaled that he was absolutely in charge.”

RELATED: The 7 Worst Job Interview Mistakes People Make

The workplace as a central location for collaboration and productivity isn’t going away any time soon. In fact, studies such as The Smart Workplace in 2030, by global manufacturer Johnson Controls, show that flexible workplaces will continue to respond “to a complex and competitive world [that is] focused on collaboration, innovation and creativity.”

While circumstances will vary, here are seven smart tips for managers (and the rank-and-file, for that matter) to succeed in today’s open-plan environment:

If you want other people to speak up, listen closely and use eye contact when they’re talking. “Face them – with your shoulders, your feet, knees, hips,” says Goman. “When you start to turn parts of your body away, even your feet, well, it looks like your feet want to leave the room, which is usually the case. Instead, align your body toward people.”
Remove barriers between yourself and others. That means laptops, briefcases, papers, books, purses – and smartphones.
Expand your presence, rather than compress yourself. “Women in particular tend to hold their arms tightly to their bodies.” Instead, take your place at the table, as it were. Demonstrate your involvement to those around you.
Dress as a member of the team, which you can do effectively no matter what your role.
Try sitting in the middle of the table, rather than instinctively grabbing the lead spot.
Know how you come across to others – and adjust that if necessary. Allow yourself to be videotaped and examine the results, Goman advises. “I’ve had executives tell me afterward, ‘Hell, I wouldn’t hire me,’” she says. A third party such as a career coach or valued colleague can share advice and insight.
Show empathy toward others. Younger employees in particular, says Goman, who are so adept at technology, may not always have the body language skills that can help them succeed in a collaborative environment..

This article was originally published on The Fiscal Times b y MAUREEN MACKEY, The Fiscal Times

Importance Of A Logo Design

Fri, 14 Oct 2016 07:00:00 GMT

LOGO DESIGN

The logo design profession has substantially increased in numbers over the years since the rise of the Modernist movement in the United States in the 1950s. Three designers are widely[12] considered the pioneers of that movement and of logo and corporate identity design: The first is Chermayeff & Geismar, which is the firm responsible for a large number of iconic logos, such as Chase Bank (1964), Mobil Oil (1965), PBS(1984), NBC (1986), National Geographic (2003) and others. Due to the simplicity and boldness of their designs, many of their earlier logos are still in use today. The firm recently designed logos for the Library of Congress and the fashion brand Armani Exchange. Another pioneer of corporate identity design is Paul Rand,[14] who was one of the originators of the Swiss Style of graphic design. He designed many posters and corporate identities, including the logos for IBM, UPS, and ABC. Rand died in 1996. The third pioneer of corporate identity design is Saul Bass.[15] Bass was responsible for several recognizable logos in North America, including both the Bell Telephone logo (1969) and successor AT&T globe (1983). Other well-known designs were Continental Airlines (1968), Dixie (1969), and United Way (1972). Later, he would produce logos for a number of Japanese companies as well. He died in 1996.

LOGO DESIGN PROCESS

PSYCHE OF SYMBOLS

Colors have a broad range of meaning according to different nations and cultures. A color could mean one thing in a particular setting, and something completely different in another.

Gold and Platinum Creative Awards

Wed, 05 Oct 2016 07:00:00 GMT

For over a decade Carrie Kuehn of Ck2design has had the honor of received numerous back-to-back Gold and Platinum MarCom Creative Awards for her creative design work.

MarCom Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The international organization consists of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, media production and freelance professionals. AMCP administers recognition programs, provides judges, and rewards outstanding achievement and service to the profession.

AMCP was founded in 1995 by a group of creative professionals involved in competitions for several of the national and international trade organizations. The goal of the group was to provide an inexpensive, independent competition on an international level that would be fair, respected and open to everyone.

High-Definition Video

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 08:00:00 GMT

HD VS. BLU-RAY: HIGH-DEFINITION VIDEO

High-definition video or HD video refers to any video system of higher resolution than standard-definition (SD) video, and most commonly involves display resolutions of 1,280×720 pixels (720p) or 1,920×1,080 pixels (1080i/1080p).

Blu-ray Video: High-definition video may be stored on BD-ROMs with up to 1920×1080 pixel resolution at up to 59.94 fields per second, if interlaced. Alternatively, progressive scan can go up to 1920×1080 pixel resolution at 24 frames per second, or up to 1280×720 at up to 59.94 frames per second:

The major application of Blu-ray Discs is as a medium for video material such as feature films. Besides the hardware specifications, Blu-ray Disc is associated with a set of multimedia formats. Generally these formats allow for the video and audio to be stored with greater definition than on DVD.

The first Blu-ray Disc prototypes were unveiled in October 2000, and the first prototype player was released in April 2003 in Japan. Afterwards, it continued to be developed until its official release in June 2006.

The name Blu-ray Disc refers to the blue laser used to read the disc, which allows information to be stored at a greater density than is possible with the longer-wavelength red laser used for DVDs.

