Technology means “science of craft”, and it is what this category is all about. Here you will find articles covering technological advances, innovations, and solutions based on science, computers and systems, engineering, etc…
The web is a 24/7 medium. But web designers have office hours. That leaves a gap in technical support coverage. What happens if your client has a question about WordPress in the middle of the night?
All jokes aside, client needs won’t always sync with your schedule. And we’ll guess that you don’t want to answer panicked emails during dinner. So, what’s the solution?
Providing clients with resources can help. You can create content that can be accessed whenever they have a question. It’s handy and saves everyone time.
Clients will also learn to help themselves. They’ll feel more confident when working with their website.
Does that sound like paradise? Keep reading for ideas on helping clients – even when you’re not around.
Help Clients Resolve Common Issues
Do you find yourself answering the same questions again and again? That’s because clients often run into similar roadblocks.
You may notice this when building multiple websites with the same content management system (CMS). Or when using the same themes and plugins. Patterns emerge. You’ll discover the pain points clients face.
It’s worth keeping track of these issues. From there, you can write documentation that clients can reference.
You can start small. Even a FAQ (frequently asked questions) page can do the trick. That’s fine if demand is low and the questions are simple.
If your needs change, you might consider building a dedicated support site. For example, a knowledgebase that lets clients browse various topics. It’s something you can add to as needed.
Hint: Be sure to use a system that is easy to maintain. That way, you’ll be more likely to keep your documentation updated.
Use Video to Demonstrate Tasks
Video is a powerful tool. A well-made presentation can take the guesswork out of a tutorial. Users can see exactly how to perform a given task.
Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to create video tutorials. A wide range of tools are available. And you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started.
At a minimum, you’ll need a microphone and a screen capture app. That will allow you to narrate as you perform tasks on the screen. You’re all set if your device already has a microphone. And there are free screen capture apps available.
What about quality? Well, it depends on your audience. You certainly don’t need a pro-level production for a quick tutorial. You should be fine as long as the audio and video are clear.
You may want to kick things up a notch if you plan to make them publicly available. Anything you want to promote should look professional. In that case, you might want to invest in attractive video templates.
Otherwise, a 30-second video can often outshine a text-based tutorial. Clients will appreciate your effort and likely learn more in the process.
The Potential of AI in Customer Support
Companies are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into all sorts of tools. Customer support is no exception. So, how does that impact web designers?
We’re already seeing AI deployed in chatbot applications. That allows users to ask questions in plain language. The bot provides an answer.
That part isn’t new. Similar tools have been around for years. However, they haven’t always been very accurate. The user experience has also been less-than-stellar.
AI has the potential to produce better results. A model trained on your documentation could give more accurate answers. It might transform a chatbot from a dreaded interaction to a positive one.
It’s worth noting that these solutions depend on the quality of your documentation. The more thorough your content, the higher the quality of the results.
We might also use AI within a CMS like WordPress. The tool could provide support based on what the user is doing. Users could resolve issues without having to leave their site. It might be a game-changer.
We’re in the early days of AI. Thus, it will be interesting to see how it evolves regarding support.
Add an Extra Hand to Better Serve Clients
Modern websites can do more than ever. And client expectations have increased as well. That means more support requests.
The reality is that we can’t be there to respond at all hours of the day. So, providing helpful resources is one way to resolve common issues.
The self-serve ideas above could reduce the time you spend helping clients. That’s time you can dedicate to more profitable areas of your business.
You’ll also avoid the stress of dealing with these issues after hours. An extra evening or two of relaxation is worth the investment.
Take time to review your support workflow. Then, create content to help clients help themselves. You’ll be glad you did!
User interfaces (UIs) that measure progress are helpful. They offer visual confirmation when completing various tasks, so users don’t have to guess how far they are into a process.
We see these UIs on our devices. Anyone who’s performed an update on their computer or phone will be familiar with them. Thus, it’s easy to take their design for granted.
However, we’re starting to see more creative implementations. And the web has become a driving force. Designers are using CSS and JavaScript to make progress UIs fun and informative. By adding quirky animations and other visuals, we’re well beyond the standard progress bar.
Here are eight progress bars and UIs that have something unique to offer. You might be surprised at how far these elements have come.
Animated Semi-Circular Progress Bar Chart Using SVG by Andrew Sims
We don’t always measure progress in a straight line. You can also use shapes like this beautiful semicircle. The snippet uses ProgressBar.js and SVG to create an attractive presentation.
CSS Animated Download & Progress Animation by Aaron Iker
Users spend a lot of time downloading files. Progress meters keep them abreast of their status. We love that this example keeps things simple. A single button houses all the information users need.
Who says progress bars have to be boring? Here’s a look at how creativity can spice things up. CSS keyframe animations, patterns, and gradients add fun to the mix.
Time is another way to measure progress, and this clock does so in a unique way. Hover on the date, hours, minutes, and seconds to focus on their meters. The effect takes a complex UI and breaks it into bite-sized chunks.
Here’s a fun way to show users the steps in an eCommerce process. Clicking on a step reveals more details. Notice how the box icon changes along the way. This UI demonstrates progress and doubles as an onboarding component.
Progress UIs can also be scroll-based. In this case, a colored bar wraps around the viewport as you scroll. The effect goes in reverse as you move back to the top. Perhaps this example isn’t a fit for every use case. But it could be a companion to a storytelling website.
This snippet uses an HTML range input that syncs with a circular progress UI. The shape makes this one stand out. But so does the color-changing effect. As the slider value changes, so do the colors.
Here’s something different. These rotating 3D progress bars provide a futuristic look. That aside, they were built entirely with CSS, and they’re sure to draw attention.
There’s no reason to settle for an old-school progress UI. It’s now possible to create something that matches your desired aesthetic. And best of all, you don’t need a lot of complex code or imagery. Make these elements as simple or complex as you like.
The examples above demonstrate a wide range of possibilities. But they’re only scratching the surface. Combine CSS, JavaScript, and imagination to build a distinct look and feel.
