DRIBBBLE REDESIGN BY WELLGRAFF

#FOUND: DRIBBBLE REDESIGN BY WELLGRAFF

Pontus Wellgraffe posted a sweet looking Dribbble redesign. The overhauled design is just as clean (if not cleaner), just as flat, with heavy emphasis of white space. You can see the rest of the project here

COMIC REPUBLICS FRESH FACED IDENTITY BY DVSPK

Dvspk cooked up this really awesome logo for Comic Republic. It’s fresh faced, dynamic and very “INTANASHUNAL” in quality and appeal.

Comic republic is a publishing outfit based in Lagos dealing primarily in comic books.

How to do the WordPress Super Cache Plugin Vulnerability Urgent Update

How to Update a WordPress Plugin

Step 1: Login to WordPress as Administrator

Hopefully, you’re already well-versed in logging into your WordPress site as an administrator!

Step 2: Access Updates

If there is an update for a plugin or a theme, then you’ll likely have a number in the top bar and next to Updates as shown below (the number 5). Click on Updates!

Step 3: Select All the Plugins

Check the box for Select All:

Step 4: Update the Plugins

Click on Update Plugins:





And at the end of the update process you should receive something similar to, All updates have been completed.

Step 5: Verify the Update

If you want to be absolutely sure your version is updated, you can click on Plugins and then verify that WP Super Cache is at least version 1.4.4

WordPress Super Cache Plugin Vulnerability Urgent Update

Do you have a wordpress install in your website? if yes then this is for you, we have received notification from Wordpress Users utilizing WordPress, who have also installed the WP Super Cache plugin, are being urged to update to the latest version of the plugin (1.4.4) as soon as possible. A cross site scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been found in plugin versions prior to 1.4.4 that could give potential attackers access to your WordPress. If you are utilizing WordPress and have WP Super Cache installed, ensuring that you're protected only takes a moment. Should you require more information on updating, check the Knowledge Base articles at the following link for additional information as well as screenshot tutorials to assist with updating WordPress plugins.

How to Prevent Being Hacked by the Cross-site Scripting Vulnerability in WP Super Cache:

8 ways to make extra money from your design skills

Short of cash? Then do something about it. Here's how.

Staring at a pile of unpaid bills? Gazing longingly at that tropical holiday you don't think you can afford? Drooling over the latest bit of tech with a sinking feeling that you're going to be left behind again?

Well, pull yourself together! You have valuable skills that are greatly in demand - and the freedom to earn as much or as little from them as you like.

You just have to apply yourself, and be a bit clever about how you go about maximising your income. Here are a few tips to help you along...

01. Cash in on unused files

Sell your design leftovers to Graphic Leftovers

Not everything you design will be loved by your clients. Instead of letting those unused designs go to waste, cash in on them by selling your files on marketplace design sites.

As an example, Graphic Leftovers is a website where graphic designers can sell logos, icons, illustrations and more. Or there'sThemeForest is a popular marketplace for designers who have web design templates to sell.

Before you sell any of your work on the web, of course, it's vital to double-check the files you're selling are not under the rights of any of your current or past clients.

02. Host a Skillshare class

Anyone can teach a Skillshare class

You've likely heard the saying, "Those who can't do, teach." Well, that's bull. In business and design, those who teach can because they have the ability to do something other people do not know how to do.

Skillshare is an online community marketplace for classes. Anyone can apply to teach - and get paid to host - a class. Some classes designers have created are: 'Basics of Photoshop: Fundamentals for Beginners' and 'From Zero to Hero: Learn Graphic Design'.

You get paid based on the number of online students who sign up for your class. Keep in mind, though, you're not allowed to 'sell' your services or other products to your students.

03. Try your hand at consulting

Braid Creative have turned their design know-how into a full-fledged consulting business

Consultants are often what I like to call experienced doers, aka highly valuable people. If you have a skill you know other people in your field want, sell consulting services that teach other freelance designers how to duplicate your successes.

A perfect example of smart creatives who've turned their design know-how into a full-fledged consulting business is Braid Creative. Kathleen Shannon and Tara Street, who have backgrounds in advertising and freelance designing and writing, started Braid to help creative entrepreneurs brand themselves.

To do this, they offer 'Braid eCourses' on personal branding and 'Braid Coaching' services.