Awarded 2nd Year In A Row - Best Web Design Businesses of Fullerton

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 08:00:00 GMT

Ck2design Receives 2016 Best Businesses of Fullerton
Award Program Honors the Achievement

Fullerton, July 2016 — Ck2design has once again been selected as the Best Web Design Businesses in Fullerton Award by the Best Businesses of Fullerton Award Program. Congratulations on winning this award 2 years in a row!

Each year, the Best Businesses of Fullerton Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Fullerton area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2015 Best Businesses of Fullerton Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Best Businesses of Fullerton Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About the Best Businesses of Fullerton Award Program

The Best Businesses of Fullerton Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Fullerton area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Best Businesses of Fullerton Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Ck2design Receives 2016 Best Businesses of Fullerton Award

CONTACT: Best Businesses of Fullerton Award Program

Email: PublicRelations@BestBusinesses.biz BestBusinesses.biz

Evolution Of Web Design

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 08:00:00 GMT

HISTORY (1988—2000)

Although web design has a fairly recent history, it can be linked to other areas such as graphic design. However web design is also seen as a technological standpoint. It has become a large part of people’s everyday lives. It is hard to imagine the Internet without animated graphics, different styles of typography, background and music.

EVOLUTION OF WEB DESIGN

In 1996, Microsoft released its first competitive browser, which was complete with its own features and tags. It was also the first browser to support style sheets, which at the time was seen as an obscure authoring technique.[6] CSS was introduced in December 1996 by the W3C to improve web accessibility and to make HTML code semantic rather than presentational. Table-based layouts became very popular as they gave web designers more options for creating websites. The HTML markup for tables was originally for displaying tabular data. However designers quickly realised the potential of what structural elements they could add to their designs. They soon created more complicated, multi-column layouts than HTML was originally capable of. However this time did see little attention been shown towards to the semantics and web accessibility. As design and good aesthetics seemed to take precedence over good mark-up structure. This period also saw spacer .GIFs become very popular for controlling the dimensions of web layouts. HTML sites were limited in their design options, even more so with earlier versions of HTML. To create complex designs, many web designers had to use complicated table structures or even use blank images for spacing.[7] However in 1996 Flash (originally known as FutureSplash) was developed. At the time it was of a very simple layout basic tools and a timeline but it enabled web designers to go beyond the point of HTML at the time. It has now progressed to be very powerful, enabling it to develop entire sites.

End of the first browser wars

During 1998 Netscape released Netscape Communicator code under an open source licence, enabling thousands of developers to participate in improving the software. However they decided to stop and start from the beginning, which guided the development of the open source browser and soon expanded to a complete application platform. [6] 2000 was a big year for Microsoft. Internet Explorer had been released for Mac, this was significant as it was the first browser that fully supported HTML 4.01 and CSS 1, raising the bar in terms of standards compliance. It was also the first browser to fully support the PNG image format.[6] During this time Netscape was sold to AOL and this was seen as Netscape’s official loss to Microsoft in the browser wars.

Tools and technologies

Web designers use a variety of different tools depending on what part of the production process they are involved in. These tools are updated over time by newer standards and software but the principles behind them remain the same. Web graphic designers use vector and raster graphics packages for creating web formatted imagery or design prototypes. Technologies used for creating websites include standardised mark up which could be hand coded or generated by WYSIWYG editing software. There is also proprietary software based on plug-ins that bypasses the client’s browsers version, these are often WYSIWYG but with the option of using the software’s scripting language.Search engine optimisation tools may be used to check search engine ranking and suggest improvements.

Other tools web designers might use include mark up validators[8] and other testing tools for usability and accessibility to ensure their web sites meet web accessibility guidelines.

Skills and techniques

Typography

Usually a successful website has only a few typefaces which are of a similar style, instead of using a range of typefaces. Preferably a website should use sans serif or serif typefaces, not a combination of the two. Typography in websites should also be careful the amount of typefaces used, good design will incorporate a few similar typefaces rather than a range of typefaces. Most browsers recognize a specific number of safe fonts, which designers mainly use in order to avoid complications. Most layouts on a site incorporate white spaces to break the text up into paragraphs and also avoid centre aligned text.

Page layout

Web pages should be well laid out to improve navigation for the user. Also for navigation purposes, the sites page layout should also remain consistent on different pages. When constructing sites its important to consider page width as this is vital for aligning objects and in layout design. The most popular websites generally have a width close to 1024 pixels. Most pages are also centre aligned, to make objects look more aesthetically pleasing on larger screens.

Quality of code

When creating a site it is good practice to conform to standards. This includes errors in code, better layout for code as well as making sure your IDs and classes are identified properly. This is usually done via a description specifying what the element is doing. Not conforming to standards may not make a website unusable or error prone, standards can relate to the correct layout of pages for readability as well making sure coded elements are closed appropriately. Validating via W3C can only be done when a correct DOCTYPE declaration is made, which is used to highlight errors in code. The system identifies the errors and areas that do not conform to web design standards. This information can then be corrected by the user.

