30+ Business & Corporate Report Templates for InDesign & Photoshop – Speckyboy

Business reports can span a wide array of use cases. You need everything from large annual reports to single-page product sheets. Not to mention all manner of niche documents.

There’s often a time crunch when putting these reports together. That means less time for crafting a detail-oriented design from scratch. So, how can you balance the need for efficiency and a great look?

The business and corporate report templates in this collection are the perfect solution. They’re predesigned and built for customization and work with popular Adobe apps, including InDesign and Photoshop.

Check out the options below, choose your favorites, and customize them to match your brand. It’s an easy way to speed up your workflow. The time you save will help you hit those deadlines. What’s more, you can use these templates again and again.

Corporate Report Templates

Create beautiful multi-page books and brochures with these corporate report templates. They feature a variety of professional designs and paper sizes. Each can be customized with your organization’s logo, colors, and content.

Annual Report Templates

An organization’s annual report should have a clean and easy-to-read layout. That’s exactly what you’ll find in this collection. Readers will appreciate the top-notch typography and colorful charts that guide them through the document.

Sales & Data Sheet Templates

Use these sales and data sheet templates to give customers the information they need in style. Include product specifications to help them make the choice. And don’t forget to include plenty of photos. These templates have space for both!

Cashflow Report Templates

Every business needs to know where they stand financially. The templates here offer a clean and concise design and are perfect for sharing those important figures. Add your data and provide readers with a clear picture.

Business Plan Templates

A great business plan also needs a compelling design. Readers need to know what makes your company great and how you’ll achieve your goals. Use these templates to bring your business plan to life by taking advantage of their stunning looks and impressive layouts.

Take Your Reports to the Next Level with Ease

Reports are essential to running any business. Stakeholders need to know about profits, project status, and upcoming plans. There’s so much information to communicate.

These publications must also look professional and accurately represent your brand. It’s a tall order for any graphic designer.

The templates in this collection do the heavy lifting for you. They allow you to focus on the task at hand. You don’t need to work harder – just smarter!


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25+ Essential Event Stationery Templates for InDesign & Photoshop – Speckyboy

Putting together an in-person event can be a huge job. For example, consider all the printed stationery you’ll need.

First, you’ll need materials to promote the event like posters and brochures. They’re important tools for spreading the word and attracting attendees.

From there, it’s all about giving attendees the materials they need to enjoy the event. Think of tickets, badges, and name cards. These items are essential for getting in the door and helping guests get to know each other.

Then there are event calendars and programs. They serve as a guide to what’s happening and are a place to showcase sponsors.

That’s a lot of materials to put together. Using a high-quality InDesign or Photoshop template can help make quick work of the task. They already include great design and beautiful typography. Customize them to match your needs and have them printed. Just think of the time you’ll save!

We’ve put together a collection of outstanding event stationery templates. You’ll find everything you need to promote your get-together and inform guests. Look through the options and find the one that works for you.

Event Calendar & Program Templates

Calendars and programs are sure to be used a lot. Attendees will carry them around and frequently check to see what’s happening. As such, you’ll want this stationery to be easy to read and informative.

Event Pass & Ticket Templates

Tickets and passes serve a functional purpose by allowing attendees to enter your event. There’s also a promotional side, though. A well-designed ticket will reflect your brand and help generate anticipation. Their look should complement the rest of your print materials.

Name Card Templates

Help attendees get to know each other with an attractive and informative name card template. You might go the extra mile by adding attendee photos, website URLs, and social media handles. It’s a simple way for people to connect.

Lanyard & Badge Templates

Use a matching lanyard and badge template to create a cohesive branding experience. These items can sometimes be an afterthought. However, going the extra mile here says a lot about your professionalism and attention to detail.

Event Poster & Brochure Templates

An attention-getting poster or brochure is a great way to educate people about your event. Use these templates to highlight special guests and provide all the relevant details. Print plenty of flyers so that those interested can grab one.

Make Your Next Event a Hit

The right stationery can go a long way in promoting your event and satisfying your guests. But starting from scratch can also be a long and expensive proposition.

Thankfully, the templates above can save you time and money. They already feature breathtaking designs. Plus, they’re easy to customize. That means you can have a print-ready document within minutes.

So, download your favorite templates and fire up InDesign or Photoshop. You’ll be well on your way to a successful production!