04. Charge what you're worth

If you've already done some spec work for a client and now they want to hire you for a job, don't be shy about charging the rate you know you're worth.

Many designers, especially young ones, don't charge enough, or rather, they undervalue the price of their work. Don't do this. Charging more is also a way to help maintain a high level of quality cliental.

Remember: Clients aren't just paying for your hourly time, they're paying for your expertise, experience, training and equipment. Stand by your pricing and you'll be better off for it, guaranteed.

05. Blog to position yourself as a pro

If you haven't started blogging, start now! Blogging costs you time, but it can pay off big. Use your blog to share design advice for businesses or publish helpful design tutorials.

Having a place on the web that hosts your insights and knowledge can be incredibly valuable for positioning yourself as an expert, creating new relationships with other designers and, of course, attracting referrals.

06. Give away free stuff

Bri Emery has got great exposure for DesignLoveFest by sharing free stuff

Now that you've started blogging, here's one really effective way to drive traffic back to your site: Give away free and, of course, beautifully branded downloadable resources like templates, themes and graphics.

Popular blogger and designer Bri Emery of DesignLoveFest has a segment on her blog called 'Dress Your Tech' where she shares beautiful downloadable desktop and mobile wallpapers.

Because people love to share awesome free stuff, this segment has created great brand exposure for DesignLoveFest. It has also opened up a lot of collaboration opportunities as Emery will often team up with another designer or artist for a Dress your Tech post.

07. Make smart use of LinkedIn

LinkedIn may be a lacklustre online destination for creatives, but it is the online network where professionals seek out other professionals most. To land more gigs using LinkedIn, start by sprucing up your profile. Next, start contributing to a few designer-focused groups.

Involvement in groups like 'Designers Talk: Freelance Graphic Design Group' is an awesome way to crowdsource for answers amongst other pros in your field. Responding to group questions is a great way to share your expert insight.

This is also a way to catch the attention of potential employers, who are using LinkedIn groups for recruiting.

08. Invest in tools

Sometimes you have to spend money to earn money, and that's certainly the case in design, where you need to invest in tools to get the most out of the skills you already have.

If you know Photoshop and a little bit of CSS and HTML, you're a triple threat! Take advantage of your skills and invest in a third-party design platform that's packaged for resale, like my own service ShortStack.

Online tools like ShortStack allow designers to save time designing and, more important, broaden their service offerings. In addition to websites, logos, and posters you can use this tool to create custom Facebook apps, social contests, opt-in landing pages and more.

Going further

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Beyond these ideas, there are lots more ways freelance graphic and web designers can earn more cash.

You already have the skills you need to take your freelance design business to the next level. Now's the time to do what designers do best - get creative!

Culled from: http://www.creativebloq.com/

The Top 7 SEO Trends

1. Google Authorship is rising in importance
2. Brands are realizing the necessity of social media, as it plays a major role in website traffic referrals and content dissemination.
3. “Content marketing” is beginning to replace the term “SEO”
4. Guest blogging has been redefined.
5. SEO is becoming more expensive. 
6.   In-house SEOs are becoming coordinators for actual fulfillment work
7. As competition for online visibility rises across all industries, the demand for SEO services is increasing

15 famous graphic design companies from around the globe

In the competitive industry of graphic design, it can be difficult to establish a name brand. Nonetheless, there are a handful of design firms around the world that have managed to cut through the clutter and gain international prestige.

Their roster of clients, impressive portfolio of work, prominence in local markets and international reach have made them some of the most famous graphic design companies on the planet. Read on below for a list of the companies many designers dream of working for.

1. Pentagram

Identity: Riotous Company (via Pentagram)

One of the biggest and most famous graphic design companies in the world, Pentagram is owned and run equally by 19 partners – all of whom are leaders in the design industry. Their star-studded list of past and present partners includes names like Alan Fletcher, Bob Gill, Paula Scher and Michael Beirut.

Headquarters: London

Locations: New York, San Francisco, Berlin and Austin.

Notable clients: The Guggenheim, The Victoria & Albert Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Cosmopolitan, Boots, Revlon, Sesame Street, Citibank, 21st Century Fox, Harley Davidson, Codeacademy, Princeton University, General Electric, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Guitar Hero, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Sundance Film Festival, Bennetton, Sake Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co, Alexander McQueen, Grey Goose, Popeyes, MillerCoors, WeightWatchers, Stanford Law School, Rolls Royce, Vanity Fair, Sotheby’s, Nissan, Pantone, Nokia, Reuters, Penguin Press, Time Warner, Walgreens, FIFA, Nike, United Airlines.

