http://www.movingpixel.ca/index.php?cID=243We heard the radio spot for Soil to Sod and had to work with this company on a new website. andamp;nbsp;So, after sitting down with the andquot;God of Thunderandquot; himself, we decided to create a site that andquot;Mother Natureandquot; herself would be proud of. andamp;nbsp;We are happy to announce that the site is officially launched so if you are looking for some design inspiration for your website, are wondering about the references to the andquot;God of Thunderandquot; and andquot;Mother Natureandquot; or need some work done around the yard, check out www.soiltosod.ca!http://www.movingpixel.ca/index.php?cID=242Spring is a time when we think of nature, dusting off the convertible that's been sitting in the garage and in our case doing some spring cleaning.andamp;nbsp; What does that look like when you are a Kelowna web design and hosting group?andamp;nbsp; Well, it looks like a fresh, new website! andamp;nbsp; We've run out of excuses to explain why Moving Pixel has not updated our website for some time.andamp;nbsp; Here is a snap shot of the best excuses we've used so far: andamp;nbsp; andquot;I can't decide how our website should look!andquot; -Stephen (a.k.a. Byrdie), Designer andquot;We've been tied up in line waiting for our iPads.andquot; -Steve, Strategy Guy andquot;We've spent so much time perfecting other people's websites, that we have not had time to work on our own.andquot; - Josh, Project Manager andamp;nbsp; Nobody believed our lame excuses, so we actually dedicated some time to our website.andamp;nbsp; Besides the sleak design you are currently viewing, click on the Style Changer on the right hand side and take the opportunity to change the look of our website.andamp;nbsp; The style changer begs the question: andquot;How do you view us?andquot; andamp;nbsp; And once you've figured that out, drop us a line because we look forward to taking your andquot;ideas from a restaurant napkin to the internet!andquot; andamp;nbsp;http://www.movingpixel.ca/index.php?cID=241We were approached by an amazing couple who had emigrated from the United Kingdom to Canada with a request to transfer their existing e-commerce business to Canada.Worship-Downloads.com provides backing tracks for use in Christian worship services for churches or small groups that do not have readily-available musicians. We were given the task of finding an e-commerce solution that would adequately handle more than 1500 downloadable mp3 and midi files (yes, people midi files still exist and surprisingly sell quite well).andamp;nbsp; With 1000s of existing customers and mailing list subscribers, we are happy to announce the site is now launched and the transition has been quite smooth.andamp;nbsp; Says one happy customer, andquot;Thank God you are back! We have been desperatelty waiting for you to come online again with new songs. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.andquot;andamp;nbsp;andamp;nbsp;Now, if we can only explain our accents to our newly emigrated friends and that herding cats is different than hurting cats (that would be bad!).http://www.movingpixel.ca/index.php?cID=240 andamp;nbsp; We were approached by Dr. Crippen of The Kelowna Vein Clinic andamp;amp; Aesthetic Solutions who was looking for a redesign on his website.andamp;nbsp; I don't know what the aesthetic terms for the redesign were but in web terms, we did a soft makeover.andamp;nbsp; In the backend however, we are working with a new SEO plan to generate more traffic to the site, content managed in our Content Management System and a sleek new footer bar that stays visible even when you scroll on the site!andamp;nbsp; Check out the site at:http://www.kelownaveinaesthetics.caandamp;nbsp;and visit Dr. Crippen for your aesthetic needs!http://www.movingpixel.ca/index.php?cID=239What is the best compliment that a web design company can get?andamp;nbsp; Simple: a return client who refers your product and service. andamp;nbsp; Well, then we have to thank Shawn and Reece Worsfold and their staff for the nicest compliment they could pay us.andamp;nbsp; Shawn and Reece have been Moving Pixel clients for quite a while.andamp;nbsp; Their original website was built on SAM (the version I cannot even recall as it was so long ago).andamp;nbsp; As the real estate industry goes, up-to-date content is not just an asset, it is imperative.andamp;nbsp; After Shawn took a look at the capabilities of the latest SAM version he was excited get going on a complete redesign of the website - look, feel and functionality. andamp;nbsp; We