Catering to the curiosity of tech enthusiasts, skilled experts conduct teardowns of gadgets, revealing and examining the complex components hidden within various devices. These thorough “teardowns” offer a unique glimpse into the sophisticated inner workings of our beloved gadgets, sparing us the risk of disassembling our own.

Keep in mind, these teardowns are performed by professionals, so it’s wise to leave such intricate explorations to the experts. Without further ado, immerse yourself in this showcase of 20 renowned tech gadgets, encompassing smartphones, tablets, and an array of both contemporary and classic game consoles.

Nintendo Game Boy

Nokia E71

iPod Nano 5th Gen

iPhone 1st Gen

PlayStation 3

iPhone 5S

iMac Intel 27″

Kindle

Microsoft Surface Book

Nintendo Game Boy Advance

Kindle Voyage

PSP 2000

Nintendo Switch

Samsung Galaxy S

Xiaomi Mi 9

Apple Watch 1st Gen

AirPods Pro

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra

PlayStation 5

Meta Quest Pro

The post 20 Famous Tech Gadgets Disassembled appeared first on Hongkiat.

The online community of Photoshop enthusiasts, amused by Huet’s work, embarked on their own adventures in big head manipulation. Prepare for laughter and awe at their skills in this showcase of creativity and humor.

Another Large Head Predicament

Is it the fork’s fault? Why is my head so large? Let’s ponder.

Thoughts Overflowing

“My head’s brimming with thoughts. There’s too much to do and yet, I accomplish little. It’s overwhelming.”

Strain of Thoughts

What’s with the back pain? Could it be the weight of his thoughts? His expression tells it all.

Head Overload

Turning could be risky! The neck might not support the head’s size.

Playpen Relaxation

“Here’s my brother, taking a break with his head in the kid’s playpen. Everyone needs a little rest.”

Girl with a Giant Head

It turns out, this humorous head-enlarging trend isn’t just for boys!

Hospital Visit with a Big Head

Imagine the reaction in the hospital when they see this huge head! Surely, the doctors will rush over.

Seeking Medical Attention

“No one’s coming to help? Looks like I’ll have to find a doctor myself.”

The Heavy Headed

You don’t know what a real burden is until you’ve got a comically oversized head!

Big Head in the Living Room

A special chair might be necessary for comfort with a head this size. Notice the amusing facial expression!

Big Head on a Call

One benefit of phone conversations is that clients can’t see your oversized head during the call.

Lunchtime Mishap

Oops! Accidentally dunking our oversized head into the lunch.

Expressive Glance

The emotion captured in this image is striking. It seems like he’s about to say something. What are your thoughts?

Dog Walking Challenge

Walking the dog is no easy feat when your head is four times the size of your pet!

Final Thoughts

This concept is both amazing and humorous! It has the potential to be as popular as internet memes like planking. The true challenge lies in skillfully using Photoshop to make the manipulations look real. It’s a great way to inspire and amuse your audience.

Which do you find more entertaining: big heads or planking? And while we’ve found some hilariously large heads, we might have missed some. If you come across any, feel free to share the fun with us!

The post 20 Imaginative “Big Head” Photo Creations appeared first on Hongkiat.

In this carefully curated list, you’ll discover more than 40 practical gifts – ranging from hardware and software to apps, books, and courses – that make perfect presents for a digital artist. These thoughtful choices are designed to enhance their skills, provide new perspectives, boost productivity, and offer comfort as they create.

The Art of Loish

$20.49

The Art of Loish unveils the captivating journey of Lois van Baarle, a renowned Dutch freelance animator and illustrator. Since her graduation in 2009, Loish has gained a massive online following, and this book marks her first foray into publishing. It explores her inspirations, early works, and distinctive style, packed with useful tips and techniques she uses in her daily art. This book is a treasure for fans and artists alike, providing a detailed look into her artistic process.

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Steal Like an Artist

$10.90

Steal Like an Artist is an enlightening book that provides ten transformative principles to foster creativity in the digital age. It encourages readers to embrace influence, remix, and reimagine ideas, guiding them towards discovering their artistic voice and life’s work. The book blends practical life advice with the courage to take creative risks, inspiring readers to be bold in their work and imagination.

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Beginner’s Guide to Sketching

$42.46

Beginner’s Guide to Sketching delves into the essential skill of sketching for concept artists. Offering advice from renowned artists such as Rovina Cai and Justin Gerard, this guide teaches fundamental techniques. It includes warm-up exercises, tips, and master projects that take artists from initial concepts to finished scenes, making it an ideal resource for artists at all levels.

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Beginner’s Guide to Digital Painting in Photoshop

$29.40

Beginner’s Guide to Digital Painting in Photoshop: Characters is a comprehensive guide for artists keen on mastering digital character creation. Featuring insights from experts like Charlie Bowater and Derek Stenning, it covers everything from posing and costumes to emotions and moods. With step-by-step tutorials, this guide is invaluable for both beginners and seasoned artists looking to refine their character design skills.

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The Designer’s Dictionary of Color

$18.59

The Designer’s Dictionary of Color by Sean Adams is a comprehensive guide that delves into 30 essential colors in art and graphic design. Arranged by spectrum, it offers in-depth charts, a range of color variations, and palette options for each hue. The book explores the historical and cultural significance of each color, showcasing its use in various artistic and practical applications. This resource is invaluable for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of color in different contexts.

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Wacom Intuos CTL4100

$39.85

The Wacom Intuos CTL4100 is a compact graphics drawing tablet renowned for its control and precision. Compatible with all software, it’s suitable for a variety of digital creative tasks like drawing, photo/video editing, and design work. Utilizing Wacom’s leading pen technology, it provides a natural drawing experience. The tablet also includes access to creative software and online training, adding great value for both professional designers and hobbyists.

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Wacom Intuos Pro PTH460K0A

$226.75

Ideal for image editing, illustration, and design, the Wacom Intuos Pro PTH460K0A is a precision graphics tablet featuring the ultra-responsive Wacom Pro Pen 2. Its compact Bluetooth design, touch gestures, and programmable buttons enable a personalized and efficient workflow. Additional features like a Touch Ring and customizable Express Keys add to its functionality, making it a valuable tool for creative professionals.

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Wacom Cintiq Pro

1,299.95

The Wacom Cintiq Pro is a premium digital drawing tablet offering an immersive and natural pen experience. It boasts 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and almost lag-free tracking on a 16-inch 4K LCD display with exceptional color accuracy. Designed to mimic the feel of drawing on paper, the etched glass screen reduces glare and reflections, and it includes convenient features like multi-touch gestures, on-screen controls, and ExpressKeys.

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HUION KAMVAS 13 Drawing Tablet

$239.00

The HUION KAMVAS 13 is not just a drawing tablet, but a portable canvas for creatives. Its 13.3-inch full-laminated HD display provides a realistic drawing experience with vibrant colors and minimal parallax. Enhanced with Huion PenTec3.0 technology, the responsive pen offers 8192 pressure levels and tilt recognition for accurate strokes. Compatible with multiple operating systems and Android devices, it features 8 customizable hot-keys and a sleek design, perfect for graphic design and remote learning.

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Wacom Cintiq 22

1,249.95

Wacom Cintiq 22 is an ergonomically designed tablet perfect for creative beginners. It features an HD LCD display with uniform brightness, high resolution, and accurate color quality. The Pro Pen 2 offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and near-lag-free tracking, ensuring a natural drawing feel. With relaxed parallax and customizable switches, it enhances control and comfort for new artists.

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Drawing Glove

$14.99

The Drawing Tablet Glove is an essential accessory for digital artists, offering compatibility with graphic tablets, iPads, and paper sketching. Its two-finger design with palm rejection prevents unintended touches, while the smudge guard feature keeps your screen clean. Made of premium Lycra and nylon, it ensures breathability and smooth movement. The pack includes two ambidextrous gloves, each 7.8 inches long and 3 inches wide, providing a comfortable and uninterrupted drawing experience.

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Wacom Bamboo Ink Plus Smart Stylus

$59.99

The Wacom Bamboo Ink Plus Smart Stylus enhances your digital annotating, sketching, and drawing experience. It provides seamless access to Windows Ink Workspace, supports natural tilt for precise strokes, and responds to the lightest touch. The stylus package includes different nibs, a charging cable, and its original box, making it a versatile choice for digital artists and note-takers.

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Adonit Pro 4

$29.99

Experience precision like never before with the Adonit Pro 4 stylus. Its unique single-piece design ensures exceptional accuracy. The stylus is equipped with a Soft Touch Precision Disc, made from PET material to prevent scratches on touchscreens. For added convenience, it features a sleek pen clip for easy attachment to clothing or bags. The Adonit Pro 4 also stands out with its lightweight aluminum body and copper twist cap, providing both superior texture and grip.

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Pogo

$19.95

For those using 3D touch iPhones, iPads, or trackpads, the Pogo stylus is an essential tool. It is distinguished by its expertly crafted body and easily replaceable tips. Ideal for signing documents, creating art, or writing notes, the Pogo stylus is a versatile accessory for daily use.

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Rechargeable A4 LED Light Pad

$49.99

Discover the convenience of wireless artistry with the Rechargeable A4 LED Light Pad. Chargeable in just 2 hours for 4-6 hours of use, it’s an artist’s ally for prolonged projects. The ergonomic stand ensures comfortable work angles, and the padded carrying case protects it during travel. Featuring 6 brightness levels for precise lighting control, this package includes a Type-C cable, a shoulder strap, tracing artworks, tracing paper, and a user manual, making it a thoughtful gift for creative minds.

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Apple iPad Pro

Starts from: $799.00

The Apple iPad Pro boasts a stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, offering unmatched brightness and dynamic range. It’s ideal for HDR photo and video editing, as well as enjoying movies and TV shows, thanks to its impressive 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. With 1000 nits of full-screen brightness and a peak of 1600 nits, the iPad Pro also features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ProMotion. Additionally, it includes Reference Mode, making it perfect for color-critical work.

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Apple Pencil

$129.00

Redefine your creative process with the Apple Pencil. Designed to feel both intuitive and magical, it offers pixel-perfect precision, low latency, and supports tilt sensitivity and palm rejection. The Apple Pencil is incredibly user-friendly, ensuring you’re always ready when inspiration strikes

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Logitech 910-004442 Wireless Mouse

$36.99

The Logitech 910-004442 Wireless Mouse adds a playful and vibrant touch to any workspace. Perfect for those who love to express their unique style, it offers a reliable wireless range of 10 meters and a long-lasting 12-month battery life. This mouse combines practicality with a fun, creative flair, brightening up your desk with its colorful design.

