Shop Front Window (Empty) Templates (Vol.1) – Free Downloads

| JDriver

Here are a selection of 3D rendered images of some empty shop fronts, with different window configurations, and doors. They’re particularly useful for creating window display mock-ups for clients. The download link can be found at the bottom of this page.

Shop-Front-Window-Empty-4x2COVER

The windows are semi-transparent for added realism, and so that you can place images behind them. These are free to use as long as you don’t profit from them directly (e.g. sell them on etc.)

I hope that you find them useful. The download link is below.

[alert type=”info”]ZIP: Shop Front Window Door Exports Download[/alert]

#Mobilegeddon & The Google Mobile Friendly Update

| JDriver

#Mobilegeddon was the rather alarmist name given to Google’s update to their search algorithm which was launched on the 21st April (2015). The scary name was given to it as people were worried about the ramifications of the update.

The update was meant to favour websites which were designed to also function on mobile devices, such as Smart Phones and Tablets. More and more people use these devices, which typically have much smaller screens than desktops and laptops, and sites which are not mobile-friendly can be hard to view; text can appear too small or large, people may have to scroll left and right, and up and down, making navigation difficult. Images can take up too much space, and some technologies (e.g. Flash) are not always supported on mobile devices. These are just a few of the issues.

The update was not only meant to push mobile-friendly sites in search results when people search from mobile devices, but also generally favour mobile-friendly sites when searching from any device. The idea is that all sites should be mobile-friendly, it is 2015 after all.

The fear which many website owners had, is that their websites would disappear from search results. However, the effect has been much more subtle, though some say they have already seen a difference.

If your website isn’t mobile-friendly you should really make it so. As time goes on, if a site isn’t mobile-friendly, it’s safe to assume that it will be penalised more and more.

Making a site mobile ready doesn’t have to be a massive project. In fact it’s possible that your site is already set to go. If you want to check, try Google’s rather useful mobile-friendly testing tool.

What if your site isn’t ready? Your options for doing so are thus; firstly you can create a mobile-ready version of your site which users are redirected to when they visit using a mobile device. The second, and recommended option, is to use a responsive design on your site. Responsive sites automatically resize content and move it around depending on the size of the window the site is being viewed in. Using a responsive design will make things easier for you in the long-run.

BAFTA Presentation Invite – Graphic Design

| JDriver

This invite was created to send to distinguished guests who were invited to see a presentation regarding an upcoming film about Jane Austen.

The invites were sent to the recipients digitally. The invite was designed to have a suitable regency feel, having a mock gold leaf design around the edge and regency inspired florid decoration.

Each invite was personalised and generic invites were also produced.

Skills Range

  • Graphic Design

jane-austen-BAFTA-presentation-invite_Invite

Featured Portfolio Work

[display-posts category=”featured” posts_per_page=”-1″ order=”DES” orderby=”date”]

To My Portfolio

The Designer’s Survival Kit

| JDriver

Part of being a freelance designer is not always knowing where your next job, or next flash of inspiration is coming from. It always pays to be prepared.

graphic-designers-survival-kit-01

  1. CONTAINER – Start with a sturdy tin that’s small enough to carry with you, but large enough to contain things you need. You want something that isn’t a hassle to carry with you.
  2. MASKING TAPE – Some people may not agree that you need this, but as a creative, I find it incredibly useful to keep handy.
  3. ERASER – Always useful in case of mistakes.
  4. POST-ITS – Useful for annotating your sketchbook or paperwork which a client gives you.
  5. MINI POST-ITS – If you have room for these too, they will come in handy for use as bookmarks in document etc.
  6. SKETCHBOOK – Probably one of the most useful items. It will allow you to take notes, and even sketch ideas and things which inspire you.
  7. HIGHLIGHTER – Useful for it’s intended purpose. When clients hand you paperwork you can quickly highlight important parts.
  8. PERMANENT MARKER – You never know when you might need one, but useful for writing on something which a regular pen or pencil can’t, such as a CD case.
  9. DRAWING PEN – Your favourite pen for sketching and drawing, whatever it may be. Personally I prefer the Tombow Brush Pens.
  10. REGULAR PENS – I suggest having two colours handy, red and either blue or black. You can’t be seen taking notes with a pencil.
  11. PENCILS – Try and carry two, just in case. Useful for sketching, drawing and making documents non-permanently.
  12. USB FLASH DRIVE – Keep your useful files on it, such as a copy of your portfolio or other promotional material, your T&C’s, blank invoices etc. Also useful for grabbing a copy of files from your clients when you meet them.
  13. PENCIL SHARPENER – Make sure it’s a good quality one, and keep it sharp. Blunt/cheap ones will break your pencil lead.
  14. BUSINESS CARDS – You should always have these in your wallet anyway, but they’re small enough to tuck away into your tin.
  15. PAPERCLIPS – Keep a few of these handy. They don’t take up much room.