Carrie Cousins

Font Collections / 22 Apr 2020

How to Change the Default Font in Word, Google Docs & PowerPoint

Sometimes design is as much about helping others use the tools as it is creating things. There are plenty of days when adding “tech support” to your resume seems feasible! But being armed with little tips and tricks can make work life easier for you and those around you.

Being able to change the default font in common software is one of these tricky smart tips.

Here’s how you change the default font in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Microsoft PowerPoint. And it’s all packaged here for you in one place.

Figma Templates / 20 Apr 2020

20+ Best Figma Tutorials for Beginners

Figma is one of the hot interface design application tools out there. It’s made for collaboration and working with others on digital-based projects. You can design and illustrate (it has vector tools!), prototype, and generate code.

Plus, you can work seamlessly with others and participate in fully integrated design collaboration.

If you haven’t started to use Figma yet, it can be a little intimidating. You can of course learn more about the tool direct from Figma, but there’s lots more to explore as well.

To make it easier we’ve gathered twenty Figma tutorials for beginners to make learning this tool a breeze!

PowerPoint Templates / 15 Apr 2020

How to Narrate a PowerPoint Presentation (And Record Your Voice)

For a presentation that you aren’t actually giving in person, you can narrate it within PowerPoint, recording your voice so that others can play it back when they watch the presentation.

It’s a nifty trick that popular with slide shows and presentations on networks such as SlideShare, YouTube, and even individual websites. And it can even help you when rehearsing your presentation as well.

Here’s how to narrate a PowerPoint presentation by recording your voice, in a few quick steps!

Software / 15 Apr 2020

How to Install Photoshop Plugins (In 2 Minutes!)

An Adobe Photoshop plugin is a tool that can shave time off projects in the popular photo editing tool. Here’s a quick guide on how to install Photoshop plugins in just a couple of minutes.

There are plugins that do almost anything, and can quickly become a seamless part of your workflow. Adobe’s Camera Raw plugin is used by photographers everywhere, for example.

Installing a plugin seems to keep getting easier all the time. You can follow manual steps or click to add plugins right from Photoshop.

Either method takes less than 2 minutes and almost anyone can do it.

Inspiration / 13 Apr 2020

10 “Random Act of Kindness” Ideas for Designers

Sometimes it’s the little things that can bring a smile and make your day. More than ever these random acts of kindness are needed to help get your community (and the world) through tough times.

As a designer, you can use your creative ability to spread kindness. Your skills give you a unique way to brighten someone’s day, help a local business or charity, and make a difference.

Not sure where to start? We have a few ideas that you can borrow, add your creative flair to, and use to spread kindness and happiness.

Keep smiling!

Software / 8 Apr 2020

20 Must-Have Apps + Tools for New Remote Workers

If you are new to this whole work-from-home thing, don’t fret. The right tools and apps can make it a lot less stressful, and we’re here to help with everything from productivity apps, to office plants!

Working from home might be a little different for newly minted remote workers, but you can do it.

Here’s a guide packed with resources to make it easier, and help you cope with this unusual transition that so many people are having to go through.

Business / 6 Apr 2020

10 Tips for Working From Home With Kids

If “work from home” wasn’t part of your vocabulary or company culture two months ago, it very well could be now. An increasing number of people across industries have set their online status to WFH.

And while some have glorified working from home, others find it to be distracting and awkward, especially with children in the home. But there are some things you can do to make it easier.

Establishing a working from home routine for you and your kids is the key to long-term success. You need clear boundaries and a little flexibility (even if it does seem like an oxymoron) to keep your home and work life running smoothly. Here are 10 tips to get you on the right track.

Business / 1 Apr 2020

7 Tips to Improve Your E-Commerce Website Design

When it comes to selling online, you probably know that security and quality items are key components of your shop. The design of your online store can matter too.

You want to create a design aesthetic that’s easy to navigate and leads users to items they want to buy with the ability to check out quickly.

A solid e-commerce website design can actually help you increase sales because it makes shopping easy. Here are seven tips to help you create an even better online store, with examples of online stores that rock.

Trends / 30 Mar 2020

Design Trend: Mono Gradients

Monotone color palettes have always been popular. It’s a classic colour scheme that never really goes out of style. Most recently, we’ve seen plenty of white or dark monotone palettes dominate this style.

But there’s a new take on monotone colors that’s trending: mono gradients. Here’s a look at the trend and how designers are making the most of it.

We’re sharing different examples of mono gradients in action, and sharing tips for how you can use it in your own designs.

Trends / 25 Mar 2020

Design Trend: 3D Geometry

Three-dimensional shapes and geometry add depth and visual interest to the digital space. Maybe that’s why this is a trending website design technique.

While 3D elements in web design aren’t new, using geometry and geometric shapes to create this effect is beginning to explode. It can be a fun and interesting way to make elements seem to jump off the screen for website visitors.

Here’s a look at the trend with some examples to get you thinking about how this design trend (and these techniques) might work in your projects.

Business / 23 Mar 2020

7 Tips for Developing a Website Redesign Strategy

With the average lifespan of a website being somewhere between 3 and 5 years, chances are that you’ll have a website redesign project soon (if you aren’t already working on one.)

The foundation of a solid redesign is strategy. What do you (or your client) hope to get out of the redesign? Why is the change being made? What does success look like?

Answer these questions and it will help bring the design together. Plus, we have a few more tips for developing a website redesign strategy. (Take note of the images in this post, they are pretty nifty website designs from the Design Shack gallery.)

Reviews / 20 Mar 2020

Create a Seamless and Secure Business Experience With Teamstack

As your team grows there has to be a better way of managing passwords and user accounts. It’s called Teamstack, a simple and convenient identity management solution for businesses of any size.

Teamstack is a cloud identity and access management platform that provides your workforce with secure, convenient access. It works with 500+ applications, greatly simplifying the entire process.

Teamstack provides cloud identity management that’s easy use and works with tools you already have installed on your computer.

Here’s a look at the tool and how it can work for you.