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Butouch Digital Painting Stylus

$249

The Butouch Professional Digital Painting Brush Stylus by SILSTAR bridges the gap between traditional and digital art. Compatible with various touchscreen devices and requiring no charging or batteries, it’s ideal for artists on the move. The innovative bristle design ensures smooth interaction with screens, offering a mess-free digital painting experience. Perfect for professional artists or as an engaging activity for kids, the Butouch Stylus is a hassle-free tool backed by a satisfaction guarantee.

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Adobe Photoshop Shortcuts Keyboard Cover

$16.99

The Adobe Photoshop Shortcuts Keyboard Cover is an essential accessory for Photoshop CS users, designed to streamline your workflow. Crafted by XSKN, known for their high-quality silicone skins, this cover is heat-molded for a perfect fit and hand-painted with silicone paint for durability and washability. It features a comfortable lower key height for extended typing sessions, providing that organic cashmere feel while enhancing your Photoshop efficiency.

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TENDTOP Bluetooth Keypad for iPad

$33.99

Elevate your digital artistry with the T TENDTOP Bluetooth Keypad, specifically tailored for Procreate on iPad and graphic tablets. Offering over 20 shortcuts, this wireless keyboard makes functions like cutting, copying, and brush adjustment a breeze. Its ergonomic, ultra-thin design ensures comfort during use, while the robust Bluetooth 5.1 connection keeps you wirelessly in control. A single 2-hour charge powers the device for over 84 hours, making it a fantastic tool for artists seeking to boost their creative productivity.

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Sabrent 4 Port USB Hub

$22.99

Experience seamless connectivity with Sabrent’s 4 Port USB Hub, a stylish and functional accessory especially for Apple enthusiasts. This hub effortlessly integrates four USB 3.0 ports into your existing setup, supporting a range of transfer speeds. Its Apple-style design beautifully matches Mac Pro, iMac, and MacBook, making it a chic addition. Easy to install with plug-n-play functionality, it works well with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, offering a convenient way to enhance your device’s connectivity.

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HUE Animation Studio

$69.95

HUE Animation Studio provides a complete stop motion animation experience, perfect for educational and creative activities. The kit includes the HUE HD USB camera with an integrated microphone, stop motion software, a 64-page animation book, a mini stage, and other accessories. Recommended by teachers and validated by STEM.org, it’s a fantastic tool for children as young as 7 to create animations, making it ideal for homeschooling or classroom use.

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Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB

$59.78

The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB is a sleek, matte-finished external hard drive designed for hassle-free use. Its plug-and-play capability requires no extra software, making it ideal for expanding storage on PCs and other compatible devices quickly. It supports USB 3.0 and 2.0, operates without an external AC power cord, and comes pre-formatted for Windows, with Mac users requiring reformatting.

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Tracing Light Box

$19.99

The Tracing Light Box is a slim, lightweight tool ideal for various creative tasks. Only 5mm thick and USB-powered, it’s highly portable and offers even, flicker-free illumination. The brightness is easily adjustable with a touch sensor switch, making it perfect for artists on the go. Remember to remove the protective film before use for optimal clarity.

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Adobe Photoshop

Starts from: $22.99/mo

Transform your digital imagery with Adobe Photoshop, the go-to software for image editing and manipulation. This tool is a favorite among photographers, graphic designers, and artists, thanks to its robust features. It enables detailed photo editing, digital painting creation, and sophisticated design work, complete with layers, filters, brushes, and 3D modeling capabilities. A must-have for creative professionals seeking to push the boundaries of their art.

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230+ Bold Graphics Pack

$29.00

Unleash your creativity with the 230+ Bold Graphics Super Pack, a diverse and extensive collection of over 230 vector geometric designs. This pack includes everything from sleek linear style abstracts and exotic jungle animals to minimalist shapes and dynamic transitions. Ideal for various creative endeavors like wall art, posters, greeting cards, logos, or social media content, these graphics offer full stroke editability for perfect customization. Compatible with vector editing software such as Adobe Illustrator, this pack is a must-have for creators seeking to add a contemporary flair to their projects.

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Osmo Pocket 3

$519

Experience cinematic magic in your pocket with the Osmo Pocket 3. This compact imaging powerhouse features a 1-inch CMOS sensor, delivering stunningly clear and detailed visuals. Its 2-inch rotatable touchscreen and swift autofocus cater to both horizontal and vertical shooting needs. Record in 4K at 120fps, stabilized by a three-axis mechanical system for smooth, dynamic captures. With 10-Bit D-Log M, HLG color enhancements, and Glamour Effects 2.0, the Pocket 3 effortlessly brings a professional touch to your on-the-go filming adventures.

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Adobe Illustrator

Starts from: $22.99/mo

Bring your graphic designs, logos, and illustrations to life with Adobe Illustrator, a top choice for vector graphics. This software excels in precision and control, allowing designers to produce detailed and vibrant visuals. Its capabilities extend to advanced typography, rich color palettes, and versatile drawing tools, making it a cornerstone for branding, print, and digital media projects.

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Painter 2023

$214.00

Unleash your artistic potential with Painter 2023, a digital art software tailor-made for Mac users. It features a premium blank canvas and photo-art tools, along with renowned Natural-Media™ emulation and digital art brushes. Customize brushes, textures, and media to your heart’s content, perfect for artists who value versatility. Plus, new subscribers receive 285 free brushes and a Creative Photo Bundle, enhancing your creative journey.

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Painter Essentials 8

$39.99

Discover the joy of digital painting with Painter Essentials 8, a user-friendly software designed for beginners on Mac. With its intuitive interface and top-rated brushes, it’s ideal for newcomers to the art world. Enjoy rapid painting speeds and a wealth of learning resources, complemented by Apple’s advanced AI capabilities. It’s the perfect starting point for aspiring artists.

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Poser 13

$249.95

Step into the director’s chair with Poser 13, a digital platform that gives you complete control over 3D figures for your rendering or animation projects. It features an extensive library exceeding 5 GB, allowing effortless integration of 3D content into your scenes. Ideal for 3D human figure modeling, Poser simplifies the creation of 3D animations and images, supported by an extensive range of third-party digital content.

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Procreate

$19.99

Explore the realms of 2D animation with Procreate Dreams, an innovative app designed to spark your creativity. Whether it’s expressive videos, captivating storytelling, or animation, this tool provides a comprehensive platform for editing, animating, and creating. Its user-friendly interface and advanced features make it an excellent choice for those looking to bring their imaginative concepts to life with flair and sophistication.

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The Secret Lives of Color Book

$8.80

Kassia St. Clair’s ‘The Secret Lives of Color’ is a fascinating journey through the stories behind colors. This beautifully designed multi-hued hardcover spans 320 pages, making it a perfect size for color enthusiasts. Printed on durable paperboard with a wipe-clean surface, it invites readers to explore the hidden narratives that have influenced our visual world. A delightful read for those fascinated by the cultural and historical aspects of colors.

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Inspire Pro

$12.99

Discover the art of digital creativity with Inspire Pro, exclusively available on the App Store for iPad. This app offers a fast, realistic experience in painting, drawing, and sketching, thanks to its innovative Sorcery™ painting engine. With 64-bit color precision and impressive speed, it caters to both budding artists and seasoned professionals. Inspire Pro features both wet and dry brush effects and an intuitive interface, making it a standout choice for digital illustration.

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ArtStudio for iPad

£4.99

ArtStudio for iPad revolutionizes the way you sketch, paint, and edit photos. Its latest version comes completely redesigned with a user-friendly interface and a robust graphics engine, streamlining your creative process. Known for its advanced drawing algorithms, ArtStudio ensures precision and speed, redefining the digital art experience for artists of all levels.

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ImagineFX Magazine

Starts from: $9.99/mo

Dive into the world of art with ImagineFX Magazine, a global showcase of exceptional artwork. This magazine caters to art lovers and features work from both industry veterans and emerging talents in digital and traditional art. Each issue focuses on a key aspect of the art industry, ranging from movie concept art to the latest trends. ImagineFX is also packed with workshops and tutorials for all skill levels, covering everything from anatomy to composition, making it an invaluable resource for learning and inspiration.

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3D Artist

Starts from: $9.99/mo

3D Artist magazine is a must-read for 3D software enthusiasts, filled with expert advice and stunning imagery. Every issue is packed with professional insights, tutorials, and features from top artists in TV, architecture, film, and more. Its unique ‘Workspace’ section offers a glimpse into a 3D career, with university course information, career advice, and freelance tips, making it an essential read for aspiring 3D professionals.

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Nix Mini 3

$97

Meet the Nix Mini 3, a game-changer in color sensing technology. This compact sensor captures colors with incredible precision, featuring a 300%+ improvement in resolution. Ideal for designers and color enthusiasts, it offers instant compatibility with over 200,000 paint brands and supports various color standards like RGB, HEX, CMYK, Pantone, RAL, and NCS. With no need for calibration, the Nix Mini 3 is an indispensable tool for anyone passionate about color matching and design.

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Computer Arts

Starts from: $9.99/mo

For digital creatives, Computer Arts is the leading magazine, packed with skills and advice to enhance your design abilities. It covers a wide range of topics including illustration, graphic design, typography, and web design. Each issue is a treasure trove of workshops focused on branding, character design, and mobile design, along with advanced software tips for tools like Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

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The Gnomon Workshop

Starts from: $54.00/mo

The Gnomon Workshop offers unparalleled training for visual effects artists, concept designers, sculptors, and comic book illustrators. With a subscription, gain unlimited access to over 300 tutorials and more than 1000 hours of training. Covering a broad spectrum of topics, these tutorials are available without any viewing limits, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

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SkillShare Subscription

Starts from: $32.00/mo

SkillShare brings a world of learning to your fingertips with its vast online community. Specializing in illustration, design, photography, video, and freelancing, it connects eager learners with top-notch teachers and practical classes. This platform is a hub of inspiration and progression in various creative disciplines, perfect for those looking to expand their skills and explore new hobbies.

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12″ Wooden Male Figure

$10.99

The 12″ Wooden Male Figure is a versatile artist’s model featuring flexible joints for posing. Crafted from durable hardwood, it’s an essential tool for artists, animators, and photographers. Beyond its practical use, it also serves as an attractive desk toy or home decoration. This figure aids artists in achieving accurate scale and proportions, making it an ideal gift or artistic accessory.