Are you looking for more progress UI examples? You’ll want to check out our CodePen collection!
One of the most important aspects of digital art is the selection of color. Color can transform a piece, set the tone, and create harmony. Color choice is not just about aesthetics but also about improving your artwork’s overall composition and cohesion.
Installing and creating custom color schemes in Procreate is easy. You can import swatches from various sources (like the ones below) or create palettes directly within the app. Procreate’s intuitive color wheel and palettes allow for quick adjustments and seamless integration into your workflow, making it easy to experiment and find the perfect color scheme for your projects.
This collection has some of the best free color schemes and swatches available for Procreate. These curated palettes are designed to simplify your color selection process and give you the tools you need to create professional-grade digital artwork.
Whether aiming for vibrant contrasts or subtle harmonies, these free color resources offer valuable inspiration that will help improve your digital creations in Procreate.
This download includes over 35 color schemes. The free palettes offer vibrant hues for cartoon characters, dramatic contrasts for action-packed comic scenes, and delicate tones for expressive manga illustrations.
This small Procreate download includes two swatches inspired by Peach Fuzz, the 2024 color of the year. Perfect for creating warm, inviting designs with a contemporary twist. These color schemes will bring freshness and energy to your art.
This collection includes four unique color schemes: Vintage Pastel, Lipstick Colors, Enchanted Woods, and Ice Cream Colors. They are perfect for creating nostalgic designs, fashion illustrations, and playful artwork. In addition to the swatches, you will also get free PNG images.
This small collection of three color schemes has been inspired by retro 80s Synthwave designs. They are perfect for creating vibrant, neon artwork and retro-futuristic digital illustrations, as well as projects that need a nostalgic feel.
This collection includes ten color schemes designed for landscape digital art. These free palettes are perfect for creating natural environments, from lush forests to serene deserts, offering a variety of hues for different scenic creations.
This free Procreate color scheme has been inspired by sunflower fields in the summer. Use these vibrant yellows and greens to create bright, cheerful digital art.
This extensive Prcreate collection includes over 200 palettes and over 7,000 colors, covering a wide range of digital art styles. Ideal for any creative project, these swatches provide numerous options for all your artistic needs.
This Procreate color scheme includes 30 skin tones. This swatch covers a broad range of shades, perfect for portrait and character design, allowing you to paint realistic and varied human figures.
The free Chase The Stars color scheme aims to capture the beauty of the sky with bright pinks, deep purples, and other celestial hues. It is perfect for creating atmospheric sky-themed digital artwork.
This Procreate color scheme has been inspired by the bright colors of candy. Use the vibrant hues to create playful designs. It is perfect for illustrations that need a fun and energetic touch.
This collection includes six Procreate color schemes: Mutemath, Sweetheart, Cold Winter Air, Botanical Romance, Blinded by the Light, and In the Bubble. These schemes are great for creating diverse themes, from soft and romantic to bright and vibrant digital art.
This collection includes seven Procreate color schemes: Cozy Christmas, Evergreen, Traditional Christmas, Christmas Mood, New Year Evening, Warm Wishes, and Golden Christmas. These schemes are perfect for creating festive holiday designs and art.
This collection includes over 200 Procreate color palettes covering landscapes, still life, portraits, skin tones, metallics, manga, Pantone, pop art, art deco, impressionism, and more. They’re great for various digital art styles.
This Procreate color palette is perfect for Valentine’s Day artwork and designs. With these carefully selected colors, you can create romantic art that is excellent for cards and illustrations.
Entitled Trick or Treat, this free Procreate color scheme is inspired by Halloween. Use these spooky hues to create eerie Halloween-themed designs and illustrations.
This Procreate color scheme of light pastels offers soft, gentle hues. It is ideal for creating delicate, soothing designs, and is perfect for backgrounds, portraits, and minimalist artwork.
This collection includes four seasonal color palettes for Procreate: Snowy Landscape, New Year’s Fireworks, Christmas Art, and Autumn Palette. Each palette offers unique schemes for creating seasonal and festive artwork.
This collection includes four free color palettes for Procreate: Bouquet, Sunset, Coral, and Landscape. They offer a range of colors for floral designs, dramatic skies, ocean themes, and natural scenes.
This free Procreate collection includes the favorite color schemes from 20 popular and talented digital artists. They offer a variety of expertly chosen palettes to inspire and bring something new to your digital art projects.
This free Procreate color scheme, Autumn Allure, is perfect for warm, fall-inspired digital art. Use the rich, seasonal colors to create autumn-themed designs.
This free Procreate color palette, inspired by bright neon lights, is perfect for creating vibrant digital art. A Photoshop version is also available.
How to Install & Create Color Schemes in Procreate
Installing Color Schemes:
Download the Swatches: First, find and download the swatch file (.swatches) you want to use from above.
Import Swatches into Procreate: Open Procreate and navigate to the color panel by tapping the color circle at the top-right of the screen. In the color panel, go to the Palettes tab. Tap the + icon to add a new palette, then select New from File. Locate the downloaded swatch file on your device and tap on it to import the swatches into Procreate.
Good to go: Your color palette is ready to use!
Creating Custom Color Schemes:
Open the Color Panel: In Procreate, open the color panel by clicking on the color circle at the top-right corner.
Select the Palettes Tab: Within the color panel, switch to the Palettes tab to manage your color schemes.
Create a New Palette: Tap the + icon and choose Create New Palette from the options. This will generate an empty palette ready for customization.
Add Colors to the Palette: Use the color wheel or sliders to select a color that fits your scheme. Tap on an empty square within your new palette to save the color. Repeat this process to add additional colors, building your custom palette.
Organize and Name the Palette: To make the palette easier to identify, tap on its title to rename it. You can also drag and drop colors within the palette to organize them according to your preferences.
Procreate Color Scheme FAQs
What are Procreate color schemes and swatches?
They are predefined sets of colors designed to work well together, while swatches are individual color samples within these schemes. They help maintain consistency and harmony in your artwork.
