Disqus - Latest Comments for ImJustCreative

Re: Submit news

ImJustCreative — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:27:40 -0000

There is no subject more controversial then SpecWork. If SpecWork were a religion, we would bear witness to holy wars erupting between believers and non believers. This is my take.

Re: Submit news

ImJustCreative — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:51:13 -0000

Rather than more fuel to the already blazing fire on the iStock logo debate, thought I would chip in with a more sedate, idealistic and philosophical approach.

Re: Submit news

ImJustCreative — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:41:17 -0000

A new typographic based poster design, free for you to download. This quote came about whilst I was playing on Twitter in response to something someone said. “No. I don’t design logos. I pull them out of my ass.”

Re: Submit news

ImJustCreative — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 16:58:39 -0000

This is Part 10 of the Logo Design RoundUp series. A special edition, with a whopping 27 logos shown below. This series showcases a collection of logos and brand marks self submitted by you, the designer.

Re: Submit news

ImJustCreative — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:34:56 -0000

Jordan Hall, over at the UnionRoom blog, put together this really cool typography post, “The Webs Best Designers And Their Favourite Fonts“. Here, he asked 12 designers to briefly talk about their favourite font.

Re: Submit news

ImJustCreative — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:22:18 -0000

This post details some of the minor typography tweaks I made to my new logo design for ImJustCreative, using Helvetica Neue 85 Heavy.

Re: Submit news

ImJustCreative — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:48:02 -0000

In this post, I will highlight my methods and reasons for dealing with new clients, budget issues and the often tricky ‘how much will the logo cost me?‘ scenario.

Re: Submit news

ImJustCreative — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:08:42 -0000

‘FontBook’, or affectionately known in privileged circles as the ‘The Big Yellow Book’ by Fontshop, could be sitting on your desk in several weeks time.

Re: 9 Useful Minimalist Wordpress Themes

ImJustCreative — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:09:43 -0000

Several themes I have used before, and actually use on my MonoExpression site are by themes by Modula... http://www.modula.fi/category/downloads/

Two themes in particular called Modula Blue Giant and Modula White Drawf. The latter being the one i use on Monoexpression.com

Both worth keeping note of.
Graham
Graham

Re: No Mod-Rewrite? Want permalinks minus the ‘index-php’?

ImJustCreative — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:31:07 -0000

Hi Kelly
Yeah, sounds good doesn't it. It seems to be working OK at the moment, not causing any issues so far as we can see.

However, the solution appears to be at Server level, rather than being a plugin, or code change.

As my Host says:
"The server add-on emulates mod_rewrite functionality specifically for WP so it cannot be used with other blogs that need rewrite functionality.

It's an ISAPI filter specifically for WP url rewriting, it plugs in to IIS (the web server software) at a low-ish level to perform the rewrite. The control panel (ie, the control panel you use to access your ftp sever with yout particular host) doesn't support the ability to install this filter so in the first instance it will have to be requested for manual installation on a per virtual server (eg. domain) basis."

But he says writing a plugin is possible, but only if there is suitable demand.

So right now, it seems you would need to get your host to apply this 'change' at server level until a client side solution is written.

Keep in contact Kelly as I will be posting updates to this on my Blog.

Graham
ImJustCreative
"On: Creativity within Life"

Re: Barcode yourself

ImJustCreative — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:57:40 -0000

Michael
Sorry for not citing you in my post. I stumbled across it on your site first.

I am usually pretty good at citing sources, but this morning I just didn't. So sorry about that.

Now amended, as well as some glaring factual typo errors on my part, indeed not 11ft! :0)

Thanks for leaving a comment. Its a new blog for me, although I imported 6 months of posts from my old Blog, www.Grahamsblog.com.

Best
Graham

Re: No Mod-Rewrite? Want permalinks minus the ‘index-php’?

ImJustCreative — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:38:15 -0000

Hi Jay
Im not sure about a Zeus.

I posted a update to this just a few days ago incase you missed it.

Not being familiar with servers myself I couldn't help you, but there are other resources out there to do with this.

My host has a F&QM; on this.

Also, the chap who initially developed this server filter is here.

So my initial hope of it being client side was dashed, obviously it's too much of issue. But if you have a decent host, or you know what to do with the information I have provided, hopefully you can do something with it.

Graham

Re: ‘ScratchBack’ - The Generous way to show Link Love…

ImJustCreative — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 10:02:33 -0000

Brian:
You really do need to come up with some ideas for their templates mate! :)

I have just 'tipped' you so I'll be one of the first on your ScatchBack list.

To be honest, Im not looking at this a means to generate cash, more it's a great fun and very obvious way to get your links out there. I really feel this is advertising at its best. The price of which is so negligible.

I won't be signing up to all blogs with this, only the ones which I admire and like, it's also a great way to show your appreciation for the work the owners put into the site.

Seems everyone wins. Just need better site integration.

Regards
Graham

Re: ‘ScratchBack’ - The Generous way to show Link Love…

ImJustCreative — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:03:13 -0000

Jim
A pleasure to hear from you.

I would be only to happy to be your spokesman. I hope you were not too offended by comments on the 'design' aspect. It comes over a bit harsh, but it's well intended.

It's just some valuable feedback from a user's perspective. Constructive criticism is what I think they call it.

Anytime you need some copy writing or 'honest opinions' you know where I am. I have some further thought's on 'improving the way it all works', so if you are open to suggestion's I will let you know. I have quite a logical and aesthetic mind, and a strong background in design and marketing, so I would be glad to help you. :)

All the success to you with this.

Re: Subscribe to ANY Blog you want by email… Use Feedblitz

ImJustCreative — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:35:11 -0000

Hi Steve,
Yeah, I almost feel in the majority with preferring Email updates over RSS.

I stumbled over this Feedblitz thing a while back and have used it extensively to sign up to sites that only have RSS subscriptions as standard. Not sure how this affects their stats though.

Regards
G

Re: Apology to Nothing of Particular Interest

ImJustCreative — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:09:42 -0000

mc2W & QUWEN QYIZ
Yeah, how foolish do I feel now. I did read the review fully, and read everyone's comments.

Somehow I got it in my mind it was a $100.

Huge apologies all round and will adjust the post considerably.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Graham

Re: How often do you hear the same ‘blogging’ message?

ImJustCreative — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:08:09 -0000

RT & IMPNERD> Many thanks for leaving a comment. This is a new Blog for me even though I have imported many posts from one of my older Blogs, it's only been up for a month or so.

Still finding my voice really, trying not to push myself into to many corners, just going to see how it pans out. Plenty of ideas, its already far from what I imagined, in a good way, so it's evolving.

I know some blogs launch with a clear focused message... not me. Im just drifting... :)

Really value your comments.

Shame my top commentators plug-in is not working otherwise you would be up there as well. And thats another story.

Graham

Re: How often do you hear the same ‘blogging’ message?

ImJustCreative — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:24:20 -0000

Hey Chaps:
Have a small favour. I am trying this 'commentluv' plugin which I have seen on some other blogs which I think is a great way to encourage commentators and they get something back from it.

Could you please both just leave a post each, blank if you want, as I need to see if this really works as it should.

Many thanks,

Re: Signatures. Having the last word on your comments.

ImJustCreative — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:11:24 -0000

test

graham's last blog post..Signatures. Having the last word on your comments.

Re: Signatures. Having the last word on your comments.

ImJustCreative — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:58:38 -0000

RT>
Yup, very valid point. In fact I tend not to do that myself on a chain of comments, although it's a habit for me. I try to at least not include the link for the very reason you say with spamming. As you say once is enough on the same thread.

Using my analogies above, that would be like going for a business meeting, dropping your business card on the table before you go to the toilet, then come back, chat some more, leave the table to get a drink and... drop another card on the table before you do that. The first card was appropriate, the second card just over hedging your bets. Yada yada. :0)

The point really is to get over the importance of branding yourself at every opportunity. You can fine tune it as appropriate but at the end of the day, leaving comments is a real chance to help 'market aware' your own Blog name etc.