worked with Shawn and Reece on their identity.andamp;nbsp; They wanted to stick with the imagery that they had used over the years - the Kelowna Sails which is indicative of the recreational activities available to Okanagan residents.andamp;nbsp; The new logo featured the sails in various levels of opacity. When it came to the website we urged them to keep the site clean and simple and let the content be the component that drew the users attention.andamp;nbsp; This was accomplished with a white background, large images of the featured homes, and intuitive functionality. andamp;nbsp; The result is a website that not only contains great content but guides users through the site and offers as much information as possible including property images, google maps and contact forms.andamp;nbsp; Updating the site is a breeze as each new property page is created by filling in a form of pre-determined information, uploading multiple images to a file set and typing the address of the property in for it to automatically load into the Google map. andamp;nbsp; Shawn and Reece said after the process was complete: andamp;ldquo;We have been back in the Real Estate Business for 5 years now, and have experienced first hand the importance of an up to date, user friendly website in our marketing, resourcing and communication with both existing clients and potential buyers.andamp;nbsp; Josh and Steve and their team of designers at MOVING PIXEL were professional andamp;amp; provided us with helpful information both written and verbal as we went through the process of structuring and designing a new website.andamp;nbsp; We felt listened to and understood as they took our ideas and translated them into a fabulous new website design.andamp;nbsp; They were willing to do the research and work needed to make our ideas come to life!andamp;nbsp; We LOVE our new site, and have had lots of great feedback already.andamp;nbsp; They have been incredibly patient, creative and available for support and service.andamp;nbsp; We highly recommend them and would be happy to chat more in person about our experience with the MOVING PIXEL team.andamp;rdquo;andamp;nbsp;Our response: andquot;Gee Thanks!andquot;Check outandamp;nbsp;SW Properties!andamp;nbsp; Not only do they have a beautiful website but we can honestly say that they are a hard-working team.andamp;nbsp; Their numbers speak for them! andamp;nbsp;http://www.movingpixel.ca/index.php?cID=238We sat down with Linda from Aesthetic Solutions Red Deer to work out a strategy and design for Aesthetic Solutions Red Deer in the spring.andamp;nbsp; Linda's foremost concern was that the site was andquot;pleasing to the eyeandquot; and organized in a way that was easily navigable.andamp;nbsp; andamp;nbsp; We chose a monochromatic color palette to give the site a soft look and created a navigation system that focused on andquot;conditionsandquot; that people may be looking to treat, as well as, the treatments specifically.andamp;nbsp; By doing so we created two andquot;user pathsandquot; to the content thereby reducing the number of clicks to get where the site's users were going. andamp;nbsp; The site launched at the end of July and all those involved were happy with the final outcome!andamp;nbsp; Take a second to look through the site by clickingandamp;nbsp;HERE. andamp;nbsp; We wish Aesthetic Solutions success in their future endeavors and now with a new web design by Moving Pixel we are confident they will achieve that. andamp;nbsp;http://www.movingpixel.ca/index.php?cID=237 The most gratifying thing we do in web design and development is help our clients help their clients.andamp;nbsp; In the case of the New Life Mission, located in Kamloops, B.C., their clients are people that are often over-looked in society.andamp;nbsp; So, we were extremely excited to work with the New Life Mission. andamp;nbsp; New Life Mission was looking for two things. andamp;nbsp; First, they needed the ability to update content on their website without having to pay for each update.andamp;nbsp; Sound familiar?andamp;nbsp; Well, this is what Moving Pixel is all about.andamp;nbsp; As funds were limited we were able to take their existing site design and andquot;buildandquot; it into our content management system.andamp;nbsp; After a short hour and a half training session, the staff at New Life Mission were able to update their own content.andamp;nbsp; It has been great to see them utilizing this tool. andamp;nbsp; Second, NLM was looking to host an event to bring the organization andquot;back to blackandquot;.andamp;nbsp; We