Are these color swatches compatible with all versions of Procreate?
These color swatches are compatible with the latest versions of Procreate, but always check the source for specific compatibility details.
How many colors can a single Procreate palette hold?
A single Procreate palette can hold up to 30 colors, giving ample room for a wide range of hues.
Can I organize my color palettes in Procreate?
You can manage your palettes by dragging and dropping them within the Palettes tab. You can also rename them for better identification.
Can I share my custom palettes with others?
Yes, you can share your custom palettes by exporting them. Go to the Palettes tab, swipe left on the palette you want to share, and select Share.
Can I edit imported swatches in Procreate?
Yes, you can edit imported swatches. Open the palette, select a color, and use the color wheel or sliders to make adjustments. Save the changes by tapping on the palette again.
Conclusion
These curated color schemes and swatches for Procreate offer numerous benefits by simplifying your design process and improving the visual quality of your digital artwork.
These palettes will inspire new ideas, spark creativity, and help bring fresh perspectives to your projects. By experimenting with these color schemes, you may discover new styles that inspire you to create even more unique art.
Choosing WordPress to power your website is a smart move. You’ll gain access to a world of themes, plugins, and possibilities.
There are also some responsibilities, though. Making sure your installation is up-to-date is among them. And software updates come frequently. Experts tell us to apply updates as they are released. Doing so improves website security, squashes bugs, and adds features.
We may assume that hitting the update button is the right thing to do. But what could go wrong? Is there a potential for harm?
That came to light during a supply chain attack on multiple WordPress plugins. Hackers infiltrated each plugin’s code repository. From there, they added malicious code to otherwise legitimate software. Once installed, that code created a shadow administrator account. It’s scary stuff.
Perhaps this isn’t a common scenario. But it’s a reminder to take precautions before installing an update.
Here are some tips to keep your site safe when updating WordPress.
Find out What’s Changing
Yes, you can automatically update WordPress core, plugins, and themes. That puts you at risk for a supply chain attack, however.
There’s nothing wrong with automatically updating minor versions of WordPress core. They often contain security fixes. But it’s safer to update plugins and themes manually.
You’ll want to know what’s changing and why. A little research will tell you everything you need to know.
First, take a look at what updates are available for your site. Navigate to Dashboard > Updates to see what’s available.
Next, take note of any plugin and theme updates. Plugins offer version details. Click the link next to each item to see them.
Plugins hosted on WordPress.org also have a support forum. Check them to see if other users have reported issues. You may also find notes from the developer.
It will take a bit more research for items hosted elsewhere. You might check their documentation, private support forum, or GitHub repository.
These details will help you make an informed decision. Seeing bug reports, for example, may lead you to hold off on updating.
Feel free to ask questions if you have concerns. Knowledge is power, as they say.
Back up Your Website Frequently
Security isn’t the only potential issue here. A software update could cause other problems. You might find a compatibility issue. Or an update might introduce a conflict with another plugin or theme. There’s also a chance that the update will fail.
It’s never a bad idea to back up your site before applying updates. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you can roll back if needed.
Your web host may provide backup capabilities. If not, you can also use a backup plugin. These options are usually seamless. Choose one that fits your desired workflow.
A tool that creates incremental backups is preferred. The feature improves the efficiency of both backing up and restoring your site.
And don’t forget about backing up your database! Some updates make changes there as well.
Test Each Update for Issues
Don’t update and walk away. You’ll never know what sort of trouble you left behind. At least, not until a client discovers it.
Be sure to test updates after installing them. Ideally, you’ll have a staging environment to work with. That gives you the freedom to test without impacting users.
So, what should you test? That depends on the type of updates you installed.
If you updated WooCommerce, look at your site’s products. Add an item to your cart and test the checkout process. Edit a product or setting from the WordPress dashboard. Be on the lookout for anything that doesn’t work as expected.
Follow the same pattern for other items. Determine what could be impacted by the update. Then, test on both the front and back ends.
You can use your browser’s developer tools to help. For example, the console tab will alert you to issues like 404 and JavaScript errors. These can affect stability and site performance.
The process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. And you’ll rest easy knowing that everything is working correctly.
A Holistic Approach to Updating WordPress
We all appreciate convenience – especially with mundane tasks. Such is the case with updating WordPress. It’s easy to hit the update button without a second thought.
That puts your site at risk, however. There are a myriad of things that can go wrong. Therefore, it’s worth paying attention.
Perform some research regarding each update. Get a sense of what is changing. From there, you can gauge the potential impact.
In some cases, you might want to delay installing an update. That’s OK. Only security-related updates should be considered an emergency.
Being proactive also means keeping site backups. That will be your safety net should something go wrong. Testing on a staging environment is also recommended.
The bottom line is to pay attention. Your site and its users will be glad you did.
As a platform, the web caters to creators. It’s a place to publish and share whatever we want. We’ve used it to fuel the rise of everything from blogs to influencer videos.
The results are impressive. Think of all the careers kickstarted by online publishing. I am living proof. Writing and web design have provided me with income and a platform. I’m forever grateful.
However, the rules of content ownership seem to be changing before our eyes. And it’s not the familiar trope of a spammer copying your text and images.
These days, large companies are trying to stake a claim. Social media has been doing this for years. And now artificial intelligence (AI) is putting the practice into overdrive.
Not everyone wants to own our content outright. Various platforms are looking to profit from what we create, though. Let’s take a look at what’s happening and what it means.
A Misunderstanding That Made Creators Think
Imagine a tool that helps you create compelling content. It then takes your content and profits from it. A recent change to Adobe’s Terms of Use seemed like it might do just that.
“4.2 Licenses to Your Content. Solely for the purposes of operating or improving the Services and Software, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free sublicensable, license, to use, reproduce, publicly display, distribute, modify, create derivative works based on, publicly perform, and translate the Content. For example, we may sublicense our right to the Content to our service providers or to other users to allow the Services and Software to operate as intended, such as enabling you to share photos with others. Separately, section 4.6 (Feedback) below covers any Feedback that you provide to us.”