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20+ Portfolio Video Templates for Creatives in 2024 – Speckyboy

A compelling portfolio is an important part of every designer’s promotional material. Potential clients and employers will use it to judge your skill level. It could be the difference in whether they contact you.

With that in mind, why not go all out? For example, employing video is a great way to grab a viewer’s attention. You can make something unique – a memorable experience that beats a plain old website.

Starting a video package from scratch can be tedious. But the right video template can help you get off to a roaring start. Start up your editing software, make a few customizations, and you’ve got an attractive presentation.

We’ve put together this collection of amazing portfolio video templates. They offer a professional look and are all easy to customize. You’ll find options for After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro. Take your portfolio design to the next level!

Portfolio Templates for After Effects

Professional Portfolio Pack for After Effects

Use this portfolio template to add a clean and modern look to your presentation. It’s versatile and can be used to showcase different types of projects. Complete with snappy animations, you’ll be sure to keep viewers engaged.

Professional Portfolio Pack for After Effects

Modern Portfolio & Promo Template for After Effects

Add your photos and text to bring this video to life. There is space to include your skills, along with a short biography. It’s an easy way to introduce yourself to potential clients.

Modern Portfolio & Promo Template for After Effects

Black & White Animated Portfolio Template for After Effects

Want to make a strong first impression? This Ultra HD (3840×2160) black and white video template has everything you need. It features a modular structure for easier edits and includes a detailed tutorial. Combine fast-paced animation with classic looks.

Black & White Animated Portfolio Template for After Effects

Creative Portfolio Promo Template for After Effects

Bright and colorful, this video template will show off your resume in style. It includes several professional-grade animation effects and transitions. Customize the video by adding your photo and listing your skills.

Creative Portfolio Promo Template for After Effects

Professional Photography Portfolio Template for After Effects

Share your best images with this incredible photography portfolio template. There’s room for over 100 photos and over a dozen text placeholders. Put your photos into motion and wow your visitors.

Professional Photography Portfolio Template for After Effects

Portfolio & Resume Video Template for After Effects

This template includes 10+ unique slides to show your skills and past projects. Use the included tutorial to learn how to swap colors, images, and more. You’ll have a video that represents your personal brand in no time.

Portfolio & Resume Video Template for After Effects

Portfolio Templates for DaVinci Resolve

Colorful Portfolio Presentation Template for DaVinci Resolve

This template uses bold colors and precise movement to create a professional look. The special effects will keep viewers glued to the screen. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to make a statement with their portfolio.

Colorful Portfolio Presentation Template for DaVinci Resolve

Creative Folds Portfolio Template for DaVinci Resolve

Geometric shapes play a huge role in this portfolio template. Each slide features ultra-smooth animation and attention-getting effects. There’s never a dull moment – making this presentation a hit with potential clients and employers.

Creative Folds Portfolio Template for DaVinci Resolve

Portfolio Slides Video Template for DaVinci Resolve

Use this template to add a touch of fun and personality to your portfolio. It features hand-drawn elements and typography. The vibe is perfect for visual artists and illustrators who want to connect with viewers on a personal level.

Portfolio Slides Video Template for DaVinci Resolve

Photography Portfolio Video Template for DaVinci

Attractive and to the point, this video template makes it easy to tell your story. You’ll find a clean, modern look and plenty of space to add custom text and images. The modular structure means an easier editing experience.

Photography Portfolio Video Template for DaVinci

Portfolio Templates for Premiere Pro

Professional Photographer Portfolio Template for Premier Pro

Colorful and creative, you can use this template to create a top-notch portfolio presentation. List your skills, show off past projects, and captivate your audience. The aesthetic is unique and easy on the eyes.

Professional Photographer Portfolio Template for Premier Pro

Elegant Fashion Portfolio Template for Premiere Pro

This template is aimed at fashion designers, photographers, and other creative professionals. Clever use of color and typography makes it easy for your work to take center stage. It’s a great choice for those looking to project a modern lifestyle.

Elegant Fashion Portfolio Template for Premiere Pro

Portfolio & Promo Template for Premiere Pro

Create a compelling video portfolio presentation with this template for Premiere Pro. It combines rounded shapes with beautifully synchronized motion for a contemporary look. Customize it with your images and text to boost your brand.

Portfolio & Promo Template for Premiere Pro

Various Portfolio Titles Template for Premiere Pro

Use this set of slick video slides to share your biography and past projects. The template features plenty of animation effects while allowing your content to stand out. Viewers will appreciate this simple and enticing presentation.