As long as it's done tastefully then I just feel more people ought to consider it. For me, because I know I only tend to leave essay length comments, Im ok with leaving a signature. For the one liners, or the 'great site', yes, maybe not so appropriate. It's like working to earn the right to 'advertise yourself'. So this yes, could be abused, but then this is why the author can at least moderate the piss taking amongst us. Cruel but harsh. :)

From my perspective-and this is the important thing, I would of visited your site sooner had I seen your Blog name on your comment. This is such a strong visual clue and incentive for other readers. I do like checking out the Blogs of people who leave comments, but with no visual clue as to what they are about other than a name, I really feel a simple opportunity is being wasted.

I guess for Blog's and authors who already have a more established Blog, going to all these lengths can be tiresome. But not one Blogger I know would miss the opportunity to spread some links, so why not, at least, your Blog Title associated with your name. It's just a mind set thing I guess.

So here's a idea for a plug-in. Along with the required NAME, EMAIL and WEBSITE. An option to leave your Blog Name (which gets shown alongside your name in the comments), then this way it's all controlled by the site owner, and may encourage this self branding on a more consistent level.

You can see I got the Top Commentators up now, although not working perfect it, also added the Comment Feed option for each post which I was amazed was not a standard option. I only just found this out myself on my site. Oppps.

Anywho, that's me waffling again.

Re: Issue with Top Commentator Plug-in for Wordpress 2.3.1

ImJustCreative — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:17:27 -0000

GARY> Really not sure to be frank. It wasn't or isn't the main line version that most other people are using. That just didn't fully work. No commentators would list, but the headings did, which was frustrating.

So i kept digging and digging and digging. Trying version after version after version until one seemed to work.

As i said somewhere else, the actual widget aspect in admin does not work, nothing displays so you can't customise it, but the actual widget seems to work as a livc feature so for the moment I will keep with that.

I have a feeling it is something to do with the unique sidebar aspect of the K2 theme. Something to look into.

Cheers
G

Re: Interview with Mr Jeff at Perishable Press - Coming soon

ImJustCreative — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:25:25 -0000

JEFF>
pancakes?!?!? Oh my God. Now that is cool. We had some this week. My girfriend, anna, has 3 kids of her own, of which i seem to be inheriting, but they adore pancakes. Which suits me just fine.

Got your emails this morning thanks. All makes perfect sense to me. Answers are spot on frankly, your enthusiasm really shines through.

And the best bit is that is clearly shows that coming from a design creative background doesn't mean you can't adapt/assimilate coding knowledge. Which gives me some reassurance at least, although I am where you were years ago. So seems a big mountain to climb at the edge of 36 where everyone else is just pushing forward with their knowledge. Crumbs. Seems an impossible catch up game at this point.

G

Re: How often do you hear the same ‘blogging’ message?

ImJustCreative — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:53:22 -0000

Hi Alpay
Thanks for leaving a comment for me today. I just hopped over to your Blog and being a Mac chap for some 20 years, surprised I haven't stumbled across your blog sooner.

Will sign up to your feed, as I like reading different takes on the Mac culture.

Blog bee's eh? I like that phrase. :0)

Regards
G

Re: Google PageRank - A short dummies Guide to what it means

ImJustCreative — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 04:30:50 -0000

HI there
Thanks for the comment and more specifically the DIGG.

But, I did check DIGG, but nothing shows up at the moment, just wondered if these things take time to filter through?

Regards
G

Re: Interview with Mr Jeff at Perishable Press - Coming soon

ImJustCreative — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:11:45 -0000

>THane
Wathca. JUst dropped by your own site to have alook. Really have some inspiring images on there. Looked at length at your Photo's, Desktops (of which I am starting to produce) and your illustrations. All are wonderfully unique. Shame you don't have a Blog of sorts, so used to signing up for updates. But have booked marked it.

The interview will follow more of a casual conversation type, rather than a strict Q&A.; It didn't really work out that way when I started chatting with Jeff via email, indeed, during our emails I started to realised I could use some of his replies as part of the interview and devise a question rather than the other way around.
I don't think it will be the usual bland interviews you get.

But because of this, it is taking time to edit as we had countless lengthy emails between us, so I don't want to rush it in anyway, although Mr Jeff is threatening to put shackled on me and various other hideous forms of mental torture if I don't get my finger out soon. :0) (Joke)

RE Your Left/Right brain. I think there is no direct mention of egos, but Jeff's unique style of chatting via email will ore than give you an impression of what he is really like. IF it is vaguely successful, then I am sure we can carry on the dialog as for me I have heaps more I want to pry from Mr J's inner soul

I picked up so much from just reading his various replies to my rather odd non question questions.

So it's in development stage at the moment. I will notify by a comment on here and by Blog post, and ofcourse Mr J will announce it when it's ready to rock n' roll.

Re: Interview with Mr Jeff at Perishable Press - Coming soon

ImJustCreative — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:18:38 -0000

SHANE
I have always felt my right brain is more 'versatile' then my left which I feel suffers from various learning deficiencies and my right brain also appears to suffer from a great lack of confidence and self worth. Why can't they just get along...

Which means I end up doing, or struggling to achieve or learn anything at all!
Go figure. :)

Re: Interview with Mr Jeff at Perishable Press - Coming soon

ImJustCreative — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:40:53 -0000

I have to say quite openly, that Jeff, since meeting him, has really turbo boosted my motivation and enthusiasm for learning.

Since trawling his site, chatting with him, I feel that he is a very positive person to have around in my life at this moment in time. Utterly inspirational from my perspective at least.

Just hope the interview reaches out to people as it did with me when I read his various replies.

Mr G

Re: Can’t get it up even when turned on? Apple Mac Dashboard has walked out on you.

ImJustCreative — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:55:50 -0000

I wish it had been that simple. I really did have to try everything, including what you suggested. No go. This literally was for me the only option, short of re-installing.

The 'ol' relaunch Finder thing I personally find does not achieve much. Even quitting various processes direct still didn't solve the issue.

But sure it works in other situations, just not me.

G

Re: Solution to Wordpress 2.5.1 Auto-save Problem

ImJustCreative — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:10:59 -0000

MANUEL> Well, glad you found a solution that works for you, seems one of these problems that has various causes thus various fixes.

Im gonna try your fix later after I revert my fix back to how it was.

Thanks for leaving the useful comment.

I would suggest leaving your fix on the Wordpress that I mentioned, this would be useful for other people to see.

Best

Re: Do you buy Commercial Fonts?

ImJustCreative — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:19:35 -0000

I started this on the CrowdSpring Forums and it got a great response, here's the links as it includes some great URLs, peoples best fonts and just useful advice:

http://forums.crowdspring.com/showthread.php?t=325

Best place to start thinking about buying fonts I found is www.t26.com and also start reading the Indie Font book, there are now 3 in the range, all independent type designers.

I have found stressing to a client that I am using a paid for commerical font over a free fone, especially for a logo has a lot of weight, if you explain the reasons.

Best Graham

Re: Do you buy Commercial Fonts?

ImJustCreative — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:49:24 -0000

@Max: No doubt, prices of fonts can be truely astronomical and well out of reach of most freelance designers. Which is a real shame as there are beautiful and crazy fonts that I would love to use, that would really make a job look stunning, but would cost me upwards of $1000 to buy.

When the job is budgeted at $500 that poses a problem.

So all it means is being able to search out the more independant font foundries, like www.t26.com where the average price if around $40 or so. If you are buying fmailies then expect to pay no more than a few hundred, which is still exceptional compared to Adobe etc.

Re: New Changes afoot at ImJustCreative

ImJustCreative — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:06:33 -0000

#Max> I agree, I also get real interested when someone has a makeover, cool to see if they keep with the same or go with something totally rad.

Obviously my background is more print design, but i did do a mega 40page website around 2001. Which put me off for life...

So I have been really just sitting down and learning the theory of all aspects, CSS, PHP, Standards, Accessibility, Useability. Feel its important to grasp the theory, to understand the type of work involved, especially the direction web development is taking. So I am still on that road.