I’m no lawyer or legal expert. But it sounds like the company is permitting itself to use your content. Theoretically, Adobe could use content created in Photoshop to feed its AI model.
Adobe has since clarified that this is not the case. The changes relate to allowing their cloud-based AI tools to modify your content – at your request. Furthermore, the language is there to facilitate the sharing of files via Adobe apps.
Perhaps it was all an honest misunderstanding. But can you blame anyone for being suspicious of the change?
Content Isn’t Just for User Consumption
The relentless pace of AI is making some people uncomfortable. Tools are scraping our websites to feed their models. Opting out isn’t straightforward.
It’s also different from social media. The workaround there has been to create content on a platform you control (a website) and promote that content on social media. We’re merely funneling traffic from a proprietary platform—not allowing it to own our creations.
AI has changed the game. The platforms are meeting us where we are. They’re indexing what we’ve published to improve their product.
All of this happens in the background. It may not be a big deal to some. If you can’t see it happening, what’s the harm?
We may not immediately see the effects. But the long-term ramifications could be significant.
What happens when a company chooses AI instead of a copywriter? Or let ChatGPT generate all of its custom code? Or replace a graphic artist with a text-to-image tool?
These things are already happening. Maybe they haven’t impacted you just yet. But pessimists will see this as feeding the machine that will take your place.
Rethinking the Role of Apps in Content Creation
I can’t say that I ever considered the role apps play in what I create. For example, I’ve used Photoshop since the 1990s. It was a great tool that helped me accomplish my goals. It still is.
The misunderstanding surrounding its Terms of Use has me wondering. How far will an app go to serve us and itself?
It’s no longer paranoia to think a software company would use our content for profit. And governing bodies can’t act swiftly enough to stop it. It’s the wild west out there. Companies will experiment and go as far as they can.
So, perhaps it’s no longer about using the most powerful tool for the job. Now, it’s about using tools that respect users.
App developers should be clear about their intentions. And, if they are feeding content to AI models, they should allow users to opt out. The process for doing so should be simple.
There’s a market for apps with a privacy-first focus. We see this with web browsers like Firefox and DuckDuckGo. That’s a roadmap for creative apps and publishing platforms to follow.
The New Reality of Content Creation
There’s always been some risk when publishing online. Anyone could copy your work and call it their own. Or they could redistribute your work in an unapproved manner. It’s frustrating, for sure. But we’ve learned to live with it.
These days, the concern is how and where we create. Do we own our content – or are we expected to share ownership? What rights do we have? What does all of the legalese in the Terms of Service mean?
The answers may deter some of us from publishing. That’s a shame because the internet is the perfect medium for sharing ideas.
In reality, we should think twice before using a tool or platform. As creators, we need to know what we’re getting into.
The situation also underscores the importance of free, open-source software (FOSS). Platforms like WordPress ensure content ownership and portability. Integration with AI is optional – even if blocking content scrapers isn’t automatic.
The bottom line is to do your homework. Find tools that respect your privacy and rights to ownership, and avoid the ones that go too far.
We can’t control everything in this industry, but we can make informed choices. For now, it’s our best option.
There’s more to website ownership than meets the eye. However, our clients may not realize this. They might think that the work ends when the site launches.
An experienced web designer knows better. A site launch is just the beginning. Content management systems (CMS) like WordPress are a case in point. A steady stream of updates keeps us on our toes.
It’s one reason why I believe a professional should manage WordPress sites. Even the tiniest of websites have significant maintenance needs.
Still, clients don’t always understand the stakes or the costs involved. Until something goes wrong, that is. But let’s not go that far.
The key to avoiding problems starts with education. Teaching clients the hows and whys of WordPress maintenance can do the trick. With that, here are some points worth driving home in your discussions.
Website Maintenance Is an Investment
There are two types of website investments. The first is the cost of the initial design and build. It covers everything from the idea phase to the site launch. That’s the big, expensive part.
The second comes after the site goes out into the world. It ensures both content and software are current. Clients can get tripped up by this one.
What clients may not understand is that websites require care – regardless of whether the content changes. They’re viewing the phrase “website updates” through a different lens.
How do we change their perspective? You could compare website maintenance to that of a car.
Cars need regular care to keep things running smoothly. Doing so prevents problems down the road. It’s an investment in safety and stability.
Websites need the same kind of investment. The goal is to keep it in tip-top shape – and avoid common pitfalls.
WordPress sees frequent updates to plugins, themes, and the core software. Together, they improve the overall security and performance of a website. It’s too important to ignore.
Standards and Best Practices Change
The web’s standards and best practices are subject to change. So, that shiny website from a few years ago is now behind the times.
We’ll see this in several areas of a typical WordPress site. Accessibility is a big one. An older WordPress theme may not be up to the current standard. Old or abandoned plugins might also lack accessible features.
Server technology also marches on. A website may run on an outdated version of PHP, for instance. That means you’re missing out on better performance and security.
These issues go beyond a website’s aesthetics. They are fundamental to things like usability and legal compliance. The more you fall behind, the greater the risk.
Resolving these issues requires time and money. We’ll need to review the website and determine what needs to be changed or fixed. From there, it’s time to perform the necessary tasks.
Clients may have a hard time grasping this concept. They can’t always see the need for such changes. Nor can they always measure the results.
However, it’s one of the costs of website ownership. Think of it this way: Brick-and-mortar locations must keep up with building codes. Websites need to do the same.
Vigilance Is an Important Part of the Plan
Website maintenance is not a once-per-year type of task. It’s an ongoing commitment. WordPress releases a new major version every few months. Plugin and theme updates can drop at any time.
Each update opens the door to potential change. For example, a plugin update might require a new version of PHP. You might also need to update any custom code.
Security is also a key factor. New vulnerabilities pop up frequently. They require us to act quickly. Otherwise, we increase the risk of a compromised site.
Vigilance is important. It comes at a cost, though. Web designers need to keep a watchful eye. That means a combination of manual intervention and automated tools.
