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Photoshop and you!

Filed under: Pics2Pics — Leave a comment
July 12, 2011

PHOTOSHOP & IMAGE ENHANCEMENTS; Can you really mess things up by overdoing it?  Less is sometimes better!

 

Coming soon!  We have lots of  goodies for you to walk away with along with some great tips and tricks in making your images, materials better for you and your clients.  Remember over the top isn’t always what the client wants or needs.  Listening is the 1st important thing you should remember.

 

We will showcase some of our best photography, and from that photography what we turned into Ads or Catalogs for clients:  It pays to be diversified and skilled in all avenues of media.

 

Gallery

Portfolio

 

Come back soon!

 

Penny Lane, Owner

DP1C

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Making you famous on the WWW

Filed under: Discovering Your Magic — Leave a comment
July 12, 2011

You purchased a domain…Now what?

DP1C Web Site

In our line of work there are a lot of people who claim to be web designers, we would like to educate you on the differences of education that gives a person the right to call themselves a web designer.   There is also what is known as a Web developer 2 highly distinct fields, as well as a Web Administrator.  Some companies hire 1 person to do it all, and usually will put them under a title in Marketing…It all works, but what companies don’t understand is it is impossible to hire one person to do it all UNLESS they have all the tools of the trade.

Would you hire an electrician to also build the walls of your building, and do your plumbing?  Not likely!   It’s the same as hiring a web designer/developer and asking them to research marketing, set up events, and plan and implement strategies on top of their own work of wiring framing, mock designing, coding, working up layouts, looking over and implementing coding languages and bug fixes.

Sounds like an overworked, unhappy employee to us!
I have worked over  17 years  in this industry Web, Marketing, and Media Design and have acquired the tools to assist me in whatever position I have held, or in my own company.  I understand being a small business like myself and looking at my financials before I go and hire or hire-out for any services is a must, and would probably keep me from advancing.  That’s why I have re-invented my company to assist you.   B2B is the best solution in IT and the WWW.  I keep pricing and labor minimal, but never sacrifice quality. I don’t use out of the box products unless you ask for them.  I listen to what your needs are and design a platform that will work for you. View the gallery and look over some of our 2010, 2011 designs

DP1C Gallery  Toggle between the Videos and Photos.

GETTING TOO MUCH FOR TOO MUCH

Sounds odd doesn’t it? But you can really get too much from something and end up paying too much for it, and the part that you aren’t using is a waste of resources for your company.   With DP1C you get just what you need to have your business web site up and operational, branded to your specifications. Or if you need help in that department we specialize in branding.  In other words you are in the driver’s seat on most of the initial pre-production.  We just take if from there, and create you a magical world all your own.

Our motto and tag line is “Discovering your magic”  tm   We don’t just design web sites, we create them specifically for you.  We don’t just design, we create and development plans to keep your site running optimally and ready for growth.

WHAT TO USE WHEN TO USE IT

There are several languages to use in coding web sites, and web applications, not one code can do it all or provide you with a robust site.  The standard and always true is HTML (now there is a streamlined HTML 5, but not fully ready yet so don’t jump on the band wagon too fast, DHTML (CSS), ASP or .NET framework 1.0/2.0/3.5/4.0, PHP, Ajax, JS, JAVA, XHTML, XML, PERL (CGI), C#, C++, and more as they emerge, but all have a lead to their parent either HTML, JAVA, and .NET, and PHP.  Knowing what languages to use is a plus.  We don’t use PHP and MSQL for corporate companies, we don’t recommend it due to security issues. Using a strong WIN environment is key.  Many of you don’t know about a wonderful server called DiscountASP.net. They offer the best for way less.  Check them out,  we dare you!  If you thought you couldn’t have SQL, think again.  You can!

WEB SITE OR BLOG
When do you know what to create.  When do you know what you need.  With the strong emergence of social networking, many companies are turning to blog style methodologies in their website designs.  It is easier for one and much cheaper.   This is okay, but there is nothing like a pure store front that is all your own that is hosted on your domain, no 3rd party, you have full control.  Out of the box is not the total solution.  Finding a local web professional is important.   Or finding one that is reputable globally.   No need to hire a firm, they will over charge you, and “I ain’t one to Gossip, and you ain’t heard it from me”, but many of these firms use Templates, that they don’t even create themselves…That’s right ALL templates, and many are not even designed by the individuals they hire to put it together for you.  Be careful

 

IT’S ALL IN THE HOST
We are a firm believer that if the host sucks so will your site.  You deserve the best.  We look at a host as if it were the building and foundation we were going to put our business up on.  Do yourself a favor and check out  DiscountASP.net or Ice Storm today, then call us @ 619.710.6511.
We work world-wide.   For international clients a 50% pre-payment is required after signing of contract (accepting invoice).  Or simply inquire and have your site hosted by a sub domain off the DP1C network.   We are limitless.

