My last post served as an introduction to designing for content management systems (CMS) in Photoshop – how to get set up and get started. In this post I’d like to give you some tips for designing some of the main components of a CMS website: the background, navigations and columns and content blocks. Next week’s post will show you how to finish things off with headings, footers and lots of fine-tuning.

Photo by Vancouver photographer Kris KrugConferences can be nerve-racking experiences for some people – and energizing for others. Despite your outlook on these industry must-dos, there are ways you can make the most of them, maximizing what is often a very significant investment in time and funds and turning it into a winning opportunity for you and your company.In my last post I talked about how taking a few simple steps before the event even begins can help you increase your return on investment. But where the rubber hits the road is when you are actually there – shaking hands, exchanging business cards, taking in (or leading) seminars, and actively trying to reach the goals you set for yourself and your company.

Industry conferences can be very appealing. They provide a break from routine, maybe a visit to a different city, a chance to learn something new, and some great networking and socializing opportunities. But it’s not all exotic locations and making new deals over a Long Island Iced Tea. It’s true that conferences can have their perks, but there is also a real danger to your company’s bottom line if you or your staff start viewing these opportunities as mini-holidays.