In the age of digital transformation, agriculture is no longer just about soil, water, and sunlight. With the advent of generative AI, agriculture is becoming smarter, more efficient, and increasingly data driven. From predicting crop yields with unprecedented accuracy to developing disease-resistant plant varieties, generative AI…
How Client Requests Can Undermine Web Performance & Accessibility – Speckyboy
We know the importance of website performance and accessibility. Or at least we should. There’s no shortage of content dedicated to these subjects.
That creates awareness. Hopefully, awareness leads to learning. And learning leads to implementing best practices. There, we’ve made the web a better place!
Not so fast. There’s one factor the tutorials didn’t warn us about – clients. Yes, a client can lay waste to our plans for a fast and accessible site.
The question is: why? Why would a website owner get in the way of progress? Why would they insist on features that diminish the user experience?
There are a few possibilities. Let’s look at some common conflicts and ways to resolve them.
A Desire to Impress Users
First, let’s state the obvious. Our clients’ hearts are in the right place. They want a successful outcome as much as we do.
Clients also want to impress users. Sometimes, this puts them at odds with best practices.
The use of massive images is one example. Full-screen photos can be attractive. However, they also bog down page loads. An HD or (gasp!) 4k image is like strapping an anvil to a slow internet connection.
Sliders can produce even worse results. Sure, let’s add a few hundred kilobytes of JavaScript. What could go wrong?
People think that these features will promote conversions. The page will be so attractive that users can’t help but click that call to action. Websites used Flash intros for the same purpose back in the day.
They have good intentions. They may be looking in the wrong place, though.
The Belief That Competitors & Peers Are Right
Competition is a great motivator. So is the status of one’s peers. Both make us want to keep pace with those around us.
It’s a common theme when building a website. Web designers can fall for it as much as clients. You see something shiny and want to replicate it.
Perhaps the company across town uses a video background on every page. It may look cool. But is it the right thing to do?
Clients don’t want to be outclassed by someone in the same industry. They may not consider the consequences of adding such a feature.
A client may also fear that they’ll look bad to potential customers. As in:
“Company A has this feature on their website. They’re clearly superior to Company B.”
The reality may be different. The web’s novelty wore off many years ago. Looks are important. But so is usability. And what good is a video background for someone using assistive technology or a cheap mobile device?
That Their Preferences Are All That Matters
As the saying goes, “The heart wants what it wants.” We can say the same thing about our clients.
A client can become an immovable object when it comes to design. They’ll insist on an inaccessible color scheme. Or a font that is difficult to read.
Some won’t sign off on a design unless it includes all their demands. They’re the customer, after all. And they’re always right.
This thinking also impacts existing websites. A client might want to change a hero section. The reason? They’re sick of looking at the same thing every day.
It may make sense to them. However, they’re once again ignoring users. You know, the people they’re trying to serve.
Change for the sake of change could be a negative. It could confuse visitors and lower conversion rates.
Not everyone can see the bigger picture.
How to Help Your Clients See the Light
Yes, all of the above can be frustrating. There’s no need to lose all hope, though. A good conversation or two can make a difference.
Here are a few pointers for discussing performance and accessibility concerns.
Give an Honest Assessment of Your Concerns
The first step is to provide an honest assessment. Point out the potential problems you foresee.
From there, it’s about explaining each item of concern. Lay out the benefits and drawbacks. Give examples of how a feature impacts users.
For example, a slider could make site navigation more difficult for a visually impaired person. Your client may not have considered this possibility.
Clients will most often do the right thing in these situations. Being informed could be all it takes.
Offer Better Alternatives
It’s one thing to argue against a client’s idea. But what should they be doing instead?
Our job isn’t to merely dismiss a feature. We should also offer an alternative or two. Things that provide a similar effect – but without the hit to performance and accessibility.
We could suggest a hero area instead of a slider. It will grab a user’s attention while reducing load times. Perhaps it features a background pattern or a photograph that’s optimized. It stays on brand but doesn’t hinder usability.
