The Autumn of Omnigraffle and Axure

I've used Visio for years to do diagramming and high-level layout and interaction.
This Autumn I'm using Omnigraffle. I'm also using rapid-prototyping tool Axure. To use PC-only (so far) tool Axure, I installed a virtual machine running Windows 7. VM is pretty cool, I have to say.
I am still learning Axure, but it looks like it makes it easier to show interactive features and simulate site features. Things like "type ahead", dropdowns, tabs and lots more. I have had luck finding instructional videos on youtube.
On the down-side, the codes that Axure creates is a bit of a nightmare. So don't plan on it being re-usable. Think of it as a "one-off" that will need to be totally re-created.
Omnigraffle, so far to me, seems nearly identical to Viseo. Bring on the firestorm/prove me wrong. I'd love to hear your views about the finer points of the differences.
Can't believe it's November already!

Efforts Paid Off

Well, my efforts over the past month or so really paid off. It was a busy time marketing myself, but now I'm even busier. --I am contracting for a startup company in Redwood Shores, doing a freelance web design project collaboratively with fellow designer Dave Larson, and working on projects with a couple buddies (including the Android app "Bubbles" and the new one "Bubbles Deluxe" which has colored bubbles, allows custom backgrounds and an automatic "bubble machine" mode.)

Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy being busy and am engaged and excited about each of the project that are happening right now.

And Redwood Shores is a new area for me, so visually, as a photographer, I have some new places to explore and images to capture.

The kids are enjoying their new schedule (now that I'm not home w/ them after school.) They have a program that doesn't require bussing, and has lots of their school and summer camp friends.

I have also had the opportunity to check out some new apps: Google Wave, and Threadly. I will write more about them both once I've tested them more thoroughly, but my initial impressions of both are quite positive.

New "Bubbles" free app for Android Phone

Check out the fun Bubbles App we just posted to the Android Market! I added the graphics to the app my friend Edwin developed for the gPhones.
From your Android Phone, search for "bubbles" in the Market to find this fun, free app!

Blow bubbles by dragging your finger across the screen or blow a giant bubble by holding your finger in place. Then tap on them to pop.

Wait! There's More!

I posted some still shots of it on Flickr

Freelancing on ODesk too!

Greetings fair readers! I have been trying all these Freelance sites, and I'm really liking ODesk. They really favor hourly jobs, and have a great tracking system to allow reports on your work, and to show exactly what you did. I'm really looking forward to landing my first gig on there. I have applied for a bunch of jobs/ hopefully one (two, three) will stick!
I'm not sure if I will be able to use it in conjunction with ODesk or Elance, but I signed up for Huddle; a British site that provides free collaboration tools and space. At the very least, it will be useful for my co-designer Dave Larson (on larger projects) and I to communicate and collaborate on jobs.
To be really thorough, I have also been applying for some jobs through Craigslist, which would be exactly the kinds of jobs would be perfect for a site/tool like Huddle. The downside of Craigslist is you're never sure if you'll actually get paid. Much less of a risk on Elance or ODesk, and the main reason the're (presumably) thriving (note to self: search for Elance and ODesk profitability)

Sometimes blogging feels like yelling into a vast bottomless pit. I know you're out there! Feel free to leave some comments on my blog! :)

Freelancing on Elance, as "Retro Ray Gun"

Check out my new freelance shop on Elance!
Retro Ray Gun

Posted using ShareThis

I just started it up with my good friend, and fellow artist Dave Larson. We've started bidding on jobs as of today.

If you need Graphics, User Experience, Illustration or Web Design done, please contact us!
DMS

Stepping Up My Self Promotion Efforts

Self promotion has never been my favorite thing, but it is a necessity. With that in mind, I posted a video to YouTube to talk a bit about myself and what I can bring to a company. Please note, this is my first ever video of myself, so, be gentle :)



Thanks for reading!

Restaurant "Kids Eat Free" SF Bay Area Locations

I've been meaning to compile a list of Restaurant "Kids Eat Free" SF Bay Area Locations for some time now. Finally I'm able to do it. I am quite sure that this is not a complete list, nor are the eateries in any particular order. Feel free to post additional places in comments! Here is a list of area cities as keywords for our friends, the search engines:
Sunnyvale, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Mountain View, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Alviso, Willow Glen, Santa Clara County

For parents looking for one quick take-away: Tuesday is by far the most popular day for "Kid's Eat Free" deals.

MONDAY
* Sonoma Chicken Coop
* Red Robin
* Applebees
TUESDAY [**Tuesday Night is CLEARLY the best night for KEF!**]
* Sonoma Chicken Coop
* Coco's
* Tony Roma's
* Chevy's
* Red Robin
* Bennigan's
* Denny's
* Pasta Pomodoro
* Willow Street Pizza
* Pedro's
WEDNESDAY
* Coco's
* Hobee's
Thursday
* Mojo Burger I called & they said it was an introductory/limited time offer. No longer valid 9/2009
FRIDAY
---
SATURDAY
* Denny's
SUNDAY
* Hooter's (uh, yeh, right!)
* Armadillo Willys

Please see the restaurant's sites for more specific details.
Feel free to post links in the comments for more info.
See you there!