Freelance Design Tips

Know Your Users
When you work on Web design jobs, you are working to please not only your client, but the users of your client's site. It's helpful to know as much as you can about that audience as you begin designing a site for them. For example, who is the target market and what kind of demographic information is available about them? (For instance, a site appealing to men in their 50s will have a different look from one appealing to women in their 20s

Continuing Ed For Web Designers

If you're working freelance, web design jobs tend to be varied. This means you'll need to have a larger skill set than people who are doing the same tasks every day at a corporate job. Being equipped to handle the needs of your client is part of the package. The question is, how do you stay on top of the latest trends?

There are several ways to keep up with things in the field. Here are a few to try:
  • Webinars. Webinars provide online training in a wide range of subjects. This is an attractive option, since you can do it from the comfort of home.
  • Classes. Traditional coursework is another way to learn more as a designer. This is an especially good choice if the subject matter is complex.
  • Industry groups. Joining industry groups can help you keep abreast of the latest news in your field, which gives you an idea of what you need to brush up on.
  • Self-study. Learning new techniques from books may be an option if you enjoy self-directed study.
Finding Web Design Jobs
If you're serious about a freelance Web design career, you want clients who are serious about their Web sites. Many of the prospective clients out there are people who want the cheapest possible product, and don't have a good understanding of how much a quality designer can help their sites.


Production Artists: Skills Needed
When you're looking for freelance artist jobs it can be difficult to know whether you should specialize in web or print. Production artists are needed in both venues, and the skills needed often overlap. Knowing how to operate certain programs can help you be more marketable, whether you choose to do freelance work or look for employment at a corporation. To be competitive with others in the field, it helps to have a working knowledge of the following:

  • Computer programs. Examples of some of the programs that production artists should be able to use include: Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, HTML and Illustrator.
  • Computer graphics and animation.
  • Logo design.
  • Branding.
  • Color theories.
  • Typography.These are just some areas in which it can be a good idea to have experience. College coursework and getting a degree are also desirable. Many production assistants have studied in areas such as advertising design, graphic design or advertising communications.


Mockups and Prototypes
At the mockup stage, it's easy to add features, switch elements, and even redo the whole look of the product. These changes get a lot more difficult when you're working with the real product. A team of Chicago designers might use a standard contract that includes at least one round of alterations at the mockup stage, to emphasize to the client that now is the time to change one's mind.

Logos As A Specialty
If you're looking for freelance graphic work, one exciting area that you can focus on is logo creation. This specialized field requires a good ear as well as a good eye. Successful graphic designers know how to listen to a client to find out what they are looking for—and then deliver something amazing that exceeds expectations.

Many designers think that for a logo to be great it has to be complex, but many of the best are very simple. The logo needs to communicate with the viewer, and the graphic designer's job is to marry that concept with the direction the company wants to go with the look. This can be more difficult than people think. Truth is—it takes a lot of practice.

The good news is that the more logos you do, the more information and experience you will have. You may want to create logos for charities as a way of practicing. Once you have a portfolio together of sample logos, it will be far easier to sell your work as a freelance designer.

Getting Paid for Graphic Design Work
To protect themselves and get proper compensation for their work and skills, many designers recommend a series of milestones and payments. For instance, a partnership of New York designers might bill 30% of the final fee on completion of the prototype, 30% on completion of the first draft, and 40% after two rounds of changes. Only after the invoices are paid are the final files provided to the client.

Career Re-Entry
Going back to work after a break can be a difficult thing. If you have taken time off to do something like raise children or care for a parent, it can be hard to know how to get back into the workforce. This is especially true if it has been a while since you held a full-time job. If you are looking for freelance positions at a corporation, you may want to sign on with a talent agency.

Talent agencies can help match you with a job that you are qualified for, but that isn't all they are good for. If your resume needs a little help or you aren't quite sure what to say during an interview, the people who work at the agency can help you prepare for these things. Ultimately, a career agent can help you feel more ready to get back to work after some time off. It's nice to have someone who is invested in finding you a new job—besides yourself!

Elements of a Freelance Design Contract
 A good contract protects the freelance graphic artist by setting out the work to be done, the schedule of work to be delivered, and the schedule of payments to be made. A graphic designer should have a standard contract available for clients to sign, and should not do any work without a signed contract. You should also include a clause reserving the right to display a copy of the completed work as part of your portfolio.

Corporate Identity
Larger organizations seek graphic designers to develop visual styles that will permeate every aspect of the company's work. Freelance graphic designers seeking New York design jobs, or jobs in other sophisticated markets, may be asked to demonstrate proficiency with corporate identity work.

This Is How Hollywood Movies Look Before & After Visual Effects Are Applied

Ever wondered how movies look like without visual effects? Or have you wondered how the movie directors manage to find such out-of-world scenes for their movies? Well, this post is the answer to your curiosity. After watching the visuals below, you will realize that most of Hollywood blockbusters are not even watch-able without computer visual effects. Next time you watch any movie, do thank the engineers who made it a visual treat. For now, enjoy the Hollywood movie images as they look before & after visual effects are applied.