The illustrations were done a while back, and frankly took so bloody long to do. Painstaking details, in the later ones, like Kate Bush, each hair was drawn with a hard H pencil. :0)

You keep up the great work as well, it's people like you that are really inspiring me to continue to learn adn plug away with web development.

Re: One Uber Portfolio List for Creatives and Geeks

ImJustCreative — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:35:19 -0000

>TOM
Great stuff, yeah, im real interested myself to see how people display their portfolios.

I could go round taking a look myself, but thought it would be nice to for people to submit theirs only if they wanted to so to speak.

Re: One Uber Portfolio List for Creatives and Geeks

ImJustCreative — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:39:09 -0000

>Mayhemstudios
Your counted...:)

Re: One Uber Portfolio List for Creatives and Geeks

ImJustCreative — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:10:21 -0000

#Tony, #Gareth, #Franz

Why the hell would i not want any of you? Will let you know as and when the number fill up and I need to take action. Will need more info then.

@Craig & @Shanna, thanks for putting your names forward, as above, will let you know when I need more info.

Re: One Uber Portfolio List for Creatives and Geeks

ImJustCreative — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:28:54 -0000

@Dainis>
It's not a contest or compeition, far from it. It's really just a fancy way of listing people websites and links and getting these things all into one place.

If you really don't want it to be 'feeatured' as such, thenwe can do text link only lists, which was my initial idea anyway, but looks like I need to put a bit more thought into it.

But my intention was never to have it as 'who has the best portfolio', not at all. More inspirational for others and to hlep people link out and find designers who share similar ideas and styles.

Do go ahead and link up, be worth it.

Graham

Re: One Uber Twitter Follow List for Creatives & Geeks

ImJustCreative — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 06:09:57 -0000

To get the ball moving here is mine. :)

http://www.twitter.com/imjustcreative

I own this site so there.

Re: One Uber Delicious List for Creatives & Geeks

ImJustCreative — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:19:53 -0000

To get the ball rolling:

Graham Smith
ImJustCreative

I'm a total looser.
http://delicious.com/imjustcreative

Re: One Uber Delicious List for Creatives & Geeks

ImJustCreative — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:16:06 -0000

>Steven
It's the least I can do considering all the hard you put in on your sites. I have so much to catch up on Traffikd, so wheen I started this 'Uber' list series I thought what better better to get some practical links back to your site.

You really helped me with the interview you did and especially with adding me to the 50+ Twitter list which has really given me a motivational boost.

So all systems go. Next seris post is on StumbleUpon all ready know which posts of yours to refer back to. :) Hope it gives you some more regular readers.

Best
Graham

Re: One Uber StumbleUpon List for Creatives & Geeks

ImJustCreative — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:02:13 -0000

You beat me to my own comment. 2nd time in a row that's happened. That soooo not fair. I demand you remove it at once. :)

So for regulatory purposes, here is my Stumble ID:

http://grahamrsmith.stumbleupon.com/

Come along and join the party, or whatever and ever...

Re: How StumbleUpon Will Improve Your Blog - Guest Post

ImJustCreative — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:50:54 -0000

If you ask Styletime you will find out that he gets some decent traffic once a site has been stumbled. And that is without much work.

If you then build up the network of friends then this influence will build and build. Plus it's just fun, i use the SU toolbar in Firefox so its a doddle to vote on a page or actually randomly Stumble.

It's worth spending some time on...

G

Re: Interview with Mr Jeff at PerishablePress.com - Part 1 of 3

ImJustCreative — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:18:48 -0000

Hi All,
Thanks for the comments, and we think all have the same thoughts about Jeff, all good.

Sorry for the delay in bringing the rest of it to you, it will be here in a few days. I will actually be submitting it as one complete post this time, including this bit already seen. Should of done it first time around, but I still had some editing to do and I was just never going to get around to publishing any of it.:)

Best
Graham

Re: A List of Follow Lists for Creatives and Geeks

ImJustCreative — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:27:26 -0000

Andy> Well, I call it essential house keeping. Everything has it's place you see, even lists... lol.

Re: The One Uber DesignFloat list for Creatives and Geeks

ImJustCreative — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:58:52 -0000

Me me me first...

ImJustCreative
http://www.designfloat.com/user/view/profile/im...

Re: The One Uber List for failed Creatives and Geeks

ImJustCreative — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:44:29 -0000

Name: Graham Smith

I failed roughly 100 CrowdSpring logo projects and the shame will haunt me forever.

I am a total failure.

Re: The One Uber List for failed Creatives and Geeks

ImJustCreative — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:16:20 -0000

I used to listen to Kid Rock whilst I worked.

Now I feel so ashamed and humiliated.

I am a failure.

Re: White Space - It’s so underrated

ImJustCreative — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 05:18:34 -0000

Mark> It was true, it is just a play on words, jeans is correct. It's my insance lack of humour. It's funny to me, most other people get upset.:)

Re: White Space - It’s so underrated

ImJustCreative — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 06:13:30 -0000

TINA>
Wish I could help you with the Blogger theme, but I just don't know it to be able to point you in the right direction, but thanks for popping by. :)

LUKE>
Simplicity I think is often mistook for boring or unskilled, but that so is not the case, in the majority of cases ofcourse.

JOSE>
Glad to see you are passionate about it, it's not just a personal preference this whole space, clean, room to breath perspective, it really is a USABILITY issue, and should really be treated with more passion, just as coders do with the layout and formatting of their CSS code.

ANDY>
I guess it would, hadn't really thought about the 'black space scenario', other than it look, ermm ,black and not white. I think there are perceptual difference with white space and black space as a colour over the phrase white space to just mean 'space' in general. Good point though. So does this mean we are discrimination against Black Space, or whatever Colour empty space we use? Bah.

MARTIN>
Actually, I havn't said nearly enough about it, and I guess you don't really want to put yourself or others in that position. Took me ages to edit, re-edit and edit that post to keep it a reasonable size. Blah.

Re: White Space - It’s so underrated

ImJustCreative — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:28:08 -0000

Schwallex> Wow, easy tiger.

I never claimed to be an expert at grammar or spelling.

In fact I struggled academically, especially in Maths and English with early years learning difficulties.

I don't brag. I am proud about my experience. Two very different things.

So yes, I do struggle to be taken seriously by the likes of hot headed people as yourself. Who don't stop for one moment to consider that there maybe other reasons why 'this person' has not lived up to 'your' perfect views on the world.

ImJustCreative is me, and frankly your outburst is really quite offensive and not at all constructive.

It is YOU that should be ashamed to leave such a rude and hypocritical message.

I am sure you are perfect at everything you do in life, hat's off to you. Just don't 'down' people who have to work very hard to meet the expectations of people like you.

To include threats in a post comment is just incredible, talk about shaming yourself.

Re: White Space - It’s so underrated

ImJustCreative — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:33:02 -0000

Schwallex> Im used to people like you, the legal profession is of self righteous, taking the higher moral ground types.

So I used a dash, it's a freakn post, not an award winning Typographic entry. It's the content, which is what this post is mostly about if you had bothered to really take it in, rather than surface skim it for imperfections.

Man, you have serious anger management issues.

Take a chill pill.

Re: One Uber FaceBook List for Creatives and Geeks

ImJustCreative — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:16:54 -0000

Name: Graham Smith
FaceBook URL: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=555855140

BIO: Professional Logo Designer & Freelance Graphic Designer also launches into: Creativity, Logos, Typography, Social Media, SEO Branding, Photography & Blogging

Re: Twitter WMA Part 1 - (Weapon of Mass Addiction)

ImJustCreative — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:44:14 -0000

Cooool, im first.

Name: Graham Smith
User ID: ImJustCreative

Post URL: http://imjustcreative.com/a-list-of-uber-lists-...

Re: To post and re-post or just post once

ImJustCreative — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:59:41 -0000

Jin> Very valid point, I guess I was talking about a longer period between re-posting a old post, say 6 months or longer.

Then less than that maybe create a new one as you say linking back. Good compromise

G

Re: To post and re-post or just post once

ImJustCreative — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:41:19 -0000

Styletime> It's not bad, its just awful. :0) Seriously, what you have done with all 3 of your sites is amazing, so hats of to you.