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3Doodler 3D Pen

$69.99

Explore the world of 3D art with the 3Doodler 3D Pen. This innovative tool extrudes heated plastic that hardens instantly, enabling 3D drawing either freehand or with stencils. Perfect for a range of creative projects, from art and repairs to designing wearable items and building models, this pen adds a new dimension to your artistic endeavors.

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IDRAW Comics Sketchbook

$29.00

The IDRAW Comics Sketchbook is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in comic book illustration, page layout, and storytelling. This unique sketchbook blends essential industry reference materials with a traditional sketchbook format, making it a must-have guide for comic artists aspiring to refine their craft.

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1000 Colors Jigsaw Puzzle

$55.95

The “1000 Colors Jigsaw Puzzle” by Clemens Habicht presents a delightful and unique challenge. Each puzzle piece represents a different color, coming together to form a stunning CMYK spectrum. Designed for intuitive and relaxing assembly, the puzzle is made with high-quality pieces and minimal dust, offering a soothing, yet engaging experience for puzzle enthusiasts.

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Bellroy A5 Work Folio

$219.00

The Bellroy A5 Work Folio is the perfect companion for professionals on the move. Designed to neatly organize your A5 notebook, pens, gadgets, and more, it features specialized pockets for phones, e-readers, small tablets, hard drives, and up to 6 cards. Made from high-quality LWG leather and backed by a 3-year warranty, this folio measures 9 x 6.7 x 0.8 inches, offering a blend of durability and practicality for your everyday needs.

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The post Ultimate Gift Guide For Digital Artists appeared first on Hongkiat.

So, what makes a billboard truly unforgettable? What needs to be on that billboard to make drivers risk a glance while they’re on the road? A great billboard should be visually striking, informative, engaging, and above all, creative.

Think it’s a tall order? Not really. There are numerous examples of billboard ads that have nailed it. In this article, we’ll showcase 40 billboard ads that are incredibly creative and sure to turn heads. These examples will demonstrate that creativity knows no bounds. Let’s dive in!

Captivating Anando Milk: Superhuman Powers

Given that every child’s world is filled with imagination, the concept here is to amplify the benefits of milk to the point where it almost grants the child superhuman abilities.

Australian Childhood Foundation: The Unseen

This innovative billboard aims to highlight the issue of child neglect. The message ‘Thanks for seeing me’ is also displayed, just in case someone removes the plastic model.

Seatbelt Importance: Belt Up

This impactful ad drives home the message that the back seat is not any safer and emphasizes the importance of wearing a seatbelt.

Bergey: The Illusion of Natural Colors

This billboard, created by JWT agency in India, employs optical illusions to effectively convey the message ‘Natural Finish Colours’.

Bic Razor: A Clear Message

Sometimes, less is more. This billboard featuring a razor that appears to have ‘shaved’ the grass delivers a straightforward yet powerful message.

BMW: A Memorable Move

Whether you find it ethical or not, this ad for Santa Monica BMW is undeniably catchy and memorable.

Calgary International Film Festival: The Emotional Impact

Only the best campaigns make an impact. This billboard creatively uses water droplets to evoke emotion.

Coca-Cola: The Power of Simplicity

Who knew a ladder could make such a difference? This Coca-Cola billboard is a prime example of simple yet effective advertising.

Coca-Cola: Expanding the Idea

Building on the previous concept, this version extends the idea to adjacent billboards. It’s a brilliant strategy that’s sure to get people talking.

Colorado State Patrol: The Risks of Tailgating

This billboard makes it abundantly clear: tailgating is dangerous. The visual alone is enough to get the message across.

Dairy Milk: Irresistible Chocolate

Why use words to describe how delicious your chocolate is when a giant chocolate billboard can make everyone’s mouth water?

DHL: The Right Way, Every Time

This 3D billboard features a red ball that travels from point A to B via the shortest route, over and over again. It’s a clever way to show that DHL always takes the most efficient path.

Donatos Pizza: Double Take

This ingenious billboard uses another billboard for added impact. It’s a memorable way to make Donatos Pizza stick in your mind.

Elm Grove Police Department: Safety First

This creative—and perhaps scientific—billboard serves as a reminder that slower is safer. It even comes in different versions like ‘Accident Bills’ and ‘Chance Of Crush’ for added impact.

Ford Mustang: Smokin’ Hot

This billboard was a showstopper at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit. Equipped with a smoke machine, the rear wheel spins, emitting smoke for an unforgettable one-minute spectacle.

Ford Mustang: The Speed Effect

How do you convey speed in a static billboard? Ford nails it with this semi-transparent resin billboard that blurs the background, regardless of the weather or time of day.

Formula Toothcare: Strong Bite

Want teeth strong enough to tear through metal? This billboard for Formula Toothcare delivers that message in the most creative way possible.

Frontline: Flea Awareness in Malls

Frontline used massive 22 sq.meter stickers in three busy malls to highlight the issue of flea infestations in pets. The message? You may love your pet but be unaware of the fleas.

Heineken: The 3D Effect

Heineken’s 3D billboard is a testament to how a touch of creativity can transform the entire impact of an ad.

Hotwheels: Keep Rolling

This billboard perfectly captures the essence of the Hotwheels brand—always in motion!

International Campaign: The Power of Amnesty

This billboard effectively uses contrast to raise awareness about the importance of amnesty. It juxtaposes images of a peaceful world with one that lacks amnesty.

Jobsintown.de: Choose the Right Career

This billboard is a stroke of genius, leaving us speechless with its message: Life’s too short for the wrong job.

Kolestron Naturals: A Change in Color

Strategically positioned on a promenade, this billboard uses die-cut hair to showcase the color variations of Kolestron Naturals throughout the day and night.

Law And Order: Creative Illumination

A simple twist of creativity can make all the difference, as this Law and Order billboard brilliantly demonstrates.

Leica Binoculars: The Close-Up Bear

Experience closeness like never before with Leica’s Ultravid binoculars.

Leica V-Lux 1: The Ivy Ad

Leica proves that the right agency can create the perfect ad. Simply stunning.

Maker’s Mark: The Liquor Standout

Unquestionably the most unique billboard in the liquor advertising world.

Mars Chilled: The 3D Tongue

An innovative use of two billboards creates a 3D-like tongue that’s never been seen before.

Martor: The Razor’s Edge

A razor blade so sharp, it could even cut down a pigeon. Pure genius.

McDonald’s: Timeless Sundial

Who knew an ancient concept could inspire such a creative billboard? Ideas are indeed everywhere.

Nestle: Sweet and Lovely

Both delicious and delightful, this Nestle billboard is a treat for the eyes.

Nike: Defying Nature

Nike’s billboard exemplifies how breaking the laws of nature can create a compelling advertisement.

Penline Stationery: The Power of Tape

This billboard showcases a tape so strong, it can hold up the advertisement itself. Unbeatable.

Adidas: Towering Cech

Adidas celebrated the EuroCup 2008 with a 60m tall image of Petr Cech, making a grand statement at Vienna’s main tourist attraction.

Quitplan: The Giant Reminder

This oversized cigarette aims to remind Minnesotans about quitting smoking in a way they can’t ignore.

Real Hip Hop: Pure Energy

An electrifying billboard from an electrifying agency for an electrifying company. It’s all energy here.

Red Cross: The Eye-Opening Illusion

This billboard is designed to be so realistic that it shocks passersby, raising awareness about amnesty in the process.

Environmental Awareness: The Pool Effect

This creatively placed ad gains impact from its environment, although its reach may be limited.

Serve: The Art of Escape

Though the perspective may be unconventional, the concept is brilliantly executed.

The Comedy Channel: Hypnotic Humor

Clothing at bus shelters and innovative typography were used to promote the TV series “The Power Of One,” where hypnotist Peter Powers leads people into outrageous tasks.

Final Thoughts

Common techniques for crafting creative billboards often involve defying natural laws, like Nike’s “Barge Resistance,” or striving for realism through 3D designs or added elements like smoke. Humor is another recurring theme. Do you have any other tips for creating standout billboard ads?

These 40 examples are just the tip of the iceberg. The world is full of creative ads, both online and offline. If you come across any, we’d love to hear about them. After all, we’re all in search of creativity and inspiration!

The post 40 Creative Street Billboard Ads You Can’t Ignore appeared first on Hongkiat.

So, here’s a huge list of creatively designed web and mobile UI kits. These include everything from wireframes, UI templates, landing pages, app designs, and UI elements. Plus, these UI kits are compatible with different platforms like Photoshop, Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD.

1. 10+ Instagram Templates

• Created by: Oscarsun
• Compatible with: Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD

2. 50 websites sign in/sign up UI Kit

• Created by: Yan Liu
• Compatible with: Figma

3. Amazon Redesign UI

• Created by: Rushit Dhameliya
• Compatible with: Adobe XD

4. Bank Hotel Website UI Kit

• Created by: Andrii Vynarchyk
• Compatible with: Figma

5. Bankpic Banking Wallet UI Kit

• Created by: uihut
• Compatible with: Figma, Adobe XD

6. Biggest FREE UI Kit

• Created by: Krasi Stoimenov
• Compatible with: Photoshop

7. Blenda UI Kit

• Created by: Владислав Рогов
• Compatible with: Figma

8. Bolt NFT UI Kit

• Created by: DThree
• Compatible with: Adobe XD

9. Book Store App

• Created by: Adarsh Goldar
• Compatible with: Figma

10. Bookler Booking Web App

• Created by: uihut
• Compatible with: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD

