This will probably more often that not be more of a quick spotlight and less of an in depth design analysis (we also work alot) but nonetheless a window into new media trends. The stark truth is we can’t be arsed with excessive blogging, however here we go…

Analog are a potent cooperative  mix of established designers and developers. Their minimalistic yet exquisitely illustrated home on the interwebs dares you to research each member.

Try hovering over some of the mugshots for a few seconds.

In order to continue to improve our products and deliver more sophisticated features and performance, we are harnessing some of the latest improvements in web browser technology.  This includes faster JavaScript processing and new standards like HTML5.  As a result, over the course of 2010, we will be phasing out support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, as well as other older browsers that are not supported by their own manufacturers.

We plan to begin phasing out support of these older browsers on the Google Docs suite and the Google Sites editor on March 1, 2010.  After that point, certain functionality within these applications may have higher latency and may not work correctly in these older browsers. Later in 2010, we will start to phase out support for these browsers for Google Mail and Google Calendar.

Google Apps will continue to support Internet Explorer 7.0 and above, Firefox 3.0 and above, Google Chrome 4.0 and above, and Safari 3.0 and above.

Starting this week, users on these older browsers will see a message in Google Docs and the Google Sites editor explaining this change and asking them to upgrade their browser.  We will also alert you again closer to March 1 to remind you of this change.

Whatever will we do?

Ok I’ll explain my question a little more thoroughly. I was checking up on a university project an old fello alumni produced earlier this evening, namely Belfast Banter by Mr Brian Burns. Now Brian currently has the site down for maintenance, but I remember the logo (which can be seen on the Belfast Banter twitter) and it struck me.

There was a simple, widely used graphic design technique that I had never ever tried – text on a path. I’d never needed to, or a concept I was working on had never warranted the use of it.

This led me on to thinking that there maybe some others out there who had neglected to ever try a simple technique, but haven’t had the stones to admit it. Embarrassing? Maybe a little, but it shouldn’t be, we’re all human after all.

So here for your viewing pleasure, after 14 years, is my first attempt at the wavy text thing.

Many thanks also to the wonderful folk close to us who have been integral in supporting a young Cupcake through recent times.

You know who you are!

I was therefore happier than a pig in Disneyland to come across an incredibly intuitive guide to developing a Wordpress theme from scratch, without the usual sifting through masses of useless information.

So very well written and thought out, this series of tutorials will prove invaluable to seasoned web designers and hobbyists alike. Well worth a look.

Note the lovely pink feature wall. We haven’t added illustrations to it just yet.

…and we haven’t painted the back of the door yet…

…and we haven’t shaved Dan yet.

I also want to take this time to thank James for a little help he gave me when I was studying and finding my feet in the industry. His advice to me, and every other young designer can be found here.

James continues to be a great source of inspiration and motivation for me.