Various Portfolio Titles Template for Premiere Pro

Photography Portfolio MOGRT for Premiere Pro

Make your photography the center of attention with this high-octane video template. You’ll find a minimalist approach to text with fast-paced photo collages. The result is an entertaining way to introduce your work to the world.

Photography Portfolio MOGRT for Premiere Pro

Resume & CV Presentation Template for Premiere Pro

Bold typography and smooth transitions make this template a winner. It’s the perfect fit for displaying your skills and work experience. There’s also room to feature your past projects as well.

Resume & CV Presentation Template for Premiere Pro

Portfolio Templates for Final Cut Pro

Stylish Portfolio Slideshow Template for Final Cut Pro

Here’s a template that features 4k resolution and magical effects. Use it to showcase your photography, videos, or graphic design work. The muted colors and fun personality make it an excellent choice for artists.

Stylish Portfolio Slideshow Template for Final Cut Pro

Urban Portfolio Slides Video Template for Final Cut Pro

Serious retro-futuristic vibes are coming from this video template. Dark backgrounds are mixed with neon text to make your message loud and clear. Add your best projects and take viewers back to the future.

Urban Portfolio Slides Video Template for Final Cut Pro

Animated Portfolio Lower Thirds for Final Cut Pro

Let your projects do the talking with this slick lower-thirds template. It offers outstanding typography and supports 4k video. Choose from seven animated lower-third presentations and customize the colors to match your brand.

Animated Portfolio Lower Thirds for Final Cut Pro

Web Portfolio Video Template for Final Cut Pro

This template is perfect for web designers, with space to share your favorite work. It includes classic film and glitch effects that look amazing but won’t overwhelm viewers. Use it to bring your website portfolio to life.

Web Portfolio Video Template for Final Cut Pro

Do More with Your Online Portfolio

The video templates above are an opportunity to do more with your portfolio. They add another dimension to your work and offer a different way to reach prospective clients. It’s something you can share and update as your career evolves.

Ready to take that next step? Start experimenting and see how video can improve your visibility.


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30+ Essential Wedding Stationery Templates for Photoshop – Speckyboy

Weddings are joyous occasions that create fond memories. It’s one reason why we love to hang on to keepsakes from the day. Each memento is a reminder of good times.

Perhaps there’s no better keepsake than wedding stationery. The feel of the paper, the elegant fonts, and the carefully selected color scheme tell a story. It’s no wonder we put so much effort into making them perfect.

These projects can be time-consuming for graphic designers. But don’t worry – we can help you get off to a fast start.

Below is a curated collection of wedding stationery templates for Adobe Photoshop. They cover a variety of styles – you’re sure to find one that matches your needs. Plus, they’re easy to edit and customize to your heart’s content.

Find your favorite template, and you’ll have everything you need to create a precious keepsake in no time!

Wedding Stationery Collections for Photoshop

Are you looking for a perfectly coordinated set of wedding stationery templates? The following collections have you covered with templates for save-the-date cards, invitations, RSVPs, menus, thank-you notes, and more. These professionally-designed templates will help you every step of the way.

Wedding Invitation Photoshop Templates

Invite friends and family in style with these beautiful wedding invitation templates. You’ll find everything from classic to modern looks here. Some packages come with extras, such as alternate styles and additional types of stationery.

Save the Date Card Templates for Photoshop

These save-the-date card templates are the perfect way to share happy news! Included are ready-to-mail postcards and standalone options. You’ll even find templates that use custom shapes. There’s something for every taste. Use your favorite to build anticipation for the big day.

Wedding RSVP Card Photoshop Templates

Dress up your RSVP cards with these stunning templates. There are great options whether you prefer to send a postcard or a traditional card in an envelope. Customize them to the happy couple’s specifications and start creating memories.

Wedding Thank You Card Photoshop Templates

These templates provide an elegant way to say “thanks” to guests. Type a message or, even better, handwrite something personal. It’s something loved ones will cherish for years to come. And it’s another way to mark a special event.

Wedding Photo Album Templates for Photoshop

A photo album is the perfect way to look back in time. Each of these Photoshop templates can be customized with your photography and text. Have an album professionally printed, and it can be passed on to each generation.

Create Beautiful Wedding Stationery

Establishing the perfect look for your wedding stationery project can be a challenge. There are so many types of documents and endless possibilities. Luckily, the Photoshop templates in this collection make your job much easier.

