If you check out Google’s homepage today you will notice the “doodle” in place of their logo. Sure it looks cool and it pays homage to the 30th anniversary of PacMan but is it special? Well of course it is. Try clicking the insert coin button and actually play PacMan!

I couldn’t believe my eyes the first time I saw this.

Google has done it again.

Here’s hoping for playing Crysis on a browser (I’m pretty sure they can do it)

Today we take a look at a Wireframing/Prototyping Hybrid Software that is taking the scene by storm.

What is FlairBuilder?

First of  all, FlairBuilder is primarily a “Prototyping Tool” that means you can create interactive wireframes & prototypes for your project i.e. website, software, etc.

Discussing the importance of wireframing is beyond the scope of this post but feel free to check out WDD for a clear interpretation.

Things That I Like About Flair Builder:

Intuitive Interface – The Drag and Drop style of working with FlairBuilder is very easy to use coupled with a familiar interface and it requires virtually no learning curve.

The use of “Themes” – This is very special. You can make your whole wireframe look like its been drawn with a pencil when you start and then change it into a more professional look to signify the level of completion of the project.

Fast Preview - Pressing F3 or clicking the Preview tab will instantly show you how your prototype will look and feel.

Iphone Prototyping – Yes. You can prototype your Iphone apps here no problem.

Interactivity – Now this is where FlairBuilder truly shines. The interactive widgets actually work! They’re not just images, they are fully functioning pieces that make up your prototype.

Auto Save –  Now this feature is a life saver. FlairBuilder saves your work every 2 minutes.

Suggestions:

There is no denying that FB is truly remarkable but I do have a suggestion. Adding a full screen button or maybe floating panels to give more screen space to the prototype while designing. This is for folks who do not like horizontal scrolling or have low screen resolutions.

Conclusion:

As a Web Designer, I think that “FlairBuilder” will revolutionize the way we do wireframes for our projects. FB is feature packed and is very intuitive. Another plus factor is the fact that the software is growing at a very fast pace and I have no doubt that it is the best and will continue to be for a long long time.

It goes without saying that FlairBuilder gets the job done and done well. I highly recommend FlairBuilder by Cristian Pascu for your wireframing/prototyping needs.

As a work at home freelancer the temptation to work non stop is very great and your life and work balance will blur if you let it go far enough. A blurred life and work balance is not something you want. For starters you will burn yourself out and ultimately make you non productive.

Now taking a Time Out or a Break every once in a while will definitely help your mind and body and it can also help you avoid that “Freelancer Breakdown”

Having a clear mind and a healthy body will definitely improve your productivity.

When you think you have done enough work for the day then give yourself a pat in the back and consider my suggestions for a non-work happy happy day.

Watch a Movie

Watching a light romance/comedy(if your in to that sort of thing) will hopefully get your mind off work. I suggest light family movies for relaxation but of course you choose the movie.

Exercise

Unless your a gym instructor having an exercise to get away from work will not only improve your health in the long run it can give the mind and body something different from the usual routine.

Take a long walk

If taking a long stroll around the park sounds like a far fetched idea to you then I suggest you get out there now and get some sunlight. The bright skies, clean air, and warm feeling will do you a lot of good.

Note: Plan your relaxation day early and try to get things out of the way first.

Note Number 2: Remember to relax and have fun

This Post Was Inspired by this awesome strip from PC Weenies Thanks

Don’t end up like that guy.

This may simply be the best companion for designers who are not too fond of coding

This new tool can transform your Website Mockup in Photoshop and turn it into a WordPress theme with just a few clicks! Talk about convenient.

Excited yet?

Ok. The tool I am talking about is Divine-Project

This is one mean Photoshop plugin. Check it out yourself and download the free version.

This tool is in beta but it is already fairly impressive. Now I just wish they release the first commercial version soon…

Enjoy!

Its no secret that the secret behind great works of art is “Inspiration”. Now that may equally be applicable to creating designs too but you may be asking “How” do we get inspired? So here are my top tips on finding that design inspiration.

Visit an Art Gallery

Seeing beautiful works of traditional art will definitely stir up your creative spirit. The effort involved in getting out of the house and going to an art gallery is well worth it. Its time you get up from that seat.

Read a Book

A good novel or short story will make good use of your creativity and imagination. Feel free to let your mind run wild (not too wild I hope) and get inspired.

Watch a Movie

Watching movies are often great sources of inspirations especially if the movie itself is inspired. Choose something you are interested in or maybe something totally different from your tastes to give that old imagination a tug. A well crafted movie will require you to think abstract thoughts and hopefully this gets your mind moving enough for you to get inspired.

Observe Nature

Arguably the greatest source of inspiration is nature. From cloud patterns to looking at grass I am pretty sure you will find something interesting that you may want to incorporate in your next design

Bonus: Looking at clouds and forming images in your mind is also an awesome brain starter.

Now those are my ways to get inspired. How about you? Sound off in the comments section below.

Thank you.

Welcome Dear Reader,

I am Aljiro, Freelance Graphics and Web Designer.

This blog is dedicated to the wonderful world of design, technology, and everything in between.
We are moving in such a fast paced industry and we owe it to ourselves to stay up to date.

I will do my best to impart my knowledge, skills, and talents through this blog.

It is worth noting that I encourage reader participation. If you want to point something out or you just want to speak up, please feel free to leave comments.

Thank you!

Aljiro