Visual design

Good visual design on a website identifies and works for it’s target market. This can be an age group or particular strand of culture thus the designer should understand the trends of its audience. Designers should also understand the type of website they are designing, meaning a business website should not be designed the same as a social media site for example. Designers should also understand the owner or business the site is representing, to make sure they are portrayed favourably. The aesthetics or overall design of a site should not clash with the content, making it easier for the user to navigate and can find the desired information or products etc.

User experience design

For a user to understand a website they must be able to understand how the websites works, this affects their experience. User experience is related to layout, clear instructions and labelling on a website. The user must understand how they can interact on a site. In relation to continued use, a user must perceive the usefulness of that website if they are to continue using it. With users who are skilled and well versed with website use, this influence relates directly to how they perceive websites, which encourages further use. Therefore users with less experience are less likely to see the advantages or usefulness of websites. This in turn should focus, on design for a more universal use and ease of access to accommodate as many users as possible regardless of user skill. [15]

2015 Best Website Design Business of Fullerton

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 08:00:00 GMT

Best Businesses of Fullerton Announcements announced that Ck2design (Carrie Kuehn) was awarded Best Website Design Business of Fullerton 2015

Fullerton Award Program Honors the Achievement, January 19, 2016 — Ck2design has been selected for the 2015 Best Businesses of Fullerton Award in the Web Design category by the Best Businesses of Fullerton Award Program.

About the Best Businesses of Fullerton Award Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Ck2design Receives 2015 Best Businesses of Fullerton Award

CONTACT: Best Businesses of Fullerton Award Program

Email: PublicRelations@BestBusinesses.biz BestBusinesses.biz

Ck2design Presenting To The Tennyson Study Club

Fri, 05 Jun 2015 07:00:00 GMT

Ck2design is looking forward to meeting with the Tennyson Study Club June 27, 2015.

This event will be featuring guest speakers Sasha Der Avanessian, President and CEO of Harvest Dental and Carrie Kuehn, Owner and Creative Director of Ck2design on the importance of your dental lab having a strong visual brand and the in's and out's of how to get the job done.

2015 Gold MarCom Award Winner

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 08:00:00 GMT

2015 Gold MarCom Award & Honorable Mention for the graphic design

It’s an honor to receive this year's 2015 Gold MarCom Award & Honorable Mention for the graphic design of our business branding booklet written and created by Carrie Kuehn. The booklet was created for business owners in need of a better understanding of the branding process and how they can apply it to their own dental lab or medical marijuana dispensary business. Branding is a huge topic and this booklet help to break things down.

MarCom Awards is a creative competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of print, visual, audio and web materials and programs.

The mission of the MarCom Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the creativity, hard work and generosity of marketing and communication professionals. MarCom winners receive well-deserved recognition and third-party validation from a long- established industry organization that has earned a reputation for fairness, consistency and timeliness.

Be sure to visit other Ck2design sites at:

Ck2design-DentalLabs.com : Dental Industry and Dental Labs

MaryJanezBrand.com : Cannabis Industry

WeedSiteBrand.com : Cannabis Industry

RealBikerChicks.net : Women Motorcyclist Website

International CAD/CAM Symposium and Expo

Tue, 05 Nov 2013 08:00:00 GMT

“A Decade of Digital”, presented by the Dental Lab Owners Association of California will be celebrating their 10th International CAD/CAM Symposium and Expo on Nov. 15-17, 2013.

Sunday, Carrie Kuehn of Ck2design will be giving a presentation on branding and marketing your dental lab. Carrie will be discussing the importance of having a strong company image branding and a online business website.

Recently Carrie finished and launched the new DLOAC website this month. The new association website has a lot of great features including online payment and registration and of course a members only area that will be opened at the turn of the year. All of this finished just in time to register for their big event Nov. 15-17, 2013.

Also, Ck2design will have an exhibitors booth Friday and Saturday. And don't forget that Sunday Carrie Kuehn will be holding two clinics on the importance of branding your dental lab and having a online business in order to compete in the market.

This short video trailer to announce the upcoming CAD/CAM show was created by Ck2design.

It's an honor to have received the 2014 Hermes Creative Award

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Ck2design Wins the Gold

It is an honor to have received the 2014 Gold Hermes Creative Award for my video production , "Dental Labs Avoid Becoming Extinct" . A video created to demonstrate the importance of dental labs needing a strong brand and professional looking online presence in the market.

Hermes Creative Awards today announced winners for the 2014 international awards competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional and emerging media. Hermes Creative Awards recognizes outstanding work in the industry while promoting the philanthropic nature of marketing communication professionals.

Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional and emerging media. This award recognizes outstanding work and is administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.