It’s one way to guide a client toward better solutions. The idea is to improve the product and strengthen communication.
Be Patient
Clients aren’t always receptive to our ideas. We can warn them about the impact of a feature. But they sometimes need to see the results for themselves.
They might notice an issue when the feature launches. Or they may get complaints from other users. The shortcomings will become apparent either way. Or not.
We’ll need to be patient and bide our time. We can hold out hope that they’ll see things our way, eventually.
Educate & Encourage Good Choices
There will always be some give and take when working with clients. That’s part of the design and build processes. Web designers must balance client preferences with user needs.
Accessibility should be non-negotiable. It’s worth fighting tooth and nail for. If a client insists on something that goes against this pillar – the consequences are on them.
Performance offers more wiggle room. Odds are the result won’t be perfect. However, it’s our job to make the best of any situation.
Education is a valuable tool for web designers, though. We can help clients understand why these subjects are worth their investment. That can lead them to make better choices.
The benefits of performance and accessibility aren’t apparent to everyone. Thankfully, we have the power to change that.
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AI in Search? The Grumpy Designer Isn’t Impressed So Far – Speckyboy
Tech companies are baking AI into everything these days. It seems like you can’t avoid a heaping helping of bots and large language models (LLMs). I think I ingested some in my breakfast cereal this morning.
Thus, it’s no surprise that search engines have become best pals with AI. Google and Bing are joyfully adding it to their results. These generated answers are the first thing you see for some queries.
Both companies have a stake in the technology. Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot will be keys to their future success. We’ll continue to see these tools added to flagship products.
The early results have been interesting – and perhaps a bit unsettling. For example, AI has recommended that we put glue on pizza. It has also displayed plagiarized content above the original works.
It’s just a reminder that no technology is perfect. And AI is still in its infancy. But there’s more to it. The relationship between AI and search represents a fundamental shift. I’m not so sure I like it. Here’s a look at why.
The Shift to Becoming an Answer Engine
The way search engines work has evolved. In the early days, it was all about matching the keywords used in a query.
That’s why keyword-stuffing and other nefarious SEO techniques worked. Search engines were looking for exact (or fuzzy) matches of keywords. It led to less-than-ideal results. Spammers were great at gaming this system.
Modern search now considers context. It combines content and structured data to determine results. That’s why we can search for “pizza shops near me” and get local results.
As always, these services pick winners. The top results favor sites that match the search engine’s indexing criteria and algorithm. The algorithms are mysterious to us mortals – but fair enough.
So, how does the current use of AI impact this process? For one, it attempts to provide us with a definitive answer.
Let’s forget about accuracy for a moment. Displaying this information first lends confidence to the answer. If it’s first, it must be right – right? Maybe we can skip all the results down the page.
We are no longer encouraged to look for the result that fits our needs. We are instead fed an answer – potentially discouraging us from digging deeper.
The Cost of AI-generated Answers
Perhaps the convenience of an AI-generated answer is favorable. But it also comes with some costs.
Website owners could see a drop in traffic. They already had to contend with sponsors clogging up the top portion of the results page. AI answers are just one more thing to hamper their visibility.
The other elephant in the room is that AI scrapes content from all over the web. The benefits for site owners are questionable at best.
A site that feeds the top result could see some extra clicks. Newfangled services like Perplexity are even offering to pay publishers. However, you might have better odds of winning the lottery than securing this arrangement.
We should also dive back into AI’s potential to discourage further research. Some users may accept that first answer and not bother to think twice.
Maybe this doesn’t impact longtime users. I’m used to scrolling through search results and clicking multiple links. I don’t foresee AI changing my behavior.
But what about younger generations? AI will be just the way things work for them. They may not realize that there’s more information available. After all, Google has already given them the “best” answer.
Here’s where accuracy comes into the picture. There are times when search engines will get it wrong. That seems like an unavoidable situation.
Users who aren’t familiar with researching answers will be misinformed. That could be dangerous, depending on the subject.
Most people won’t put glue on their pizza. But this type of “advice” could be taken seriously by someone. And that has real consequences.
