This website is using an adaptation of the 960 Grid System by Nathan Smith. The other css grid framework that is easily available is BluePrint. The 960 Grid System is lighter weight and easier to use while Blueprint is perhaps more fully realized.
This layout uses a 16 column grid of 40 pixels per column with 10 pixel margins on either side. The main content area is 13 columns or 760 pixels wide. This is easily divided into sub-columns as needed using the extant css. Consideration to all image sizes has not yet been implemented.
While it works well enough for this particular implementation, there is still much to do with regard to adapting it to all aspects of my content management system. Once I have created html templates to adapt the CMS core files to this system, I will work on a Joomla plug-in to make the grid system easy to use for designers that are not fully invested in CSS coding. Unfortunately, my spare time is limited right now and it may take a while to get to this.
(Use the banner links above to see grid.)
The baseline grid for this site is not perfect. We are using pixel font sizes to align things to an 18 pixel line-height. This works OK in the most modern browsers but is not really satisfactory in IE6. FireFox, Opera and IE7 now use a full page zoom method to increase font size. This keeps the baseline grid working. Safari, along with pretty much all older browsers do not do this, and the grid breaks down when zooming. I have decided that this is an acceptably graceful degradation in this case.
In order to make the typographic baseline work precisely in all modern browsers, it would be necessary to convert the font specifications to em's rather than pixels. This is called an elastic grid. Making an elastic grid requires quite a bit more time and effort, as well as quite a bit more code in the end product. There is an excellent framework for doing just this: Typegridography by Harry Roberts. This functionality also exists in the BluePrint framework.
It may generally be worthwhile to do this for the Safari user. The decision not to do so was based on time priorities coupled with the fact that not many pages on this particular site would make extensive use of the baseline alignment.
This site was pro-bono for the Panicking Poultry 5K Run/Walk, Boulder Colorado's race to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Originally designed -on the fly and in a rush- for the 2007 event, this site was in need of total re-design. By this year the site requirements had become much clearer. With a better idea of how the site was meant to be used and who was responsible for managing the content, I was able to not only re-design the look, but also re-organize the entire back end so someone unfamiliar with the technology could manage it easily.
The challenge here was to create a website that was flexible and easy to maintain, but retained an "amateur" feel.
Aikido of Fremont is a website for disseminating information about a martial arts community. we wanted to keep the intimate, low-tech feel of the old website yet use a content management system that made it easy to work with. The clients customers appreciate a homey, un-intimidating look that conveys the feeling that Aikido of Fremont is about people getting together for a very physical group activity. It is not about playing by yourself on the computer.
The design that fit that bill is easy to update with the latest dojo news. With the addition of a gallery component, it is easy to add photos from the ongoing dojo events, seminars, and parties.
Alpine Luminary is a small local business that that makes candles, lamps, sconces and other decorative pieces using native flora.
This client needed a website that allowed for growth in content, and for the addition of a web-based shopping cart. They are not yet ready to take on the web fulfillment aspects of sales, but the functionality had to be easy to implement for the future.
I designed a complete logo and Joomla! template that works with the product while providing a structured contrast to convey a sense of business stability and professionalism. The site is simple and easy to navigate, yet provides all of the Joomla! flexibility and extensibility that the future could require.
We also provided training in the administration of the website so that one non-technology oriented person, with little web experience could maintain and update the site herself.
BoulderPets.net
Competitive Edge Hockey is a local Boulder company providing coaching, practice sessions, training, camps, and other events related to improving your skating and hockey skills.
I provided them with a website that could be managed and updated without having anyone on staff who knows how to code or script for the web. I am available to provide any special support should the need arise.
Digital Mastery is the website of Ben Willmore, the photoshop guru who spends his time delivering Photoshop enlightenment to the masses through books, DVDs, seminars and conferences.
I worked with DigitalMastery to transition their original HTML website to a new, updated look using a modern, dynamic content management system.
I provided technical support with developing complex website functionality and design, moving it from the test phase to a live site on a new host, and ongoing telephone support, suggestions, and troubleshooting.
Scott Jurdem is a well know lawyer in the Denver area. When he decided to break with his partners and work independently he contacted Canyon Computer Services to design and set up all his computer needs. Working with his assistant, I was responsible for the design and implimantation of the new website as well as his logo, letterhead and business cards.
Using information from his previous partnership site, I not only designed the site and collateral, but also worked on the content and organization.
Shawna Phillips is a homeopath in Boulder CO. She needed a website to refer clients to both for her own business information and for general education about health and homeopathy.
Working closely with her, we came up with a solution which she can administer and update herself. This includes educational materials, an introduction to her business, contact info, a private log-in area from which clients can get forms, questionnaires, other pre-appointment materials and more.
This website was constructed using Open-realty, a free open source content management system for real-estate websites.
Working closely with the client and on a tight budget, I set up the website and designed and implemented the template. I also provided a number of lead generation forms which send a simple e-mail to the Realtor when a visitor fills out a request form for MLS searches, estimates of their current home value, or mortgage inquiries.
EdZorenskyStudio.com was built start to finish, including the logo, design, organization and implementation, by Jonathan Lewis working closely with the client. The client came to us with a well defined set of parameters and a general idea of the color palette to be used. There were however some technical problems with implementing those ideas and Jonathan worked with him to implement a more standards compliant method where acceptable, and technical hacks where necessary. We continue to support this site with advice and updates whenever needed.