This Man Hasn't Bathed In 60 Years

Amou Haji from Iran is a rather unusual personality. Perhaps, that is putting it too politely. Well, here’s the deal. The 80-year old man has not had a bath in 60 years. Why so, you ask? He is of the view that washing himself would only make him sick. Oh, and he prefers to have rotten porcupine for his meals. What’s most interesting is that he seeks a life partner despite all this. Any takers?


It gets weirder; the man smokes from a pipe that is filled with animal feces. His view about clean food is pretty much consistent with that about his body cleanliness. That explains why dead animals and five liters of water from rusty oil cans form part of his daily diet. He prefers to sleep in a hole in the ground at night and there is even a brick shack that residents decided to construct for his sake.
 


Haji has rather twisted methods of grooming himself. He uses car mirrors to do that. In case he feels he is in need of a haircut, he goes ahead and burns the locks of unnecessary hair. Rags protect him from the weather whereas a helmet helps him beat the cold in the chilly winters. In case you were wondering, Haji does have a home in village Dejgah. However, he decided to escape that part of Iran when a group of people insisted he showered.

With this feat, Haji has managed to better the record of the Kailash Singh from India who went on without bathing for 38 years.


5 Foods That Cause Constipation




BANANA
Not every banana is created equal. Based on the type, bananas ca be healthy or constipating. Unripened, green bananas are constipating whilst ripe bananas are rich in soluble fiber that assist with bowel movement and cleansing. For relief, pick bananas that are ripe.

BREAD
Breads created from wheat or rye are high in fructose. At times the body does not properly digest and take in fructan-containing foods and as an outcome, bacteria in your colon ferment the fructans, begin generating gas. Extra water and gas existing in your intestines can trigger abdominal ache, pain, cramping and changes in the consistency of your bowel movements.

CHOCOLATE
Average chocolate consumption has been proven to be healthy, packed with antioxidants, and can improve our disposition. However, huge quantities of chocolate can slow down the digestion process. it is assumed to slow down muscle contractions and bowel movements.


CHIPS
Snacks like potato chips are constipating also because of the low fiber content. Chips, such as dairy, are high-fat foods that postpone digestion, causing a full-stomach sensation that mimics constipation.

FROZEN MEALS
Frozen meals are very easy. They can save time in making meals, and can made with minimal cooking skills. These meals are nearly always low in fiber and in many cases high in fat. Also because of preservation methods for the food, they are normally high in sodium. High sodium content focuses the water in our bodies, keeping it from pressing waste through the body. Keep these constipating foods minimal.

STUDENT V.S TEACHERS



Ø When we are in the class, we are “Children”

Ø When they are in the class, they are “Scholars”

Ø When we write on our own writing, it is “Over-Writing”

Ø When they write over our writing, it is “Correction”

Ø When we copy from others, we are “Cheaters”

Ø When they copy from others, they are “Quotes”

Ø When we don’t do our work on time, we are “Sluggish”

Ø When they don’t do their work on time, they are “Busy”

Ø When we think in class, we are “Day Dreamers”

Ø When they think in class, They are “Philosophers”

Ø When we talk in class, We are “Chatter Box”

Ø When they talk in class, They are “Professing”

Ø When we are out in the corridors, We are “Bunking”

Ø When they are out in the corridors, They are on “Official Duty”

Ø When we are gathered to discuss, We are “Gossiping”

Ø When they are gathered to discuss, It is “Conference”

Ø When we shout in class, We are “Illiterate”

Ø When they shout in class, That’s their “Need”

Ø When we joke in class, We are “Jokers”

Ø When they joke in class, They are “Witty”

Ø When we use mobile in class, We are “Undisciplined”

Ø When they use mobile in class, That’s “Important”

“Ahhh. . . Do U still Think Our Teachers Are Better Than Us?”

Home Remedies to Stop Sneezing Naturally



Sneezing may be annoying, but it is actually a protective mechanism that helps expel allergens and irritants out of your body. Allergies, animal dander, smoke, mold, dust, wood dust, pollen and other such irritants are the most common causes of sneezing. Cold weather, changes in humidity and temperature, rain water, strong smells, food allergies, certain drugs and other such factors also can cause sneezing.
Sneezing is often accompanied by issues like lack of concentration, fatigue, runny nose, nasal irritation, and red eyes. Sneezing is not usually a serious problem but if it occurs persistently, it can be frustrating. There are many simple and easy home remedies for relief from sneezing.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for sneezing.

1. Peppermint Oil
If your sneezing is due to a stuffy nose, peppermint oil’s antibacterial properties can help.
  1. Boil some water and add five drops of peppermint oil.
  2. Cover you head with a towel and breathe in the steam coming from the boiling pot. Inhaling the steam will clear your nasal passages.

You can also inhale steam from boiling water mixed with a few drops of eucalyptus oil to get relief from sneezing induced by nasal irritation and colds.

