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Kevin Zurawel

Coral Gables, Florida

Information Technology

Arbor Web Solutions

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Christina Brown Anyone know where I can get a free copy of Adobe Photoshop, Flash, and Dreamweaver? Torrent.com? I'm broke. :(

138 weeks ago from Adobe Flash / Flex / AIR Fans

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Kevin Zurawel: Adobe demos are good for 30 days. If you are (or recently were) a student, you can get CS4 Web Premium for ~$250, or Flex Builder for free.
138 weeks ago

Christina Brown: woot just downloaded the trial version of Illustrator and Photoshop, cant wait to play with these programs tomorrow afternoon. =)
138 weeks ago

Kevin Zurawel Hi Miami People! A bunch of you have joined up over the last few weeks, welcome everyone! If you're planning a move to the south end of the Sunshine State or you're already here and just looking for something new to do, I'd be happy to give you some info, and I'm sure everyone else here will help out as well.

87 weeks ago from Miami

Reneida: Thanks! I'm moving in a month...please bring on the info. I would love to get more involved once I'm there.
54 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer Anybody read The E-Myth? I'm reading it right now. It's about why most small business owners fail and why you don't have to.

71 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs and Book Shelf

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Jamie Nacht Farrell: @Cam - I'm living that nightmare right now; I embrace systems, processes, etc. and the CEO I'm working with does not....could be a great thing to ...More@Cam - I'm living that nightmare right now; I embrace systems, processes, etc. and the CEO I'm working with does not....could be a great thing to get him - we can both read it! THANKS
71 weeks ago

Beatriz Alemar: Reading it now. Like Dana, I'm about 3/4 of the way through. It has really helped change the way I think about my business, and it's structure.
69 weeks ago

Kevin Zurawel New addition to my game collection: SmallWorld. It's a lot of fun, fast-paced but still strategic, and inviting for people who have never played "euro" board games before. One review I read called it a "party wargame", and I'd say that's pretty accurate.

71 weeks ago from Board Gamers

Miranda Bogen Anyone know a good place to take some intro classes in design tools like Illustrator and InDesign in New York City?

79 weeks ago from Graphic Design

Kevin Zurawel: I don't know about NYC specifically, but 90% of the time the answer is going to be a community college. CC will teach you tools (and cheaply), ...MoreI don't know about NYC specifically, but 90% of the time the answer is going to be a community college. CC will teach you tools (and cheaply), university programs will teach you the theory of how to use those tools to make effective design.
79 weeks ago

Samantha J Hello folks, I'm helping a small company use social media to improve its corporate image. Firstly, I plan to revamp its website, which I think is too cluttered and could benefit from being made cleaner& simpler in design. The company has a pioneering product, &I want the website to focus on that. Trouble is, I'm quite new to the web development field. Would anyone who knows more mind glancing at the current website, and giving me your first impressions re, design? Thanks! :) www.krete.co.uk

85 weeks ago from Web Development

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Raquel Elle Bell: Firstly you need to start with what the company does best and then develop a web strategy around that. Once you have a clear future your site will ...MoreFirstly you need to start with what the company does best and then develop a web strategy around that. Once you have a clear future your site will have a clear design and implementation path.
85 weeks ago

Samantha J: Thanks to everyone who commented. Your feedback was very useful and will help a lot with the website improvement process. Cheers!
84 weeks ago

Elizabeth Marling I am a beginner, looking for good software or download/shareware for website design. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have no experience with programming, some experience with illustrator (beginning). I have Paint.net, Open Office, MS Office and Illustrator. Any suggestions would be extremely appreciated---for PC.

87 weeks ago from Graphic Design

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Melissa Breau: I 2nd Raquel's question - it depends what your ultimate goal is. If you're trying to learn web design, i think it's mostly a matter of diving in. ...MoreI 2nd Raquel's question - it depends what your ultimate goal is. If you're trying to learn web design, i think it's mostly a matter of diving in.