Is This the End of Search as We Knew It?
I believe the relationship between search and AI is a long-term one. Companies like Google and Microsoft aren’t spending truckloads of money for nothing. Well, sometimes they do. But I digress.
The current phase is an experimental one. Search providers are trying to figure out where AI fits in. And, oh yeah, they want to monetize it.
There’s been some backlash at the technology’s integration so far. That has led to adjustments. It’s a matter of finding what users will and won’t tolerate.
Regardless, searching the web is going to look quite different. Sponsored and AI-generated results will continue to push organic results down the page. Large websites will rank higher than small ones.
Search is a pay-to-play proposition these days. AI is only going to amplify this practice.
That changes how we search as consumers. We may need to scroll past a lot of nonsense to find what we came for.
It might also change our expectations as website owners. That free traffic we’ve optimized for may not be as plentiful. We’ll have to adjust accordingly.
What Will the Future Bring?
Search is another area where web designers and marketers will feel the impact of the move toward AI. The techniques that previously performed well for us may be obsolete.
SEO will still be a worthwhile endeavor, though. Getting your websites indexed shouldn’t go out of style anytime soon.
However, using SEO as a primary marketing strategy doesn’t seem sustainable. Unless your clients are large or in a unique niche, you may struggle to make headway without paid promotion.
Such is life on the web. We can never get too comfortable! Search engines are just another in a long line of seismic shifts.
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Generative AI Playgrounds: Pioneering the Next Generation of Intelligent Solution
Generative AI has gained significant traction due to its ability to create content that mimics human creativity. Despite its vast potential, with applications ranging from generating text and images to composing music and writing code, interacting with these rapidly evolving technologies remains daunting. The complexity of…
40+ Free Packs of Procreate Brushes for Digital Artists – Speckyboy
Procreate is a powerful digital art application designed specifically for the iPad. It offers a range of creative features that allow you to create professional-level artwork on the go. One of the key features of Procreate is its brush engine.
Procreate’s brush engine, called Brush Studio, allows you to create and customize your own brushes. This feature allows you to create brushes that fit your style and workflow, making Procreate a powerful tool for creating professional-level artwork.
Using brushes in Procreate is easy. Simply select a brush from the brush library and start drawing or painting on the canvas. The pressure sensitivity of the Apple Pencil allows for natural-looking brush strokes and a more tactile experience. Brushes can also be resized, rotated, and adjusted for opacity and flow to achieve your desired effect.
Procreate brushes can be used to create a wide range of artwork, including illustrations, comic books, and concept art. Digital artists and designers can also benefit from using Procreate brushes to create digital mockups and designs.
We’ve curated this collection of free Procreate brush sets to help you add more detail to your digital art. The best part about these brushes is that they’re free, so you can experiment with different styles and techniques without costing you anything.
If you’re new to Procreate, you might like this collection of tutorials to help get you started.
Texture Effect Procreate Brushes
These brushes will add texture and depth to your artwork, replicating surfaces like paper, canvas, or sandpaper. They can be used to create realistic textures in digital art.
Procreate Grain Brushes (Free)
These free Procreate brushes are exactly what you think they are. They’re brushes that add graininess to your work. These speckled, dusty-looking brushes can be used to add texture or age to a project.
Very Dry Gouache Brush for Procreate (Free)
The Very Dry Gouache Brush lives up to its name. This brush set offers a super dry texture that makes every brush stroke visible. Plus, it will reveal different textures depending on how hard you press.
Geometry Brushes for Procreate
This collection includes 34 different geometry brushes. They make adding shapes, design motifs, and patterns to your work easy. They can also be used for shading.
Cardboard Procreate Brush (Free)
This free cardboard Procreate brush set has a semi-streaky look that can be used for various lettering projects, from signs to business cards to logos.
Distressed Wall Procreate Brushes (Free)
Distressed Wall is a free Procreate brush set that adds a chalky-style texture to your designs. Perfect for illustration backgrounds.