Ron> I recently re submitted a post for BlogDesignBlog, he didn't know, ended up becoming a bit of a hit again, went all over the world. It was a useful post on bad things to avoid in web design. So that really helped him with his stats and new readers with a great article.

Rob> 100% All different, all different methods. What's right for some not right for others. WHich is sort of my motto, I like to buck trends also. I like to be different where I can.

Max> Never underestimate a good post that's in the archives. Refeature it possibly maybe than reposting. Tweet about it. So doesn't have to be re-posted or even modified. YOu can just talk about it and promote it to draw peoples attention to it again.

Pat> The featured posts and similar posts is definitely one of the answers to not having to re-post all the time, but there is a limit to how many featured posts you can have up, so in those cases, re-vitalising a older post may make sense.

Re: To post and re-post or just post once

ImJustCreative — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:43:53 -0000

Angie> You hit the nail on the head, enough time to not alienat existing readers, so either leave enough time in between, have a bloody good excuse, or re write it and update it. For example I am already planning on update to this article, featuring all the valid comments made by you lot, with credits of course. This new post will then be more authoritative and more balanced. Thanks Angie.

Re: To post and re-post or just post once

ImJustCreative — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:44:13 -0000

Tracey> I have seen regular blatant reposting of frankly crap articles. Which is cutting is close for me. And often weeks in between. I don’t revisit these sites again. But given all the comments made for this post, there are some valuable reasons to do it, with way’s to compromise if you don’t want to go as far as re-posting, re-feature, or just stir up some talk on it again, Tweet about it, retweet the link. That’s what i do on the odd time. I do it to a degree with the main Uber lists of Uber Lists. I created the Uber Uber list to house the single ones so I could just easily promote them all at the same time, not so annoying. These lists are fun and useful, so I feel it’s ok to do.

Re: 10 Creative Workspaces *Plus One Extra

ImJustCreative — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:08:52 -0000

Wasnt going to let it end up in the dark dungeons of my 'failed' photo collection... so put to good use in the end. :)

Re: (Nerd)Press The Nerdiest WordPress Theme Around - Guest Post

ImJustCreative — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:08:46 -0000

Thanks stu for putting this together. You have done a totally cool job in providing all the pics and a interesting post on the theme. What with the new site design, the post looks awesome.

Hope it gives you some traffic and stirs up some interest for you matey.

Well done, thanks for allowing me to post it.
Graham

Re: The One Uber List for failed Creatives and Geeks

ImJustCreative — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:08:14 -0000

Ron> I dont mean to offend you, well, actually I do. You are more than an idiot. You are a failure. That's why you came here.

Admit it...

And that goes to all of you, you are (we) all FAILURES.

Re: The ImJustCreative Branding Story - Part 1 - Pre History

ImJustCreative — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:52:36 -0000

Arif, Arron, Martin and James>
Appreciate the comments as everyone would do, just nice to get a few words ever ynow and again. Was hard to keep this to a readable size, easily could of tripled this post alone with fluff, so hope it covered the main points.

The logo post will be more in depth, showing some of the other ideas that I sketched out etc.

Re: The ImJustCreative Branding Story - Part 1 - Pre History

ImJustCreative — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:18:41 -0000

Adelle, David, Conrad, Gerasimos, Simon, Kenroy-->>
Appreciate you all stopping by. Part 2 is in nearly completed, so hope to post next week.

Thanks all,
G

Re: I Want Your Creative Business Logo For Branding Series

ImJustCreative — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:39:37 -0000

Thanks everyone for submissions so far, please spread the word. I am happy to extend the deadline if need be, it's no biggy at all.

G

Re: WeAreJustCreative gets fresh new website redesign

ImJustCreative — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:41:18 -0000

Tom> Thanks mate, it all sounds good when you get the thumbs up, so appreciate the comment.

max> It can be a trickly balance with the balance of space and I think with WAJC in particular, the space will vanish just due to various editorial and community plug-ins that are inevitable. But I have kept the design so that margins and borders are spacious enough to still create illusion of space.

Re: WeAreJustCreative gets fresh new website redesign

ImJustCreative — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:43:02 -0000

Nick> can you expand on the comment box issues, not overaly clear what you mean?

Re: WeAreJustCreative gets fresh new website redesign

ImJustCreative — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:44:11 -0000

ARDY> Great to hear thank you. Also RE Jay, yeah. Totally love the designs he showed me, very cool indeed, right up my street, so can't wait to see the finished products.

Re: WeAreJustCreative gets fresh new website redesign

ImJustCreative — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:46:23 -0000

Laurice> I couldnt wait for the redesign either once I got the idea in my head. But so glad I did go with keeping the branding consistent in the end, really helps strengthen the overall design.

ROB> Evolution indeed, although for me it's a rapid pace evolution, get ansty so quickly, so need to keep on top of this design. :)

Re: One Uber Twitter Follow List for Creatives & Geeks

ImJustCreative — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:31:57 -0000

Although techincally not creative or geeky, im gonna put down my SoulTweet project. Just because I can.

Username: Soultweet
URL: http://twitter.com/soultweet

Please please please check it out and sign up to the RSS feeds, it's all positive karma stuff.

Re: I asked Twitter. What makes a logo designer a professional logo designer?

ImJustCreative — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:34:59 -0000

KRISTOF> Very valid point. But I get the feeling that 'allowing' oneself to continually not get paid for a job somehow invalidates your professionalism. That you are not committing yourself one's own financial survival in an environment that is hugely competitive. And if you have dependents then this takes on an even bigger picture.
But totally see where you are coming from, like I mention, I don't think there really is a one size fits all. It's all relative somehow, if thats at all possible.

Re: I asked Twitter. What makes a logo designer a professional logo designer?

ImJustCreative — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:36:56 -0000

SPARKEY> But what happens when the environment is such that the designer does not have access, for whatever reason, to the recources to research?

Re: One Uber Twitter Follow List for Creatives & Geeks

ImJustCreative — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:25:25 -0000

Wow, this is amazing. Just hit the 300 mark, brilliant stuff. Thanks all for participating, don't forget to check out the other Uber Lists as well.

Re: The ImJustCreative Branding Story - Part 2 - Logo Design

ImJustCreative — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 04:18:15 -0000

Hi Jacob,
The fonts aspect comes down to what I mentioned about in the post, not really even having time to work on concepts, but having to create results pronto.

So I sometime refer back to this legacy way of working. It can be a very refreshing way of working.

LogoJunkies has been on burn for a while, but with IJC and WAJC and concentrating on marketing myself, it was a side project in terms of priority. Seemed a logical step forward in terms of what I do, and how I want to market and brand myself, plus it's fun. Have several names which I have been buying up over. the last 6 months with 'logo' in the URL, but none I really happy with, until the LogoJunkies popped up.

My host has been having problems with the .es, in that we can't change the name servers, so I have been stuck without the LogoJunkies web site for several weeks. :(

But it's going to be a fun general site on logos, ideas, tips, inspiration, examples, fonts etc.

Graham

Re: The ImJustCreative Branding Story - Part 2 - Logo Design

ImJustCreative — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 04:20:12 -0000

Joshua> I like the .com/ at the end. I tried it without and I just like the small detail of it. Maybe in time it will disappear, but at the moment I like it. So there. :)

Re: The ImJustCreative Branding Story - Part 2 - Logo Design

ImJustCreative — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 04:22:24 -0000

Damien, Gerasimos and Franz> Thanks for popping by and leaving a comment. Appreciate it.

I'm sure a lot of people have similar thoughts when they do a logo or anything for that matter. Even if my methods are unusual, they still work, they still get me new paid work and Im still happy. So that's what counts at the end of the day.

:)

Re: ImJustCreative Twitter Landing Zone

ImJustCreative — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:45:48 -0000

Have to say, I look great. :)

Re: ImJustCreative Twitter Landing Zone

ImJustCreative — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:03:21 -0000

Robyn-> Yeah, bit too long than I wanted, but was 3rd take and was short of time. So definitely do another one next day or so.