11. Boutique du Pain

• Created by: Premiumuikits
• Compatible with: Sketch

12. BudgetIo App UI

• Created by: It’s The SA
• Compatible with: Figma

13. CaFit Fitness UI Kit

• Created by: CaDesign
• Compatible with: Figma

14. Calender Appointment UI Kit

• Created by: Mehmet Özsoy
• Compatible with: Adobe XD

15. Car Dashboard UI Kit Design

• Created by: uihut
• Compatible with: Figma

16. Card Components UI Kit for Figma

• Created by: Frank Esteban Isdray
• Compatible with: Figma

17. Chart Components UI Kit for Figma

• Created by: Frank Esteban Isdray
• Compatible with: Figma

18. Mobile Onboarding Screens

• Created by: Kishore
• Compatible with: Sketch

19. Coupons and Discounts App

• Created by: Kishore
• Compatible with: Sketch

20. eBlocks eCommerce Wireframe Ki

• Created by: Kishore
• Compatible with: Sketch

21. Banking/Wallet App UI Kit

• Created by: Shojol Islam
• Compatible with: Sketch

22. Dashboard Cards

• Created by: Saransh Verma
• Compatible with: Adobe XD

23. Orion UI Kit

• Created by: Alien Pixels
• Compatible with: Figma

24. Neumorphism UI Kit

• Created by: Tatsiana Charnysh
• Compatible with: Figma

25. Task Schedule dashboard

• Created by: Bhavna Kashyap
• Compatible with: Figma

26. Free Gradient Figma Fills

• Created by: Marcus Hoang
• Compatible with: Figma

27. iOS Browser Kit for Figma

• Created by: Andreas Storm
• Compatible with: Figma

28. Social Mobile App

• Created by: Andreas Storm
• Compatible with: Figma

29. Social UI Kit

• Created by: Paolo Spazzini
• Compatible with: Figma

30. Health Industry Design System UI Kit

• Created by: Shaban Iddrisu
• Compatible with: Adobe XD

31. Scheddo Booking Management Dashboard

• Created by: Nihal Graphics
• Compatible with: Adobe XD

32. Free XdDash Dashboard UI Kit

• Created by: Zvonimir Juranko
• Compatible with: Adobe XD

33. Free UI Element Kit

• Created by: Zulqurnain Haider
• Compatible with: Adobe XD

34. Color Picker

• Created by: Ankur Tripathi
• Compatible with: Adobe XD

35. Starter UI Kit for AdobeXD

• Created by: Meagan Fisher Couldwell
• Compatible with: Adobe XD

36. Google Material Icons for Adobe XD

• Created by: David Artoumian
• Compatible with: Adobe XD

37. Blueberry CRM Web Dashboard

• Created by: Oksana Kuzmenko
• Compatible with: Sketch

38. Dashboard Components Design

• Created by: Emy Lascan
• Compatible with: Sketch

39. Mytask Free App

• Created by: Lorenzo Perniciaro
• Compatible with: Sketch

40. Flowchart kit for Sketch and Figma

• Created by: Greg Dlubacz
• Compatible with: Figma, Sketch

41. Pricing UI

• Created by: Bartosz Bak
• Compatible with: Sketch

42. flex.UI Kit

• Created by: Marcel Kruger
• Compatible with: Sketch

43. Email Buddy APP

• Created by: Lorenzo Perniciaro
• Compatible with: Sketch

44. Prime 2.0

• Created by: Przemyslaw Baraniak
• Compatible with: Sketch

45. The Screens 4

• Created by: Tran Mau Tri Tam
• Compatible with: Photoshop

46. Freebie UI Elements Kit

• Created by: Nishant Dogra
• Compatible with: Photoshop

47. Kamartaj gift shop UI Kit

• Created by: Shojol Islam
• Compatible with: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, Photoshop

48. Instagram Feed and Profile

• Created by: Marina Dillaco
• Compatible with: Photoshop

49. Free Flat UI Kit

• Created by: Paul Flavius Nechita
• Compatible with: Photoshop

50. Sign Up UI Components

• Created by: Jim Endicott
• Compatible with: Photoshop

The post 50 Free GUI Sets for Your Next Project appeared first on Hongkiat.

If you consider yourself an experienced freelancer, let’s see if you have the (sad) luck of being on the receiving end of the following ten responses freelancers don’t like hearing from clients.

If you are still a novice in the freelance arena, then take this as a revelation, a heads up for how to deal with clients like these. As for the clients, I’m not saying that all of you are like this but if you have ever used any of the following responses, know that we’re on to you.

1. "I will pay you later."

You are not a full-fledged freelancer if you haven’t heard this reply twice from a single client, and twice can be considered as really lucky since, in some cases, you won’t receive any reply after the first I-will-pay-you-later.

Basically, you are screwed even if you have a contract, as all you can do is remind the client to pay repeatedly, which in most times is still totally useless unless you act like you will destroy the world tomorrow (at which point he will counter you with the word “lawyer”).

Well, that’s why the 50/50 payment plan was introduced. Instead of receiving the payment in the end, you could ask for half of the payment upfront: 50% cost of the project.

With a 50/50 payment plan, you can cut your losses even if the client suddenly disappears off the face of the Earth. And sometimes you could even get lucky, like in one of my cases where my client disappeared right after she paid the upfront fee.

I still see professional freelancers complaining about this on their blogs, which makes one wonder how this could even happen to experienced freelancers?

You may be surprised to discover that most clients with this haunting trait are from established companies, the companies that are so professional that you thought they would never cheat you out of your honest pay. So here’s the golden rule in freelancing, never trust anyone who didn’t pay you beforehand.

2. "I will pay you once I get the money."

This reply often comes from the great dreamers who embrace the idea that they could make the coolest startup in the Milky Way galaxy, which will end up being sold to Facebook for a billion or so dollars.

They share with you the vision, and they promise you the payment, like a lump sum or a percentage of the payout but only payable when they earn money from the startup.

Never accept this kind of deal, because it has fundamentally no difference from the Nigerian Prince scam. I have seen so many freelancers accept this deal on both the Internet and the physical world, but so far, I haven’t heard any success stories from them.

Don’t even give them the chance to say that they are different than the others, that their startup ideas will work. Your focus is to perfect your craft and earn your bread with that

3. "You’re more expensive than my employee."

There were so many times when I wanted to just yell back, "Ask your employee to do the job, then", but I didn’t, as I want to keep a reputation. Instead, I had to do the grown-up thing and remind the client why a freelancer’s pro-rata fee is usually higher than a common employee’s salary.

Image source: Vecteezy

You see, freelancers usually just work for the service or product. They don’t get employee benefits or sick days off. They don’t even have basic insurance protection. It’s all milestones, deadlines, and customer satisfaction for them.

In return, they give you high-quality work, a level of professionalism that doesn’t require you to look over your shoulder every half hour, and a mutual understanding that I’ll give you what you want if you pay me my worth.

It is always good to check the market price for the level of service you are looking for. Once you are fine with the rates, dive in with your requirements. If not, continue scouting. Don’t skim on the payment: you get what you pay for, as I will further explain below.

4. "…but other freelancers offer a cheaper price."

This is another reason for freelancers and clients to iron out the pricing rates at the beginning of the project than halfway through or near the end of it. No, don’t show us the freelance job sites or design contest sites to prove that we are nothing but cheap labor in your eyes, then push us to prove you right.

Some clients may try the discount strategy, for the "how about I give you some free exposure strategy (see below)". Don’t be a pushover, you have to be confident with your skill and your proposed rates, and stick to them.

As for the clients, here’s a tip: if you want a cheap freelancer, you have to deal with their cheap ethics as well. There will be other ways that freelancers will get back what they think you owe them.

Don’t be surprised to see your designs splattered somewhere else first, usually ‘somewhere’ that is willing to pay the freelancer what you wouldn’t in the first place.

Part of the freelancer’s payment is to ensure that they keep your results exclusive to you. It’s far from a threat… more like insurance to ensure that everyone acts like adults and stops making the other feel unappreciated.

5. "You, will, get lots of exposure!"

“And in exchange, you will work for free for our company.” What kind of deal is this? Do you say that to your employees too? No. They are there because they work to take your money.

It’s the same with freelancers and despite the fact that, yes, networking is a lot more important to us than it is to your employers, exposure doesn’t guarantee us much. Full payments, though, do.

In any case, your future clients won’t pay much attention to how exposed your craft is, what they care most about is your portfolio. In conclusion, exposure isn’t useless, but it’s less useful.

Unless you are doing charity work for a non-profit foundation that would have much to gain from the added exposure, getting free exposure in place of payment is just not worth it.

6. "We didn’t receive your invoice."

“There must be something wrong with Gmail; we didn’t receive your invoice, so we will make the check by next month’s payday.” This kind of reply normally comes with 2 elements: reasons of delay and delay with reasons.

Basically, you have been checkmated and there’s no use to argue with them, since they will shift all responsibilities to the email service, even if you didn’t get any delivery failure notice.

So what’s your next best step? Send the invoice again, and confirm with them that they have actually received it. Make sure that they have no reason to blame the email service a second time, and make sure that they pay on the next due date since this kind of client has the tendency to reuse the same excuse.

Giving them the benefit of the doubt, sometimes technical errors like this will occur but if it happens often enough for you to take notice, don’t accept any future work offers from them, especially if your gut tells you that they will pull the same stunt again.

7. "I think the red should be bluer."

It’s the same with the reply, “I want it round but it should look like a square too.” If karma theory does exist in this world, you must have done really bad things in your earlier life, or else you won’t get this kind of client. Nah, I’m just kidding, because this kind of client is everywhere.

A designer’s worst fear is a client who doesn’t know what he wants exactly. Or as the design process is going on, the client loses his own direction on what he really seeks.

In this case, you will have to figure it out for him. The best method would be to ask questions or provide him with some visual samples to narrow down his decision. If the time allows, it’s also good to reply to the client after a day or two, as it gives time for both of you to really think about the direction of the project.

8. "I think it should be more flashy."

“Can’t you understand me? Make this website design more pop, more flashy, and more Apple.” Wow.

When you get that kind of question, don’t try to ‘understand’ it because chances are, you never will ‘get it’. Ask him directly to explain what he actually means but not in words (since we’re not gaining any ground there in the first place).

Image source: Vecteezy

Ask him to show you examples of pictures on the Web that to him is a definition of pop, or flashy, or Apple-istic. If he resorts to using his feelings to define the design, then you are in a gridlock. At best, he will stumble upon a design sample worthy of his feelings. At worst, tell him you don’t do designs based on a person’s feelings.

9. "Let’s start all over again."

Without extra charge, of course. This happened when you didn’t set a clear revision rate for your client from the start, but even if you did, the client might drop you with the question, “It’s not the stuff I want; why should I even pay for a new design?”

Look, I understand where the client is coming from, having been in the same situation before, but you should insist on charging for the redesign, because “to start all over again” means “do a totally new design”. Don’t let the client’s words fool you.

It’s completely ethical to charge for a redesign since, like most employees, you’re billed for work hours but not finished product. Oh, and believe me, there’s a chance that after a month of redesigns, the client ends up loving your previous design, and he decides not to pay for the redesign since he is not using it. Insist on revision rates.

10. "Just do whatever you want!"

Normally this kind of reply comes with another sentence, “I trust you!” But you should never believe it because the reply literally means, “I don’t know what I really want, so I’ll just let you figure it out yourself.”

I know it well, because I have experienced this situation, both from the freelancer’s and the client’s side, and they both reach the same result in the end, with the client replying, “Uh, this is not what I want. Let’s add this and that, remove these and those, and oh… let’s start over again.”

It’s really important to determine the client’s needs from the start. If he’s just trying to test drive your creativity, confirm this with him, and go crazy with it. If he already has something in mind, you can probably sense it in his replies. Invite him to talk about the core idea and the specific area that you can go full creativity in, so both of you can get what you want in the end.

