So what is Expression Web?

Expression Web is an HTML editor and general web design software product by Microsoft. In Expression Web you can design and develop web pages by with the help of XML, XSLT, PHP and JavaScript. It supports for a wide range of essential technologies like PHP, HTML/XHTML, XML/XSLT, CSS, JavaScript, ASP.NET and ASP.NET, Silverlight, Flash, Photoshop files and video/audio for webcasting. It also uses it own standards-based rendering engine, which is different from Internet Explores Trident engine.

This program is suited for both beginners and expert in building web site. Building-based websites is faster and easier to make here. You can drag and drop controls simplify adding rich media, such as Silverlight from Microsoft Expression Blend^®, Silverlight video, Adobe Flash, and Windows Media. With the advanced Adobe Photoshop you can import your Photoshop file which give you a total control over imported layers and transparency.

Go to http://any-expression.com/expression-web/tutorials/ to view Expression Web tutorials.

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Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator can be classified as a powerful program because of everything that you can create in it. It is a vector graphic editor developed and marketed by Adobe Systems. It also provides results in the typesetting and logo graphic areas of design.

It features include: 

Sophisticated vector drawing tools, stroke perspective drawing, Gradients and transparency, Blob Brush Advanced typography, Flexible brushes, Brushes with corner control, Live Trace, Live Color, Clipping masks , 3D effects Blend and shape builder tool.

Adobe Illustrator can get confusing at times but if you continuously work with the program you get to know and understand it the program better.If you have not heard of Illustrator before or have not worked with, there are always tutorials that you can follow on the Internet to help you create mind-blowing designs. 

If you are interested in viewing tutorial visit the site below:

http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/design/learn-adobe-illustrator/

Here are a few of my own designs that I have created in Illustrator. Just to give you a glimpse of what you can create in Illustrator.

My first year designs:

Logo Design

Kitchen Design

House Design

Banner

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Things to consider when creating a website

1.Select a colour scheme and stick to it.

I know it is difficult to stick to a color scheme because one tends to change you ideas often. It is better to stick to your first idea and go forward with it. If your company has a logo or preferred colours on its stationery that’s a good start. For those of you starting from scratch, choose two or three complementary colours and stick with them – don’t change colours on every page.

The most common colour schemes include:

-Red, yellow and white
- Blue and white
- Red, grey and white
- Blue, orange and white
- Yellow, grey and white.

2. Use templates.

If you not sure how you want your template to look you can always choose a template. There are many templates or pre-set designs.

Visit: www.web4business.com.au emplates1.htm
www.newtemps.com

3.User-friendly navigation system

This is an important issue. Many users tend to always complain about this. How they find it difficult to navigate to different pages on your site. Make sure you make it visible and easy to use. 

Most websites either display their navigation bar on the left or at the top. And since most people are used to this type of navigation, it’s best to stick with it. It also helps to include your navigation bar at the bottom of each page to save your visitors from having to scroll back to the top.

You can also include a sitemap to make things even easier. If you website is more than 15 pages, it is useful to have a site map or a “Search” feature to ensure your visitors can easily find what they’re looking for.

4. Don’t over do your site with too many effects

Whilst it is ok to have one or two special effects to jazz up your website, spinning graphics and logos often distract your visitor from the content, not to mention they can take too long to download. Your visitors may click away even before your spinning logo finishes loading. 

5. Backgrounds

Ensure your visitors can read the text on the background, ie. no black writing on dark blue background or yellow on white. Also be careful that your links are visible before and after being visited. The default for links in most programs is blue (before being visited) and burgundy (after being visited), so if you have a dark background, ensure your links are light.

6. External Links

It is a good idea to open links to other websites in a new window. That way your visitors can easily return to your site when they are finished browsing the external link

8. Have a brilliant content

While it is important that your website looks clean and professional, it is far more important that you concentrate your efforts on the content and promotion.

If you want to create a professional web site try to avoid the following:

1. Flash intros, revolving globes, bevelled line separators, animated mail boxes
2. Loads of pop up or pop under boxes
3. Autoplay music. Allow your customer to play music only if they choose.
4. Hit counters of the free variety, which say, “you are 5h visitor”
5. Date and time stamps, unless your website is updated daily or weekly
6. Busy backgrounds.

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Have a good day!

Graphic Designers

Usually describes as something you create that is pleasing to the eye and attracts the viewer’s attention. Graphic design can also be classified as a combination of text and graphics. When designing logos, graphics, brochures, corporate identities, newsletters, posters, signs and any type of visual communication, it often creates an effective message to the viewers. Graphic designers often use desktop publishing software and techniques to achieve their goals.

There are many things related to graphic design. Its not just creating a picture on paper and adding a few colors. It takes skills and creative thinking to be a Graphic Designer. You should know what you want to achieve, how you are going to achieve it and who your target market is. Be creative and make sure what you want to create does not only look cool but works as well.

Dictionary.com says this:
"The practice or profession of designing print or electronic forms of visual information, as for an advertisement, publication, or website."

Ever thought of becoming a Graphic Designer and not sure if there are career paths?

There are many career paths to take within the field of Graphic Design.

Here are a few career choices I could think of:

·        Book designer

·        Web designer (I would recommend this career)

·        Logo and banner designer

·        Branding

·        Illustration and Advertising

More information about what Graphic Designers do, view site below:

http://www.tmdesigns.co.za/index.php?option=com_neoreferences&Itemid=23&catid=1

Thank you for reading.

Have a good day!