Re: BackBoard Review - Awesome way to manage logo designs and feedback

ImJustCreative — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:12:48 -0000

If they could some up with a self branding version like 'Olive' that could be implemented into your own site structure that would be just awesome...

Re: BackBoard Review - Awesome way to manage logo designs and feedback

ImJustCreative — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:13:52 -0000

tyler: I really tried with Olive, but it didn't make sense to me. Always thinking I was missing something obvious to really make it work. Seemed ok from the client end, but just didn't cut it for me.

Re: BackBoard Review - Awesome way to manage logo designs and feedback

ImJustCreative — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:15:11 -0000

Jeff> Yeah, its great really. With a few more organisational features would be a great way to store various back-ups of images.

Re: ImJustCreative Twitter Landing Zone

ImJustCreative — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:36:35 -0000

Andrew> Thanks for leaving a comment and general thumbs up, appreciate it.

David> Not sure what you are referring to, a media kit? Just trying to rack my brains.

Pete>Don't let the experience fool you.. :)

Re: ImJustCreative Twitter Landing Zone

ImJustCreative — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:39:20 -0000

Sarah> Really appreciate those few words, they mean a lot, thanks. Im hoping to do a lot more videos on a semi regular basis, maybe every few days.

Evan> Yup, i love the floating face myself. :)

Max> Love how you comment a lot all over the place, I notice you on other sites as well. Im not great at leaving replies, but nonetheless, it doesn't go unnoticed. thanks man.

Re: A Free Logo Design Service - Part 1

ImJustCreative — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 09:32:56 -0000

Daniel> I do feel your comment is a little off topic given the main purpose of the post. But on the flip side... I do totally value YOUR input Daniel, regardless of if I agree with it or not. ;0)

My post is about something entirely different, I just highlight his free logo design post as it was the primer for another topic altogether. I purposefully requested in the opening para that we don't discuss the merits of what he is offering. That's for another time. I tried to not make it some huge issue, but nonetheless, I am entitled to express my opinion as ofcourse you are, which you have done. Which is frankly more than a lot of people do... ;0)

If I do so then I know it's for public consumption and I relish the debates and arguments that start from these 'firey thoughts'. Other wise life is dull dull dull.

Too many people keeping too many thoughts and opinions to theme selves, to afraid to open them up to the daylight for fear that someone will shout them down.

If I am in a glass house, then it's my glass house to throw stones as I wish. If people want to join me they can, if they want to oppose me and throw the stones back, then they can.

Anyone, and I mean anyone who writes, talks about, explains, discusses anything in public is open to some form of criticism, constructive or otherwise.

That is exactly what I am looking for when i start this discussions, debates etc. One has to evoke some level of feeling in order to get anything back.

And anyway, he is getting more link love from me over this... :)

Re: A Free Logo Design Service - Part 1

ImJustCreative — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:44:40 -0000

Oscar-> Please re-read my post. This post is not about my own personal opinion on the case of the free logo design. I do state that I don't wish for it to become a discussion, except that there is a natural progression of discussion from this topic.

I am entitled to my ideas and thoughts to which I have expressed, as have you.

If this post was just me ranting and raving about this chap then fair enough. But it's not, i use it to highllight a further topic, a more important and interesting one.

The topic that has seen many people write some insightful and meaningful replies.

Please get over the first paragraph and focus on the post and thoughts in question.

Anyone, and I mean anyone, including you, the moment you write, post, rant or praise about anything on any blog you are by the very nature opening yourself up for people to comment back either negatively or positively. If this chap is so sensitive or has so many people looking out for him he should, in my opinion, re think what he posts about, and keep to subject that he knows about or can 'put up and shut up'.

But for your information. Yes, it bothers me because his post belittles and cheapens a valuable commodity. I have managed to woo clients from the darkside to 'get' clients that initially felt they would NEVER pay for a logo, to actually reconsider.

His argument that they would never probably pay for a logo is utterly naive and frankly, insulting to many people, clients who just need to have certain things explained, rather than just painted with the same brush.

And given a chance to realise that it needn't cost the earth for a great logo and that it's often false economy to expect otherwise. I would even say OScar, that your own thoughts on this are 'naive'.

Dont assume that non paying clients who take on a free logo and cheap and freeloading. They merely have not had the truth about logo design explained to them.

This is where Franklin IS damaging genuine and trustworthy designers.

Re: The One Uber List for failed Creatives and Geeks

ImJustCreative — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:01:21 -0000

ROB> That's just shameful. Masking tape, AS WE ALL KNOW, just doesnt stick.

You are a looser and failure.

Re: Book Review - TypeStyle Finder - Type & Font Inspiration

ImJustCreative — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:42:22 -0000

Max> I have several decent books I can suggest. One is more on the history and typography side rather than a font reference 'Type and Typography'.

Also for the real theory behind type, fonts and typography then this mini book is a quick invaluable read 'Detail in Typography' - jost hochuli. Its only 60 pages, but VERY sound info.

For some awesome font reference then the Indie Fonts series 1-3 can't be beat.

I'll be reviewing all these shortly.

Graham

Re: Book Review - TypeStyle Finder - Type & Font Inspiration

ImJustCreative — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:55:12 -0000

Stuart> Yeah, I have tonnes of rockport books, generally all very good quality and sturdy! ;)

Re: Book Review - TypeStyle Finder - Type & Font Inspiration

ImJustCreative — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:16:01 -0000

Max> Yeah, that's a good idea with the pictures. Just laziness on my part. Will get the iPhone taking some internal pics for my next post and may actually add some to this post for good measure.

Re: Turbo boost incoming freelance job offers - The Wufoo way

ImJustCreative — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:30:02 -0000

Ryan> The comment about the price is directed at thos that only need ONE form, as a one off for example. But cant use the free option as they need more than 10 fields. In this case, it is a pricey option.

But, if like me or you, you are using a number of forms and even offering them to clients as a service then it pays for itself time and time again.

Capiche?

Re: Turbo boost incoming freelance job offers - The Wufoo way

ImJustCreative — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:28:38 -0000

Don> I just havnt got round to trying Google forms yet, so this is just based on my own experience rather than a comparison. Certainly will check out Google forms tho soon.

Jon> I agree, Im sure it's not just Wufoo that makes the work come in, any forms would do the job. Wufoo is just the tool i use, same as you. The message really is just think about having a form of any kind to collect quote data.

Re: Turbo boost incoming freelance job offers - The Wufoo way

ImJustCreative — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:31:40 -0000

Sean> As i pointed out in my earlier reply to Ryan, the cost isn't a personal issue for me.

Im simply pointing out that if you only need one form, but more than 10 fields, then the only option is the first paid plan. Which then does look a little pricey, $10 a month for one form.

I have no personal problem with the cost, as you say, its a investment, and i need a good half dozen forms personally, and more for clients. So the ease of use, the simplicity in this case makes Wufoo a no brainer.

:)

Re: 30+ Ultimate UK Designers and Geeks on Twitter - Part 2

ImJustCreative — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:41:52 -0000

http://twitter.com/imjustcreative

Re: Logo Design Roundup Part 3 - Over 50 Ways Designers Promote & Brand Themselves

ImJustCreative — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:18:38 -0000

Max> Thats the joys of having a business starting with 'A', they all run alphabetically. So your thoughts on this hold true. :)

Re: Logo Design Roundup Part 3 - Over 50 Ways Designers Promote & Brand Themselves

ImJustCreative — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:19:41 -0000

Meroko> Totally no need to say thanks, without any designers submitting logos, there would be no post for me to do. So really it is I that is thankful for people taking time to contribute.

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 07:37:33 -0000

David> But you are already assuming that other methods are problematic. Why do people assume this?

I think heavily about the logo project, I reasearch it, I read all the answers to the questions I put to the client. My thoughts then form visual ideas that I translate on to the canvas.