Find the options that interest you and start experimenting. Here’s hoping you create something that captures the magic of the day!

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How to Manage Your Website’s Technical Debt – Speckyboy

The web seems to move at the speed of light. The tools and best practices we use today will soon be outdated. It’s a vicious cycle we repeat again and again.

That often leaves us with some form of technical debt. It could be a WordPress theme that isn’t compatible with the latest version of PHP. Or a hacked-together layout that won’t adapt to future needs. The worst case is software that is no longer supported.

It will impact every website sooner or later. There are ways to manage or even prevent it, though.

So, how do you keep technical debt from becoming a nightmare? Let’s review a few tips for minimizing the impact.


Build with Sustainability in Mind

The first step is to reduce the chances for technical debt to take hold. In practice, it’s about building with sustainability in mind.

There are several things you can do. For one, use tools that are popular and well-maintained. It’s not a guarantee of smooth sailing. It does increase the chances of future viability, though.

Let’s use WordPress as an example. The content management system (CMS) has existed for over 20 years. It is continually updated. A large ecosystem of themes and plugins is also thriving.

Perhaps there’s another CMS that catches your eye. It hit the market only recently – there aren’t many users yet.

There’s nothing wrong with this new CMS. But is it sustainable? Only time will tell. Therefore, it may not be the best long-term solution. Using it comes with some level of risk.

Best practices also guard against technical debt. Use the latest standards when writing code. Don’t rely on CSS hacks to build layouts. Comment your code and take detailed notes.

The idea is to think about the present and future. That could save you some headaches down the road.

A sustainable approach can reduce technical debt.

Perform Regular Audits of Your Website

The status of your stack can change in an instant. Thus, it’s a good idea to perform regular audits.

A website audit should cover both hardware and software. On the hardware side, make sure your web hosting is still viable. Check your site’s performance and resource usage. The results should tell you if you need to upgrade.

You’ll also want to look closely at the software you’re using. Start with the server’s OS. Move on to versions of PHP, MySQL, or whatever you have in place. These items are crucial to your site’s well-being.

From there, it’s time to look at your CMS, themes, and plugins. Also, review any software dependencies – JavaScript libraries are a good example.

Look for outdated items. Are updates available? Is it still actively maintained?

This process will help you identify potential problems. From there, you can take action.

So, how often should you audit your site? A yearly review is fine for small websites. Large and mission-critical sites would benefit from biannual or quarterly inspections.

Performing an audit can help you identify potential issues before they impact your website.

Use Change as an Opportunity

Perhaps you found an item or two that needs addressing. That’s OK – change is inevitable!

The good news is that change also presents an opportunity. You can reassess how your website is working. There is a chance to build a more stable foundation for the future.

In some cases, you may have to swap one item for another. For example, maybe a WordPress plugin you use has been abandoned.

Now is the time to find a replacement that will offer better longevity. It’s also possible that you no longer need what the old plugin offers. That’s one way to reduce technical debt.

You might also need to modernize your code. We often do this when dealing with PHP compatibility issues.

It’s not only a chance to use the latest version of PHP. You can also look for ways to improve functionality and security. After all, reviewing the code you wrote years ago can show how far you’ve come. There’s a chance to build it better and stronger.

You can do more than bring your website up to date. You can also make forward-thinking changes. The hope is that you can lessen the technical debt you have today – and for the future.

Addressing technical debt is an opportunity to reduce future issues.

Take Control of Your Site’s Technical Debt

Every website will deal with technical debt. That’s part of its lifecycle.

The difference is in how much debt you’ll face. Critical thinking early in the site-building process can reduce your burden. To that end, always search for the most stable and functional solution.

Changes will come eventually. That’s an opportunity to recalibrate your approach. You can review what works and what doesn’t. The lessons you learn will come in handy as your site evolves.

The key is to think about each step you take. Consider how it will impact your site today, tomorrow, and a year from now.

You probably won’t eliminate the need for change. However, you can learn how to make change more manageable.

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How Microsoft’s TorchGeo Streamlines Geospatial Data for Machine Learning Experts

In today’s data-driven world, geospatial information is essential for gaining insights into climate change, urban growth, disaster management, and global security. Despite its vast potential, working with geospatial data presents significant challenges due to its size, complexity, and lack of standardization. Machine learning can analyze these…

Those Non-Design Technologies Web Designers Need to Know – Speckyboy

We call ourselves web designers and developers. However, the job often goes beyond those narrow margins.