These acts won’t guarantee a problem-free experience. But they can prevent a small problem from becoming a major one.
That peace of mind is worth the price – particularly for clients who depend on their website for sales. A broken or hacked eCommerce site could spell disaster.
A Well-Maintained Website Benefits All
In a nutshell, everyone benefits from a well-maintained website. Web designers can use it as a vehicle for recurring revenue. Users are less likely to encounter problems. And that should make website owners happy!
The other side effect is taking advantage of new features. WordPress is continually refining its core. The same goes for its theme and plugin ecosystem.
It’s an opportunity to do more online. Features that enhance performance, accessibility, or ease of use can mean more sales. That’s one way to increase the chances of customer loyalty.
Make an effort to discuss WordPress maintenance with your clients. Help guide them on the importance of staying on the cutting edge.
They’ll be more likely to commit once they learn the hows and whys. And they’ll be better prepared to adapt to the web’s ever-changing landscape.
WordPress’s immense popularity stems from its robust ecosystem of tools, ease of use, and flexibility. Themes and plugins are central to its versatility. Plugins, in particular, allow users to extend the functionality of their WordPress sites effectively.
Plugins are, in fact, indispensable for adding complex features to a site, eliminating the need for extensive coding or high development costs.
If the term plugin is new to you, you can think of it as an app or add-on for your website. The WordPress library, with over 50,000 plugins, offers extensive design capabilities, allowing you to unlock the full potential of WordPress itself.
A general understanding of what WordPress plugins can do and how they can leverage a website’s value and operational efficiency is key to successful website design and development.
In this collection, you’ll examine seven top WordPress plugins, each excelling in its specific area of functionality.
What You Need to Consider When Selecting a WordPress Plugin
Purpose & Requirements: Clearly define what you are looking for, e.g., SEO, social media integration, eCommerce capabilities, etc.
Plugin Ratings & Reviews: Make it a point to find out what other users experienced, e.g., excellent results, problems encountered, and the level of support received.
Compatibility: Make certain the plugin is compatible with the version of WordPress you are using and also compatible with themes or other plugins your website is using.
Update Frequency: Plugins should have been updated frequently enough to incorporate improvements, fix bugs, and remain compatible with WordPress.
Support & Documentation: Good documentation can help you troubleshoot issues and make the most of the plugin’s features. Robust customer support is also important.
Security: Choose plugins from developers that deliver high-quality, secure code.
Performance Impact Poorly coded plugins or those overloaded with extra features could slow down your site (and add to your design workflow).
Cost: Free is great if you are certain that that option meets your needs. It’s always a good idea to see if the extras a premium version offers will work to your advantage.
The Best WordPress Plugins in 2024 for Your Website Projects
TL;DR: Amelia is the best choice for service-oriented businesses needing to automate and streamline their appointment booking operations.
Click the video to see this plugin in action.
Spas, fitness centers, photographic studios, and other service-oriented businesses can save time and money by installing Amelia’s capabilities while at the same time profiting from increased customer or client satisfaction. With Amelia, event and appointment booking can be managed at multiple locations from a single website platform.
Veterinarian services including dog-walking, vacation care, and other special services can also make excellent use of Amelia, Petcare template.
User Experience: “Amelia is a great booking tool that has a nice look and feel right out of the box. It is a bit overwhelming at first because of the many settings you have but the customer service support is great. I can’t recommend this plugin enough.”
Client Avgerage Grade: 4.8 on Capterra.
Types of Support Material: Discord Group, documentation, and YouTube videos.
TL;DR: wpDataTables’ ease of use and powerful data management features allow users to quickly create editable and responsive tables and charts.
Click the video to see this plugin in action.
The wpDataTables plugin has long been known for allowing users to work with massive amounts of complex data. Its new Multiple Database Connections functionality goes a step further by enabling users to simultaneously connect to diverse servers.
Users have the ability to create a virtually unlimited variety of tables and charts. This pricing table template, for example, features nine different formats ranging from simplistic to more complex. wpDataTables’ conditional formatting and other customization options provide a powerful means for highlighting critical data.
User Experience: “The support team helped resolve the compatibility issues with my theme. Really helpful and willing to go the extra way to ensure that the plugin works well in any environment.”
Client Avgerage Grade: 4.83/5.
Types of Support Material: Documentation and YouTube videos.
TL;DR: The Classic Editor plugin restores the long-time favorite WordPress editor and “Edit Post” screen.
Click the video to see this plugin in action.
Classic Editor will continue to be supported for as long as it is needed. The plugin allows users to manage default editors or give users the ability to make changes on their own.
User Experience: “Thank you for this plugin. I deactivated it a few months ago, trying to get used to the block editor. A nightmare. No more! I have wasted enough time already in frustration, trying to figure out how to put it to use. Back to classic!”
TL;DR: The Slider Revolution plugin is an excellent choice for anyone interested in creating animated sliders that range from engaging to jaw-dropping.
Click the video to see this plugin in action.
Slider Revolution’s top feature isn’t a single tool or function, it’s the many different ways it can be used to create sliders and web page content that will absolutely “wow” its visitors.
Designers or developers can upgrade a run-of-the-mill website to something special in minutes. Think of the last time you saw an advertisement for a Horsemanship training center: still images of happy-looking people on horseback. Now see what Slider Revolution can do with this Professional Training slider template.
Needless to say, Slider Revolution is ideal for one-page websites and portfolio websites.
User Experience: “Great plugin with some impressive features! Support reps are top notch all around and Abid was especially helpful.”
Client Avgerage Grade: 4.2/5 on Trustpilot.
Types of Support Material: Support manual and YouTube videos.
TL;DR: LayerSlider is the best WordPress plugin for making creative sliders, slideshows, and popups.
Click the video to see this plugin in action.
LayerSlider enables its users to create a live connection between a site’s content and its visitors, whether the animated content is in a slider, a page section, a popup, or a banner for marketing purposes. Its highly customizable interface and advanced features were designed to make beginners and experts alike feel right at home.