“Creating a better web” and “Discovering your magic”. ™
The DP1C Blog

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Reaching your potential!

Filed under: Discovering Your Magic — Leave a comment
July 12, 2011

Let’s talk…What does your web site say about you?…Does it flow, is it too busy, do you need help?   Follow along with us now:

 

Download our Media Kit 

 

WHAT DOES YOUR WEB SITE SAY ABOUT YOUR COMPANY OR YOU PERSONALLY?
Do you often wonder what your web site is telling customers or visitors?   Do you care?  You should!   No one says you need to keep up with the Smiths and Jones’, but having a web site that presents your real-time business online is a solid marketing tool.  Hence many companies hire web designers/developers  in marketing positions.   If you know what you are doing, then send me your web site link and get an overview from a professional.   We also do FREE SEO Testing.  You have nothing to lose.   We dare you!  Send to  info@dp1c.com    or twitter us.

 

TEMPLATES AND OUT-OF-THE-BOX PRODUCTS
Don’t get us wrong we create templates for our clients, but as you notice in our gallery DP1C Web Client Gallery  we never use the same template agian unless it is requested.    Our clients have full license rights to their templates, we maintain ownership.  However you will find many firms and companies out there offerring to make you a website, but what you don’t know is they are using out-of-the-box products that don’t do it all, and are not always compatible with all browsers. We live in a world of choice, and the world is big!  Many of the CSS code available today is not entirely compatible with all Browser products, so you as a business owner needs to be knowledgable when seeking out services.  This way you know what can be offered and certain things that can be done and can’t be done for all “browser pleasing” when you start to begin looking into designing a web site.

We often run into a situation where the client is very set on a certain asthetics of a design or application, but we also have a duty to inform them, that they may risk losing customers who use a different browser.  9 times out 10 the code we write or have available is not always compatible with all browsers. Furthermore not all CSS  is  compatible with language coding of pages; PHP and ASP Net, etc…and JS.   In addition they may not be able to collect data, because a button will not function written in a type of code within a page language.

There are all types of situations!  As a developer it is my job to make sure I find the best solution all around.  Sometimes it is better to select functionality over visual aspects.   I would have to say you don’t have to sacrafice, I have been very successful at creating for clients within their specifications and still maintian browser compatiblity at every turn.

WHY SHOULD YOU SACRIFICE, WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE TO

Why should you be left out in the race to build and have an exceptional or just funcitonal web site to showcase your company?  You don’t have to!   Now you can have the best of the best that truly is unique to you.  Don’t get lost in the multitude of searches out there of desigers and firms making big claims and costing you BIG money.  You don’t have to pay super high prices to get a super exceptional web site.  We believe in creating resources for the “little guy”  who deserves and needs the best for less.  Call us today and see if we can help.  1.619.710.6511

The great things is you don’t have to hire someone or search the web any longer you found DP1C.   We do for you and save you money, the best part is we also maintain your web site at a low monthly fee, far below competitors.  One last note! Get a great host: The Best Web Hosting around  Discountasp.NET   or IceStorm
We guarantee you will not go wrong with either one of them.   If you want and need the best, Discount ASP net and Ice Storm are the best domain hosting companies on the market today.  We stake our 17 years in business on it!

Thank you for reading,

DP1C.com

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MONEY IS TIGHT! WHY SACRAFICE?

Filed under: Working in constrained budgets — Leave a comment
July 12, 2011

Having the money to invest in your businesses growth and development is important and being a small business you can’t afford to make (1) mistake.