Freelancers and small agencies deal with a range of non-design and coding issues. We become the first person our clients contact when they have a question. It happens – even when we aren’t directly involved with the subject matter.

  • I just received this message from Google. What does it mean?
  • Why can’t I receive email from my website?
  • My website was hacked. Help!

Yes, we are the catch-all technical support representatives. No matter the problem, web designers are the solution. That’s what some clients think, at least.

We’re often the link between clients and technology. And perhaps we shouldn’t try to tackle every problem. But it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on a few non-design technologies.

With that in mind, here are a few areas that web designers should study. You know, just in case.


SEO & Site Indexing Basics

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a niche unto itself. Some professionals specialize in making sure websites are indexed and rank well.

That doesn’t stop clients from asking their web designer, though. Site owners want to rank highly in Google search results. And they are often in the dark about how to do it.

To that end, it’s worth learning the basics of SEO. Even if the subject makes your skin crawl.

You’ll be able to explain the hows and whys to clients. That will help them make more informed decisions about content. They may decide to jump in feet first with an SEO professional.

Clients will ask you about SEO. A little background knowledge makes you look smart!

SEO Resources

Understanding how search engines work can benefit you and your clients.

DNS & Email Delivery

Launching or moving a website often includes changing a domain’s DNS settings. These settings ensure that the site directs users to the right place.

DNS is much more than that, though. There are also settings for configuring email as well. That has become a hot topic these days.

Email providers are increasingly requiring domain owners to verify their properties. Domains without DKIM, DMARC, or SPF records may have email delivery issues. For example, Gmail blocks email from unauthenticated domains.

What does this have to do with web design? Well, websites with contact forms can fall victim to these issues. The same goes for eCommerce websites. An unauthenticated domain means clients and users will miss these emails.

Now is the time to learn how DNS works. You’ll want to pay special attention to email. Clients without an IT department may need your help ensuring smooth email delivery.

DNS & Email Resources

Email deliverability issues can be prevented by adding domain verification records.

Security for Websites and Beyond

We live in an age of online insecurity. Malicious actors don’t take a minute off. Instead, they continue to wreak havoc.

Sure, we talk about web security quite a bit. And we try our best to build a virtual mote around websites. But websites are still being compromised.

We’re learning that security goes deeper than installing updates or tweaking .htaccess files. The fitness of a user’s device also plays a role.

Stolen session cookies are a prime example. Hackers can grab them off of a compromised device. A “bulletproof” website is no match for a phone with an info stealer installed. They can waltz right in and do whatever they want.

Understanding how device security impacts the web is crucial. It’s something that can benefit us and our clients. After all, a single weak link can break the chain.

Website Security Resources

Websites are under a constant threat from hackers.

Command Line Tools

Some of us cringe at the mere thought of using a command line tool. Hasn’t that stuff gone the way of the dinosaur?

Nothing could be further from the truth. Command line tools like WordPress CLI remain popular. Why is that? It’s all about power and efficiency.

The command line doesn’t have the overhead of a graphical user interface (GUI). Thus, it handles bulk operations faster. For example, you can perform a search-and-replace operation on a database more quickly.

You can also do a lot of behind-the-scenes work with your web server. The command line may be the only way to run specific tasks.

It’s worth brushing up on command-line operations. They are a huge time saver in the right circumstances.

Command Line Resources

Command line tools are still a popular way to perform tasks.

Become a More Well-Rounded Web Designer

The skills above are all adjacent to web design. And the need for this knowledge is growing.

Perhaps that has always been the case with SEO. Meanwhile, security and DNS seem to be just about mandatory these days.

Working with clients means you inevitably will face questions about these subjects. Freelancers and small agencies don’t always have an expert within reach. So, it’s up to us to find answers.

The command line is more about adding another tool to your toolbox. The improved efficiency will benefit you. And the result is better service for your clients.

Web designers tend to be specialists. We focus on the front-end or back-end. But the more we know, the more well-rounded we become.

It’s one way to stay on the cutting edge of the industry for years to come.

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Beautiful Poster Art Created with CSS & JavaScript – Speckyboy

Posters are among the most common art forms. You probably had a few of them on your wall as a child. They cover the full spectrum of people, places, and events.

They also serve as an inspiration for web designers. Their use of color and typography is part of how we see the world. We can see the impact all over the web.