2. Landor

Logo and re-branding: The city of Melbourne (via Landor)

In their own words, Landor is “the world’s preeminent brand consulting firm.” Headquartered in San Francisco with 36 offices in 20 countries, this design giant has one of the most enviable client lists on the planet.

Headquarters: San Francisco

Locations: Bangkok, Beijing, Cape Town, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dubai, Geneva, Hamburg, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, London, Melbourne, Mexico City, Milan, Moscow, Mumbai, New York, Paris, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo

Notable clients: FedEx, P&G, BP, John Deere, Smirnoff, Kraft, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, BMW, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Moet & Chandon, MillerCoors, Tsingtao, Evian, Nescafe, Crest, Old Spice, PepsiCo, Vicks, Procter & Gamble, Cotton Inc, Juicy Couture, Levi Strauss, Rolex, 7 For All Mankind.

3. Meta Design

Identity: San Francisco Ballet (via MetaDesign)

One of the leading design firms in the world, Meta Design has crafted compelling brand experiences for more than 20 years. From reinventing Apple’s Mac OS design system to collaborating on Adobe’s packaging and identity, their caliber of work resonates on a global level that’s tough to match.

Headquarters: San Francisco

Locations: Zurich, Beijing, Berlin, Dusseldorf and Geneva

Notable clients: Adidas, AT&T, Apple, Adobe, AOL, Audi, Bank of America, Barclays, Belkin, Bugatti, Charles Schwab, Chevron, Cisco, Coca Cola Comcast, eBay, Expedia, FIFA, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Fujifilm, Fujitsu, Gap, Genentech, Hewlett-Packard, Inkling, Intel, Intuit, Kohler, Lamborghini, LG Electronics, Lufthansa, McAfee, McGraw Hill, Motorola, MTV, Netflix, Nike, Nokia, Polo Ralph Lauren, Samsung, Sony, Volkswagon, Walmart, Wells Fargo, Xerox, Yahoo!

4. Saffron Brand Consultants

Identity: Vueling airline (via Saffron)

Based in Madrid, Saffron Brand Consultants‘ approach is to help “transform brands and businesses with the clarity of rigorous thinking and the courage of bold ideas.” Started back in 2001, the firm has climbed its way to the top by embracing globalization and the potential of emerging markets.

Headquarters: Madrid

Offices: London, New York, Mumbai, Vienna and Istanbul

Notable clients: Goldman Sachs, West Bengal, London, Fujitsu, The Institute of Cancer Research, Vueling, CocaCola, V Festival

5. Happy Cog

Responsive design: Ben & Jerry’s website (via Happy Cog)

This New York-based firm was founded by web design guru Jeffrey Zeldman and has won more web design awards than just about anybody. Known for their engaging web environments, Happy Cog keeps their  high-profile clients happy with their impressive web design, development, and user experience consultancy.

In their own words, Happy Cog is the design studio “behind web standards, and the place where responsive design began.”

Headquarters: New York

Locations: Philadelphia and Austin

Notable clients: Ben & Jerry’s, MTV, Zappos.com, Fonts.com, Standford University, Thompson Reuters, Mozilla.org, Lagunitas Brewing Company

6. The Chase

Calendar design: BBC Wildlife Fund (via The Chase)

Currently ranked number one in 2013 by Design Week National Creative League Table and clocking more than 250 national and international awards, The Chase has garnered attention for their innovative corporate branding and print design. These self-proclaimed “creative consultants” offer an interesting sampling of skills including calendar design, museum exhibits, and sports stadium branding.

Headquarters: Manchester

Locations: Preston and London

Notable clients: Alibaba, Amnesty International, BBC, Disney, Fujitsu, Hewlett Packard, Shell, Smirnoff, Yellow Pages

7. Flux Design

Branding: Springhill Villas (via Flux)

Known as one of Jakarta’s premiere design agencies, Flux Design has a huge portfolio of work for international clients like Citibank and GE as well as branding for big companies throughout Indonesia.