 

JUST BECAUSE MONEY IS TIGHT DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO SACRIFICE STYLE AND QUALITY IN YOUR MEDIA PROJECTS!
Here are a couple of places I have worked that had this happen to them.  Although I did not stay to do all the work for them, I did go on to work with some of them to create better web sites, and branding.   See below:  Prime examples of people who paid way too much and sacrificed quality in doing so.
This company is a prime example of paying too much for too much and a really terrible style too boot.
I was told by the VP that they paid thousands of dollars for this site in the early 2000′s, too bad they didn’t know me then, they would have had a much better site then this early on, which might have improved their franchise capabilities.  Not only is it bad in design, I got to see its function first hand and inspect codes.  Not very well thought out.   I can not list the name of the company that designed it due to legal ramifications.  The example company also lacked any kind of true branding. They were merely having a friend design some things before I came along. The companies after follow the same suite paid or got for FREE, but we know you have to be careful with getting for FREE you need to make sure that even though a friend may design it, you still have the right to be in control of the branding and design of your company.   One mistake only takes seconds to broadcast across the web…The later 2 companies are still private clients of mine today.  You see it pays to find the right party to design for you.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

SEEING IS BELIEVING!
We wanted you to have a real bird’s eye view of what we can do for you, and we do it right the first time.   We cater to all types of budgets, funding, grants, etc.   No project is too small or too large, we have great turn around time as well. I can design you anything your heart desires or whatever your company needs to help you grow and become stronger in your industry market.
Please feel free to research out: DP1C/ Droolboy Productions / Penny Lane Best Check online, you can find my company by just googling:

Droolboy
Droolboy Productions
DP1C

Penny Lane Best
DP1C
Grind House ™
You will find out how long we’ve been around, what we do, and how we do it the best.
Thank you
Penny Lane, CEO/Owner
DP 1st Choice Web &  Media Services
All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 1996-2011

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USE THE RIGHT PIXEL RATIO AND RESULOTION

Filed under: Pics2Pics — Leave a comment
July 12, 2011

DP1C discusses some simple rules to apply to graphic and logo creations for web and print


START WITH A HIGH RESOLUTIONS
When designing your logos or images for any project web or print make sure to use the highest resolution possible.( 300 is adequate, but 600 is best and very rare for large sized ( sq ft ) print projects.) Again creating images for web and print do require a bit of knowledge, as the web itself is only capable of safe colors, sizes, and certain formats are best on the WWW, verses print can handle a wide arrange of colors/codec profiles.

Make sure when designing your logo you take all aspects into consideration.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:

  1. Where will it be located and posted on ( web/print/letterhead/glossy and-or regluar paper including laser )?
  2. How many different styles and formats do I need?
  3. Do I need thumb nail sizes?
  4. Is my logo/images favicon friendly?

 

There are other aspect to take into consideration as well how well will it working with integration into other designs of catalogs, brochures (example: transparenecy)

KNOW WHEN TO STOP

There is such a thing as over-kill or over doing it when designing, yes even designers get carried away with ideas.  We tend to start blending into one large monster. The best solution we have found:

  1.  Start with a basic drawing ( illustration ) of your logo, page layout, or type of image you want.
  2. Then take the photo, or begin designing your logo in photoshop.
  3. Keep your layers separate, this is a must it will help you when you get your final product.
  4. Step back and re-think if you are getting lost.  Turn off layers to find your original and see where you are at by engaging each layer back into the scene. ( this same concept works well in FLASH as well in the timeline.
  5. Stop, walk away, and come back to it in an hour or two.   If that’s what it takes to truly get your desired result.

In my line of work, I have to design at the drop of the hat for many clients sometimes they aren’t even sure what they want.   I have to listen and see what I can create from their notes or by what they are describing.
You see designers aren’t just simple designers, we are creators, we have to have good listening skills, and the ability to bring to life a verbal command to a visual element.  It takes great practice and skill, you can have this too if you practive everyday for at least 1 hr a day. In about 12 months you may be designing like a pro. Of course there are other factors, but for now this is a great palce to start. We will discuss more on learning the tools of the trade at a later point.

GIVE IT YOUR BEST
Never underestimate your abilities, and if you find you need help then we are hear to help.  But we believe you can at least acquire the skills to assist you when searching out services.   Having a little knowledge will allow you to hear through the “bull” vs. the designers out there that are truly in it for the sole purpose of creating something wonderful.  Money is not our object of affection.  I enjoy creating for someone and when they see the final product they are blown away.  That’s what it is all about!