Reflection

All in all, even with the responses above, the freelancing gig is still tons of fun. After all, a freelancer doesn’t have to deal with office politics or deal with the manager’s bad mood swings.

As a freelancer, I can even fire a client with a probable reason (see insane and/or evil), which makes the whole thing worth pursuing. If you have ever had a reply that convinces you that your client is sent from hell, let us know about it and I will understand if you want to change your nickname before you post it.

The post 10 Things Freelancers Hate Hearing (From Clients) appeared first on Hongkiat.

Likewise, here is a collection of mobile prototyping templates. These templates include UI, UX kits, vector elements, and screen, etc. that you can easily download and customize for your use. Let’s take a look.

#1 @Mohit Panchal

Here is a high-quality Android UI kit for mobile prototyping. It comes with neatly organized layers and groups. You’ll also find a nicely designed "Login Screen" and "Sign-up Screen".

Compatible with: Adobe XD.

#2 @Dilan

A mobile UI kit for gaming app. The template has a total of 15 screens and is designed for iPhone X resolution

Compatible with: Adobe XD.

#3 @Brice Seraphin

Here is a mobile prototyping template for finance app. I features 3 screens and is fully customizable

Compatible with: Adobe Photoshop.

#4 @Dilan

A mobile UI kit for a burger store or any similar food-related app. The templates have total of 25 screens and are made for iPhone X resolution.

Compatible with: Adobe XD.

#5 @Dilan

A template with a total of 28 screens. You can choose between light and dark themes to choose. It is designed for iPhone X (and above) resolution.

Compatible with: Adobe XD.

#6 @Prizzy

Here’s a template with 16 iOS screens for a finance mobile app with a minimalistic design approach. You’ll also find the most essential set of screenshots in this kit.

Compatible with: Figma.

#7 @Tim

Here’s a collection of over 100 individual components to choose from. You can combine these components into one design or choose individual elements. All components can be modified in color by using Sketch files.

Compatible with: Sketch.

#8 @Framer

A starter kit that contains many Wireframe components, templates and flow elements for building flows and validating your app ideas. The flow elements are well-designed and adapt across multiple screen sizes.

Compatible with: Framer.

#9

A set of 15+ Screens and UI Elements made from scratch. The template uses RobotoSlab font.

Compatible with: Sketch.

#10 @Nik Wincini

A mobile UI kit for cryptocurrency exchange apps. It features templates for "Contidional Orders", "Trade History", "Order Form", "Change of Price", "Depth Chart", and "Active Actions" etc.

Compatible with: Adobe XD.

#11 @Unmesh Gite

Here is a component-based UI Kit designed exclusively for Adobe XD. In this kit, you’ll find fully-customizable components, including UI elements, colours, and typography, etc.

Compatible with: Adobe XD.

#12 @Aurelien Salomon

A beautiful mobile prototyping template design with a modern and colorful style. The designs have been organized in 6 categories and include more than 60 screens.

Compatible with: Adobe XD.

#13 @Riko Sapto

Some beautiful templates suitable for medical-related apps. It features "Welcome Screen", "Register Screen", "Contact Doctor Screens", and much more.

Compatible with: Adobe Photoshop.

#14 @Ce Ali Omar

Wireframe UX kits for mobile prototyping. You can choose from more than 30 different screens.

Compatible with: Adobe XD.

#15 @Georgemaine Lourens

These in-app starter kits for iOS, Android or Web allow you to speed up your workflow. You can also use these wireframe UI kits for product designs as well.

Compatible with: Framer.

#16

Here’s a modern and stylish UI kit for e-commerce apps. It’s a well-layered and neatly organized kit with 50+ components in 6 categories.

Compatible with: Sketch, Adobe Photoshop.

#17

Create rich and enticing presentations with this set of presentation mockups. The collection offers templates for iPad, iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, Android phone, and some web browsers.

Compatible with: Sketch, Adobe Photoshop, and Figma.

#18 @Brice Seraphin

A neat mockup template for cryptocurrency exchange website. All PSD files are fully editable and are organized into layers for ease of use.

Compatible with: Adobe Photoshop.

#19 @Brice Seraphin

A Bitcoin, finance template of mobile mockups. It consists of organized layers and 2 screen options.

Compatible with: Adobe Photoshop.

The post Best Free Mobile Prototyping Templates appeared first on Hongkiat.

I am considered lucky to have survived this far and I feel obligated to share some of my horror stories, oops, projects that freelancers would probably experience or come across, although I would not actually wish that you share a fate as bad as mine.

And for the freelancers who are just starting out, if you are not scared off yet, you can refer to this whenever some of your clients start to act weird, intentionally of course. Let’s check out the 15 projects you will come across in your freelancing career.

1. The ‘Iron Man’ Project

It’s a project with high promise, the kind that will shake the world, bringing a tide of revolution that will impress the mortals. The client speaks about it like it is inventing a new form of metal. Twice. In his mind, of course.

You will have to hear the term ‘revolutionary’ 30 times before you can even slip in a question about how the project actually works. Depending on the project’s authenticity, this could be a new high or new low in your freelance career.

Undeniably, though, most freelancers actually love this specific kind of challenging project, as long as the revolutionary project pays your bills. Whenever I come across a project like this, I demand a contract and 50% upfront payment.

2: The ‘Clone Wars’ Project

So you are asked to develop an innovative website that will reboot the Earth and change the way humans interact (again), and it sounds like a mashup clone of Facebook, Pinterest and Vine combined.

After some period working on the project, the technical part gets sticky, so you request for more charged hours. They tell you the budget is tight, so they make do with a Pinterest clone. Apparently, it’s all good for them as long as it’s a clone of a mega-buzzed social media platform with a coincidentally identical design.

You deliver the project, take your fee, and walk away, without mentioning those Pinterest clones you have visited for reference, or developed before (it’s the dark side of the freelance business, after all).

3. The ‘Jack of All Trades’ Project

In this era, it’s certainly better to be a jack of all trades than a master of one, as it’s really hard for me to think of freelance projects that require only one set of skills. However, what happens is that in some projects, the client thinks you’re a master of all trades!

After you hear all those requirements and work details from the client and translate them into a note about job requirements, your requirement may look like this: Mastery in CSS, CSS3, HTML5, JS, PHP, MySQL, Python, C++, C#, C, Photoshop, Illustrator, Copywriting, SEO, Animated GIF… and on and on. It is deadly important for you to state clearly what you can do before any work starts.

If however you actually master all of them, then it is time to test whether your client is the master of paying all bills.

4. The ‘Trouble Saver’ Project

You are hired to clean up the mess that the previous designer left. Judging from the spaghetti code strewn all over the project, your experience tells you that it should be done by amateur freelancers… not, college students. It seems like your client has hired cheap labor, but ended up injuring himself.

It’s a relaxing job as you’re just fixing the atrocities that previous designers committed, but be sure to request the full payment before handing over the project. Who knows if the project you’re currently fixing is actually a compilation of work that has been unpaid by a client on the run!

5. The ‘Sixth Sense’ Project

Philosophically speaking, the project itself is the client. It revolves around the very soul of the client himself, which is commonly referred to as ‘feel’, and you need to have at least a Bachelor of Psychology, or a sixth sense to figure out how (in the world) you can deliver this project.

‘Design a website that rocks and pops with everything edgy and spicy’, you will be amazed at how many adjectives clients can come up with to describe absolutely nothing.

Any design task or project goal will change according to the client’s artistic sense. But you simply don’t have time to guess his every whim, so your best bet is to narrow down the project outline with as many details as possible. Otherwise, you will be stuck into the ‘I don’t feel like it’s right’ black hole forever.

6. The Project Within A Project

The Project Within A Project is the best example of why you should sign a contract, but not an agreement with your client.

So you just submitted the design and happily wait to smell the fragrance of cash, only to receive the client’s rejection the next day, and the problem is not even about your design. The problem is its own logo. They command you to design a new logo for their brand, just to make the website design look good, or they won’t consider the job done. A new baby project has been born!

You know you are (tightly) screwed, but you don’t want to lose the money since you put a hell of lot of effort into it. After working furiously on the logo, and the mascot, and the copywriting, and the SEO… you are finally fed up and decided to state the obvious, that you are a web designer, then they promise to talk to their web designer about your concern.

But wait, I’m their web designer! The mess goes on and on, and the only confirmed thing is you will not receive payment any soon.

7. The ‘Need for Speed’ Project

It often starts as a task, then ends up snowballing into a project. A wild client appears and pitches a project, and they sound like the world will end tomorrow if you don’t help them, then here comes the two keywords – fast and easy. You feel like the deal is okay and since it doesn’t take much time… why not?

You started to work on the task, but suddenly they demand more details than before. You threaten them by demanding more time, and the shocking thing is they say no problem!

Since you have other projects on deadline too, your time suddenly becomes very limited since this new project piled on. Now, it’s your turn to feel as if the world is going to end tomorrow. This project teaches you a lesson: tell them that you are charging double, just to see if they actually need you to rush it just to save the world.

8. The ‘Fight or Die’ Project

This is the project that makes you feel bad about yourself, but ironically it’s also the one you will show off to your friends and children. Since most freelancers are naturally adventurous, we tend to accept projects with immense challenges that make us question our technical and mental capabilities, only to realize later that the project is simply too hard to beat.

At this point, you have 2 choices: admit you can’t do it and surrender, or slave through it day and night, just to break the surface. Since surrender is for the weak, you decided to go all-in, and retreat to weep at the corner of your room at night.

But in the end, everything falls into place, and you walk away not just with a paycheck but also with a great appreciation and respect for yourself. You feel like you can conquer anything from now on while giving yourself advice that runs along the lines of "know when to drop it and run" for a healthier and longer life.

9. The Cheap Project

It’s just what the title literally means: a cheap project from a cheap client, but this time, you are forced to accept it because you need that urgent money to pay your rent. The strategy here is to receive 50% of the payment upfront, then use that to please your angry landlord, while the spare will go to stop the incessant growling coming from your stomach.

I believe every freelancer has somehow tasted this during the less secure foundation years, and we all know the mental disturbance that the cheap project caused is even more harmful than all above-mentioned issues combined. Your body is simply open to any torture that the client could think of. It’s a fun past that serves as a reminder for you to always have backup savings for difficult times.

10: The ‘Forever Billing’ Project

You do a project for a giant corporation, but strangely you never saw a dime coming from their pockets. Billing the clients is easier than actually collecting from the client. And when you stretch that pay-up period long enough, they may come back and tell you, ‘We have no money to pay you’, or worse, they take off with no reply at all.