Hair & Fur Procreate Brushes
These hair and fur brushes can help you create realistic textures, such as animal fur and human hair. They can give your designs and illustrations a more organic look, bringing them to life.
HairBrush Set for Procreate (Free)
If you want to draw realistic hair in Procreate, this free brush set will greatly help you. With them, you can create straight or curly hair and achieve a variety of other textures.
Fur Brushes for Procreate (Free)
In this collection, you will get four free Procreate brushes (including thin, harsh, ski, and ranged) that you can use to create fur or hair and also add texture to other types of art.
Stipple Effect Procreate Brushes
Stipple effect brushes add shading, depth, and intricate textures to your digital art. They are perfect for portraits, backgrounds, and creating unique effects.
Stippling Brush Set (Free)
This Stippling brush set contains 17 brushes, including nine stipple brushes, three liner brushes, and five textured brushes. These multi-faceted brushes can be used for just about any project you work on.
Eclectica Stipple Brushes for Procreate
The Eclectica brush set is inspired by the retro style of the 1970s and will add a touch of pop art to your work. It is a collection of Procreate brushes you can use to create something unique. The pack includes 18 stroke and stipple brushes.
Stipple Procreate Brush Pack (Free)
This free brush set for Procreate can be used to generate an authentic stippling effect, making it ideal for better shading.
Cloth & Textile Procreate Brushes
These cloth brushes replicate various fabrics, adding depth to your digital art by giving it a more organic look. They can be especially useful in creating clothing designs, home decor designs, and other projects that involve fabric.
15 Textile Factory Procreate Brushes (Free)
This free set of Procreate brushes includes 15 swatches of varied cloth patterns that you can use to add texture to your paintings.
Bristle Brush Linen (Free)
This free Procreate brush pack includes a natural bristle brush for creating the look of brushstrokes on a linen canvas. It also uses Procreate’s wet blending feature to imitate a realistic painting experience.
Watercolor Procreate Brushes
These brushes for Procreate offer a range of realistic watercolor textures and effects. They allow you to create beautiful, fluid strokes and blend colors seamlessly.
Wet Media Brushes for Procreate (Free)
Here’s a collection of 48 (yes, you read that correctly) brushes for Procreate that let you replicate wet media. There are too many watercolor effects to name here, so you’ll want to download them yourself.
Collection of Procreate Brushes (Free)
This Procreate brush set includes two Gouache brushes, two oil paint brushes, and two watercolor brushes. Each performs beautifully and is a solid addition to your digital art toolbox.
Painting Effect Procreate Brushes
These brushes replicate the look and feel of traditional paintbrushes. They can be used for digital painting, from realistic oil paintings to more stylized illustrations.
Pro Painters Procreate Brushes
This Pro Painter brush set contains 31 brushes, all perfect for adding light paint or pencil textures to typography and illustrations.
Matt’s Painting Procreate Brush Set (Free)
Matt’s Painting Set is an all-purpose brush set for gouache artists. This free set allows you to add fine lines, texture, grit, and airbrush effects.
Art Brushes for Procreate
This collection of art brushes includes 21 different brushes for imitating real painting techniques, and they naturally have both wet and dry looks.
Bookshelf Brushsets for Procreate (Free)
This free set of nine brushes will allow you to quickly paint a selection of books on a bookshelf. You can also use these brushes in Photoshop CC and Clip Studio Paint.
Tears Brushes for Procreate (Free)
This free brush set will let you quickly add various types of tears to your art. You can also use these brushes as small splashes or splatters.
Milk Brushes for Procreate (Free)
While milk may not be at the top of most people’s list of required brushes, this free collection will allow you to add various types of splatters, splashes, and drops to your artwork.
Jingsketch Basic Procreate Brushes (Free)
This collection of ten simple brushes is perfect for beginners to Procreate. These versatile brushes can be used in a multitude of ways.
Procreate Swatches
This swatch collection aren’t brushes per se, but they are still incredibly useful for creating artwork in Procreate. With these, choosing colors won’t be an issue.