2. Fennel Tea
Fennel has natural antibiotic and anti-viral properties that can fight off any upper respiratory infection, including sneezing.
  1. Boil a cup of water, add two teaspoons of crushed fennel seeds and cover the pot. Soak the seeds for 10 to 15 minutes and then strain the liquid.
  2. Drink two cups of this tea daily to reduce the frequency of sneezing.
When preparing fennel tea, never boil the water after adding the seeds to it. This will destroy the natural oils in the fennel.
3. Black Pepper
Something as simple as pepper can be the solution to sneezing and a runny nose.
  1. Mix one-half tablespoon of pepper powder with lukewarm water. Drink it two to three times each day.
  2. Gargling with warm water mixed with pepper also helps get rid of cold viruses and germs.
  3. You can also eat soups and salads mixed with black pepper.
4. Chamomile Tea
A hot cup of chamomile tea is considered as one of the best home remedies for sneezing caused by allergies. It has excellent antihistamine properties that can provide instant relief.
  1. Add one teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers to one cup of boiling water, continue boiling the tea for a few minutes. Add some honey to improve the flavor.
  2. Drink the tea two times each day to stop your sneezing.
You can also use Echinacea and nettle tea and drink it two times daily.

5. Ginger
Ginger is one of the oldest and effective home remedies for the treatment of different viral and nasal problems including sneezing.
  1. Consume 1 to 2 teaspoons of ginger extract twice a day until the sneezing stops.
  2. Another option is to cut a small piece of ginger root into thin slices, put them in a cup of water and boil it for some time. Add a little honey for taste and drink the tea before going to bed. This will prevent sneezing at night.
6. Garlic
Garlic can easily fight off an upper respiratory infection due to its natural antibiotic and antiviral properties. It can be used internally or externally to get relief from excessive sneezing caused by a common cold infection.
  1. Crush four to five garlic cloves to make a fine paste and then inhale its strong fragrance. This will help clear the nasal passages that cause sneezing and help you to breathe with ease.
  2. It’s also helpful to include garlic in your diet. You can add it to your soups, salads and many other dishes.

7. Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help lower the production of histamine in your body and hence control sneezing. When suffering from a common cold, drink a glass of lemonade or orange juice to get a good dose of vitamin C. Your diet should also include vegetables that contain bioflavonoid, which works in the same way as vitamin C. Its antioxidant properties similarly control histamine production and thereby reduces sneezing.

8. Oil of OreganoOil of oregano has antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties vital in fighting sinusitis. The natural oil extracted from wild oregano plants also has two key ingredients that are essential in strengthening the immune system: carvacrol and thymol.
  1. Mix two to three drops of oil with juice.
  2. Drink it daily until your sneezing and sinus congestion subside.
9. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds also provide relief from sneezing due to its antiviral properties. Fenugreek has a soothing effect on the mucous membranes relieving irritation and it helps to treat sneezing.
  1. Boil water with 2 to 3 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds. Wait until the content reduces by half.
  2. Drain the mixture, and drink it in small sips.
  3. Do this 2 to 3 times a day until your symptoms are gone.
10. Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd has medicinal properties and is used in treating sneezing to a great extent.
  1. Soak about 5 to 6 bitter gourd leaves in water for some time.
  2. Remove the gourds from the water, squeeze them and add a little bit of warm water to make juice. You can add some honey to the mixture if you like.
  3. Drinking this on a regular basis will help get rid of sneezing induced by colds and seasonal allergies.
Along with all these home remedies, it’s a good idea to take some measures to prevent exposure to environmental irritants, such as dust and allergens in your home that can aggravate a sneezing problem.

Garlic as a Natural Antibiotic



Garlic is used regularly in our food and we use it more for the flavor than anything else. But we seldom sit back and think if there is anything more to garlic than just flavoring meats and bread? And there is a lot. Garlic has many therapeutic properties that can benefit a person. It can alleviate joint pains, lower cholesterol level and cure a variety of bacterial infections.Over the years, garlic has been considered one of the best natural antibiotics. The antibacterial properties of garlic have been the subject of research for quite some time and it is still going on. It has been long proved that under laboratory conditions, it has the ability to kill bacteria. Modern studies have confirmed it and also shown that not only bacteria, but garlic can be effective against viruses and fungi too. Compared to commercial antibiotics, garlic has been found to be more potent as a broad spectrum antibiotic.

Garlic scores over the commercial antibiotics in a very important area and that is in the area of the body growing resistance to a drug. While this is a common problem for most of the antibiotics, garlic stays clear of it. That is why it was used over and over again to treat the same infections in the earlier ages.

But the benefits of such properties will only be available when garlic is taken raw and crushed. It releases Allicin, the chemical behind the antibiotic properties of garlic. If you really want to harvest the benefits, try to take it raw. It has been found that if you cook the garlic then it does not lose any other properties except its antibiotic properties.

To use garlic as an antibiotic it is to be taken internally and if viable, it can be used directly on the infected area. To take it internally one can infuse it in wine, in vinegar or in honey. The last concoction is great as an antibiotic cough syrup.

Garlic taken with carrot juice is also very effective as antibiotic syrup. For external application do not use the garlic juice or paste raw on the skin as it can cause burns. Always dilute it with water and use as a wash.

Apart from fighting infections, garlic, if taken regularly, can actually prevent the infections from occurring as it boosts the immunity system of the body.