Our courage grows weaker every time we request payments, even though we know that we should be paid. But you must confront the client as fast as possible since the more time you delay, the less chance you are going to get paid. Don’t email or call him, face him at the office, or invite him out for a meal or a 1-to-1. Once you get the payment, you can dump the client even if he asks you to do another project for him.

Once is enough.

11. The ‘Relative = Free’ Project

Your cousin wants to design a website for a college project, and you’re appointed by your mom to be his free technical slave. You swear your loyalty to your cousin because mom says so since you had some fun times together, but soon you realize that this is one of the biggest mistakes you have ever made.

You will probably end up doing all the work yourself since your cousin probably doesn’t have any skills to build a website at all. And after so much explanation that is sometimes more hectic than actual work, you find it easier to complete everything for him. Makes you feel like telling everyone you do not know anything, so no one will come looking for you for favors again.

12. The Friend’s ‘Not So Friendly’ Project

Your friend has accepted a project, and now he’s asking for your help, which you logically will not refuse because friends help each other, right? This is an extension of #11, just replace cousin with a friend, the always asleep, always snoring friend. And worse of all, if the project fails to come up to the mark, it’s your fault for not giving it your all. " You’re supposed to help me, you’re supposed to be my friend."

By this point you should already know that, any project that involves close relationships should be avoided at all costs. It’s still okay to help your friend with important tasks though, just not anything that involves big money (a few of them are still on my Ignore list).

13. The ‘Multiplayer’ Project

It’s a rare circumstance that 2 or more freelancers are hired for a project, but if it happens to you, congrats, as you’ll be gaining precious experience working with multiple, expert-level freelancers like you. But remember to ask this question to the others before starting work, has this boss paid you before?’

This is a strategic question, as it not only confirms the sanity of your current client, but also opens up a chance to chat with them, thus setting up a friendly working atmosphere with your freelance comrades. You will also learn how to work on the same design at the same time without technical conflicts, and it’s done even without verbal communication!

You feel like the good ol’ times when you’re working with a bunch of people in the office, except this time they are all true professionals, and they don’t like to play office politics.

14. The ‘More Than Money’ Project

Sometimes it’s not just about money, but absolutely not about exposure, too. Freelancing can be touching and romantic, and that’s what the ‘More Than Money’ project is all about. You saw a charity organization running a campaign, but they are financially unable to hire a designer for the banner.

That’s fine, you do it for them, charging them with the children’s smile for the service fee. Most importantly, when the banner is lifted up onto the sky, you feel proud. You have done something good, refilled your karma, the good kind.

There are also times when your better half’s birthday is around the corner, and you want to pour your very best into crafting a website or mini-game to surprise her, and show her that, she has got a great partner (this is why you should date a geek).

Money is great, but these are something meaningful that makes you happy about life.

15. The Dream Project

It’s this project you will shout out “oh my god! oh my god!” when you first check the invitation mail, be it from Google or Facebook. It’s the project you will check countless times to see if it is legitimate or genuine because it’s too good to be true. It feels nice. It tastes sweet. It defines who you are – a world-class software engineer.

You will soon be hit with the technical terms and techniques that you have never heard of, but that’s fine because everything here is worth fighting for! Three months have passed and the project’s ended, but you feel like it was just about to begin. You made sure you a few ways form to contact you again, then stared at the screen for a few seconds, then clicked to sign off.

The sunlight has never been so bright, your life has never been so great. You can’t wait to empower yourself with a new skill or knowledge today, in order to experience this vivid dream again one day.

The post 15 Project Types You Will Face In Freelancing appeared first on Hongkiat.

Today, you are guaranteed to have a good time from these 30 parodies of widely recognized brand logos such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, FedEx, and even World Wildlife Foundation! These logo parodies have two similarities in general, they are inspiring, and they try their best to make you laugh!

We’ve accummulated 30 of the weirdest and wackiest logo parodies one can find on the Web. Without further ado, let’s have a look (and a laugh) at how they are poking fun at famous brands.

KFC – McDonald’s Fried Chicken

It seems that Ronald McDonald and Colonel Sanders have just ended their final fight, similar to this, but apparently Ronald had the final victory.

(Image Source: LordDavid04)

KFC – Kenpachi Fried Chicken

If you want to open a fake KFC restaurant in China, this is the best, coolest logo design for you. I personally feel that the Kakashi Fried Chicken’s logo will attract a lot of customers too, or a lot of Instagram photographers. Enjoy infringing two copyrights at once, then!

(Image Source: frontsideair)

McDonald’s – McDiabetes

The logo says it all!

(Image Source: Viktor Hertz)

Burger King – Murder King

Probably the best logo to educate us that burgers are bad for our health! But I don’t think the artist twisted it for educational purposes, hmm.

(Image Source: INSPIRE ONE)

Burger King – Tomato King

So if a burger is harmful to us, maybe we could try other healthier alternatives like… tomatoes?

(Image Source: greateronion)

Snickers – Suckers

This logo could possibly create more buzz than the original one, especially when it’s featured on TV ads.

(Image Source: OvejaNegra77)

Pepsi

Too much Pepsi could cause potential harm to our health, but only a genius could come up with this creative twist of the Pepsi logo!

(Image Source: Lawrence Yang)

Starbucks Coffee – Star Wars Coffee

The coffee is strong in this one. If this one is too nerdy for you, check out the Starducks Coffee.

(Image Source: rubyred)

Nescafe – Nocoffee

Agree or not, we all have the answer in our mind!

(Image Source: arama alisa)

Facebook – Procrastination

And I’m one of the innocent victims, too.

(Image Source: Viktor Hertz)

Facebook – Stalker

I have to admit that Facebook is the best place to stalk any person… well, so far it’s my best choice!

(Image Source: arama alisa)

Myspace – Noplace

Sad truth, but so true.

(Image Source: Viktor Hertz)

YouTube – YouSuck

There’s always a certain part in YouTube, where you shout this phrase to a certain video… no, I’m not thinking about a certain music video!

(Image Source: Urbinator17)

Amazon.com – moneyzgone.com

Clever twist by just reversing the smiley illustration! Too bad that most Amazon products can’t be shipped to my country, so my money goes to eBay instead.

(Image Source: Anna Podoleanu)

Windows 8

Every hardcore Windows user like me will know the message hidden in this brilliant logo! A salute to the creator, we all share the same pain.

(Image Source: Tech Crunch)

IE6 – Idiot Explorer 6

Doubtless to say, web designers will agree.

(Image Source: Tudorache Ion-Dragos)

Dell – Hell

You could even use this as your wallpaper, if you are not a Dell’s fan!

(Image Source: preeemo)

HP – Harry Potter

I’ve always wondered what HP stands for, until I saw this logo!

P.S. It’s Hewlett-Packard. (Image Source: Different Thinker)

LG

Life’s good or life’s tough? Only the LG user knows!

(Image Source: Business Pundit)

Puma – Coma

I almost had a coma from laughing, when I first saw this logo.

(Image Source: Kali-Yugadi)

Levi’s – Elvi’s

Perhaps Levi’s could make more sales by change their brand name to this clever piece!

(Image Source: Urbinator17)

PlayPokémon

So much cuteness in this sexy logo!

(Image Source: Loncea Roxana)

American Idol – American Idiot

I might stand a chance to be the champion if I join this show! Alas, I’m not American.

(Image Source: Urbinator17)

NBA – MBA

To attend work for 8 straight hours a day for several years is certainly a glorious record to your life, so be proud that you are one of the MBA champions… why are there tears flowing down my eyes?

(Image Source: ChidoWear)

UPS – OOPS

For all the lost packages and the receivers who mourn their loss. Great impact!

(Image Source: OvejaNegra77)

FedEx – FatEx

You better don’t let this image appear in any of your device if you are trying to recover your relationship with your ex! Smart mod from the original name, though!

(Image Source: lulia)

Shell – Hell

This parody proves that no matter how boring the icon is, a creativist will always have an idea to make it fun.

(Image Source: Urbinator17)

300 – LOL

It’s hard to skip this one, especially since the artist had used his mad skills to photoshop this logo into oblivion!

(Image Source: Thundordan)

Jurassic Park – Yoshi’s Island

Prepare yourself to be invaded by massive clones of… cute Yoshi dinosaurs. Gotta catch ’em all!

(Image Source: MichaelMayne)

World Wildlife Foundation – WWF

The question of the century, now answered! Wildlife vs Wrestling? Just mash it together and voila! You could even buy a t-shirt with this logo on it if you follow the source link.

(Image Source: DieHard Threads)

The post 30 Clever Logo Parodies of Famous Brands appeared first on Hongkiat.

After a while, we’d like to think that bit by bit, we have evolved into something beyond human, with either supernatural abilities or mentally disturbing traits, and these are what I want to share today in this post: the 10 habits you develop when you fall too deep into freelance design.

Run through the list and think about whether or not these have occurred in you, or passed through your thoughts. Whether you love these traits or hate them, they are effects found in people who have gone perhaps, too far in freelance design.

1. You Want Everything Pixel-Perfect

For every recent project, as long as you have time, you want to zoom into every minor part and make sure those pixels sit in the correct positions.

You feel comfortable so you zoom out of the design, but wait, are they really in the right position? You decided to zoom into the design again just to make sure, then out, and in, and out, and in, a few more times. Just to make sure.

2. You Try To Undo Something In Real Life

After working on your computer for sometime, you retreat to do a sketch or write on paper. You make an error and and instead of trying to erase it like someone normal would, you feel compelled to push the undo key combos with your fingers. Woops, guess that didn’t work.

3. You Arrange Things Perfectly Without A Grid

This is a supernatural ability mastered via years of working on Photoshop. One day you realize you are designing a prototype without dragging out a grid, and miraculously the design looks so neat that you decided to measure the white space between columns – and boom, perfect alignment!

This coincidence makes you feel really proud and happy with yourself, like you’ve unlocked a lifetime achievement of some sort.

4. You Started To Talk To Yourself, And Sometimes Laugh Together

Loneliness sets in once you are into freelancing for some time. The room is too quiet, so you seek out some form of white noise to place in the background. Sometimes, the noise is you.

You crack a joke about how silly a design idea is, perhaps even laugh at the amateurish attempt, reminisce a little over how things were so much easier way back when… whoa, maybe it’s time to put some music on before we go full loco.