If you're just looking to create your own site, some programs like Adobe dreamweaver, are designed to make it "easy" for folks who don't know what they're doing but want to create a site from the ground up (if you buy the software, buy a book too).

Another good option is wordpress - it's free, and there are about a billion websites providing awesome content and help to create your site.
87 weeks ago

Elizabeth Marling: Yeah, my real question was if anyone has had s good experience using a drawing tablet for a PC. Serious brain cloud when I wrote the original ...MoreYeah, my real question was if anyone has had s good experience using a drawing tablet for a PC. Serious brain cloud when I wrote the original question. Thanks for helping me nail this one down.
86 weeks ago

Hannah Rose Hello! I am interested in entering the web development field. I have basic experience with HTML coding and web design. How would I go about entering the field? Are there any computer programs I should learn? Do I need an official certificate or degree in order to get hired? Thank you very much!

89 weeks ago from Web Development

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peter yaworski: @aiden, great article... thanks for the link
89 weeks ago

Sean Masters: @Hannah hrm... maybe I'm old hat but before inundating you with acronyms I'd like to ask what are you hoping to accomplish in that industry? Do ...More@Hannah hrm... maybe I'm old hat but before inundating you with acronyms I'd like to ask what are you hoping to accomplish in that industry? Do you want to build entire applications, enhance content with functionality, create logic that manipulates data? Something else?
89 weeks ago

Amy Pschierer My business has grown the need for outsourcing. No employees yet. Just contracted outsourcing. I am looking for ideas, tips and tricks, the "need to do" from those who have gone this route.

107 weeks ago from Freelancing

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Justin Cooke: I run a smaller outsourcing company in the Philippines that is designed to fit small/medium sized businesses at TryBPO.com. We've written a few ...MoreI run a smaller outsourcing company in the Philippines that is designed to fit small/medium sized businesses at TryBPO.com. We've written a few articles on our blog...here are a couple of tips/suggestions:
http://www.trybpo.com/3-it-outsourcing-philippines-models/
http://www.trybpo.com/4-ways-philippines-outsourcing-benefits-small-and-...
http://www.trybpo.com/it-outsourcing-philippines-8-dos-and-donts/

Additionally (self promotion here) We'd be happy to help you ourselves if your project fits our strengths...feel free to contact us!

107 weeks ago

Justin Cooke: Additionally... www.odesk.com is a great resource. I would also ...MoreAdditionally... www.odesk.com is a great resource. I would also recommend checking out www.elance.com and www.freelancer.com as well. If you're looking for one-off projects or you don't need projects to be coordinated these sites would probably be best for you.
107 weeks ago

Rebecca Benaim Hey everyone, I'm moving back to Miami (actually Homestead) in mid-April. I was born & raised & still have tons of family there. Finishing up my MBA in a few weeks and will be working for a non-profit in the Gables.

115 weeks ago from Miami

Kevin Zurawel: Welcome back! Where are you moving from?
115 weeks ago

Rebecca Benaim: Currently, Chapel Hill, NC. But I've lived in Orlando and Gainesville since the last time I was a Miami resident.
115 weeks ago

Mehul Kar theoretical q: If everyone in the world was a freelancer, how would that work?

116 weeks ago from Freelancing

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Mehul Kar: would it minimize "winners" and "losers" and have a robin hood effect?
116 weeks ago

alicia: there would be a public option.
116 weeks ago

Lorena I'm updating my resume... How do you guys include your freelance work along with your staff job work? I want to showcase my freelance work to employers, but I'm not sure how to "fit it in" to the resume mold format (as far as dates, location, employer goes) Thoughts?

