Hester Designs » Blogging

Etch-a-Sketch Goes Freestyle

Kelly — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:01:43 +0000

As a kid I remember attempting again and again to make a curved
line on my Etch-a-Sketch. My frustrations would build almost as quickly as the numbers of square heads and wheels adorning the screen. Well, it seems like Etch-a-Sketch finally put their ear to the ground because a new generation has been released. The Freestyle Etch-a-Sketch features a joystick knob, replacing the two knobs of the past with smoother lines. One question: Does a one knob Etch-a-Sketch take away the challenge? – Kelly

Kelly Beall’s Blog “Design Crush” wins the Gold

Jeff — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:48:51 +0000

While in the midst of Olympic fever, we received a victory of our own. This cold Monday morning was warmed with excitement as we found out Kelly’s blog “Design Crush” won an award for Best Arts/Crafts Blog in the Okie Blog Awards. Over the past 33 months Kelly’s blog has done well, increasing it’s following and participation. It is a true testimony to the power of blogging with a purpose. Kelly helps our clients by teaching them discover the in-bound marketing power of this tool, while getting over the fear of writing for the web.

All of us at Hester Designs would like to thank to everyone who voted for Design Crush. You are appreciated. We also would like to congratulate Kelly on a job well done. – Jeff

LG Retro TV Buzz, What’s the Appeal Anyway?

Jenny — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:31:05 +0000

Image from LG Electronics http://tr.im/LGui

The latest techno buzz is all a-tweet about LG’s new Retro TV. With a classic 1950s-style body, its retro design stays true to 19th-century nostalgics with its 14” screen, rotary dials, CRT video technology, and – yes – even rabbit ear antennas. One more super fun feature, it lets you watch in black and white or sepia.

I can see some appeal. The TV looks fab. Modeled after old-fashioned design, it’s retro charm is completely modern. It comes equipped to function in the 21st century with a digital tuner, video inputs and remote control. (Remember the excitement getting your first remote-controlled television?) At the moment, you can only get one if you live in Korea, but for only $215 US dollars, I won’t be surprised if this set pops up here.

But, here’s my quandary. Who really wants to watch TV on a 14” screen? Will some of us give up feel-like-you’re-there visuals and the ability to read game scores and subtitles for the glamour of this TV set? — Jenny

The Altitude Summit.

Kelly — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:27:26 +0000

Image by Dezz : http://www.flickr.com/photos/residae/

The first conference geared towards design bloggers has finally arrived. In fact, it’s going on right now in Salt Lake City. The Altitude Summit has managed to bring together design bloggers, designers and even designers who want to be bloggers for the first event of its kind. People like Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge. Erin Loechner of design for mankind. Jean Aw of NotCot. All sharing the information they’ve acquired and squirreled away to make a successful design blog. Where they find their inspiration. How they continue to build their online community and brand. You ask, they have the answer.

I had the pleasure of speaking on a panel – Designer vs. Design Blogger – that discussed the balance required to be both. Namely a plan, a good sense of time management and a specific end goal. It’s an honor being included among this elite group of design bloggers. Design is growing and evolving on a daily basis and these are the people are on the forefront of it all. Stay tuned in to see where it goes next! — Kelly