No different from a artist who may paint his thoughts and ideas straight onto the canvas as well. I can think and do at the same time. The valuable time you say is wasted doing, is actually valuable time saved, at least in my way of working. I have read so many books that proclaim this and that that ultimately, I do what I am experienced at, not what an author tells me to do.

Moving shapes and pictures around allows you to explore your own creative process and imagination.

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 07:41:00 -0000

Franz> Im not against sketching, im opposed to people saying 'its the only way to design a logo'. The post is more a rant about how some people are too set in there own ways, or too easily influenced by others and not prepared to explore alternative methods because they have been told to 'not sketch is wrong'. That is in my opinion, a pretty narrow minded to say the least.

As you mention, I have a moleskin to hand in my bag everywhere I go. So I do sketch but its out of necessity rather than choice.

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 07:41:33 -0000

Lorne> thanks so much for your kind words, really appreciate it. :)

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:38:44 -0000

Edward> Love your comment, how its worded and what it ultimately means. There is no wrong or right. People have strong views, based on their own, sometimes 'limited experience' and can't appreciate that there is a bigger world with more than one way to skin a fish.

I have read two posts this week, on logo design process, each one pretty much stating how 'sketching' is the be all and end all. Hence this post. APpreciate your comment. :)

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:44:49 -0000

Pete> Yeah, sketching is a loose term and I for sure, electronically sketch with my mouse and tablet. I see this as a liberating as maybe getting my pen and ink out and drawing another lifelike portrait, as I have been known to do on occasion.

The best thing is I have a choice about how I do what I do. I can do both, but i choose one over the other as it is my preferred method. Doesn't make me a 'bad' logo designer because I don't always get my pencil out. And trust me, several posts I have seen recently DO imply that if you don't sketch on paper, your not a 'proper' (whatever that means) logo designer.

Utter poppycock. Thanks for your comment.

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:48:54 -0000

Kelvin> YOu hit a big nail on the head here. Not every designer can in fact use pen and ink. I know people say, well, it doesn't matter about the quality, its about getting ideas down. But fact is, if you are not confident about sketching, you don't feel comfortable, then how can this be liberating or useful.

I mean, my handwriting really sucks, like it really sucks. Yes, I can draw portraits incredibly well, but ask me to sketch something and it's a different kettle of fish. I don't feel comfortable doing it. Like i say, when Im out and about, then yeah, I will sketch ideas so I don't forget.

We all do what we have to do to get the job done. Simple. :)

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:52:43 -0000

Natalia> Also a awesome valid point. A lot of my logo designs are type focused, and If I could design logos for myself day in day out, most of them would be.

I always start with fonts, to me this sets the mood for the rest of the logo. I can't sketch what a certain font will look like, thus Im a little bit lost until I have this crucial framework down. I then design everything else around this foundation.

:)

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:58:04 -0000

Massimo> Thank you for the kind words on my pencil and ink illustrations. I can't explain it, I mean I can have 15 weights of pencil, a sheet of paper and a photo and hours and hours later there is a detailed pencil drawn portrait.

Give me a pencil and ask me to draw say, anything from memory, or make something up and I really struggle. Hard to explain. I can't paint either. I can mimic anything with pencil. That's as far as my handy craft skills go.

Although I do doodle lots of smiley faces from time to time.

But Im far from a slave to my computer. It does exactly what I tell it to, much like me telling my pencil to render anything I am looking at. I work my Mac till its panting... :) I tend to get through a number of Mice (mouse) as well... seems a wear them out. :)

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:04:03 -0000

JEff> Thats the trick, you sum it up in your last para. Being able to generate a style of logo that can seem as though it flowed from your hands. Not always easy when most clients desire only styles that CAN only come from a computer. But it's important to always have that thought in your head, to save your self from getting brainwashed.

I think thats been part of the problem with the Web 2.0 Style Website only style logo, has bred a whole new generation of digital looking images on purpose. And a lot of clients see that as a new trend that can't be ignored even for logos that will never see the digital side of a website.

Re: Video Post | Intro to the new Blog, YourJustCreative

ImJustCreative — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:44:04 -0000

Been some delays with getting this off the ground. Mostly to do with something called 'payed work' and only me being able to tinker with it. But it's coming together and will share the same look and feel as WeAreJustCreative and ImJustCreative.

Do sign up for the RSS feed etc.

Re: FriendFeed - Epic Follow List for Creatives and Social Nerds - Part 1

ImJustCreative — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:03:24 -0000

FriendFeed URL : http://friendfeed.com/imjustcreative

Bio : Logo & graphic designer. 20+ years experience. Branding, identity, web design, marketing, social media, SEO & Photography. LoveHelvetica. LoveDogs.

PS: Please will you be my friend. ;0)

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:03:39 -0000

Aslam> Thanks for your comment. I give my clients digital ideas, or 'sketches'. I just email them. :)

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:07:05 -0000

Lilian> Exactly the point of this post. It's not about preaching 'your way or the high way', which is invariably something taught to you at college. They say, sketching is a must and will fail you if you don't.

It's about doing what you do, the way that's best for you. Not feeling you have to do what others are preaching because they themselves were taught this way and believe it to be the only one true way.

Simply not true. 20 years of experience gives me certain privileges into how I choose to work. :)

Do, design, create in the way that works and is comfortable for you.

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:12:03 -0000

Jimmy> You say 'A lot of “designers” think that scrolling through font menus is design; it’s not. '
So who exactly have you asked this or put that question to?

I find it hard to believe any designer would assume that flicking through a font menu is design. Somewhat of a generalization, and not very general at that.

Flicking through a Font Menu, or leafing through the biggest collection of printed font examples is one of the same. Just because its digital doesnt mean it should be referred to in the way you do. Font choices are essential and I routinely 'flick' through either my font menus or my many printed font recourse books. It's all part of the process.

Re: Submit news

ImJustCreative — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:57:50 -0000

As creatives we are inundated with places to display and store our work, usually to overwhelming proportions. So many places to source inspiration and places to show off our work. Welcome to DripBook.

Re: Submit news

ImJustCreative — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:50:19 -0000

Is it possible to make a viable career as a freelance logo designer? If not a career, how about a period of just earning enough to pay the bills and mortgage or rent?

Re: Submit news

ImJustCreative — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:40:59 -0000

This, the third in a series of ‘to the point’ posts where I focus on one aspect of logo design offering ideas, things to consider and implement. This post I will touch on one specific question you should included in your brief.

Re: Submit news

ImJustCreative — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:12:14 -0000

A series of brief posts that focus on freelancing and logo and brand identity design topics. This post explains the importance of studying your clients competition for any new logo and brand identity project that you take on.

Re: The Logo Design Process - Sketching is not a ‘must do’

ImJustCreative — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:13:37 -0000

Bernie> This seems to be, thankfully, the most common view. Do what is right for you. Being a freelancer especially gives you that freedom that you may not be able to exercise working as a employee.

Re: Rockable Press ‘Rockstar WordPress Designer’ Giveaway

ImJustCreative — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 04:50:59 -0000

The comp was going to be drawn on Saturday next, but decided to bring it forward for a laugh. :0)

Re: Rockable Press ‘Rockstar WordPress Designer’ Giveaway

ImJustCreative — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 04:51:35 -0000

The next giveaway will be for the 'Guide To Freelancing'

Re: Rockable Press ‘Rockstar WordPress Designer’ Giveaway

ImJustCreative — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:36:38 -0000

Comments now closed for this giveaway

Re: From my Photography Portfolio - ‘Upturned and Blue’

ImJustCreative — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 06:40:46 -0000

Appreciate the kind words, I am really quite proud of this photo, which probably is obvious. I have some more I am working on that I hope to be able to show on IJC at some point.

Re: 10 Epic WordPress Plugin Developers to Follow on Twitter

ImJustCreative — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:06:31 -0000

DOUG> Wasn't aware I was making anyone do anything. No searching required, the ID's are all there. The only thing I didn't do was to make them direct links, which I have now done.

Is this what you mean?

Re: From my Photography Portfolio - ‘Upturned and Blue’

ImJustCreative — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:33:27 -0000

Interesting to hear the conflicting views on one photograph, curious to hear both sides.