PIXELS VS. INCHES
There will be times when you want to work in inches as aposed to pixels and knowing the right formats of media is helpful.   Anything web I work in pixels, and some print publications and viral social sites, but other formats of photography printing, catalogs, brochures, and mailers I use inches. There is quite a bit of difference between the two. Using a good program like Photoshop or similar, Paint Tools Sai, will show you the differenece between the two and you can begin to learn these sizes. It is always best to print out different sizes and start to visually learn them in your mind.   The more you view, and do the more you will be come excellent at visualizing elements on the sly.  (Example: a client is discussiing conepts of a banner, but doesn’t know sizing, you can therefore recommend a safe size based on their web page foratting, etc..) Of course there is more to all of this, but this will get you thinking, even you designers who are not looking at the whole picture might benefit from some re-thinking, re-training.   There is much that is not can not be learned in the class room kids!
THE BEST FORMAT FOR THE WEB
This is easy!
1. jpg (running in 3rd place)

2. png

3. gif

4. pdf

5. tiff

6. BMP

7. RAW

8. Exif
You can learn more about formats and technical information at Image File Formats on Wiki:

Image_file_formats

 
PUT IT ALL TOGETHER
You now have a little better understanding to help you in your research efforts when finding a design for your projects. We hope you will come to find that DP1C is the best for the best price.   We want you to share with us some of your designs you are played around with after readying this blog.   We dare you!




 

Thank you and happy designing!

Penny Lane, owner DP1C

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Viral Marketing! Are you Over-killing it?

Filed under: Blog or Not to Blog — Leave a comment
July 12, 2011

Picking the right social networking site to implement your viral marketing is key to producing great results in your efforts and using resources available as a small business today.   What we have found is researching in your industry pays off.   Do the work!  You will find that many of these sites are not for you, but will find great avenues you never knew existed with just a little research.
There are plenty of business sites working to help other businesses hence (b2b) many advertising venues now offer their own social network that is geared toward that industry alone.   Granted you may not reach the “zillion” users you would on Facebook or MySpace, but you would come away with solid leads to grow your business.    Since it is those specific customers you are trying to wrangle in, and not the entire world then there is  room for Shoot-n-Miss in marketing.   The internet alone can kill a business in 2 seconds flat.    All it takes is one mistake, one complaint and the whole world hears about it in a heartbeat.  When you are talking thousands and even millions of dollars being set aside for this specific reason a small company or individual cannot afford to miss a beat or make any poor choices when it comes to finding and implementing key marketing resources.   Stop over doing it!   You will pay dearly in the long run.

 

EVER FEEL AS THOUGH ALL THOSE SITES ONLY CARE ABOUT IS JUST THE FACT YOU ARE LISTING TO MAKE THEM POPULAR?
World War III has already begun.  Yes the WWW was meant to connect people and businesses and connect us around the world in communication, but this was never really explained. It was as though the web was set before all mankind and this is what we did with it!   Being a independent musician, digital artist, private contractor, or graphic designer is hard enough when you are trying to get out there, but try being a business in today’s web.  The web quickly grew to emulate its sister counter part “The real world” funny how that all has happened.

Here again the world and all it’s inconsistencies took over what could have been or become a wonderful tool for those less fortunate, but alas Money prevails.  Pity.  I see the WWW entirely different. When I look out on the web I see a multitude of businesses, but not many who are truly in it for the sincerity of business and proud of what they are creating, selling or putting out to the public.

Most of them are just scams.   Just like in the real world it’s a dog-eat-dog world, so now too our virtual escape has become the same leaving out all us little guys.  Most social networks gain their advertising from other businesses but that is all based on popularity.  Next time you are looking into social networking as a way to marketing do some research first in your related industry.   We believe the web is bigger than the real world could ever be and there is room for everyone.   A little research goes a long way and will prove to be a direct benefit to your company and products you are marketing whether globally, strategically, or demographically.

 

WEEDING OUT THE SCAMS FROM THE LEGITIMATE COMPANIES!

I have been in this business online and in the IT computer industry since 1983-1995 to present.   I worked and built computers since 1983.  When the WWW hit in 1995 I was ready to start building a better world for all.   I was a leader in community resourcing before social sites were ever birthed.  I built and developed two online store communities where people could buy and download indie (INDIE CD & INDIE CDNOW) music and share and talk amongst themselves, although primitive back then it was highly effective. As I have stated repeatedly you must have all the tools of the trade in order to survive in the virtual world, and real world. It has almost become too virtual!  However, it has been beneficial in the recession where location rents and leasing in the real world are outrageous, and it costs both to run a business online and at a location and still keep it legit.  Solution: Your second bedroom or garage therefore can become your warehouse or office space. You living room and partial kitchen can become your place of business.  Take your meetings out of the house. Most often it is always best to meet clients in a public place until the relationship builds.