5. When You Bask In The Sunlight, For A Moment You Achieved Nirvana.

My longest record is around 30 days trapped inside my home (for work). The moment I step out from my house, it felt absolutely magical. You feel like you are finally free from the torture and suffering, and you promise yourself to stop taking up so much freelance work, and to live a better, more meaningful life, filled with sunshine.

And you always forget to listen to yourself afterwards.

6. Your World’s Resolution is 1920×1080

Due to an endless project rush, I tend to stay in front of my monitor all the time, and that also means that I have to handle my social life with that flat screen too. For the past year, everything meaningful in my life happened within that 1920×1080 screen. Yup, that’s my world, in pure 1920×1080 definition.

7. You Feel Happy When You Have Simple Interactions

You are trying to reintroduce yourself into society but catching up with friends is such a long-winded process which you cannot commit to for the long-term. But a brief conversation with the cashier at the grocery store or the cab driver is enough to make you feel warm and relieved (yup, I’m still here). Hm? What about the clients? If this is news to you, 99% of clients are probably from hell.

8. You Can’t Draw A Line Between Work & Life

Some of you may understand this subtitle more easily than others. In short, the work itself is already fun enough for you to commit hours to it, and the sense of achievement is believed to be as addictive as a drug. Bored? Just start a new project. You don’t need the balance between work and life anymore because you are freelance and freelance is you now.

9. Your Life Is All About Seeking Ideas

It appears that your brain is constantly thinking about new ideas, and everything you do is for ideas. Rest a bit so you can have more ideas later? Check. Go out somewhere or stare into the sky so you might have a creative moment? Check. Stare into the monitor screen for hours so the universe can communicate an idea to you? Err… never works, but triple-check. Actually think about the meaning of life for a few seconds? Cross.

10. You Think Life Is Awesome And You Cannot Stop It!

Did I say it’s a bad thing to go too far into freelance design? No, at all. Although I have developed so many questionably unhealthy habits through the years from freelance, not many people get to enjoy work at this level in their entire life. I appreciate it as it is and to me, it is better than a regular 9-to-5 job.

Do you think that working in freelance design is fun? Share your thoughts with us.

The post 10 Signs You Have Gone Too Far Into Freelance Design appeared first on Hongkiat.

In this post, I would like to showcase to you 30 seriously geeky yet excellent artworks created with Microsoft Excel, i.e. the results of my role as a professional procrastinator. Some of them are games, that work! I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did, and do.

Megaman X

Looking at this realistic piece, Megaman X’s soundtrack has started playing in my mind.

Source: Sakumoti

Megaman Excel

In case you want more Megaman X awesomeness in Excel, here is another one for you!

Source: synbios16

Robo Battle

Megaman X vs. Iron Man, making their debut on the Excel platform! Thanks donkeykonggod for this very cool artwork.

Source: donkeykonggod

Sonic & Knickles

Love the color scheme as it makes the art look like a modern retro game!

Source: Jim Silverman

Gaming Life

If you didn’t play these before, you still have a childhood, you just missed all the good parts, that’s all.

Source: synbios16

Final Fantasy

RPG gamers will surely know these figures!

Source: Jim Silverman

Laharl

The cute evil king Laharl in Excel! I must say the shading is really impressive, probably the best pixel Laharl I have seen so far. Well done CrowKuroa.

Source: CrowKuroa

Zelda Link

How much detail can an artist go into with Excel? Apparently, this much.

Source: ignite25

Roxas

A character from the Kingdom Heart series. Only a skilled artist like ignite25 could achieve this.

Source: ignite25

Gundam Excel

“I was proctoring finals with nothing to do except watch students, so I decided to give it a try. This image took about 4 hours to do.”

Source: Klunker-Decepticon

Kos-Mos

“Around 7 hours of ‘work’ here. Now all I have to do is explain this is why the time reports aren’t filled out and completed.”

Source: Klunker-Decepticon

Pikachu

A wild Pikachu appears in Excel!.

Source: CrowKuroa

Jolteon

I choose you, Jolteon! Besides this charming one, you can also get to view Charmander, Squirtle, Haunter, Cyndaquil and Blaziken!

Source: CrowKuroa

Dialga

Think that only a small Pokémon could exist in the Excel and you’re wrong. Introducing the giant Dialga in Microsoft Excel.

Source: thetokomitsu

Giratina

I must admit it, thetokomitsu is the professional.

Source: thetokomitsu

Pokémon Yellow

And here you are, 151 Pokémons in Excel! thetokomitsu you are my hero.

Source: thetokomitsu

Sex Bob-Omb

It’s the Sex Bob-Omb from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World! Must have taken a lot of planning and hard work though, otherwise it won’t be this awesome!

Source: ignite25

Nyan Cat

How could we miss the Nyan Cat if we are talking about the pixel art? It just exists everywhere, including Excel!

Source: oscarit07

Me Gusta

So much win!

Source: thetokomitsu

Space Invaders

Don’t miss the classic Space Invaders! They are like Nyan Cat, invading every form of art and Excel is not an exception.

Source: douglas

Megaman II

Megaman II is absolutely one of the more classic retro games, and this epic deviant named Serraxor has just reproduced its logo and a complete walk cycle sprite of the Megaman in the Excel!

Source: Serraxor

Bionic Commando

What could be more cool than seeing the Bionic Commando logo in Microsoft Excel?

Source: Serraxor

Gundam

No, Excel is not for pixel drawing only, it could also be used to draw something epic like this, and here is the proof!

Source: shukei20

X-Wing Fighter

Proudly presenting the realistic X-Wing Fighter illustrated by shukei20! And don’t forget the retro warp text from the Microsoft Office!

Source: shukei20

Darth Vader

Be sure to check out how this Darth Vader invades Excel with this video!

Source: shukei20

Monalisa

Looks impossible huh? Don’t get cheated, it’s actually generated by a plugin named ExcelArt, which you can get it from the source link.

Source: boydevlin software

Avatar

Another piece generated by the plugin, now you can impress or cheat anyone with it!

Source: labnol

Super Mario World

Super Mario World revived in Excel! I never thought I would meet Mario again in Excel. Also check out the site for more classic games!

Source: GamesExcel

Sonic Excel

If you think the Excel is just for slow games, check out Sonic on Excel. Heck, it’s even as smooth as the console version!

Source: GamesExcel

Paccy Man

Introducing Paccy Man for Excel. Kill boredom even if you’re on Windows 98.

Source: Excel Game

Reflection

The concept in these fan art on Excel is just to color the cells in the right order. But when you start making an illustration from scratch, the workload will really freak you out!

There is a lot of potential things you can do with Microsoft Excel. With the right knowledge of programming, one can even animate the artworks, and make a game out of it! Know your way around Microsoft Excel well enough to make your own artwork, animation or games?

Show us what you’ve got or share with us amazing artwork that you have encountered before. Plenty of space in the comments section for everyone.

The post 30 Geeky Artworks Created Using Microsoft Excel appeared first on Hongkiat.

They are categorized into 3 “levels of difficulty” because we like to organize stuff too. Anyways, do you like things organized like what you see below, or do you prefer to let the subject of your photography come naturally? Tell us in the comments.

Breakfast

Now this breakfast is so organized, you can even count each piece of food before you take a bite

Meal

A yummy arrangement of the delicious kind

Supermarket

That is one highly organized food stacker this supermarket has

Pencase

Tools of the trade, question is, what trade is the owner in?

A Man And His Tools

This is what a serious photographer works with

Poppin Supply Closet

Should have known that color-coded stationery is a sight to behold.

Pasta

Mama mia! That’s a lotta pasta!

Crunchy Chocolate Hazelnut

A crunchy collection but organized nonetheless

No.2 Ticonderoga Pencil

Be glad you don’t have to separate your pencil shavings like this before you throw them out

90 Shades of Toast

90 pieces of toast isn’t the kicker. The kicker is the fact that you can organize them by how burnt they are. Salute to the makers!

Kung Fu Show

This is what it looks like when 10,000 students attend one kung fu class. It was to mark China’s annual Cultural Heritage Day, and this is just mind-blowing

Torpedo Typewriter

It was a torpedo typewriter, but now it is some fine art

VHS Tapes

A total of 375 VHS tapes were disassembled to form a sculpture that fills the corner of Midtown Atlanta’s Viewpoint building. Amazing!

Volkswagen Golf Mk2

You know how we like to check out gadgets disassembled? Well, this one is a whole car disassembled!

Raccorama

Nothing much to see here? Think about how the artist did it

The post 15 Examples of Obsessively Organized Photography [Photos] appeared first on Hongkiat.

Here are 15 awesome typography design entries that showcase text-based art to tell a story. You may need a while to interpret what it is trying but these words are meant to make you think out of the box anyways. Have fun and tell us your favorites in the comments.

Shoot

Just by adjusting the distance between letters, Arun Raj is able to express the motion of a bullet heading towards a target

Source: Arun Raj

Scream

Alter the shape of one letter, and the word screams louder than the picture.

Source: Arun Raj

Kick

Ouch, that hurts, letter I!

Source: Arun Raj

Elevator

Going up or down?

Source: Ji Lee

Tsunami

The S-wave describes this natural disaster very clearly.

Source: Ji Lee

Exit

From now on, this should be the standard sign for every exit door.

Source: Ji Lee

Gravity

What goes up, must come down – thanks to Gravity.

Source: Ji Lee

Darwin

The evolutionary steps from D to N.

Source: Kapil Bhagat

Archimedes

Kapil Bhagat’s love for science and expressive typography knows no bounds.

Source: Kapil Bhagat

Copernicus

The Sun and the third rock from the Sun infused in Nicolaus Copernicus’s name.

Source: Kapil Bhagat

Displace

Alright, which wise guy displaced the top part of "displace"?

Source: Daniel-John Rebollido

Expand

And stretch!

Source: Daniel-John Rebollido

Compression

Stuck in a tight spot, I see.

Source: Shealyn McGee

Explosion

Tweak contrast, color and font size, hide it behind the illusion of disarray and you get an explosion.

Source: Shealyn McGee

Detail

Read the fine print.

Source: Shealyn McGee

The post Clever Typography Designs That Make You Think appeared first on Hongkiat.

In today’s post, we are going to give you a guide of all the free Windows software you may need for web design projects. We’ll also throw in our recommendation as well as more free alternatives to give you more options, so let’s dive into the heaven of free software and see what they have in stock for you!

Also, check out our lists for more useful tools and applications!

• 70 Free Useful Portable Applications You Should Know
• 22 Useful Wireframing And Prototyping Tools
• Useful Web Usability Testing Tools
• 18 More Useful Web Usability Testing Tools
• 10 Project Management Software For Remote Teams
• 10 Tools To Protect You From Infected USB Flash Drives

Web Browsing

Don’t look at me like that, I know all web browsers are free, just want to make sure that you have all best browsers in your garage!