Im not a trained professional, merely a enthused amateur, but I do feel I have a gift for natural composition, doesn't have to fit in with text book theory... I doo things my way. If I like the end result then that's good enough for me.

If others like it then great...

But its nice from time to time to share. I dont want to get pigeoned hole as a logo designer, as I do have many other interests and 'talents' so this post was just a small reminder about other aspects of my creativity.

Re: Pantone Messenger Bag Giveaway

ImJustCreative — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 07:48:47 -0000

Times up ladies and gentleman.

Results to be drawn now.

Re: 10 Epic WordPress Plugin Developers to Follow on Twitter

ImJustCreative — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:16:26 -0000

Richard, Simon and Anne> Appreciate your other recommendations and I am just adjusting this list to include the others. Thanks.

Re: From my Photography Portfolio - ‘Egypt-Mother and Child’

ImJustCreative — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:08:06 -0000

Karyn-> Not sure I fully understand the ethical debate. I showed the mother the photo and she was delighted with the pictures I had taken. Had she not been then I would not of taken it further.

Do you really think I am being irresponsible for posting a 'safe' and 'respectable' portrait that only shows the smiling head of a child?

Are you are going in the direction of posting pictures of children in bathing suits?

Re: Pentagram ‘Marks’ Book Giveaway - Logo Design Heaven

ImJustCreative — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:42:05 -0000

Time Is Up. Soz.

Re: Pentagram ‘Marks’ Book Giveaway - Logo Design Heaven

ImJustCreative — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:11:27 -0000

The winner this time round is : Llian @lilula Congrats to you.

Re: The Behance Network Designers List - Add Your Details

ImJustCreative — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:04:00 -0000

Name : Graham Smith
Behance URL : http://www.behance.net/imjustcreative
Creative Fields : Branding, Logo Design, Design

Bio : Logo & Brand Identity Designer. 20+ years experience. Freelance design, typography, marketing, social media, art. LovePhotography. LoveHelvetica. LoveDogs.

Re: From my Logo Portfolio - Mack Camera Logo Design Process

ImJustCreative — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 14:27:44 -0000

Thanks for the props. I have more posts like this on the way, just don't want to duplicate the many number of posts on logo design, hard to be unique nowadays.

Alan--> Thanks, hope you get some use out of it. I would say the most important is brushing up on the commercial print aspect, as this can be the biggest downfall for any designer who is more atuned to web design etc.

Re: Logo Design Tips - Avoid getting Intimidated

ImJustCreative — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:52:29 -0000

David-> Yeah, I mostly mean when there is a specific rule set by the client 'must look like a 50 year anniversary' emblem when In my head, something cleaner and fresher would be a better idea.

I already have had 20+ years of taking orders from sales reps and clients who insist they know what is best. when you work for a companies like I have, then your 'voice' is not heard.

Now, being a freelancer, I can set my own rules and do what I feel is right for me and my client. However, if there is a conflict of interests, in that the client, from the outset is setting the rules, then I have been known to 'walk away'. Politely suggesting they find someone else who is happy to do as ordered, rather than being open to some sturdy advice.

But also David, I am not a fan of circular emblem 50 year anniversary logos. I find them uninspiring for the most part and have always struggled to design anything I am happy with. SO now I just dont take on any work that has set styles enforced by the client which I don't feel comfortable doing.

There are many styles of 'container' type logos that I do love doing, its just the specific anniversary style. If that makes sense.

I'll stick to the styles I love doing and feel I'm good at. Hat's off to those that are truly adaptable and are happy designing any style, Im just not one of those people.

So yeah, your last para, is spot on. They don't really need a logo designer, they need someone who is good with illustrator to just create what is in the clients mind. LIke I said, I have had over 20+ doing what other people have told me to design, now Im free of those shackles...

Yay.

Re: Logo Design Tips - Avoid getting Intimidated

ImJustCreative — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:58:04 -0000

Also David, Im very much a type orientated designer. Having been taught the basic letterpress form of printing when I was working after school at the local printers, then working on rudimentary typesetting consoles etc, I feel a natural affinity to creating logos out of type.

I was forced to use clip-art almost evert day whilst working at various commercial printers due to time and budget limitations. And any logo that requires a form of cliche illustration always reminds me of clip art. Just a throwback from years gone.

I feel that many logos are tainted by icons marks that 'could' be clip art. Even if they are not, thats my memory of them. So where ever possible, my logos are type driven with minimal 'embellishments' where possible. Prefer to create a logomark from letters than a graphic. Find that much more satisfying. ;0

Re: Logo Design Tips - Avoid getting Intimidated

ImJustCreative — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:25:24 -0000

SNEH--> Im not one for elitism in any area and its easy for logo designers to feel their own work is not up to standard given the often close proximity of the more established designers.

Im very much a open person when it comes to feelings and what's on my mind, and don't much care if I make a fool of myself. :)

So posts like this are refreshing for me because it allows me to say what's on my mind, and sometimes things that you may not hear elsewhere.

:)

Re: Logo Design Tips - Avoid getting Intimidated

ImJustCreative — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:28:22 -0000

JUSTIN--> The need for money when you are starting out cannot be ignored. Im not so much advocating it as ' the only way' but more as a option to not be scared of using.
From personal experience, taking on a job out of desperation, and a job which im not ideally suited for only brings misery.

And misery in a job usually means you can't put your heart into it. And if you are getting paid to do a good job, then there are possible moral professional implications there.

So just be aware really.

Re: The Official Objectified one-sheet poster

ImJustCreative — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:40:34 -0000

Set in berthold akzidenz grotesk i believe :)

Re: The Official Objectified one-sheet poster

ImJustCreative — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:10:33 -0000

MATT- reference is to the main title 'objectified' rather than the symbols.

Some people (including me) initially just assumed it was set in Helvetica, without looking closely, as per Helvetica Movie. When in fact its set with the similar BertHold Akzidenz font.

Good job it wasn't arial or univers. That would have been embarrassing for all concerned.

Re: Want a cheap logo? Go and get some clip art then

ImJustCreative — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:13:05 -0000

LIndsay : yeah, it's one of those things that I feel DOES need to be repeated. Its educational at the heart of it. If you don't tell the client these things, then how are they meant to know?

It is our job to inform as much as possible.

Re: Want a cheap logo? Go and get some clip art then

ImJustCreative — Sat, 02 May 2009 05:35:22 -0000

Pepsi would have been better off going to get some clip art in this case. :)

The whole point with effort+result is that to get the 'result', 'effort needs to be paid for, which is pretty much same as time. As long as the time you spend working is genuine. When a client asks for a cheap logo, then they are making the assumption that not much effort is needed to create it.

If I said what my 'real' hourly rate was, and say multiply that by 4. That would easily overshoot the typical £150 plus bargain basement logo. 4 hours or so on a logo does not typically give you a well thought out, well researched appropriate brand.

Agencies take a minimum of 2 months to create a full brand identity.

So even if a logo designer charged say, £400, thats still woefully underpriced if you want a well rounded identity.

A cheap logo, or clipart or going to one of the many online logo factories and paying $50 is fine if yo don't care for uniqueness or an identity that is personal and meaningful.

If you need to take your business seriously, if you want professional clients to take you seriously, then a good solid identity DOES take time and that equates to a whole lot of hours.

It is educating clients that logo design is not ultimately a cheap and quick process if you want the real thing. But many clients want the best by outlaying very little.

And many designers will fall into this just to earn some money, not they fault, its the economy and a need to survive, but is does no good in the long run.

Re: ImJustCreative Logo Redesign - Ideas and Thoughts

ImJustCreative — Mon, 04 May 2009 05:26:06 -0000

Max & Misty : Really appreciate you both dropping by. You are both totally right about the beard aspect, so have made some changes to the initial drawing and will post that later.

Thanks again

Re: ImJustCreative Logo Redesign - Ideas and Thoughts

ImJustCreative — Mon, 04 May 2009 05:30:13 -0000

MARTINALEJANDRO : Thanks for the well thought out reply. I totally see what you are saying.