 

BEWARE USERS

There are millions of scams out there.   I have traced a few myself and brought them to justice for a few of my clients.  Just as in the real world if you don’t get a sincere vibe from someone you are less likely to do business with them unless of course they were the only people that had what you needed.  Highly unlikely that you will run into that situation on the web.  I encourage you to search out companies, run Whois, collect as much info about them, call them directly.   If they don’t answer their phone after repeated attempts or you constantly get a message, and if they NEVER return your calls and only wish to do business via email, then think twice about who you are about to do business with. “Buyer Beware”!

I tell my clients I am there 24/7 and they can call me anytime.   There have been times, when I’ve had clients call me at 1AM and they noticed something wrong with the site.  I jumped right up logged-in and found their host was doing maintenance and they didn’t send a message to their client.   The great thing is I was able to be there for my client and assure them everything was okay.   They love it! “Personability” is key in this business.

BUILDING SOLID RELATIONSHIPS!

I work hard to build lasting relationships all across the globe.  Sometimes it can be difficult. Yes I want you as a new client, but I want you to want me more.  It is with your own choice that we will begin to build a lasting business to business relationship to last the test of time.  Once you become a client you become a client for life.   This is a great savings to you in many ways.   Hiring outside your company can be very productive and beneficial.   I would personally like you to know I am not in it for the buck ($$), never have been.   In me are your masterpieces to help brand and develop your company or you personally whether you are a high profile corporation, small businesses or individual.   Learn what is needed so you can weed out those who only care about making money off you without producing good quality for you.  Weed out those who don’t care about you or your company’s goals and future holdings.    Do  find the ones who do, and whom will prosper in productivity to help grow your business 10-fold.

When you are ready you will call!   We have recently moved our bases to Denver, CO.   I hope you have walked away with some valuable information.   I am a firm believer that the WWW has become a very unstable and unsafe place these days, and over populated with repeated scams.   I am trying to keep the great part of it alive along with many of my colleagues.  Let DP1C create for you, whatever you need done we can do it better, faster, and right the first time.

“We don’t just design!  We do it all!”   “Discovering your magic!”  tm

If you are in need of Photography or computer maintenance/repair services  and would like to purchase one of our low budget- recession proof maintenance agreements, please feel free to call.   We currently service locally for those services in:

  • All of Metro Denver
  • Westminster
  • Aurora
  • Northglenn
  • Littleton
  • Thorton
  • Broomfield
  • Lakewood
  • Englewood
  • Fort Collins
  • Colorado Springs

Thank you
DP1C, CEO/ Penny Lane

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Designers/Developers

Filed under: Designer, Developer and all in between! — 1 Comment
July 12, 2011

We have recently partaken in a few heated debates about what are the difference between a Web Designer & Web Developer.

  1. Designers create                                                                       1. Developers create
  2. Designers code                                                                          2.  Developers code
  3. Designers have a passion about finding solution        3. Developers do the same.

Basically in sum, the only difference in our book is in title.  I know Designers that run program code, and I know Developers who are highly creative.  When the WWW first launched publicly we designers had to do it all, programmers at that time were sterile to the creative environments in many forms of the use.  We were given the title Web Designer, but it certainly didn’t top at the design level.  We all know this…

I went into business for myself, not wanting to be stuck in any one role.  I do it all, I’ve had, and glad I do.  True there are some items I am superb at, and others I’m still developing those skills.  We never stop learning whatever title you give yourself or want to take.  I say the more diversified the better you will find and hold on to work.

Many companies are creating more and more titles only because them come up against issues where the person doesn’t fit a job description profile. I know I was one of those…One of the contracts I had said they didn’t have a job description for me and had to create one.  Now I didn’t realize it until recently that those who are creating these titles know very little about our profession where design, web or graphic, media director, web applications developer, etc comes in…It’s become over saturated.

I would like to see people stop assuming and start learning what we do.  The biggest issue is Out-of-The-Box products, I stay away, unless a client asks for something.

We will post later on this subject, but right now that’s all we have to share.

Thank you

DP1C

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