Nature Effect Procreate Brushes
These brushes can create various natural effects, including leaves, grass, clouds, and water. They are useful for landscape designs, botanical illustrations, and other projects that require a nature-inspired touch.
Nature Stamp Brushes for Procreate (Free)
This free Procreate brush set will help speed up your landscape painting process. It includes stamps for flowers, foliage, grass, leaves, rocks, ivy, trees, and glowworms.
Natural Brushes for Procreate
Here’s another set of brushes for Procreate centered around nature. This natural brush set has 20 brushes, including pencils, chalks, and shaders.
Flora Vegetation Brushes for Procreate (Free)
The Flora Vegetation Brushes is a massive set with a whopping 91 brushes! These brushes are designed to mimic the textures, weights, and tones of natural materials. This set is a must-have for creating nature scenes or even drawing backgrounds.
Rain Stamp Brushes for Procreate (Free)
This pack of 25 free brushes allows you to add various types of textured rain to your artwork, giving it a moody, atmospheric look and feel.
Floral Stamp Procreate Brushes (Free)
The Free Floral Stamp set consists of five different brushes that help you capture the look of petals, leaves, vines, and more.
Comic & Cartoon Procreate Brushes
These brushes mimic the look and feel of traditional comic book art. They can be used to create various effects, including ink lines, halftone dots, and speech bubbles, allowing you to create unique comic and cartoon artwork.
Comic Ink Brush Set for Procreate (Free)
The Comic Ink Brush Set for Procreate includes 16 inking and SFX brushes for creating comic books from scratch. From fine liners to gradients, you have everything you need here to get started.
Comics & Halftone Procreate Brushes
These Procreate brushes offer brushstrokes that have become synonymous with comic books. They can be used to add the look of actual paper or brush strokes, like hash lines, to a drawing.
Anime Bokeh Procreate Brushes (Free)
Here’s a collection of seven bokeh brushes for anime drawing and art. Depending on the layer style you use, you can use them in several ways to achieve different effects.
Lettering Procreate Brushes
These Procreate brushes can be used to create various lettering effects, including calligraphy, graffiti, and retro styles. You can add a personalized touch to your designs, creating custom lettering and typography for logos, titles, apparel, and other projects.
Banner Wave Calligraphy Procreate Brush (Free)
Banner Wave is a free Procreate brush set for creating textured and bold hand-drawn lettering and calligraphy.
Procreate Lettering Brushes for Procreate (Free)
Created for typography lovers, this free textured brush for Procreate transforms every stroke into calligraphy art. Blend tradition with modernity with this free brush set.
Graffiti Brush Pack (Free)
Unleash your inner street artist with the free graffiti brush pack for Procreate! Dive into a world of urban expression, mastering street art with brushes that capture every drip, tag, and wall wonder.
Stripe Procreate Brush (Free)
Stripe is a single brush that’s well worth downloading. It’s a smooth calligraphy or lettering brush that responds to pressure and layering—a fantastic choice for adding script typography to your work.
Fire & Ice Brushes for Procreate (Free)
Designed by Kelly Sikkema, this free Procreate brush is perfect for creating beautiful typography on a dark background.
Lettering Procreate Brush Set (Free)
This is a nice set of lettering brushes that are a bit unusual. There’s a shrub brush, a wood grain brush, and even a worm brush!
Pencil & Pen Procreate Brushes
These pencil, pen, and ink brushes replicate the look and feel of traditional inking tools, such as brush, dip, and technical pens. They can be used for line art, illustrations, and comics.
Pencil Brushes for Procreate (Free)
This grain pencil and Copic marker brush set is another excellent free Procreate pack. It replicates the look and feel of real pencil strokes and lines drawn with a Copic marker.
Procreate Pencil Brushes (Free)
This is a free set of pencil brushes perfect for adding texture to an item or drawing. The set includes 24 unique brushes.
Ink Procreate Brushes & Textured Paper (Free)
Whether sketching, lettering, or embellishing intricate details, this ink brush replicates authentic ink, accommodating diverse line widths, shading, and textures. The download also includes free textured paper.