This is something I have thought about a lot. Previous my identity has been a bit of a 'sleeper' in terms of the type only logo etc. My personal brand seems to be stronger than the logo, which is why I wanted to draw upon the success of my beanie and shades, dark and mysterious vibe.

People connect with that. So the logo was trying to flip the dark photographic avatar with a cartoon version of me, to balance the mood out so to speak, whilst still retaining a clear link.

I have kept the logotype sensible and stylish to also balance out the cartoon effect of the icon.

It's early days, so need to live with it for a while, but thanks for the comment, totally spot on.

Re: Ambigram Version of ImJustCreative Logo Redesign

ImJustCreative — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:53:23 -0000

MAX: Yeah, it's fun. And I am getting there, slowly. I feel I will actually settle on an ambigram version for the my logo, so now its playing around with the styles to see what better suits. :)

Re: Ambigram Version of ImJustCreative Logo Redesign

ImJustCreative — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:54:36 -0000

LUC: Thanks for the comment, I have now created a revised version, which I hope makes the individual letters more obvious. Noticeably, adding space between the 'i' and 'j'. What do you think now? :)

Re: Ambigram Version of ImJustCreative Logo Redesign

ImJustCreative — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:56:05 -0000

NAGFA: totally appreciate you're feedback here. You were quite right with the bridge, obvious now when you look at it. Have now changed the design to make it 100% either way.

Love you're site and you're portfolio, been looking at them all this morning. Very talented and creative designs there.

Re: I Need a Logo Designed for Free Please, thanks Buddy.

ImJustCreative — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:39:54 -0000

Mike: All great points. When I talk about pricing, I don't literally mean individual price tags. As you mention, this would probably create more problems than solve.

I just mean to have a ball park range, as I do on my quote form. Having a minimum figure on the quote form is useful to deter the $75 crowd.

Also why I have price bands. It's then up to the client how much they want to invest and ultimately get out of the project.

Re: How You Can Help End the Problem of Blogs With Great Content and No Readers

ImJustCreative — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:34:56 -0000

Wonderful idea and very well thought out. Certainly up for participating. I have two Blogs currently, one is personal and one is for the Creative Community, which I guess may be the better option.

My personal site is : http://imjustcreative.com
Community site is : http://wearejustcreative.com

Wonderful idea again, glad to be part of it.
Graham

Re: Backtype- keep track of your comments

ImJustCreative — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:16:49 -0000

I have been with backtype for a while but only these last few days started playing with it and am actually finding it quite useful and interesting. When I did a Twitter shout for anyone else to hook up with on BackType, there were a surprisingly high number of my followers on it or tempted to sign up.

So keeping my eye on this one.

Awesome site by the way, came over from SEO2.0.

Best
Graham

Re: Straight From Google: Best Practices SEO Guide

ImJustCreative — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:41:03 -0000

Great. Even if some are obvious, and you have been doing it for a short while, it's all so easy to relax and forget some. So guides like this are really helpful to just have that gentle reminder without getting bogged down in overwhelming technical mumbo jumbo.

Thanks for the head's up...
Graham

Re: Share your link to your favorite SEO, Social Media or Marketing Ebook / Post and Win

ImJustCreative — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:58:28 -0000

Have found this ebook to be more than enlightening from Mr Garett, worth checking up on frankly.
http://www.chrisg.com/killer-flagship-content-fre...

Re: Reviewing some of Sphinns Greatest Hits

ImJustCreative — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:54:34 -0000

So what's the Twitter ID thing about then, first time I seen that on a comments form?

Funny, earlier this week I was trying to add another data field myself, but buggered if I could do it. Must tell me how.

<abbr>ImJustCreative´s last blog post..Links for 2008-11-19 [del.icio.us]</abbr>

Re: Google penalizes Video Bloggers for Keyword Stuffing

ImJustCreative — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:18:31 -0000

Really cool article here, so cool its beyond cool, cool doesn't come close to describing how awesomely cool this is. Joke. Ha, joke again. It is cool. Or is it? ;0)

Seriously, not that was funny really interesting post. BUt also good to see Google quickly attending to this. You think Magpie is bad, stuffing Video posts with keywords is like watching Amercian TV. YOu watch the adverts to get some clips of regular shows.

Thanks ROGER.

Graham

<abbr>ImJustCreative´s last blog post..Links for 2008-11-19 [del.icio.us]</abbr>

Re: Are you a Social Media or Marketing expert?

ImJustCreative — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:36:40 -0000

Expert expert expert...

Blah blah blah. Im a professional Expert is what you will be hearing next, or an Expert in being Professional. I have actually heard it once or twice, and yes, only through Twitter.

It's ok to be confident, to have trust in yourself and your abilities, calling yourself an Expert however, I guess much like calling yourself a professional is somewhat of a grey area with lots of people.

BUt you hit the nail on the head with the onslaught of people seeping through the cracks claiming to be this and that when they are so clearly nothing more than following the next easy path to a instant career trend.

Meh.

<abbr>ImJustCreative´s last blog post..Links for 2008-11-19 [del.icio.us]</abbr>

Re: How to lose friends and uninfluence people

ImJustCreative — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:57:31 -0000

My best way to lose friends and uninfluence people is as follows:

Firstly, put a big shout out to everyone you know asking for some urgent help with a big problem you have, but something you know that most people are likely to have an answer for.

Wait a few hours. Obviously the more followers you have the better the results.

When satisfied that as many people have taken the time to help you out, then don't do anything. Don't say thanks or nothing.

I find that's an awesome method and works for me on a number of occasions.

Graham

<abbr>Graham Smith´s last blog post..Links for 2008-12-04 [del.icio.us]</abbr>

Re: How to get yourself outside the box!

ImJustCreative — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:18:39 -0000

Couldn't agree more. Im still very active in tracking down new people to follow, I simply don't totally rely on getting the followers. Generally I like to be in control of who I spend my time talking with, so the best way to do that is to go out and find them people yourself.

That's the only real way to ensure a good mixture. Best not to rely on one way or another.

Graham

Re: Places to guest post

ImJustCreative — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:17:17 -0000

Huge slap on the back for including my website. I would also like to suggest that a good place to start is http://WeAreJustCreative.com, which is dedicated to all things creative and more importantly, its focus is on the community.
I try not to write posts myself, if i do, then they are ones that directly benefit others rather than myself.

2009 means I am looking for fresh blood, so if you want to guest post on WeAreJustCreative, just visit the site and send me a note through the contact form.

Thanks again for the inclusion,
Graham

Re: Must have Wordpress Plugins

ImJustCreative — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:40:43 -0000

Really useful collection of Wordpress Plug-ins, very lean and low in fat.

There are some that I use, and some that I don't because I dont' need them and some that I will be using thanks to this reminder.

Great stuff,

Graham
ImJustCreative

Re: Who’s Bringing Karma Back?

ImJustCreative — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:07:10 -0000

Wow. Truly flattered to be included here, thank you J.

All i would like to say is if you know of any person or worthwhile charity or group that use Twitter, put their names forward for SoulTweet, that would be cool.

Graham

Re: Who’s Bringing Karma Back?

ImJustCreative — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:43:50 -0000

Seriously made my day this has, thank yoooooouuuuu so much J.

PS: Now, when is my $35k paycheck arriving?

Graham

Re: 25 Resource-Providing Creatives to Follow On Twitter

ImJustCreative — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:13 -0000

Crumbs, seems I have been hiding under a rock. Totally missed this post. So HUGE kiss for including me and all the other creative twitter gang. Im in the best company and its very humbling.

Such variety as well of skills and personalities, except I dont have a personality, but thats for another day.

Cheers
Graham

Re: 23 Unique Sources of Creative Inspiration

ImJustCreative — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:57:11 -0000

Always love to see what other mags and blogs people read. As this came out, working on my very own collection of blogs that i read or check each morning.

Core 77 and Design Observer are great blogs.

Thanks for compiling.
Graham

Re: More resources

ImJustCreative — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:34:50 -0000

Charming selection of brushes here, will downdload and check out in due course.

Graham

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