There are several ways to build a book cover in InDesign. I'll show you my tried and true methods, honed from years of experience working at an educational publishing company (Houghton Mifflin, now Cengage Learning). While there, first as a book cover designer and then cover design manager, I was involved in more than 500 books! We had to assemble and use accurate and flexible templates with all of the specifications required by various book printers. Specifications For each of my … [Read more...] about How to Build a Book Cover in InDesign
Software Tips
My Web Design and Development Toolset
My web design and development toolset includes desktop as well as cloud-based applications. I use the tools for brainstorming, thumbnail sketching, design comprehensives, and implementation of code. I'm always open to trying new things. Sometimes, I'll explore a new program, love it, and make the switch. PINTEREST Visual discovery platform I use Pinterest to find, store and categorize images and ideas. It serves as a great reference archive for my designs and artwork. It's part of my … [Read more...] about My Web Design and Development Toolset
Video Conferencing with Zoom
Zoom's popularity has exploded these past few months. As COVID-19 spreads throughout the world, businesses and schools have to find ways to meet remotely. Ease of use make video conferencing with Zoom an attractive choice. How to Host a Zoom Meeting To host a meeting, you must have a Zoom account. The meeting can be spontaneous or scheduled. Hosting can be done on the Zoom's website, the Desktop client, or the mobile application. The steps outlined in this tutorial are for the website. … [Read more...] about Video Conferencing with Zoom
Migration and Cloning Tools for WordPress Sites
Migration is the process of cloning a website and moving it to another location. Some of the more common reasons for migrating a site are a change of web host, a change in domain name, or creating a development site to test things. There are many migration and cloning tools for WordPress. Plugins are the easiest tools to use for this purpose. In this tutorial, I'll review 3 of my favorite plugins that replicate all of the files and the database from one site to another: Duplicator, Backup Buddy, … [Read more...] about Migration and Cloning Tools for WordPress Sites
InDesign Master Pages: Consistency and Efficiency
The main reasons to use master pages are to ensure consistency throughout the publication and save time when producing the document. Consistency Maintaining consistency throughout a publication provides cohesiveness and builds reader confidence. Fonts, sizes, styles, colors, and positioning are the primary components that contribute to continuity. When considering what to use on InDesign master pages, designers look for patterns that can be replicated. Typical candidates for master page … [Read more...] about InDesign Master Pages: Consistency and Efficiency
Manually Clone a WordPress Site in 5 Steps
It's easy to clone a WordPress site, once you understand a few basics. If you are a newbie to WordPress, using a plugin is the simplest way to do it. That’s how I started out. The first time I cloned a site, I tried to do it manually. Copying the files was simple and straightforward. But, the database mystified me. I had little knowledge of what it was and no idea how to replicate it, so I ended up using a plugin for the entire site migration (files and database). Gradually, as I researched, … [Read more...] about Manually Clone a WordPress Site in 5 Steps
A Guide to Incorporating Social Media with Your Website – part 2
Social Media Platforms - The Usual Suspects Incorporating social media on your website requires using many tools. We continue this series with the "usual suspects" of social media platforms, additional options, and recommended tools for creating content. Facebook Personal accountAll Facebook users must begin by creating a personal account. You can then establish pages for businesses and groups. The essence of Facebook is personal interaction, based initially on your friends, relatives, … [Read more...] about A Guide to Incorporating Social Media with Your Website – part 2
A Guide to Incorporating Social Media with Your Website – part 1
PART 1 - Social Media Overview Integrating social media into your website is an important way to widen your reach, deepen engagement with your audience, and build brand recognition. It’s a form of digital marketing that can be fun and fulfilling. When used with intelligent strategies, social media contributes to increased support, sales and donations. Tell Me a Story The essence of social media for me is telling stories and building community. My dad was a great storyteller. He … [Read more...] about A Guide to Incorporating Social Media with Your Website – part 1