So the other day I decided I really want to jump into graphic design. So far I have messed around learning while working on web design projects, watching Youtube tutorials on how to use photoshop, checking out font websites, and slowly grasping a broad knowledge of the subject matter. Well now I’m truly diving in head first and don’t plan on stopping any time soon. One significant reason for tackling this passion of mine is that fact my company, Atomic Pages LLC is in dire need of a web/ graphic designer. I understand I could never accomplish what I expect in a web/graphic designer, but if I can build a solid background I know I’ll be able find right person for the job. One of the keys to success in business is surrounding yourself with people who are smarter or more talented than you. So far I have found two very talented programmers, Dennis Thompson and Jackson Hines, who are the other two partners of our company. Now it’s time to find that designer with the golden touch. As for my first step I have started with one of the best blogs in the industry PSDtuts. PSDtuts, an amazing blog under the Envato network provided a perfect article to get me started: Teach Yourself Graphic Design: A Self-Study Course Outline. It is filled with endless amounts of articles that cover A to Z when it comes to graphic design. So my journey begins now. Wish me luck. In the mean time check out some graphic art I have already created while messing around on photoshop.

p.s. I will be writing articles about helpful tips I learn while I go through this process. So be on the lookout!

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Makin’ Moves

Yet another big name in House music, Mark Knight, has been constantly pushing out ridiculous house tunes. Easily in my top three favorite house artists, Mark, who originates from the UK, is the founder of Toolroom Records. This is a well respected record label created in 2003 and now has its own concert tour, Toolroom Knights that is filled with some of the biggest names in House. As for the song “Yalta Groove” the latter half explains the whole song. Whenever I am playing a more laid back set I will always throw this groovy tune in the mix. So turn your speakers up and enjoy!

Yes, I know this is a track that has been out for quite some time now (2009?) but I had to make a post about it. I literally play this every time I have a set and it’s guaranteed to get positive response from the crowd. Laidback luke has truly established himself in the house music world with remixes and original productions like Heartbreaker, Turbulence, Natural Disaster, Rocking with the Best, etc. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including David Guetta, Steve Angello, Example, A-Trak, and the list goes on. Originally born in the Philippines, Laidback Luke (Luke van Scheppingen), originates from the Netherlands. He is making huge moves in the music game and I don’t see him stopping any time soon. Enjoy this house banger!

If you are a mover and shaker then this is your type of conference. Whether you are into philanthropy or a business mogul, this is a great opportunity to meet and hear from other inspiring individuals. Sir Richard Branson (Founder of Virgin), Tony Hsieh (CEO of Zappos), and Russell Simmons (American Icon) are just to name a few of the type of people to expect at these conferences. This is not just another conference filled with redundant speeches, Q&A, and an average lunch. There are famous artist performing, swimming with sharks, and numerous other exciting events during these conferences. Also, they are now providing Summit at Sea. Basically the most awesome conference possible on a cruise ship. The conferences are invite only, but it doesn’t hurt to get in contact with them here. Or just check out their website SummitSeries.com

You should head over to IconFinder.com. They have thousands of icons including all social media website icons. It is very easy to look up, navigate, and filter icons you are looking for. One great aspect of the website is that you can download an entire icon set for your web or graphic design work. I use this website on a daily basis for my web icons and I highly recommend!

A couple months ago I was searching around Alltop.com to see if I could find some inspiration for graphic design work I had. Fortunately, I came across a wonderful graphic design blog called youthedesigner.com. It is filled with endless articles that can benefit the average joe to the savvy graphic design artist. Things you can expect on the website are inspiring brochures, posters, and photography. Also, there are freebies including fonts, icons, and brushes. Check out some helpful articles I have discovered on the website.

Free Abstract and Glowing Brushes

Inspiring Brochures

Free Bold and Modern Fonts

So the other day I was in the car with my girlfriend when I heard Chris Brown’s newest single “Yeah 3X”. Immediately after hearing the song I thought to myself wow this beat sounds very familiar… and then it hit me! Oh this is from Calvis Harris’ hit “I’m Not Alone”. My following thoughts were cool.. Chris Brown and Calvin collaborated together to make a club hit. I decided to look more into it and to my dismay the two individuals had nothing involved with each other. There is a rumor the producers of Chris Brown’s “Yeah 3X” ripped samples from Calvin Harris hit. Many people probably will go on without ever noticing this, but I thought it was very interesting. Kudo’s to Calvin for such a great song, but sorry you’re not getting any recognition as being an amazing DJ/producer. Take a listen to both songs and give me your thoughts on whether you think what Chris Brown’s producers should be let by without any disciplinary actions.

This has been one of my favorite websites since its creation in 2004. The main reason why is the fact it is a simple solution to find both great news and websites. Founded by venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki, entrepreneur Will Mayall, and entrepreneur Kathryn Henkens, alltop.com was founded in with mindset of organizing interesting/popular websites within specific areas of interests away from garbage out on the web. What you will see when you visit the website are the top 5 RSS Feeds for each website that staff at alltop approve of. Think your blog/website is interesting enough to make the cut? Then go here to see what it takes. I have found so many great websites in the areas of social media, do it yourself , and graphic design. I highly recommend checking out this website if you are in search of helpful and interesting websites out on the web.

I have been hearing a lot of positive things about Wiz Khalifa, but wasn’t quite sure what he had in him until I actually listened to this mixtape. The young gun from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania hit the scene with his single “Say Yeah”. I thought it was a catchy song, but a one hit wonder style of a song. Then several months ago I kept hearing everyone on FaceBook posting songs by the kid so… I thought I should check out some of his mixtapes. My favorite so far has been ‘Kush & Orange Juice’. One thing that caught my ear was the fact he didn’t have to have a big name cast of featured artist to make the album what it is (kuddos to Wiz). I definitely recommend to check this album out if you want hear a different sound that has emerged into the hip-hop arena.

Wiz Khalifas Mixtapes

• Everything Taylored
• Kush & Orange Juice
• Burn After Rolling
• How Fly
• Flight School
• Star Power

Leave a comment about what you think of this artist. Also, I would love to hear suggestions of other artist like Wiz Khalifa I should check out.

Checkout the new and improved website I created using Worpress. The purpose of this website is not only to display information about myself and my interests, but also to develop my skills in web design. I hope to experiment with javascript/ jquery, wordpress, php, html, css, google analytics, and SEO. I hope it will be a great experience that will further my knowledge in this particular field. Also, if you’d like, keep track of my other work at NorCal Water Systems and Dr. Comp SD