117 weeks ago from Freelancing

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Ty Unglebower: I see the points made here, but in my case, and in the cases of others, I can't really claim to be a "writing consultant". It is I who do the ...MoreI see the points made here, but in my case, and in the cases of others, I can't really claim to be a "writing consultant". It is I who do the writing. I don't advise other people on how to do so.
116 weeks ago

Kevin Zurawel: Ty: It's true, but depending on the kind of writing you do and who you're sending your resume to you might be able to make up a more creative name ...MoreTy: It's true, but depending on the kind of writing you do and who you're sending your resume to you might be able to make up a more creative name for the writing you do. I've seen freelance writers go by names like "marketing consultant" or "copywriting specialist." Granted, if you're applying for freelance writing jobs, "freelance writer" is probably a more fitting job title.
116 weeks ago

Megan Williams Hi All! I live up in West Palm. Looking forward to getting to know everybody.

117 weeks ago from Miami

Kevin Zurawel: Hi Megan, thanks for joining. Have you been in the area long? I just moved to Coral Gables last July, and it seems like most of the people I meet ...MoreHi Megan, thanks for joining. Have you been in the area long? I just moved to Coral Gables last July, and it seems like most of the people I meet have been here about as long as I have. :)
115 weeks ago

Lori Fagerholm Hi all. I'm a freelance digital illustrator and graphic designer. I'd like some advice on estimates. When I submit a proposal or even try to estimate how long a personal project will take, I'm either woefully over or under. How do I deal with the inevitable "But, your last estimate was so much lower!" I don't want to appear unprofessional, and I don't want to lose clients based on high estimates--even accurate ones. Any thoughts? Thanks!

119 weeks ago from Graphic Design

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Lori Fagerholm: Excellent advice all! Jessica: I agree with throwing back problem clients--experience backs this up 100% for me. James: great formula; I used ...MoreExcellent advice all! Jessica: I agree with throwing back problem clients--experience backs this up 100% for me. James: great formula; I used one like it to come up with my hourly rate, which is competitive for my region. Kevin: I recently implemented the hybrid scheme, it works well. Michael: great idea about billing no more than 10% over estimate! Follow-up: what to tell returning client? Last project: 25 hours spent, but only 9 estimated and billable! So new proj est. will be much higher.
119 weeks ago

Margaret Kimball: I used an idea similar to Kevin's when billing my last client. I broke down all of the estimated time for them (sketches, revisions, digital ...MoreI used an idea similar to Kevin's when billing my last client. I broke down all of the estimated time for them (sketches, revisions, digital formatting), gave an hourly rate and said I'd let them know if we were scheduled to go over/under. This allowed me to keep track of my time pretty closely (good for future estimates) and be transparent with the client about time. Be confident about your hourly rate. Illustration/design is a highly skilled craft and if they value their identity, they want quality work.
102 weeks ago

Margaret Tagoe Is this place still active? I'm a soon to be graduated student who is interested in human computer interaction. I haven't done much design work but I have worked on software and web projects which involve dealing with usability. Does anyone have advice for someone who would like to do work involving interactive design?

120 weeks ago from Interactive Design

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Kevin Zurawel: In the current job market, the best thing you can do is to keep working - even when you don't have a job. Build things that show off your skills, ...MoreIn the current job market, the best thing you can do is to keep working - even when you don't have a job. Build things that show off your skills, write articles about interaction design, network with other designers and with the type of people you'd like to work with, and never stop hustling. Even if you don't get hired right away, you'll have a sizable portfolio for your efforts, and that definitely can't hurt.
120 weeks ago

Boon Chew: MaggieT - I'd encourage you to take part in any local UX/HCI events, if any. There are some online communities like IxDA and uxexchange.com that ...MoreMaggieT - I'd encourage you to take part in any local UX/HCI events, if any. There are some online communities like IxDA and uxexchange.com that can help you grow. When you get more serious, join an association like UPA and seek things like mentorship, etc.
120 weeks ago

Kevin Zurawel If you're interested in board games, there are two video podcasts I highly recommend: - Board Games with Scott - Scott Nicholson shows you briefly how to play a game in each episode and then reviews it. http://www.boardgameswithscott.com - Obsessed Board Gamers - This series also shows how games are played and reviews them. They seem to have stopped making new episodes, but what's there is good to watch. http://www.obsessedwithgaming.com/ Both shows can be downloaded through iTunes.