For web browser, we think the Google Chrome is the best browser for now. Why? Faster browsing, cleaner user interface, better HTML5 and CSS3 support, and awesome Chrome extensions are rising more and more these years.

Besides, as the mobile has taken over some acres of the land of Web Design these years, it’s really important for you to have Opera Mobile Emulator to test your website on mobile browser settings.

We Recommend: Google Chrome

More Alternatives: Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, Opera Web Browser, Opera Mini, IETester, Vivaldi

Graphic Editing

There are a lot of graphics editors released to challenge the realm of Photoshop these years, but the GIMP stands firm on top of them, mainly due to its extensive features.

From photo enhancement to digital retouching to file format support, GIMP will let you feel that it’s the best alternative to the Photoshop. Its cluttered interface might be a bit complicated at first, but it’s far better than the pain of having software with fewer features.

We Recommend: GIMP

More Alternatives: Read this post

Vector Design

There’s a time when you just need to create some perfect shapes that form awesome icons, logos or buttons, and the job can be well done with Inkscape.

Inkscape includes capabilities similar to Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw, with the support of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format. Its main features include shapes, paths, text, markers, clones, alpha blending, transforms, gradients, patterns and grouping, basically everything you need for drawing vector graphic!

We Recommend: Inkscape

More Alternatives: Gravit Designer, Vecteezy, Krita

Coding

Code Editor is one of the software you shouldn’t spend a buck on it, as there are just too many awesome code editors in the web!

For advanced coder, Notepad++ is your friendliest companion as it does not contain any complicated plugin or feature that drags the execution time and even your computer speed down. In short, it’s lightning fast.

If you would like to seek coding guidance from the editor, both Komodo Edit, Aptana Studio 3 and NetBeans IDE could be your good master. Also check out our list for CSS Editors.

We Recommend: Notepad++

More Alternatives: Komodo Edit, Aptana Studio 3, NetBeans IDE, Bluefish, RJ TextEd, TotalEdit, ConTEXT, Visual Studio, Sublime Text, Geany

FTP / File Transfering

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) software helps you to transfer files from one host to another host over a network, such as your computer to your client’s website.

Filezilla makes sure you don’t spend any money on FTP software in your entire web design career. It not only allows you to browse the directories and upload multiple files real fast, but also provides secure connection to ensure that everything you do in the software is safe.

Alternatively, check out our list for more FTP alternatives!

We Recommend: Filezilla

More Alternatives: WinSCP, Cyberduck, FTP Rush, Core FTP Lite, Free FTP

Notetaking & Productivity

I’ve heard so many designers telling me the moment that the great ideas slipped through their mind, just because they didn’t take note of it. You probably don’t want this kind of incident happen in your life, and Evernote could prove to be a great helper in securing your precious ideas.

As its slogan says, Evernote helps you to remember everything, in everywhere. You can not only store text note but also audio note and even webcam note as well. What’s really awesome here is you can sync the documents to other devices of any Operating System such as Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more!

We Recommend: Evernote

More Alternatives: Microsoft OneNote, Apple Notes, Standard Notes, Google Keep, Milanote, Simplenote, Memonic Desktop, AllMyNotes, RedNotebook, EssentialPIM, KeepNote, Tomboy, WikiPad, CintaNotes

Mind Mapping

You got to believe this: you need a mind map to organize, manage, and even spawn your ideas. Mind map makes you clear about what you’re doing, what you should not do, and what you can improve.

Most of the time we draw the mind map though papers and pen, that’s fine, but what if you want to carry the notes to everywhere, or you want to link certain ideas to the website?

You need the mind mapping software, and XMind could be your best companion, as it got basically everything you need for doing a mind map, and the user interface is even intuitive.

And of course, it’s sleek.

We Recommend: XMind

More Alternatives: Mindup, SmartDraw, Freemind

Documents and Spreadsheets

From Text Document, Spreadsheet, Presentation and Database, OpenOffice is your reliable partner to assure your client’s confidence about your professionalism. The user interface is also intuitive enough that you can produce a presentation directly after the installation. Forget about Microsoft Office!

Libre Office 3 and Lotus Symphony 3 are relatively new but they also include certain awesome features as well, so do remember to check them out and choose the best for your office works!

We Recommend: OpenOffice

More Alternatives: Microsoft 365, Polaris Office, Google Docs, Libre Office 3, Free Office

File Sharing

Many of the computer users are still using the mail services like Gmail to send file(s) to other user. The method is fine, but now we are in the era of cloud computing, why don’t have a place in your computer, where you or your client can just put the file into a folder, and it will sync automatically on the other side?

Dropbox is the elf that allows you to share files with ease. The fact that this software is so awesome is that it actually requires no professional knowledge to setup the environment, it’s foolproof! Probably saved you tons of time on explanation part.

Alternatively, check out our list of file sharing services.

We Recommend: Dropbox

More Alternatives: Google Drive, Box, CloudUp, OneDrive, SpiderOak, Windows Live Mesh, TeamDrive

Screen Capturing

They say a picture worth thousand words, and screen capture tools gotta help you capture any picture that you think it’s worth thousand words. There are a lot of screen capture tools in the web, but I found the Snagit from TechSmith (the same company that forged SnagIt) particularly useful.

Snagit allows you to not only capture screen, but also record 5 minutes of screen activities. After the capture, you can also put text, arrow, and frame to give the graphic some annotation, and that’s pretty much everything I need from a screen capture tool.

We Recommend: Snagit

More Alternatives: ShareX, PicPick, Greenshot, PrtScr

Fonts Management

As a web designer, type is a big deal for us, as it’s one of the most essential elements that define the aesthetics of the web design you crafted, therefore knowing every type in your computer is important for you to choose the best one for your design.

While Nexus Font is not a font creation tool, it proves useful to provide you a glimpse of every font installed in your computer, making it possible for you to actually study, consider and choose the best font for your design.

We Recommend: Nexus Font

More Alternatives: Font Base, GTK+ Font Manager, RightFont, Nexus Font, Cfont Pro, Dp4 Font Viewer

I certainly hope you found your Mr. Right Software! But hey, if you already have one that is not existed in this list, feel free and proud to show it off to all of us in your comment!

The post Recommendation of Apps For Web Designers on Budget appeared first on Hongkiat.

Yes, it’s called light painting, a cool photographic technique which aims to utilize light into something that can be drawn, mainly by lower shutter speed of the camera that captures the artwork. Painters then use different kinds of light sources like flash light, cathode, LED keychain or even candle to ‘draw’ the light, thus pushing it to become a beautiful artwork.

So how does it look like? Witness it by your eyes. We’ve handpicked 35 light painting works from creative authors using different kinds of light sources to show you what light painting is capable of. Enjoy these works and make sure you won’t be blinded by the beauty of light itself!

Painting With Light

Bat(man) On Fire – Batman is back… with light painting. Both expression and use of lighting are badass.

Image source: Mina Mikhael

Bike – Nice use of color and lighting that brings out cinematic feel.

Image source: Sssampo

Blue Peter – What a badass worm with badass lighting. Awesome!

Image source: lichtfaktor.eu

Body Stretching – Overstretched, dude! Very unique approach used on this work, this painter got some creativity.

Image source: David Schlaich

Cécile Frémont – Perfect combination of body art and Arabic calligraphy light painting, simply wordless.

Image source: free.fr

dENiZEN 05 – Fantastic shot with cute artworks. The light streaks seem like they’ll taste good!

Image source: lichtfaktor.eu

dENiZEN 08 – A great example of showing how simple lines can create beautiful light painting artwork.

Image source: lichtfaktor.eu

Electric Guitar – Very nice shot and fantastic use of lighting, probably one of the most beautiful piece in this series.

Image source: Sean Rogers

Electric Guitar 2 – How distorted it is! Perfect use of light waves that brings out the electric feel to the guitar, the messy bed background does add up the effect too.

Image source: Dan Clark

Fabia Light – I believe even the ugliest car in the world can look epic by adding in this effect, cool work!

Image source: JogiART

Fire Dragon – The legendary twin-headed fire dragon. My god this work is freakin’ hot!

Image source: David Schlaich

Home Is Where the Light Is – I like the meaning of this work, and what makes this photo worthy is the large ‘O’ word synced up perfectly, which requires lots of effort and muscular memory to achieve that.

Image source: Wolcott Wilhelm

Inferno Horse – Another freakin’ hot work done by the same author who did the ‘Fire Dragon’. You got the epic nerve, dude.

Image source: David Schlaich

Light Girl Taking A Break – A fiery work with fiery technique, hat off to the painter.

Image source: JacquiJSB

Light Graffiti Car – Perfect angle and proportion of the light car, impressive work.

Marion Guillauteau – Another stunning combination of body art and Arabic calligraphy light painting.

Image source: Markbrown Photography

Max Ophuels Preis 02 – Charming neon-like effect. I’m wondering which kind of light tube is used to create this beautiful piece.

Image source: free.fr

Moon Set – A close look on the Arabic calligraphy light painting, simply awesome.

Image source: free.fr

Poésie – This is probably the best artwork to show off the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, I believe it can’t be done without the love and passion to the Arabic calligraphy.

Image source: free.fr

Starwars Vs Startrek 01 – I love this, with only 2 dots and 2 lines, they made the entire photo different.

Image source: lichtfaktor.eu

The Angel – The sparkling effect is so pleasing that it brings out the angel’s feel, amen.

Image source: Tom Paton

Thermodynamic Engineering – May the fire be with you. Phenomenal work.

Image source: Dennis Calvert

Digital Light Paiting – The ‘light eyes’ greatly adds up the feeling of insanity to the portrait. Very creative approach on painting wings, reminds me of the wings of angel Tyrael from Diablo 2.

Image source: Vancouver Film School

Working Late – Elegant shot. Loved the color used in light painting, which suits the envinronment very well that I can literally feel some warmth from this artwork.

Image source: Thomas Rockstar

Reflection

If you ask me which is my favorite piece of these artworks, I will probably say all. Light painting requires extreme effort and perseverance to create stunning works, not to mention that the artist has to recreate the artwork completely if he failed on first attempt. This is what I can see during the collection, and made me respect them all.

We enjoy to showcase you inspirational artworks, but we enjoy more by knowing your favorite artworks in this post, so please do let us know about it in your comments!

The post Showcase of Dazzling Light Painting Artworks appeared first on Hongkiat.