Welcome to the ThreeCell Design Blog!

Welcome to the ThreeCell Design Blog, a resource for anyone looking to learn design principles on the web. The net has a ton of helpful tutorials out there that show step by step instructions on how to create really impressive effects. Personally, I’ve spent many an hour burning the midnight oil learning these tricks of the trade. They certainly have their part in the process of learning design and quite simply are really fun to learn. But I’ve found that what makes a designer truly unique is how one chooses to use these effects. Knowing where and when to use effects is just as (if not more) important as knowing how to make them in the first place.

A person who memorizes all the proverbs in the world can still lack wisdom if he doesn’t know how to apply them in the right circumstances. This site was created to help show how to use these “proverbs” at the right time. For example, applying an over-the-top chrome gloss effect with emanating light rays may not be well-received by a highly corporate audience of a banking institution. Conversely, you don’t want to go stale and pale with the colors if you’re creating a children’s site.

Part of what makes the field of design so appealing for many is that ultimately, everything is subjective. What looks like an epic feat of design mastery to one may seem like just ordinary website to another. Some may like modern look where as others favor a classic approach. But regardless of color preference and personal taste, the art of good design is still founded upon certain principles which when used properly and effectively, can invoke emotions in the viewer that resonate on a most universal level. Basically, good design tends to transcend preferences. The principles outlined in this blog are meant to be a helpful guide for anyone who has an interest in web design. They are meant to show creative and effective ways of using many of the standard effects/tools found in Photoshop.

Many of the design tips and techniques in this blog have helped us to produce award-winning work in various areas of our profession. It’s worked for us. However, the contents of the site are not meant to supersede a person’s style or unique flare for the creative. As cheesy as it may sound, it’s important that a designer stay true to themselves. The best way to learn is to adapt new knowledge through your own eyes and apply accordingly. We hope the readers of this blog enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed making it.