…and a side of web design, please.

Who knew that an idea that a little birdie put in my ear six short months ago, would turn out to be something I can see myself doing, maybe even long term. With one website down, and three on the go I have been a busy gal.
 
All three website are totally different. One – a small apparel company, sexy and sophisticated. Two – a research study, simple and formal. Three – a chakra spa, hopeful and healing. The things that they all have in common is the need to reach an online audience.
 
Aside from the websites I am also focusing on creating a brand (there’s that word again) for each. As a result I have spent a lot of time brainstorming ideas and joting notes. I will move ahead in the design of packaging, business cards, brochures, etc. Really, the possibilities are endless.
 
What I am learning the most is that this is FUN! I actually really enjoy doing this stuff. I enjoy collaborating with my clients to fulfill their needs and hope to exceed their expectations. I also enjoy the process of it all. Everything seems to fall into place along the way. Sometimes the finished product ends up entirely different from what you started with, but that’s what makes it so perfect!
 
The biggest compliment I received about www.mangiacakebyamanda.ca is that the website reflects Amanda’s personality. Mission accomplished! Now I just have to achieve this on the next three. I am definitely up for the challenge…stay tuned!

Farewell Toronto

So, this is the last week of my placement . Looking back on it now, the past eight weeks have flown by! I have learned a lot of great stuff and built up my portfolio which I know will help me in my career in the field of Public Relations and Corporate Communications.

My biggest accomplishment – taking the lead on the intranet and internal e-newsletter. I basically created new templates from scratch using a “common look and feel” (once again branding is important!). I worked with correspondents for their contributions. I also wrote some of the content myself. Although, I didn’t get to see the newsletter launch, I hope I left behind is a valuable bank of stories, contacts and designs that will help my fellow communicators to launch the intranet redesign and e-newsletter when the time comes.

Overall, my look into government communications has offered me an opportunity to expand my love for online communications and web design. While I’m not an expert in html I am fully dedicated to creating an online presence, a coherent brand image. Soon I will be working on another website for a client and I can’t wait to learn even more.

Facebook offers comfort in tragic times

Recently my hometown of Thorold experienced two devastating, tragic loses. With a cloud of heart break and sadness over us all it may have been the hardest week imaginable.

It is times like this that I really realize how important community is. Family, friends, neighbours, colleagues – all brought together in a time of need.

What surprised me most was the presence of this community online. I thought Facebook would seem like something so trivial in times of tragedy, but for us it became a form of comfort. With groups created to honour the memory of two amazing Thorold men, Facebook users began to pour their hearts out. No relationship was too insignificant to share memories, thoughts and best wishes. An abundance of pictures, stories and videos were posted. It became a way to give and receive support to each other. It gave us reason to cry and to laugh. It touched our lives.

We can’t deny the growing importance of social media in our lives. It is all around us so why not use it to our advantage. This also reminds me of the implications of our use of social media has on other users. What we do and say online affects other user and members of our community.

Thorold has been touched by these tragedies and although we don’t understand why, we are comforted by our community – in person and online. We are comforted by sharing and memories. We are comforted in knowing we have two incredible angels watching over us. Grant and Mr. Mahler will always be in our hearts, and their legacy will always remain – even on facebook.