This may seem like common sense.  You’ve always heard it from teachers, parents, and those freakin’ over-achievers in high school and college (or in many cases, achievers).  The teachers tell you to do some research on a project, draw up some sketches, think about many possible options, figure out which one works the best, and so on.  

But we all know, that’s not how the first few (three or four) years of college actually go.  You dicker around, go play pool, play some Wii or WOW (may God help you), and you lose track of when that project for your hardest class is due.  That’s about the time when you realize you have fifty thumbnails due at eight o’clock the next morning.  And it’s two a.m.

I have been subject to this situation, more times than I’d like to admit, and every time I end up selling myself short.  But sometimes, even worse, it happens when the final project is due.  The final project is thrown together, and not only is the concept bad, but the craft is equally worse. It will carry over into your job.

My advice:  STOP IT.

Most people think they can be designers, if only they had the programs.  Judging by some students work (including my own), most people could.  We throw some junk together and hope that it’s good.  In class, this may work because you only need to convince the teacher. But in the real world, you have the real world to convince.  They will know.  And you will lose.  Possibly burned at the stake.

Ask your teachers questions, understand your audience, research on your own, fully develop a concept, and execute it well every time.  It will pay off and I can promise you, the earlier you start this approach the more it will positively affect your grades, portfolio, resume, and eventually your job.

I’m always open to new features to bring to the site. Just now, I’ve implemented an emailing feature to your profiles so you can contact users through the site. Check it out, yo!

Alright, so the website, as far as I can tell, is complete.

Here’s a brief explanation of some things for all the noobies.

My Account

When you Login, you’re brought to the Dashboard; and on your far right, you’ll find your Profile. The Visual Editor preference is for when you compose Posts. It’s basically asking whether or not you want to compose (by default) in a Visual Editing Mode, or in an HTML Coding Mode.

I wouldn’t worry about your nickname, unless you want your Display Name to be something other than your username or real name. And I would advise against using your username as your display name, as it poses a potential compromise to the security of your account. I use my first name. If, at first, it does not allow you to change your display name, you may need to save your profile at the bottom of the page, then retry changing your display name. Your display name can be changed at any time, and all comments and posts will be automatically updated, appropriating your new name.

If you have a website, or even a MySpace page, you can enter it in the Website field. Whatever you put in this field will enable your Display Name to be used as a hyperlink to that webpage whenever you comment.

Biographical Info is used when you write a post. So think of it as a signature, but not really. Check out the bottom of this post for an idea of how it will display. Basic HTML is allowed.

The Avatar is the picture that will be used throughout the site whenever you write a post or comment. The highest rating allowed for this site is PG. This avatar, like your display name, can be changed at any time and will be updated throughout the site. Allow a few minutes for their system to refresh your new avatar.

(more…)