And yet another site launch for this week–Mission Cycling! This might be my favorite site that I’ve ever done in terms of design. It was hella complicated (integrating Instagram, Strava API, WordPress), but entirely worth it. The end result is a dynamically-updated site that captures the spirit and passion of this cycling group and automatically creates weekly stats as they happen for members. And on a snowy Chicago day, the lush photography makes me miss the Bay Area just a little more.
Your Life SPRUCED is a New Orleans-based personal organizing service that does everything from home organization to staging to project management. The client wanted the site design to be as tidy and clean as her offerings, while having the copy reflect the personal touch she brings to every job. We kept it simple and showed off some inspiring before and after shots in the gallery.
The eBook I edited: BROKEN: Navigating the Ups and Downs of the Circus Called Work is now available. I’ve worked for months with the authors–Nate Burgos and Stephanie Di Biase on this project. A great read for anyone who has struggled with work dynamics–especially in a creative capacity–the book is both a shoulder to lean on and a tool to make things better.
My latest article for BookPromotion.com is up. Read it all here!
The new year is a great time to set yourself up for success not only personally, but professionally. Experts prove that quantifying your goals can greatly improve your chances of achieving them. Using Google Analytics’ goals tool, you can quantify the effectiveness of how users interact with your site, and then use that information to improve how you serve information. (You are already using Analytics on your site, right? If not, here’s why I think you should be.)
The site I designed for Children’s Book Author (and Forbes publishing Vice President) Bob Forbes launched today. This book combines his books, poetry, and more than 60 videos of readings from his books. You can purchase his books, read excerpts, see photo galleries, or even submit your own poetry!
My clients, Russian Tea Time, are featured in the New York Times’ 36 Hours in Chicago!
The article reads: Russian Tea Time is the kind of classic, white-tablecloth restaurant that helps old cities age gracefully. There’s nothing new here, just wonderful Ukrainian-style borscht ($6), Russian herring ($13.50) and Moldavian, Uzbek and Azerbaijani specialties on a busy downtown street. The tea service ($29.95) includes over 30 teas and a spread of sweets and savories such as Pozharski croquettes and rugelach, while the vodka flights feature house-flavored black currant, horseradish and ginger spirits. Just across Michigan Avenue, get a taste of the Art Institute of Chicago’s dizzying scope by dropping into one of its catch-it-while-you-can exhibitions, like “Art and Appetite: American Painting, Culture and Cuisine,” which surveys “the historical art of eating” through Jan. 27.
My article on the roundup of best book roundups for Book Promotion.com. Love these end-of-the-year lists!
My article on Amazon Publishing’s new short story imprint went up on BookPromotion.com today. Short story writers and readers, check it out!
Historically, readers are accustomed to buying short stories as part of an anthology. Amazon Publishing is changing that with the launch of StoryFront, a new imprint focused on publishing short fiction—story by story. There are 43 stories included at launch, many available for as little as $.99. StoryFront will also be home to Day One, a Kindle-based weekly literary journal introduced earlier this year that is dedicated to new writers and poets. Day One costs $1.59/month or $1.99 per issue.
It isn’t hyperbole to say that McEvoy Ranch is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. This 550-acre ranch in Petaluma, California produces the best olive oil I’ve ever tasted and olive oil based body care products with scents evocative of their beautiful surroundings.
Today, their site launches online sales for their new wine vintages. I can say from experience that they are EXTRAORDINARY (especially Rosebud). Setting up ecommerce for the wine sales and their wine club was quite a challenge, but ultimately worth it. (FYI, wine only ships within California for now.)