Procreate Ballpoint Pen Brushes (Free)
This Ballpoint Pen brush set mimics the look of a real ballpoint pen, offering fine strokes that you can layer to build shadows and contrast by applying greater pressure and using hatching.
Marker Brushes for Procreate (Free)
Need marker brushes? This set offers two options: an opaque marker and a variable-opacity marker. Both offer irregular coverage that looks more natural.
Liner Procreate Brushes (Free)
Cheap Fine-Liner Brush for Procreate (Free)
The Cheap Fine-Liner Brush set is a recreation of a 0.6 technical pen. It’s precise and allows you to create fine-line drawings or to fill in tiny details. It’s a great addition to any brush collection.
Pencil, Inking & Painting Basic Brush Set for Procreate (Free)
The Pencil, Inking, Painting Basic Brush Set consists of 7 brushes for creating comic book art from scratch. It has everything you need to conceptualize a piece from the sketch phase through painting.
Pixel Art Procreate Brushes
These Procreate brushes allow you to create authentic pixel art. You can create detailed sprites, game graphics, and nostalgic artwork.
Pixel Art Procreate Brush Set (Free)
Create your own pixel art using this free Procreate brush set. This download package includes four unique brushes, three pre-configured canvases, and a helpful user guide.
Space & Sky Procreate Brushes
These incredible brushes replicate elements of the night sky, including stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. They can be used to create various effects, including constellations, galaxies, and auroras.
Bright Sky Brushes for Procreate (Free)
This premium Procreate brush set includes 49 constellation brushes. You can download the free trial of four brushes for personal use.
Constellation Brushes for Procreate (Free)
With this free Procreate constellation brush set, you can add depth and create an atmosphere in your digital art. The set also includes free zodiac signs.
How to Install or Import Brushes into Procreate
Importing brushes into Procreate might vary slightly depending on your device and the method you choose. Here’s the simplest way to import brushes into Procreate:
- Download Brushes: Find and download the Procreate brush files (usually in
.brush
or.brushset
format) from the collection above. - Locate the Brush Files: Once downloaded, locate the brush files on your device. You might find them in your Downloads folder or wherever you saved them.
- Transfer Files to Procreate: Upload the brush files to cloud storage services like iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, or others. Then, open the cloud storage app within Procreate and import the brushes. Or you can simply use AirDrop.
- Import Brushes in Procreate: Open Procreate on your device. Tap the
+
button on the top right corner of the Brush Library to open theAdd
panel. ChooseImport
to access the import options. - Select Brush Files: Navigate to the location where you saved the brush files and select the brush files you want to import.
- Confirm Import: Procreate will display a preview of the brushes you’re about to import. Review them and tap
Import
. - Organize Brushes (Optional): After importing, you can create custom brush sets and organize your imported brushes for easier access.
- Start Using Brushes: The imported brushes will now be available in your Brush Library. Simply select a brush to start using it in your artwork.
Can You Use Photoshop Brushes in Procreate?
While using Photoshop brushes in Procreate is possible through conversion, it’s important to note that each application has its own brush engine and settings. This can lead to variations in how brushes behave and respond.
You could use a third-party tool or app to convert Photoshop .abr
files to Procreate’s .brush
, which Procreate can read. One tool you could use is abrMate for Windows.
To fully take advantage of Procreates’ capabilities, though, consider exploring its native brushes and using brushes that have been created specifically for the app.
Procreate Brush FAQs
-
Why Use Brush Sets in Procreate?
Brushes can dramatically change the style and feel of your artwork. They allow for more creativity and help you achieve various effects, from realistic textures to quirky patterns.
-
Are These Procreate Brush Sets Really Free?
Yes, the brushes in this collection are all free to download. Just make sure you check if there are any specific license guidelines for use.
-
Can Beginners Use These Brush Sets?
These brush sets are great for beginners because they offer many effects and styles to experiment with, making the learning process more fun.
