HTML 5 and why you should care

June 16, 2010 Design / Web
2 comments

I have had some friends asking me about HTML 5. There has been a bit of buzz about it, so I thought I would address it and how it affects us as designers and others as clients and users.

According to Wikipedia:

“HTML5 is currently being developed as the next major revision of HTML (HyperText Markup Language), the core markup language of the World Wide Web. HTML5 is the proposed next standard for HTML 4.01, XHTML 1.0 and DOM Level 2 HTML. It offers capabilities currently provided by plug-in-based rich internet application (RIA) technologies such as Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight. In common usage, HTML5 may also refer to the additional use of CSS3, as both technologies are under development in parallel.”

Does that clarify things? No? How about this handy info graphic:

HTML 5 infographic

HTML 5

So, what does it mean? Fewer plug-ins required for a rich web experience. Lighter weight web applications. A universal platform for developers. I like it.

If you want to see some HTML 5 coolness in action, check this out. Make sure you are using a browser like Chrome, Safari or Firefox (Sorry, Internet Explorer users, this one’s not for you). As well, you can check these links (Tom pointed to these in his excellent review of the new version of Safari):

Safari Technology Demos
Chrome Experiments

I think that HTML 5 has definitely raised the standard(s).

Your Home Base: A website to direct your sharing

June 15, 2010 Social Media / Web
2 comments

The following is a part of our One For the Creative Types Series. We are looking to help people transform their web presence from “starving artist” to “social media savvy entrepreneur.


I know for a fact that many artists do not see the same success online as they do at trade shows or other in-person events. Their ecommerce website has barely any sales, and visitors rarely go beyond the homepage. I know why—it’s because your website is terrible. Sorry, but it is likely true.

Continue reading →

It’s FIFA World Cup Time!

June 14, 2010 Design / Television
3 comments

One of the biggest sports in the world is being celebrated over the next month in South Africa (June 11 – July 11) – FIFA World Cup! Very cool. There is so much energy surrounding the world cup that even I am drawn in to the hype! I checked out fifa.com to see the teams, matches, and updates. If you want to know anything about what’s going on at the world cup, this is website to check out for sure. I like it. It’s going to be my online resource for all things World Cup for the next month.

I downloaded the Fan Guide to read for fun, and even the graphics are colourful and energetic – check out the logo. I especially like green-haired “Zakumi”, the official Mascot for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. He engages us to learn more about South Africa and its history, people, and football traditions. My favourite team? Well, Brazil of course!

—Kathy

Surfing the web with Safari 5

June 9, 2010 Design / Web
2 comments

June is Christmas for fans of Apple Computer. This month is when Apple hosts their WWDC, the conference for sofware developers where they unveil their latest technologies and hardware for the next year. This year we’ve been blessed with a new iPhone design that is a significant improvement over last year’s model, but one of the headlines I’m most excited about as a web designer is the release of their Safari 5 web browser.

While I won’t be able to get my hands on the new iPhone before at least July, anybody is able to go to Apple’s website and download Safari 5 today and start using it for free. So strap on your pith helmet, and lace up your boots because we’re about to embark on a tour of Safari!

Continue reading →

The Bike that would be King

June 8, 2010 Advertising
1 comment

OK it’s a hokey title – what can you do…

You may or may not know this, but I am a bit of a motorcycle fanatic (or a lot?). That is why I love the idea of a new business opening in Belleville. It is called BikeKing and it provides a place for gear-heads to work on their machines if they don’t have their own garage space. Cool!

Take a drive out Highway 2 just West of Belleville to check out the signage/branding we created for them.

While I’m on the topic of bikes, I might as well take the opportunity to share some my favourite motorcycle hangouts around the web. For the latest in motorcycle news I head over to The Kneeslider, and then Bike EXIF, and often Pipeburn.

I was dismayed to discover that I missed the Vintage Road Racing Series at Shannonville this year. I thoroughly enjoy the races. My favourite part however is strolling through the paddocks with camera in hand to scope out all the incredible vintage machinery. Here are a few examples from last year:

Cafe Racer

My Favourite

Another Beauty

Number 982

Ducati

Some Italian Flavour

The Race

Drag the knee

Ahhhhh… maybe next year.

Artist Identity Crisis: Succeed without “Selling Out”

June 7, 2010 Social Media / Uncategorized
4 comments

The following is a part of our One For the Creative Types Series. We are looking to help people transform their web presence from “starving artist” to “social media savvy entrepreneur.

Last week I spoke about The Basics of Social Media Success, and the blog was focused on building relationships and finding like-minded people. But, how do you interact with those people? How do you get noticed?

Continue reading →

The Basics of Social Media Success: A Focus on Relationships

June 1, 2010 Marketing / Social Media / Uncategorized / Web
3 comments

The following is a part of our One For the Creative Types Series. We are looking to help people transform their web presence from “starving artist” to “social media savvy entrepreneur.”

The Basics

When people hear the term “social media,” they immediately think of tools like Facebook, Twitter, etc. without actually considering what these tools are all about.  Using these social networks has become so ingrained into our everyday lives that many have never stopped to think – what is social media?

Continue reading →

Health and Fitness Week

May 31, 2010 Uncategorized
Comments Off on Health and Fitness Week
This week is Health and Fitness Week in the city of Belleville, Quinte West, and Prince Edward County. A nice lead in to this week was the Health & Fitness Expo held at the Wally Dever arena this past weekend. The nice weather did not stop people from attending the show, which was great to see! Local area businesses, government, and service groups were on hand offering invaluable information on how we all can live a more healthy and active lifestyle. Some of Engine’s clients had booths in the show. They presented lots of information on how you and your family can stay healthy and fit. Please visit their websites for further information.

Continue reading →

One For The Creative Types

May 26, 2010 Design / Social Media / Uncategorized / Web
2 comments

Everyday, I explore the web for current articles and blog posts about social media strategies. These posts are usually divided into helping businesses sell to businesses, businesses sell to consumers (ranging from large corporations to small business solutions), or personal branding techniques to land a role helping with the B2B/B2C listed above.

What about the Creative Entrepreneurs?

Continue reading →

Social Media is Functional

May 24, 2010 Marketing / Social Media / Web
Comments Off on Social Media is Functional

It may seem a little overzealous on my part, but I’d argue that social media is changing almost every aspect of our society.  I have previously discussed how technology is leading us towards a more open society, as well as the privacy issues associated with this evolution. There is no doubt that social media is changing the way we do business. I think Brian Solis says it best:

“Social Media is not only changing how we communicate, we are also changing the culture of business from the outside in and from the bottom up.”

Let me elaborate. Social media is starting to impact nearly all functional areas of business, including: marketing/sales, human resources, customer services, research and development, finance & accounting, and administration/IT support. I will provide you with an example for each:

Continue reading →

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →