Although I have been buried in work deadlines this past few weeks, the death of Michael Jackson has been devastating to me. I have not been entirely able to absorb the magnitude of this news, but nonetheless I feel the loss as a tremendous one.
The King of Pop has had such a profound impact in the world of arts and music. He has taken his artistic talent and used it to make a real difference around the globe. His songs reached the very depths of his emotions; they expressed how he, himself, perceived the world, and how he wanted the rest of the world to see each other.
Michael Jackson believed in love. Not simply the love one feels for family and perhaps a spouse, but true, deep devotion to human beings and harmony with one another. In a world of hatred and war, MJ did what he could to push through and show all of us that there is another way to live. He was not simply a talented musician using his fame and fortune to manipulate the media; his compassion was true and real.
In some of the online communities I belong to, I have been disgusted by some of the remarks and opinions I have been reading regarding his recent death. Some are openly expressing their happiness that he is gone, quoting his past child molestation charges. Even in death, the man cannot escape the very things he fought against his entire life: greed, exploitation and hatred. I find it disgusting that anyone can find him or herself content with the death of any human being, especially for reasons one does not even know are true.
I have been a fan of Michael my entire life, not only for his unworldly talents, but for what he stood for. Regardless of what they find to be the official cause of death, I believe the world killed him through exploitation. No matter how much he gave, it seemed it was never enough.
We have felt the loss of one of the most amazing artists ever to walk this earth. Have compassion and respect his life and death.
I have added a couple of new submissions to my portfolio, and have created a new separate portfolio dedicated to wedding invitations. I hope this will make it easier on you to view the type of projects you are looking for without having to sort through a random portfolio of work.
Business event invitations are also available. Please contact me using the link above to discuss your invitation design needs.
Whether you are in the market for a brand new website, or are thinking about reviving an existing one, there are three quick but potent tips you should keep in mind when working with your designer.
1. Keep it simple. Not only do you have only a few seconds to capture and intrigue your viewers, but your viewers will click on your link with a purpose. They want the information they are seeking, and they want it fast. Your navigation should be clear and easy to use, your pages well organized, and your contact information readily available at all times during your viewers’ visits.
2. Keep the content new. The key to maintaining ongoing traffic to your website is to give your viewers reasons to come back. If you change your content on a regular basis, viewers will be more likely to bookmark your website and revisit often. Depending on your business type, this can be accomplished by changing the products or images in an online gallery, keeping a brief blog of current news or events, or even adding a seasonal flair by changing your color scheme. Special offers, if applicable, are also a wonderful way to bring your visitors back again and again.
3. Keep it functional. Ensure your website is easy to use. Adding too much content or having too many pages can confuse viewers and frustrate them into hitting the “back” button right out of your website. Keep it easy to read: no clutter, no overbearing graphics. Should your website contain an online store, ensure it functions properly and smoothly.
There are dozens of aspects to consider when building or redeveloping a website, and these are just a few quick points with which to start. Technology is still evolving rapidly; be prepared to work closely with your designer to utilize solutions that are available and appropriate to your business type.