The features and templates of LayerSlider provide a universal multi-purpose solution for all kinds of websites. “Fragrance Fantasy” for example, is a template tailored for salons and lifestyle blogs where perfume comes to life in a symphony of colors and scents. This and other templates can be easily customized by adding your own content.
Client Insight:“Super easy to use and the animations are just wow.”
Types of Support Material: Support manual, built-in help in LayerSlider’s Project Editor, direct email, and ticket system.
TL;DR: Essential Grid is an easy to work with WordPress Gallery Plugin for businesses and creatives looking for a way to create breathtaking galleries.
Click the video to see this plugin in action.
If you envision any gallery layout, you can create it with Essential Grid. If you can’t envision one, Essential Grid will also be able to help you.
All the tools you need are at your fingertips, plus you can use any of 50+ customizable templates designed to help you create an impressive gallery at a lightning-fast speed. Check out Essential Grids’ Dark Portfolio template with its impressive hover effects.
You can create as many skin variations as you want, choose masonry, cobbles, or any other type of layout, and mix and match the grids until you’re satisfied.
User Experience: “The tool is powerful and very well designed. The support team is incredibly fast, friendly and efficient! All the best to you!”
Client Avgerage Grade: 4.8/5 on Trustpilot.
Types of Support Material: YouTube videos and Support manual.
TL;DR: The expertly crafted Brizy WordPress website builder is great for those new to website building, but powerful enough for tech-savvy users as well.
Click the video to see this plugin in action.
Brizy is well suited for small businesses, freelancers, and agencies looking to launch a small to medium-sized website. Distinct PRO features for marketers include 3rd party tool integrations, popups, and membership features.
The design kit includes a collection of 500+ blocks designed to make it possible to create a website in minutes.
Brizy’s SAAS landing page template shows how easy website creation can be, especially when you have the needed content at your fingertips.
User Experience: “I’ve been using Brizy for a while now, and their support team is outstanding. Quick, knowledgeable, and always ready to help. They’ve made our website design experience a breeze. Highly recommend Brizy for their exceptional support and user-friendly platform.”
Client Avgerage Grade: 4.4/5 on Trustpilot/
Types of Support Material: Academy with Video Courses, Written DocumentationSupport Manual, Ticket Help-desk, YouTube videos & Facebook Group.
Choosing the right WordPress plugins for your website is crucial for maximizing its potential in terms of functionality and overall performance. Knowing upfront what you need in a plugin, checking its compatibility, and assessing user reviews are crucial to making the right acquisition. The plugins featured here offer robust solutions for various website requirements and represent the best in their respective niches.
Whether you choose Amelia’s all-inclusive booking system or wpDataTables’ powerful data management system or elect to take advantage of the WordPress Classic Editor, the Revolution Slider or LayerSlider dynamic content tools, or what Essential Grid and Brizy offer, you can appreciably improve your website’s functionality, user experience, or visual appeal.
Editing photos can be time-consuming, but Photoshop actions can streamline your workflow and produce stunning, professional results quickly.
To help you find the best options, we’ve curated a collection of art-inspired Photoshop actions to transform your photos. Whether you’re a digital designer, illustrator, or photographer, these actions will add creativity and style to your work.
Our selection includes effects to suit every taste. There’s something for everyone, from pencil sketches and watercolors to modern and pop art. These actions turn your photos into works of art, reflecting traditional painting and drawing techniques.
With just a few clicks, you can convert ordinary photos and graphics into oil paintings or create the nostalgic feel of vintage film. With these actions, you can have the artistic results you’ve always wanted!
The Top Art Effect Photoshop Actions for Creatives
This Photoshop action styles photos into fun, colorful metal pins. With three metal colors to choose from, you have plenty of options here. This action works with text layers, vector shapes, and much more.
A cartoon action like this transforms everyday photos into fantastic artwork, adding a stylish aesthetic to your favorite shots. It works best with 2000x4000px dimension photos, delivering maximum style. It’s quick and easy to use, requiring no artistic talent!
Pencil sketches are a creative way to illustrate. This Photoshop action set lets you quickly add a sketching style to your photos. The set also includes brushes and patterns for added effects.
Are you looking for a funky, contemporary feel in your photography? GlowArt is the Photoshop action for you. With a single click, it will add a vibrant glow to any photo.
Vintage effects add a timeless aesthetic to your favorite photos. They never go out of style and work well with portraits and landscapes. By applying this action, you will see your photos transform before your eyes.
These Photoshop actions will style your images and graphics to look like video game covers. They’re especially useful for gamers sharing their artwork on social media. The pack also includes pattern sets.
For an abstract effect, the Creative Art Photoshop action is hard to beat. It is well-suited for action and sports photos. With a few clicks, you’ll create stunning effects that almost seem as if they are in motion.
Movie posters have a unique style. With these Photoshop actions, you can bring that style to your favorite photos. Prepare to see colors pop and contrasts sharpen when you apply these effects.
The Cyborg Photoshop actions offer a sci-fi effect for portrait photos. With two actions included, you can choose your preferred character design. The pack also includes Photoshop brushes and various color options.
Are you searching for spooky effects for your favorite Halloween photos? This is a purpose-built action pack for scary photos. Choose from various resolution options while editing. It features HDR effects that boost colors and contrast, and you can apply it with just a single click.
Designed for sports posters, these Photoshop actions add a starry red backdrop. It works best for subjects that are in motion. The modern styling applies instantly, with geometric elements dropping into place. It’s a futuristic design for all your sports photos.
The Art Work Photoshop action pack helps the subjects of images stand out. With this pack, you’ll see backgrounds disappear, replaced with an abstract 3D concrete layout.
With this Photoshop action pack, you can create elegant poster designs. With a single click, any portrait photo can be transformed into a stunning, posterized graphic.
The effect these Photoshop actions produce will turn any portrait into a decolorized, hand-drawn work of art. Brush and action files are included in the download pack. This action works best with portrait-style photos.
