Over at IconPot, there are links to a couple dozen icon sets that can be used free for both personal, and more importantly, COMMERCIAL use.
Web Design
Best software you may have not heard of
Great topic over at reddit.com asking “What’s your favorite software that no one has heard of“. I’m discovering and discovering a lot of gems as we speak.
Quickly post a screenshot online
Previously, when I wanted to show someone a screenshot from my computer, I would use Jing, but I thought having an account with them was unnecessary for how little I used it and it’s little app is a bit too feature laden and takes too many key strokes to do what I want.
So now I’m using Pict.com’s “Pict Uploader” screenshot tool. Sits in the taskbar, very quick and easy.
CMS/Blogging software packages not needing a database
I run this site on Wordpress but a small project came up where I wanted to research some database-less CMS / blogging alternatives (still need PHP, just no databases to store the content).
After researching this a bit, the two I’ll be trying first are:
And some others I came across and may try next:
Using the 960 grid system for your sites
In most cases when I start brainstorming on a web site design in Photoshop, I begin with the “960 grid system“. It’s a good framework and starting point for those familiar with doing CSS. Look into it if you’re looking to step up to more custom site designs beyond just using Wordpress templates or something like that.
And here’s a great video introduction to the concept from NetTuts.com
Web-Based Favicon Generator
If you have a site or blog site, don’t forget to add a custom favicon. Go to the web-based favicon.cc, draw your icon in a 16×16 grid, preview in real time, and export your finished favicon.ico. Or search the pre-existing database for some icon that fits your site’s topic. Then just upload it to your site’s root directory. In most cases, your browser will automatically find the favicon.ico. Otherwise you can just add this line of code to your site’s <head>: <link rel=”Shortcut Icon” href=”favicon.ico”>. Done!
Domain Name Ideas and Research Tools
Here’s a few tools I’ve found the most useful when trying to think of domain names:
- Instant Domain Search – searches domain name availability in realtime, as you type.
- MakeWords – generates random real-sounding words according to your parameters.
- Dot-o-mator – combines your desired word/topic with cliche industry prefixes and suffixes.
- GoDaddy’s expiring domains – there are some gems to be found in there.
- And of course there’s always the trusty thesaurus.
But one of the most useful things I’ve done is kept an excel file (or text file also works) of cool sounding words and ideas that I’ve been brainstorming with for over five years now. Unfortunately for you, I consider that document too ripe with fresh ideas to give away.
Site design inspiration from Webcreme
One of my long time sources for web site design inspiration come from Webcreme. Simple screenshots and links of great looking sites.
