Blog

14 Mar

Not Your Mother's Blog - 3 Features of a Modern Blog

Author: 
Gretchen Voelker

You don’t hear much about mommy blogs these days. I’m sure there are still plenty out there – even in the age of parent over-sharing on Facebook – but I haven’t heard much about their evolution. After researching mommy blogs, I realize I probably haven’t heard much about these blogs because unlike the rest of the web, the design of these blogs has remained unchanging for years.

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Level Ten Responsive Site
20 Feb

Ten Great Responsive Website Designs

Author: 
Gretchen Voelker

These days, if your site isn’t responsive, you are falling behind the curve. “Responsive design” is design in which content resizes automatically to fit a screen according to a shrinking and expanding browser. With mobile usage skyrocketing, responsive design is more important than ever and not just because it looks cool.

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4 Feb

Five Web Design Trends I Love

Author: 
Gretchen Voelker

With the dawn of 2013, I am left wondering which web design trends from 2011 and 2012 (other than responsive web design) will gain momentum in the new year. It’s hard to say … Much of what is popular in web design right now has been trending for several years, so I won’t attempt to predict what will be hot this year. Instead, I will share a short list of emerging trends that I love.

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Thoughts on Typography
23 Jan

Typography for Web

Author: 
Gretchen Voelker

When I start the design process with a new client, one of the first things I do is consider what typography the client’s new site will use. Will the the type be playful, modern or classic? Will the type be oversized in areas and used as a key visual element? How will I use a limited number of fonts to establish a visual hierarchy?

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27 Nov

What's the Deal with Megamenus?

Author: 
Gretchen Voelker

In the last few months, I’ve found myself designing several megamenus for various client projects. For those not familiar with the term “megamenu,” I am referring to the type of navigational drop-down menu characterized by the following:

  • Shows all navigational options in a single hover drop-down menu
  • Groups navigational options by category
  • May use images to assist in navigational experience
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21 May

Principles of Clean Web Design

Author: 
Gretchen Voelker

I love clean web designs – almost too much. I love clean designs so much that one could say that I can’t do much else, and sometimes my designs are clean to a fault – almost to the point of being bare. But the definition of “clean” design is not design that is minimalist or bare—it is a design that is precise, consistent and beautiful. Let’s examine some elements that set well-done, clean designs apart, and take a look at some of the best clean sites around.

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16 Feb

Papyrus, I Hate You

Author: 
Gretchen Voelker

I’ve always been told that “hate” is a very strong word, but sometimes it's just necessary. And yes, I hate the Papyrus typeface.

If you have any interest in design, typography or even just own a computer, you are probably familiar with oh-so-overused Papyrus. As I sit here and blog about uncool fonts, I can’t help but feel like a cliché design diva, but lately Papyrus has taunted me everywhere I go and I am irritated.

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31 Jan

Is Your Site Design 2012 Compliant?

Author: 
Gretchen Voelker

I recently heard someone on TV say, “I’m a woman of the tens .…” Ha, I had never thought about it but I guess what else would you call this decade?

I am starting off my third year of the tens with a bang, as the new web designer for Level Ten Interactive. As I settle in with my brand new colleagues in this brand new year, I’ve been reflecting on my goals for my client work at Level Ten. I’ve decided one of my top priorities is to make our clients’ sites look “of the tens.” But what does it mean to be “of the tens?”

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