Old newspapers have an unmistakable look and feel, from the typesetting to the slightly blurry photos. With this Photoshop action pack, you can bring this aesthetic to your photos. For maximum impact, wider photos are recommended.
Watercolor artwork is a popular style, especially for landscape photos. With these actions, you can apply watercolor styling to any photo with a single click. Though designed for portraits, these actions will work on any image.
The Plastic Wrapped Overlay Photoshop action pack is ideal for portrait subjects with a neutral yet stylish backdrop. This pack focuses on color contrasts. With a single click, you can apply a solid 3D background to the portrait photo of your choice.
These actions will add a cracked stone effect to your photos and graphics. They work with portraits and landscapes alike. It’s not a style you’ll likely use every day, but it’s handy to have in your editing toolbox. Multiple files are included, with documentation available. Single-click editing makes the process a breeze from start to finish.
Mirror effects are powerful edits that work well with many types of photos. With these actions, you’ll see mirrored rings around your portrait subjects. It’s a sure way to help your photos get a second look from casual viewers.
Think of the portraits you’ve seen on printed money. Remember the iconic green stripes and portrait effects? You can add the effect to your photos with these custom actions. Use them to create fun designs for posters, blog posts, social media, and more.
Aquarelle is an artistic option for adding abstract watercolor effects to your images. With these color presets, you can easily tailor a photo’s palette to fit your style.
Sketch paintings are a great way to be creative. Apply their aesthetic to the photos of your choice by using this Photoshop action pack. They work with just a single click and are well-suited to editors of all skill levels. You can create spectacular artwork in moments.
Pixel effects give the illusion of motion in still images. The Pixel Sorting Photoshop action pack allows you to add this effect to your top shots. This effect works best when applied to an action photo.
Have you ever wanted to create blueprint designs for your photo collection? It’s a terrific way to create modern, geometric designs. Now you can, with these Photoshop actions. Blueprint images are artsy and add a dose of contemporary cool to any wall or workspace.
Code Art is an excellent choice for adding coding effects to your photographs. It works with portraits and full-body photos and includes ten color effects. Apply the action, and your image file will be layered and organized accordingly. This one’s a real time-saver.
This action pack replicates the look of a pencil drawing in your photographs. Once the action generates the graphical elements, you can adjust them to suit your needs. It is non-destructive and includes six paper textures, eight color corrections, 28 brushes, and 14 patterns.
Another great option is the Mixed Art action pack. This Photoshop action can be applied with just one click, resulting in a look that replicates a watercolor painting.
If you want to add a retro aesthetic to your photos, you’ll want to add the Retro Art Photoshop action kit to your toolbox. It adds an exciting artistic effect to your photos.
The Chroma Art Photoshop Action makes it easy to transform your photos into pieces of art that look like mixed-media artwork. It also comes with ten color presets that can be applied with a single click.
The Drawing Art Animation Photoshop action adds a cool effect to your photographs. It is a time-saver that makes it easy to give your images the look of a hand-drawn piece of art.
This Grunge Art Photoshop action adds a dark and gritty look to your photographs. With a few clicks, you can give your images a real moody look with minimal effort. While this action works as expected, the results can be different each time to create a truly unique effect.
The Piratum Map Art Photoshop action offers a highly unique effect. When applied to your photos, it turns the image into a vintage-looking graphic, like a hand-drawn map. The result is an old-style graphic with tons of geographical details.
The Sketch Art Photoshop Action transforms your photo into a realistic painting while keeping the underlying sketch visible. It automatically creates all the necessary layers, which can be adjusted manually. The download includes ten brushes, five textures, and a quick start guide.
The Spray Paint Photoshop action is a set of 10 different effects you can apply to your photos immediately. Each effect creates the look of spray paint art. The result mimics edgy street art.
The Pixel Art Photoshop Action is another fantastic choice for your creative projects. It adds a retro, pixelated appearance to any image you apply it to. The result is a photo that looks like it came from the 1980s or 90s. Once used, you can adjust individual layers and gradient masks to refine the look further.
The Blood Art Photoshop Action will turn any photo you choose into a moody and distinct artwork. Once applied, it adds a sort of cloudy blood effect. It comes with ten color effects.
Another option is the Pixel Art Photoshop Action. This action turns your photo into a retro-looking image that looks like it came from a vintage video game. It comes with 21 actions, 32 tones, various color palettes, and more.
The Ink Art Photoshop Action turns your photos into something that looks like it’s been hand-drawn. The result mimics Sumi-e-styled ink wash artwork. After you apply the effect, you can tweak various settings to customize the outcome.
You might also want to consider the Street Art Photoshop Action. As its name would suggest, this action transforms your images into street art. It works best with portraits and inanimate objects, and the result makes it appear as though a graffiti artist had drawn parts of the photo.
Another option is this Modern Art Photoshop action pack. This action combines the look of real photography with watercolor and acrylic paint effects, creating a truly unique look. To use it, all you need to do is fill the subject of your photo with a color and then click play on the action.
As its name suggests, the Mix Art Photoshop Action pack makes it easy to turn ordinary photos into pieces of mixed-media art. It comes with ten color presets, is easy to use, and allows for extra customization once applied.
Give your images the appearance of newspaper print with the Newspaper Art Photoshop Action. It will turn your image into an abstract piece of art by adding letters and tidbits of newspaper graphics into geometric patterns that make up the subject of your photo.
What an excellent effect this action creates! The Digital Art Photoshop Action turns your photographs into images that look as though they’ve been hand-painted. The result is highly realistic, with all the textures expected from an oil or acrylic painting. It works best on portraits and inanimate objects and can be customized to suit your needs.
Instead of endlessly adjusting settings, use the Oil Paint Animation Photoshop action set to give your photographs the appearance of being manually painted.
This Photoshop action set combines splashes, brushes, and colors to create an artistic vintage look. It’s easy to apply and creates a professional look with minimal effort.