What’s more, we can recreate and enhance the experience online. Goodies like 3D effects and animation bring posters to life. There’s also an element of interactivity. That can be just as powerful as a bold layout.

We wanted to see how designers are using their creativity. So, we perused the archives of CodePen for beautiful poster art. Here are some examples that use CSS, JavaScript, and other technologies. Enjoy!


Furiosa 3D Animated CSS Poster by Olivier 3lanc

Talk about a poster that’s brimming with life! This 3D rendering places the movie’s characters in a cut-out. The entire presentation looks like a diorama. Everything is powered by CSS – no JavaScript in sight.

See the Pen FURIOSA 3D Animated Poster by Olivier 3lanc

Replicating & Animating Zürich Tonhalle’s Poster by Jon Yablonski

This snippet is part of a project that recreates iconic posters. The beauty here is in the minimal layout and bold typography. Animated lines add a modern touch to this classic.

See the Pen Zürich Tonhalle (1955) by Jon Yablonski

CSS Grid Poster Exercise by Victoria Bergquist

A combination of Flexbox and CSS Grid fuels this example. The variation of shapes would seem nearly impossible to do without these tools. The included splash of color makes for a compelling result.

See the Pen CSS Grid Poster Exercise 1 by Victoria Bergquist

Donkey Kong Poster Collection by Daniel Fontes

Here’s a fun tribute to the past. Gamers will instantly recognize this series of images from Donkey Kong. The classic video game posters feature a fun lighting feature. Tug on the chain to illuminate your favorite poster. Bonus points for the flicker effect!

See the Pen Donkey Kong – a small poster collection by Daniel Fontes

PPL MVR CSS & SVG Poster Designby Kristopher Van Sant

Band posters are a common theme among designers. Perhaps that’s because so many of us have them on our walls. This animated sequence takes inspiration from print artwork. And it’s another example of what CSS is capable of.

See the Pen PPL MVR by Kristopher Van Sant

Grid Duotone Gradient Poster Design by Cassie Evans

The power of CSS Grid is real. The poster is beautiful and complex. Most impressively, the styles consist of less than 200 lines. A little code and a lot of imagination can go a long way.

See the Pen Grid Poster by Cassie Evans

Grunge Poster with the Wave Motion Effect by ilithya

Who can resist the retro vibes coming from this poster? It captures the look of the 1990s – complete with raining triangles. Move your cursor to change the perspective of the photo. It’s a far-out experience, for sure.

See the Pen Grunge Poster by ilithya

The Matrix Resurrections Digital Poster by Sparklingman

The Matrix movie series is known for a different kind of rain. This digital poster may appear simple. However, clicking on it shifts the green and black pattern. The effect is subtle – but fits beautifully with the movie’s aesthetic.

See the Pen The Matrix Resurrections | Sparklingman digital poster #026 by Sparklingman

A New Take on a Classic Art Form

The examples above combine classic print sensibilities with online capabilities. It’s a fun exercise that goes beyond what’s hanging on your wall.

We may think of posters as being simplistic. But they also open a world of possibilities for designers. Thus, we can take this inspiration and run with it.

For example, posters may help us rethink traditional web layouts. Elements like vertical text and unique container shapes come to mind. They can serve as a launching pad for ideas.

Want to see more examples of online poster art? Check out our CodePen collection!

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From Atari to Doom: How Google is Redefining Video Games with AI

The video game industry, now worth $347 billion, has grown into a significant player in the entertainment world, engaging more than three billion people globally. What started with straightforward titles like Pong and Space Invaders has evolved into more sophisticated games like Doom, which set new…

Aspects of the Early Web I’d Like to See Come Back – Speckyboy

The early web (we’ll define it as 1995 – 2005) was an adventurous place. The narrative was that anyone could participate in this new medium. Thus, it attracted an eclectic mix of creators.

We tend to look back to these days with some cringe. Yes, the design and technology of that era were lacking. And there were very few standards to speak of. But there were also plenty of positives.

I’m biased – my web design journey began in this era. Therefore, I have a lot of nostalgia. I’ve written about it a time or 10.

But there are things I miss about those days. Practices and ideas that defined the enthusiasm of the time. Things that have long since faded.

As such, here are some parts of the early web I’d like to see come back – even if only for a day!


The Absence of Big Data

So-called big data wasn’t prevalent in the 90s. Google would plant those seeds in the decade. However, the web was yet to be controlled by trackers and algorithms.

Perhaps we didn’t have the same level of personalization. So what? The side benefit was a lack of manipulation.

