Summer Produce In The Santa Ynez Valley

It is HOT.  I mean HOT.  It is officially summer here in the Santa Ynez Valley. Every early Summer I think, it doesn't get too hot here, and then it happens.  The temperatures are in the high 90's day after day and I regret giving those tank tops away.  With heat, comes the ripened fruit from the wet winter and the windy spring.  

The bounty of produce that come from the Santa Ynez Valley is absolutely stunning. The summer fruits are starting to drop, and I'm scouring Pinterest, with the question,"What to do with extra...".  For me, I have a plethora of apricots and plums (2 varietals).  

The counter covered in fruit, and I love it. The colors that are produced from three fruit trees in my backyard is unbelievable.  Purple, orange, yellow, pink, and celery green, and more.  These colors are just a reminder of how intense natural colors can be.  I wish I could keep the fruit on the countertops all year long, but the flies will soon get to it and I can't waste all of this good food.  Next season there will be another color palette of produce to indulge in.  I just want to enjoy this color palette as long as possible.  Until next season...

Rituals - 10 minutes of daily drawing (free drawing)

Art has been used IN rituals for thousands of years.   You probably have recognized art and design in your personal rituals.  Rituals like going to a religious service, the mural you see on your daily commute, the design on your favorite coffee mug you use every morning.  Even rituals like walking the dog, and the trusty Nike swoosh on the shoes you grab overtime to perform this ritual.    

How often does art BECOME a ritual though?  Incorporating a dose of creating can be incredibly rewarding.  There may not be any monetary gains from a daily doodle, but it can be a great stress reliever or just a good daily laugh.  A doodle a day, keeps the doctor at bay... I think that is how it goes.

Hitting The Wall - Knowing When To Put The Mouse Down

At some point we all hit a wall.  Solution: oxygen.   I realize when I have hit a creative wall, when I realize I've gone around a design challenge and made it full circle to where I started.  That is when I know, time to get some oxygen.  It is incredible the amount of creativity and clarity that can come with taking a 5 minute walk outside, or just sitting outside for 5 minutes. Sometimes being so close to a project can cause you to lose a sense of your surroundings.  Take a break, check in with the outside world and refocus for more productive design time.

Page Density - Web design 101

Density - the degree of compactness of a substance in an outlined area.

Some websites have a lot to say; and they should be able to say all of the things they would like to say.  When websites say too much, the page becomes too dense.  When a website become too dense with text or graphics, the messaging can be too overwhelming for the viewer.  Finding the balance of text, graphics, imagery, and blank space is tricky.  That is why most businesses hire someone like me to create their website.  

An easy rule to page density, is to create a small amount of copy which is rich in content.  Catching the viewer's attention with a short "want to learn more" tone leads people to continue reading and learn about all which your business has to offer.