-
Do These Brushes Work on All Versions of Procreate?
Most brushes work with different versions of Procreate, but it’s a good idea to check their compatibility with your version, especially if it’s older.
-
Can I Use These Brushes for Commercial Projects?
Most free Procreate brushes are fine for both personal and commercial projects. But it’s always a good idea to review the usage terms set by the brush creator, as some might have specific requirements or limitations.
-
Are These Procreate Brushes Customizable?
Procreate allows you to customize brushes. You can adjust settings like size, opacity, and flow to suit your requirements.
-
What Makes Procreate Brushes Different from Other Digital Art Software Brushes?
Procreate brushes are specifically designed to take advantage of Procreate’s unique features, such as Apple Pencil pressure sensitivity and tilt functionality.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve had a chance to browse this collection of free Procreate brush sets, you may have already downloaded a few or put together a nice shortlist to revisit later.
These free brushes make it easy to add precision, depth, and texture to your work without creating designs from scratch.
It’s always a good idea to read any license agreements or terms and conditions before using these Procreate brushes in your commercial work to ensure you follow the rules and do not infringe on any copyright.
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How to Help Your Web Design Clients Without Being There – Speckyboy
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!
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8 CSS & JavaScript Snippets for Creating Animated Progress Bars – Speckyboy

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.
See the Pen Animated semicircular progress bar chart using SVG by Andrew Sims
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.
See the Pen Download progress animation by Aaron Iker
Progress Bar Animation by Eva Wythien
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.
See the Pen Progress bar animation by Eva Wythien
CSS & JavaScript Progress Clock by Jon Kantner
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.
See the Pen Progress Clock by Jon Kantner
CSS-Only Order Process Steps by Jamie Coulter
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.
See the Pen CSS only order process steps by Jamie Coulter
Screen Wraparound Progress Bar by Thomas Vaeth
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.
See the Pen Wraparound Progress Bar by Thomas Vaeth
Responsive Circle Progress Bar by Tigran Sargsyan
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.
See the Pen Circle progress by Tigran Sargsyan
Rotating 3d Progress Bar by Amit
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.
See the Pen 3d progress bar v2 by Amit
Better Progress Through Code
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!
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15+ Free Procreate Color Schemes & Swatches for Digital Artists – Speckyboy
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.
If you’re new to Procreate, you might like to take a look at this collection of tutorials. And if you’re looking for brushes, you will love our collection of free Procreate brush sets.
The Top Color Schemes for Procreate
Procreate Color Swatches for Painting & Drawing (37 Palettes, Free)
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.
2024 Colors of the Year Procreate Palettes
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.
Lipstick & Ice Cream Procreate Color Palettes (4 Palettes, Free)
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.
Synthwave Procreate Color Palette & Swatches (3 Palettes)
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.
Landscape Color Palettes for Procreate (10 Palettes, Free)
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.
Sunflower Fields Procreate Color Palette (Free)
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.
Color Palette Collection for Procreate (234 Palettes)
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.
Skin Tones Procreate Color Palette (Free)
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.
Chase The Stars Procreate Color Swatch & Palette (Free)
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.
Bright Candy Procreate Color Palette
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.
Various Procreate Color Palettes (6 Palettes, Free)
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.
Christmas Mood Procreate Color Palettes & Swatches
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.
Procreate Color Palette Collection (200+ Palettes, Free)
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.
Valentine’s Day Procreate Color Palettes
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.
Trick or Treat Halloween Procreate Color Palette (Free)
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.
Light Pastel Procreate Color Palette & Swatch
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.
Seasonal Color Schemes for Procreate (4 Palettes, Free)
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.
Gorgeous Procreate Color Palettes (4 Palettes, Free)
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.
Artist’s Favorite Procreate Color Palettes (20 Palettes, Free)
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.
Autumn Inspired Procreate Color Palette (Free)
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.
Neon Lights Color Palette for Procreate (Free)
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 selectNew 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 chooseCreate 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.
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How to Stay Safe When Updating WordPress – Speckyboy
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.
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