Here’s another action that brings the look of street art to your photographs. It includes 11 graffiti tags, five rugged wall styles, and ten color effects to create many different looks.
The Concept Mix Art Photoshop Action would be an excellent addition to your collection. It turns your photos into mixed media pieces with the look of watercolor splashes and pen marks. Use it on portraits, figures, and inanimate objects.
Last in our collection is the Watercolor Splash Art Photoshop Action. This set gives your photo a watercolor look with plenty of splatter effects. Use it on any image, and customize the final layers the action creates to match your style.
How to Install Photoshop Actions
Download and unzip the action file.
Launch Photoshop.
Go to Window > Actions.
Select Load Actions from the menu and go to the folder where you saved the unzipped action file to select it.
The Action will now be installed.
To use the newly installed action, locate it in the Action panel.
Click the triangle to the left of the action name to see the list of available actions.
Click the action you want to play and press the play button at the bottom of the Actions panel.
Art Effect Photoshop Action FAQs
What are art effects Photoshop actions?
Art effects actions are pre-set edits for Photoshop that add various artistic styles to your photos.
Are these actions compatible with all versions of Photoshop?
Most actions are designed to work with a wide range of Photoshop versions, but checking their compatibility with your specific version is advisable.
Can I apply these actions to different types of image files, such as RAW or JPEG?
These actions can be used with various image file types, including RAW and JPEG. However, the level of adjustment may vary based on the file format.
Are these actions suitable for both digital and traditional art styles?
These art effect actions can improve photos in ways that suit both digital and traditional artistic styles, offering versatility to artists.
Can I customize or combine multiple actions to create unique effects?
Certainly! You can adjust the opacity and layer blending modes and even combine multiple actions to achieve customized and distinctive artistic results.
Conclusion
These Photoshop actions offer a wide range of artistic possibilities, from turning a photo into a watercolor painting to giving it the appearance of an oil canvas.
These actions control elements like color, texture, and style but leave plenty of room for your own creative touches. Enjoy!
For years, freelance web designers have been encouraged to book new projects. It’s how I built my business. I’m betting that many more have done the same.
There’s great appeal in building a new website. It’s a chance for a fresh start. You can use the best tools for the job. The experience is even better if you are unencumbered with technical debt.
It can also be a lucrative business – but there are challenges. You’ll need to book clients with a sizeable budget. You’ll also need to find a way to stand out among competitors. That’s one path to success.
There are other ways to make money, though. The growing complexity of the web creates a different opportunity for web designers.
Think of all the websites out there. Consider how many of them are “broken” or poorly maintained. An enterprising freelancer could train their focus on these clients.
Let’s examine the pros and cons of fixing websites.
An Opportunity Years in the Making
There is no shortage of virtual fixer-uppers. You don’t have to look far to see outdated and neglected websites. But why?
I believe much of it stems from content management systems (CMS). Tools like WordPress offer plenty of possibilities for a great website. However, they also require education and commitment.
Sometimes, an entrepreneur may attempt to build it themselves. But, they will soon find that they’re in over their head. Or they don’t know the ingredients of a stable and performant site.
Even those who hire a web professional can run into problems. That web designer may have done a terrific job. However, they may not have communicated the importance of maintenance.
Continued care is required to keep things running smoothly. Outdated themes, plugins, and core software will turn any site into a bucket of bolts.
Website owners aren’t likely to call for help until something is wrong. It appears to be a common issue these days.
I’m Not a Hero – Just a Web Designer
Longtime freelancers know the drill. You receive an email from a panicked website owner. They’re not a client. However, their site has crashed, been hacked – or maybe both. They need to get it fixed right away.
How do you respond? It’s easier to say “no” if you’re busy. Perhaps you have enough clients. But if not?
There’s an opportunity to play the part of hero. It’s also a chance to make money and establish a relationship.
Fixing this person’s site could lead to bigger things. Since you have their attention, you can use that time to make recommendations.
For example, their site may have other issues that need fixing. Things like accessibility and security could be lacking. Maybe they need a complete overhaul.
Helping a client in a difficult situation can create trust. It may be just the motivation they need to level up. You have a chance to guide them in the right direction.
What’s Lurking Inside That Website?
Website rehabilitation is not without risk. What you see on the surface is one thing. What lies beneath is another.
It’s among the downsides of inheriting a website. You’re stepping into uncharted territory. That often leads you down the proverbial rabbit hole.
Maybe the site was built using unfamiliar tools. Or it’s so riddled with malware that you can’t find the root cause. These issues aren’t for the faint of heart.
There are also questions about the client. How did their website get into this state? Did they have a poor relationship with their last designer? Did they pay their bills on time?
Sure, people can change. But you’ll want to find out why their site is in disrepair. You may find some red flags that scream, “Stay away!”
Perhaps this is the biggest hurdle for freelancers. The willingness to accept risk and dive in headfirst are musts. Not everyone will have the stomach for it.
Pricing is also a concern. Estimating the cost of a fix isn’t easy. So, develop a formula that protects you from taking a loss on a messy site.
Is This the Right Path for You?
Website maintenance services are popping up all over the place. They often consist of teams of developers ready to get to work. There’s a good reason for it. The market needs experts who can turn online garbage into gold.
It’s not as simple a path for freelancers, though. You’ll have to weigh the potential benefits against the drawbacks.
Signing up for these types of projects may take away from other opportunities. But they could be a steady source of revenue. You might also turn them into yearly maintenance clients. And you’ll also be in line to handle the inevitable redesign.
Still, looking at broken websites all day isn’t for everyone. The remediation process can be stressful. Meanwhile, clients are waiting with bated breath for a solution.
There’s plenty of business for those interested in this type of work. It’s unlikely to go away any time soon, as the way we build modern websites almost guarantees it.
Intel Corporation has reached a revolutionary milestone in integrated photonics technology, Integrated photonics technology involves the integration of photonic devices, such as lasers, modulators, and detectors, onto a single microchip using semiconductor fabrication techniques similar to those used for electronic integrated circuits. This technology allows for…
