February 02, 2009
In the hubbub of the launch this morning, I totally forgot to blog about the launch of Designing for the Web. So, there, I’ve said it. It’s available and ready to download now. I hope you like it.
PS. If you signed up for a coupon, they’re trickling out over the course of today and tomorrow. We’ve had some mail server issues (typical!).
January 31, 2009
Managing the expectation of the new book has been interesting. When I first announced it, I used to still blog quite a bit. People seemed excited – which was nice – so was I. Then, I stopped work on it for a while, all the expectation and buzz died down as the project did. Since we pinned a release date on the book, buzz has steadily increased once again, but with it the expectation. And I don’t mind telling you, that expectation is weighing a little heavy on my shoulders.
January 28, 2009
The interesting thing about trying something completely new is that you learn almost all the time. True, you make plenty of mistakes along the way. That’s how it’s been writing this book. But, it’s not just the writing you see. Book publishing involves a whole team of people, from editors and proof-readers to project managers and designers. I’m lucky that I have a semi-experienced team at Mark Boulton Design to help me get the book finished and out of the door.
Robert Mills is our Project Manager. He comes from a media research and journalism background, so is not scared of the written word. It was his job to really push the publication over the past four months or so. I asked him to pen a few words on our approach, and this is what he came up with…
January 26, 2009
When I first looked into writing Five Simple Steps to Designing for the Web, I looked at a bunch of options for delivering the PDF over email. I thought about building something myself or hosting it with various web applications used for delivering digital products. The first option just wasn’t an option at all in the end - I’m no programmer. The second option, although perfectly viable, saw the potential profit of the book undermined by a monthly, or per unit, charge. I made the decision, quite some time ago now, to commission the software to be built by the super-talented Steven Teerlinck, using the Code Igniter PHP Framework.
January 19, 2009
Two weeks today, I’ll be releasing the long-delayed self published book of mine, Five Simple Steps: Designing for the Web. Since I originally thought of writing my own book, producing it, and distributing it, I’ve been asked several times, ‘why not go with a traditional publisher?’
December 01, 2008
A long time ago, two years ago in fact, I sort of announced I’d have a book ready the other side of Christmas. Ha! Embarrassingly, that deadline came and went as life, and work, got in the way. And, writing a book, especially a self-published book it turns out, is incredibly difficult. But, a few months ago, this project has had new life breathed into it, and I’m pleased to say, the book will be available on February 2nd 2009 in PDF format.
January 28, 2007
A couple of books coming up which may be of interest. Firstly, Web Standards Creativity is up on Amazon for pre-order. It’s a sumptuous full-colour paperback covering topics like Typography, PNG transparency techniques and Grid Design from the likes of Ethan Marcotte, Simon Collison, Cameron Adams, Aaron Gustafson, Jeff Croft, Derek Featherstone, Dan Rubin, Andy Budd, Ian Lloyd, Rob Weychert, Andy Clarke, and me.
Secondly, Five Simple Steps: Designing for the Web is nearing completion. It’s not quite finished yet, and yes I’m going to miss the January deadline, but it will be worth the wait. To keep you going until then, here’s a few tasters…
January 03, 2007
Colours chosen from different spokes on the Colour Wheel will provide a variety of colour combinations. Deciding upon and selecting a colour combination that works for you will very much depend upon the job at hand.
Will it communicate what you want it to? Or are you just choosing them because you, or the client, like them? These are very difficult questions to answer because any designer or client will let their personal style and preference interfere with their decision-making. Colour combinations tend to evoke certain reactions either by cultural, or personal experience. Understanding these experiences will help you create colour combinations that tell a story. That is what good colour theory can give you; designs that tell a story.
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I'm a graphic designer from near Cardiff in the UK. I've been a designer for over ten years now and primarily work on the web. I'm still partial to a bit of print every now and then though. I used to work for Agency.com in London as an Art Director before working as a Senior Designer for the BBC in sunny Cardiff. This was all before I took leave of my senses and formed my own design consultancy, Mark Boulton Design Ltd.
I've got a thing about grids and typography and occasionally ramble on about them to anyone who will listen.
If you're after simple, clean and effective web design; let me know.