Headquarters: Jakarta

Notable clients: Citibank, Bank of China, Allianz, GE, Bank Indonesia, Kresna, Bank Jabar, Bank Mandiri, Bank of Tokyo

8. Dessein 

Branding: Black Swan State Theatre (via Dessein)

For more than 25 years, this Western Australian boutique studio has proven that size doesn’t always matter. Recipients of numerous Creativity International awards (along with quite a few more), Dessein is regularly recognized for their work in design and packaging.

Headquarters: Perth

Notable clients: Cafe Corporate, Black Swan STC, Whiteman Park, Albany Entertainment Centre

9. Labbrand

Interactive app: China Sephora stores (via labbrand)

Labbrand is a leading China-originated brand consultancy that is known for helping global brands translate and build brand awareness in the Chinese consumer market.

Headquarters: Shanghai

Notable clients: Sephora, Continental, Four Seasons, Marvel, Gucci, Pepsi, Quicksilver, Colgate, Britta, Durex, Weight Watchers, Wrigley, Bacardi, Mercedes

10. Total Identity Group

Branding: Tour de France Grand Départ Utrecht 2015 (via Total Identity)

Based in Amsterdam, Total Identity is a design firm that has created branding solutions for Europe’s biggest clients for more than five decades. From their work for the Tour de France since the early 1960s to the redesign of the Dutch passport for the Dutch Ministry of the Interior, Total Identity boast an incredible portfolio.

Headquarters: Amsterdam

Locations: Amsterdam (Total Identity) and The Hague (Total Public) with representation in Antwerp (Total Gramma), Berlin and Braunschweig (wirDesign), Bremen (Sommer) and Seoul (CDR Korea)

Notable clients: Tour de France, Amsterdam Fashion Week, LG, Bavaria brewery, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, World Expo (Osaka), Dutch Ministry of the Interior, Royal Dutch Airlines

11. Litmus Branding

Brand identity: Indus Travels (via Litmus)

A Branding and design agency based in  India, Litmus Branding‘s motto is to “make your brand strategy simple” – not that simplicity doesn’t mean hard work. Beyond brand strategy, web design and print work they’ve managed to knock out more than 400 logos in three years (that’s two per week!). They have a sizable portfolio of Indian clients as well as companies from all over the world.

Headquarters: Ahmedabad

Notable clients: Indus Travels, America Solar Clean Energy, Malaysia Kargo, Green Products, Luxor, C|Max

 12. Casa Rex

Packaging design: Skyy Vodka promotion (via Casa Rex)

Casa Rex is a São Paulo-based, design firm that’s received accolades from all the heavy-hitters – Communication Arts, Core77, Good, HOW and many more. Headed by Gustavo Piqueira (who’s won 200+ international design awards, himself), the firm has mastered everything from typefaces and homeware to environmental projects and cutting-edge branding.

Headquarters: São Paulo

Locations: London

Notable clients: Dove, Unilever, Suave, Campari, Skyy Vodka, Burger King, Axe, Hellmann’s, Tresemme, and Magnum

13. Brandient

Identity redesign: Rugby Romania (via Brandient)

Headquartered in Bucharest, Brandient design firm delivers branding solutions for a variety of big Romanian companies as well as entrepreneurs and start-ups. They pride themselves in succeeding in “difficult markets” with a multidisciplinary approach that bridges marketing and business with creative thinking.

Headquarters: Bucharest

Locations: Singapore

Notable clients: CEC Bank, Dedeman, Domo, Vodafone, Nextebank, Bitdefender

14.  ID & B 

Sub-brand identity: Virgin (via ID&B)

Headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, the ID&B design firm boasts an impressive portfolio of branding work and communications design. Started back in 2005, ID&B’s work ranges from small niche projects to brand strategy for some of the world’s biggest companies.

Headquarters: Cape Town

Notable clients: Virgin, IntelX, Dr Hauschka Skincare, Coca-Cola, The Presidency Republic of South Africa

15.  Eat Creative

Branding campaign: TEDxTokyo conference (via Eat Creative)

A Tokyo-based design firm, Eat Creative specializes in branding, web design, print and content creation. With more than 10 years of experience in the Japanese marketplace, they’re no stranger to the importance of adapting to different cultural points of view – especially when introducing a Western brand.

Headquarters: Tokyo

Locations: Zurich

Notable clients: Gap China, Volkswagen Japan, InterContinental, TEDxTokyo, Khiels, Deutsche Bank, ASICS

Culled from: http://99designs.com