With my websites I have noticed a very sharp upward trend in iPhone web browsing of my sites. And as we all know the iPhone can not handle flash. Now with the iPad about to make its debut in the next couple of months, it is about to get worse.

There are several sites that use all Flash. This might work for some websites in relation to their audience, but these are very far and few between. However, if you want a fully accessible website then flash is not the answer.

This is not what I am wanting to talk about. I would like to be able to use more flash but until Apple does something about there mobile safari I just can’t seem to justify it. There are just to many people looking at websites through there iPhone and iTouch and soon to be iPad.

For those of you who are web designers and developers, what do you do to tackle this situation?

I use mainly Adobe products all day long. I think it is a given that Adobe products are the best when it comes to designing. Therefore I am not putting these in my list.

1. Billings

Billings is a very cool financial app that not only keeps track of your invoices and bids but also can keep track of your time on specific projects. Filling out tickets and keeping track of your projects is a breeze. There is also a very powerful report generator that lets you see what your earnings are at, and who owes you. This is also a very customizable program in generating invoices the way you want them to look, as well as many useful templates. It works seamless with iCal, Address Book, and Mail on the Mac. My only caveat is that I wish they had a iPhone app that would sync with your computer. That would make it perfect. I would highly recommend this app to any freelance or contract worker.

2. 1Password

I know what your thinking, how does this make the list. I don’t know about you but I have probably hundreds of sites that require all sorts of passwords. This program is absolutely amazing when organizing and saving passwords. It works great with almost any browser including Safari. It is very secure. It also syncs and works very well with your iPhone. Just a very useful and awesome app.

3. TweetDeck

This app makes my top 5 because of the versatility it has when connecting to my social networks. It is very useful when tweeting and facebooking statuses on the fly. It is absolutely the best customizable app for twitter and facebook. Just a great overall socializing app.

4. Evernote

I haven’t had this app to long but what I have seen so far is amazing. This app will put all your thoughts, ideas, and things you have seen in one place. I use this app when I go to meet with new clients to record things that we talk about. It’s synchronization is amazing with the iPhone. Also, If you see a cool webpage just snap it and it saves it for you. I currently just have their free account but am looking to upgrade to their pro account very soon.

5. ToDo

I have many apps I use on my computer, but I had to put my favorite iPhone app that syncs with my computer. Todo from Appigo is awesome in keeping all my things organized. It syncs very well in several ways. You can sync it to Remember the Milk, iCal and Toodledo. I like to use Toodledo since sometimes I work on different machines and don’t always have iCal to work from. If you work on several projects at once like most designers do, then this is the app for you. If you have an iPhone this is a must have.

I am noticing a trend in companies farming out the work that once was done by inside people in the company. It is not a bad move for companies looking to cut costs. A lot of times they might be able to find the work not only cheaper but better. I would encourage companies to not only look for these opportunities but to also keep the opportunities here at home.

I have noticed on several job boards a lot of our freelance jobs are going to countries who will basically work for pennies. My caveat is that you get what you pay for. If you want something cheap then by all means pay somebody cheap. But if you want good service and promptness then you might have to pay a little extra for it. Freelancing or contracting the work out will still be cheaper in the long run.

As companies continue to cut costs and lay off people, the freelance and contract work will increase. These business still need someone to work with the printers and get there brochures printed and their websites up and running. These are necessities for startup and growing companies to get there goods and services out there. So as freelance designers and other contract workers, we should always be on the look out for the next job. The jobs are growing in number and as more and more companies look for these people, the need will increase. It is not always easy being a freelance or contract worker, but keep your head up and keep increasing your network.

A few tips to landing more work. Get on Facebook, and Linkedin. These social sites help broaden your network. Our friends and families are also helpful. Also, get a website up and running, as this will attract customers by basically doing nothing. Another, great asset is craigslist. They post more than just stuff, but also businesses and individuals need help. The more you search and apply for these jobs, the more you learn and find out. It is going to take some work on your part, as they will not just come seek you. A lot of the times you have to seek them.

Once you get a couple clients the work will begin to snow ball. Also don’t be afraid to go out and try something new. I am not saying go against your standards, but maybe there is an area whether it be a shopping cart for a website or maybe you have never done a brochure, then get out there and just do your best. You might be surprised what doors that will open. Sometimes it means coming down in your price or doing projects for free just to get your foot in the door. All these things will help you build your client base. This is how I built my freelance work.

So get out there and find them, and make yourself visible.

It has nothing to do with your political views, right vs. left. However, there are according to the article more right brain people than left. It is very interesting to me to run across this article, since this was a subject I learned about in one of my art classes. I read the book

Drawing on The Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards

Drawing on the right side of the brain, by Betty Edwards and in that book it gave you great inside as to why people are the way they are based upon which side of the brain was more dominant. There were also many simple tests you could give yourself to see which you were. And also the book described how to trick your brain to becoming more creative. The book goes into detail about the brain and how it controls your eyes. It even has a simple eye test to determine your brain dominance. Fascinating book and I highly recommend it.

The question was posed as to which are you, right brained or left brained?

Right Brain?

Most artist or creative types are right brained people. People that are dominated by this side of their brain tend to need more of a visual reference. They need things explained to them visually not just by spoken word. This group of people tend to be more emotional and have trouble getting themselves organized.

Left Brain?

This group tends to think more in order and are logical. They also seem to like rules and things laid out for them in a logical way. Sometimes even in a step by step manner. Left brain people also like to listen and follow instructions very well.

To relate this to the art realm. Right brain people seem to like and relate to abstract art or things with patterns. Whereas left brain dominant tend to like more photos and realistic art.

With almost 99% of people we are a mix of the two. Thank goodness or else one side of your brain would be dead. There are a few simple tests you can take to see which you are. I was about 75% right brain and 25% left brain.

• Right Brain/Left Brain quiz for artist
• Right Brain/Left Brain creativity test

If you have a chance to take the above questions let us know what your brain dominance is. From my research there tends to be more left brain dominance than right.

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I have been continuing to design the materials for IStart. Just completed the letter that goes out to all incoming freshman to let them know what they need to do before they come. The Agenda for the Orientation and Class registration is on its way to the printer this week. Things are going good with this years IStart publications. The design is adapting itself very well to all kinds of different forms. The circle design is very flexible whether I am putting it on a flyer or postcard or even the giant folder project. I am very happy and pleased with it.

Here are some updated images from the letter/flyer and Agenda pamphlet.

I have had three different types of business cards and I am on my 4th redesign of my website. I think I can say I am really happy with both. However, I am sure that won’t stop me from redoing it again in the future. Got to keep up with the times man.

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