120 weeks ago from Board Gamers

My favorite games in the last few months have been Bananagrams (like Scrabble, but fast and no keeping track of points) and Time's Up! Time's Up is awesome and you get to learn while you're playing. It has people (real & fictional) and you have to get your partner(s) to say their name. As the rounds go on, there's less and less talking involved until you're just doing charades only (you use the same deck of people for multiple rounds). I agree with Lisa on Apples to Apples - too fun.

120 weeks ago from Board Gamers

Kevin Zurawel: Hi, welcome to the group. I've seen Bananagrams at Barnes & Noble but never knew what it was about - I might have to get it now based on your ...MoreHi, welcome to the group. I've seen Bananagrams at Barnes & Noble but never knew what it was about - I might have to get it now based on your description.
I finally got a copy of Puerto Rico, so I've been playing that a lot lately. It's a lot more complicated than something like Apples to Apples, but it plays pretty quickly and you get a lot of choices each turn (most of which are going to affect how well the other people at the table do in addition to just yourself).
120 weeks ago

: Yep, for as long as Puerto Rico has been out (and so many others), I still haven't played it. My sister is the biggest gamer I know and she brings ...MoreYep, for as long as Puerto Rico has been out (and so many others), I still haven't played it. My sister is the biggest gamer I know and she brings stuff out with her when she comes to visit. She's been working on reducing the number of games in her closet so my collection is growing (which is awesome - my coworkers love it). I'll have to find a local group and try Puerto Rico with them.
120 weeks ago

David Fogel In what has been a long, tireless search I have finally found the perfect brand of coffee. Green Mountain Coffee, is without the doubt the king of coffee. I used to have to resort to drinking starbucks. I don't particualry like the taste, but it was the only brand strong enough to really give me the jolt I need. In my opinion, certain brands of Green Mountain are stronger than a regular starbucks brew. It tastes awesome too. It's like, you KNOW you're drinking a cup of coffee.

121 weeks ago from Coffee

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David Fogel: Strong and flavorful, you said it. It's the perfect combination. For example, starbucks coffee is strong but lacks flavor. Dunkin Donuts coffee ...MoreStrong and flavorful, you said it. It's the perfect combination. For example, starbucks coffee is strong but lacks flavor. Dunkin Donuts coffee is flavorful, but puts me to sleep. With Green Mountain, you get the best of both worlds.
121 weeks ago

: I actually prefer roasts that aren't as dark as what you probably like. However, on the upside, there is more caffeine in lighter roasts...
121 weeks ago

Lisa Eldred Inspired by someone's post on the Gamers! group, what are everyone's top 3 board games of all time? Mine are: 1) Betrayal at House on the Hill - Cheesy and highly replayable, and coming back into reprint very soon! 2) Dominion - less cheesy, very balanced (even for new players), and again, highly replayable 3) Apples to Apples - have I mentioned I really like cheesy, highly varied games?

128 weeks ago from Board Gamers

Kevin Zurawel: Dominion is great, I really like that one. Apples to Apples is fun at parties too. Here are my top three though:
1) Pandemic - everyone works ...MoreDominion is great, I really like that one. Apples to Apples is fun at parties too. Here are my top three though:
1) Pandemic - everyone works together, no "traitors" (unless you have the expansion), and it's still fiendishly hard to win
2) Bohnanza - a simpler card game that nearly anyone can enjoy because there's a lot of player interaction and deal-making
3) Anno 1503 - Like Settlers of Catan, but with multiple ways to win, less downtime, and more tension because of the limited resources.
128 weeks ago

Mariusz i'm trying to get my college to install open source web authoring software (aptana studio) to use with students. it struck me, that if they were taught to use it first before moving to any WYSWIG tools, they could produce more standard compliant and leaner code. Aptana doesn't work in visual mode, so they have to hard code everything. what do you think ?