We still saw this in the early days of Facebook and Twitter. Remember when your feeds were all in real time? It provided a sense of witnessing things as they happened.

Early search engines had similar perks. You were likely served the same results as someone on the other side of the world. Less convenient? Sure. But also less intrusive.

What we see now is ultimately controlled by companies. We don’t necessarily see the best search results. We see whatever Google’s algorithm deems appropriate.

Social media companies make it harder to view your feeds in chronological order. And advertisements are a little too personal, in my opinion.

It’s easy to understand why things have changed. Manipulating users is a profitable business. Plus, advertisers want to target specific audiences.

Still, I miss the days when the web had more randomness. Stumbling upon something new seems like a lost art.

Google's early days weren't dominated by big data.

The Simplicity of Website Design & Structure

“Things were simpler back then.” That’s a common refrain when adults talk about their childhood. I think it also applies to web design and structure.

There’s a good reason for that simplicity. HTML was basic. CSS didn’t even exist for part of this time. And there was only so much we could do with the day’s technology.

I can’t deny the prevalence of poor design. Web design was new. We were all amateurs in a sense. I played a role in making the place a bit unruly!

Even so, the limitations were often a good thing. The dangers of overcomplicating things became apparent. Designers eventually learned that simplicity was better for everyone.

On the other hand, we had very few standards or best practices. Things like performance, security, and accessibility received little consideration.

Today, we tend to overcomplicate things as a default. We use heavy content management systems (CMS) for brochure sites. We make a mess of security. And we use DIY tools without much thought about portability or ownership.

Perhaps the good parts of modern design can stay. But how about a resurgence of simplicity?

Early web designers had to navigate technical limitations.

The Impact of the Solo Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is still possible on the web. It’s the idea that an individual can make an impact with their creativity. That could be a product, service, or even great content.

I think it has become harder for individuals to succeed, though. There are too many mountains to climb.

Those algorithms make it harder to gain visibility. And there are so many people (and bots) competing for attention.

Not to say it was easy back in the day. But originality tended to shine through. Oddities like the Million Dollar Homepage are a prime example.

Early bloggers also had an opportunity to find a core audience. They built niche online communities dedicated to a shared interest.

Tools like WordPress make it easier to self-publish content. But reaching people has become a full-time job. Creators must often rely on sponsors and product placement to gain traction.

It used to be possible for content to spread organically. Search engines weren’t prioritizing big sites over small ones. Thus, anyone had a shot to be seen by potential followers.

What started as a side gig could turn into something more. That’s still possible in theory.

YouTube and TikTok are the flavors of the minute for this. But they are walled gardens. Doing something similar on an open platform is daunting.

Early web entrepreneurs benefitted from a nascent market.

The Freedom to Create and Connect

I love to think of the early web as uncharted territory. We couldn’t look to the past when populating this new medium. So, we made it up as we went along.

There were positives and negatives about this. Even then, some used the web for nefarious purposes. But they seemed like dark corners that were avoidable.

The bigger picture was all about freedom. Anyone could create and publish content. And the web would be a vehicle to make positive connections with others.

There was talk of the great potential it held for society. People without a voice suddenly gained one.

The biggest impediment at the time was access to technology. But that could be resolved through cheaper devices and widespread internet. The sky was the limit.

I believed in the web as a change agent. And that the world would be better for these newfound connections.

We haven’t quite gotten there. Repressive regimes have stifled free speech. Bot farms spread misinformation and create division. Large corporations make the rules with little oversight.

The web didn’t become a whole new world. It instead became a reflection of the one we already had.

Say it isn’t so, Tim Berners-Lee.

The web was once hailed as a beacon of free expression.

Letting the Past Guide Us

Here’s the good news: We now have a past era to look to. We can use it as a guide when building the web’s future.

I don’t expect Google, Facebook, or Twitter/X to change their ways. Not without the mandate of a governing body. But we also don’t have to follow their lead.

Those of us who build and publish can keep the ideals of the early web alive. Think of them as small pockets of resistance.

How do we do it? We can start by embracing open tools and platforms. Use a browser that focuses on user privacy. Publish with a CMS that gives you ownership. Support decentralized systems like the Fediverse.

Most of all, pass these lessons to the next generation. They haven’t experienced a truly open web. Show them why it’s worth having.

Perhaps the web was bound to be changed for the worse. But we can still use our little corner of it as a beacon of light.

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