Refresher course... reminder.... desperate plea for compliance....... =)

Web building is a busy enterprise -- no question there. Always a growing list of tasks, tweaks and requests of every variety. Always multiple versions of designs floating around. It's easy to fall prey to the temptation of the shortcut, especially in the face of multiple fast-approaching deadlines. Believe me, I get that.

But that's exactly why it's important to do yourself -- and all your co-workers, clients and those who will eventually follow in your steps -- a favor by making the following image production tasks a habit:

1. Save original images ... and the layered copy of final design images
The case for originals should be self-evident. Layered copies are equally, if not more important. If a decision is made to change a background color, it's infinitely easier to alter layered copies of affected JPEGs than to recreate each image from scratch. Make sure everyone involved in site production knows the images exist and where to obtain copies. And save them for the life of the site/project.

2. Use transparent backgrounds whenever possible
Save others the trouble of hunting down and altering the original -- or even having to think about it for that matter.

3. Organize the files
Preferably using a system which mimics the structure of the site. Saving design elements is great, even better if others can actually find them with ease.

4. Record style settings
In one handy file -- to be distributed widely -- record all font settings for illustrated heads, the hex notation for all colors in the palette, image sizes, filter settings, anything you used which someone might later need to recreate a file or make another in its image.

These steps will slightly increase development time, but the payoff in post-design style consistency and production time down the road will be considerable.

A final note: These standards are especially important for freelance and contract designers to adhere to since they often leave their work behind with clients who may have an especially difficult time recreating design elements which are damaged or lost.

May 5, 2003