128 weeks ago from Web Development

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Matt Shelton: Hi Mariusz, is there a reason you've settled on Aptana instead of Visual Web Developer? It's not OSS, but it is free, and in my experience, quite ...MoreHi Mariusz, is there a reason you've settled on Aptana instead of Visual Web Developer? It's not OSS, but it is free, and in my experience, quite feature-filled.
128 weeks ago

Mariusz: kompozer i find a bit tricky with the css editor - it sometimes loses the link to stylesheet and preview isn't too good; plus it kept reformatting ...Morekompozer i find a bit tricky with the css editor - it sometimes loses the link to stylesheet and preview isn't too good; plus it kept reformatting my code, deleting all indents etc. Aptana has nice colour coding, code prompts and you can add JavaScript library functionality to it. VWD - never heard of, I'll have a look :) I still like the idea of Open Source though.I'd never think look for free stuff at Microsoft's site :)
128 weeks ago

Mike Ambassador Bruny I just picked up, "Now is the time to CRUSH IT! Cash in on your passion" by Gary Vynerchuk. Has anyone read it yet?

129 weeks ago from Book Shelf

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Sarah Fowler: Definitely inspiring; I'm making all my clients buy it too!
129 weeks ago

Mike Ambassador Bruny: Nice.
129 weeks ago

Kevin Zurawel Anyone have any thoughts on Flash vs. JavaScript/HTML5, now that Adobe has announced Dreamweaver CS5 will make graphs and charts from data in HTML5, not in Flash?

131 weeks ago from Adobe Flash / Flex / AIR Fans

Werkaholic Any Tim Hortons fans?

131 weeks ago from Coffee

Kevin Zurawel: I'm originally from Buffalo, NY, and when Tim Hortons opened its first location in our area, I thought it was (one of) the best things to ever ...MoreI'm originally from Buffalo, NY, and when Tim Hortons opened its first location in our area, I thought it was (one of) the best things to ever come out of Canada. Great coffee, and TimBits are nice too.
131 weeks ago

JR Moreau: Driving to Halifax from Massachusetts, I became well acquainted with TH. I don't like how they don't really have black iced coffee because of the ...MoreDriving to Halifax from Massachusetts, I became well acquainted with TH. I don't like how they don't really have black iced coffee because of the pre-mixed stuff. Although everything there is pretty tasty.
131 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower If all goes according to plan, I will, on Thursday, by participating in my first ever "business card exchange" sponsored by the local chamber of commerce. You get to attend once as a non-member. After that you have to join. I've never been to such an event before. I have not really done much in person networking of any kind at all, really. (I've only had business cards printed for about a month, in fact, having relied on word of mouth before now.) Any thoughts/advice?

132 weeks ago from Freelancing

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Kevin Zurawel: That's great! Make sure to follow up with everyone in a day or two so they remember who you were.
132 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower: Good call, and in fact i was doing that very thing when I got that message. Everyone whose card I got has been thanked via an email. Such a ...MoreGood call, and in fact i was doing that very thing when I got that message. Everyone whose card I got has been thanked via an email. Such a different way to go for me...my freelancing to this point has been with steady clients and some word of mouth.
132 weeks ago

Mark D Hiatt Hello, FunSeekers! I was training people in Dreamweaver Templates a few weeks ago when the question came up "What's Web Two-Point-Owe?" We kicked around a bunch of definitions and came down to "Dark Blue, Orange and White Pages, with Rounded Corners and Feedback". I'm still not sure....

134 weeks ago from Web 2.0

Kevin Zurawel: There is no one true definition because it started life as a marketing term. Some people say it's a focus on user interactivity, some say it's a ...MoreThere is no one true definition because it started life as a marketing term. Some people say it's a focus on user interactivity, some say it's a design style or "look," and some say it's about technologies like Ajax. You can make it whatever you want. :)
134 weeks ago

Daniel Hunt: It is actually a version of any website the passed the level of standard. It means the website has RSS, XML for syndication, user friendly, ...MoreIt is actually a version of any website the passed the level of standard. It means the website has RSS, XML for syndication, user friendly, tableless design and it has links to well known Social Networking sites.
106 weeks ago

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