Properly Saved Web Graphics With Photoshop

Written by craig coffman

OxideDesign, here in Omaha, recently posted a very brief and useful article about how to save graphics properly for the web using Photoshop. I must confess that I was not aware of this method, but have tried it and agree that what you get is much closer to what you see. Granted, there will be some loss in image quality if you start optimizing below 100%. However, the colors hold much better than not doing these steps. The best thing is you do not need to buy Fireworks, which does make very nice images. In fact, there is a commment talking about this point. Four easy steps. Learn and enjoy.

The Page Group

Written by craig coffman

The Page Group is a marketing & branding firm located in the Washington, DC area. In 2008 they wanted to update their image. They had been online with the same site for far too long and, since I was serving as their Web Manager, we set to work. The work was a collaboration of design, web expertise, and messaging. The result is a beautiful Flash-driven site.

I took care of the coding, working with them through the motion and transitions. They were very keen on having lots of sliding bits and reveals, which were none too easy to pull off. In the end, though, the site pulled together with a sense of elegance and grace. Subtle clues towards places of interest and unobtrusive undertones.

Role: Design, Flash, actionscript, css.
Visit The Page Group Site

Minn Kota Motors

Written by craig coffman

Minn Kota Motors was in the process of developing a truly amazing site. They were trying to push the boundaries in both design and function, utilizing Flash, AJAX and some fancy CSS. I pitched in by creating the Flash for the Advantage section. I was responsible for writing code to parse JSON, dynamically include images and files as well as build out a navigation system. When all was said and done, one of the best names in Motors had an impressive site.

Role: Flash for this section, light styling.
Visit Minn Kota

University California, San Francisco, Police Department

Written by craig coffman

The University of California, San Francisco, Police Department needed someone to take their design and incorporate it into a Joomla CMS for ease of updating. I was charged with this task. I created a Joomla template, wrote the CSS and configured the Joomla CMS. They were even gracious enough to let me weigh in a little on the design.

Now they have an up-to-date site and and easy to manage system for thier content. It doesn't get much better than that.

Role: HTML, CSS, Joomla CMS.
Visit UCSF Police Department

George Washington University Publishing

Written by craig coffman

George Washington University wanted an updated site for their Publishing department, allowing them easy updates and an RSS aggregator. The result was building a template for the Drupal CMS and adding the requested features.

Role: HTML, CSS, Drupal CMS, light styling.
Visit GW Publishing

Scotts - Osmocote

Written by craig coffman

Scott's Osmocote had some Flash requirements wherein the site would randomly choose an image and the associated content on every load. As well, they required a Flash Video intro, with a custom interface, dropped into the site. There was also a need to have some CSS work done to complete the site's design.

Role: Flash pieces, light styling.
Visit Scott’s Osmocote

Susie Thorne

Written by craig coffman

Susie Thorne, an extremely talented Jazz Musician, wanted a site to reflect her warm, cabaret stylings. I shot most of the photos and then built her a Flash site, complete with an MP3 player and content easily updated by an external text file.

Role: Concept, design, Flash Code, Flash MP3 Player photography.
Visit Susie Thorne

California Foundation for Commerce and Education

Written by craig coffman

California Foundation for Commerce and Education needed thier design brought to life online. I gave them the HTML and CSS to make that happen.

Role: html / css code, light styling.
Visit California Foundation for Commerce and Education

Leupold

Written by craig coffman

I was asked to help out with the building of a Flash section to be included in the Leupold site. They required a fron page hero which took the visitor into a specific section. Once in the section, there needed to be a tabbed scrolling navigation. As well, each piece required a check to see if it was loading a Flash file, Flash video or a jpg. Then respond by writting the appropriate code. A custom skin for the video player, as well as actionscript controlled controls were thrown in to the mix.

All told, it is a very striking user experience.

Role: Actionscript.
Visit Leupold or Leupold Tactical
(the same modules are used through the main sections)

YWCA

Written by craig coffman

The National YWCA needed to update their image, and their usability. With only a branding guide to go from, this site was designed and built exceeding their expectations. The main challenge was grouping their volumous data into easily understood categories. Then make it simple to find and access.

Mission accomplished.

Role: Concept, oversee design, code, style.
Visit YWCA