created a custom eventandamp;nbsp; registration component for their website that utilized PayPal as the payment gateway.andamp;nbsp; Next, NLM needed print collateral to promote the event.andamp;nbsp; We were able to help them create a Sponsorship Package, Event Poster, Brochure and Event Program that took the event to another level.andamp;nbsp; You can view the print materials in our portfolio under New Life Mission. andamp;nbsp; New Life Mission is a deserving organization and we strongly recommend that you seriously consider making a donation to help them serve the less fortunate in the Kamloop's area. http://www.movingpixel.ca/index.php?cID=236While Marc Gagnon at Kismet Castings is too nice a guy to even be compared to a mobster from the early 1900's we weren't taking any chances.andamp;nbsp; When a guy knows how to build a fireplace out of concrete, then I am pretty sure concrete shoes would not be a stretch. andamp;nbsp; Marc Gagnon has been in the concrete casting trade for numerous years.andamp;nbsp; He has worked with teams on creating the most stunning backyards in all of Kelowna.andamp;nbsp; When it was time for Marc to set out on his own he contacted us to help him create a brand and website. andamp;nbsp; The look and feel for his logo, business cards and site design came together quite quickly.andamp;nbsp; With a little spot-varnish on the business cards, the concrete textures was transposed to paper.andamp;nbsp; The site features the work that Marc has helped create at Woodland Hills - one of the pre-eminent neighbourhoods in Kelowna.andamp;nbsp; From fireplaces, BBQ areas and planter caps to curbs and countertops there is an application for concrete in every area of your home.andamp;nbsp; andamp;nbsp; Check out some of the work that Marc has done and then let your imagination invision a piece that he can create for your home.andamp;nbsp; Clickandamp;nbsp;HERE. andamp;nbsp;http://www.movingpixel.ca/index.php?cID=235What is more tantilizing than watching the Food Network all day long?andamp;nbsp; Well, if you guessed viewing the imaginative creations from Chef Hamid Salimian then you are probably right. andamp;nbsp; Chef Hamid is argueably one of the top chefs in Vancouver if not all of Canada.andamp;nbsp; Reviews in the Globe and Mail, inclusion on Culinary Team Canada's roster and positions at some of the top hotel restaurantsandamp;nbsp; in Canada are the accolades allandamp;nbsp; familiar for Chef Hamid.andamp;nbsp; Add some stunning imagery to the mix and you will understand that creating a website for Chef Hamid was one of the most difficult sites to create (I kept slipping on the pool of saliva under my desk). andamp;nbsp; Chef Hamid wanted a website that would document the food that he creates and give oppportunity for aspiring chefs to recreate some of the components in the photos.andamp;nbsp; Chef Hamid takes his own photos and I have to say they look like a Professional Food Photographer took them.andamp;nbsp; Click HERE and click on 'The Gallery' to see what I am talking about.andamp;nbsp; He also wanted to start a food blog in which he will write about his experiences and offer some tips for those wanting to enter food competitions.andamp;nbsp; andamp;nbsp; We tried something different.andamp;nbsp; The main navigation roles to each section without the need for Flash - so it does work on your iPhone - as the header stays the same. andamp;nbsp; The footer is a 3-dimensional work of art featuring the spices and ingredients familiar to Chef Hamid. andamp;nbsp; Take a look through the site!andamp;nbsp; Click HERE!andamp;nbsp; I have personally tried the Pickled Beets and the Pine Nut Puree (I substituted Chickpeas due to a nut allergy) and I highly recommend both.andamp;nbsp; Once you have been tantilized by the photos take a stroll (better drive) to Richmond to visit Chef Hamid at the Apron located in the Westin Wall Center Hotel.andamp;nbsp; Click HERE for directions and to contact Chef Hamid. andamp;nbsp;http://www.movingpixel.ca/index.php?cID=234At least - that is how the cool kids would say it (maybe 10 years ago). andamp;nbsp; Again - a repeat client asked us for input into redesigning their website.andamp;nbsp; Whatcom College, in Bellingham WA has been a client of Moving Pixel for 6 years.andamp;nbsp; In computer years, 6 years is the equivalent to 72 years so suffice to say MP and Whatcom kick it old school - especially when you get 160 000 visitors each month. andamp;nbsp; We talk alot about Redesigns in the web world but what exactly does that mean.andamp;nbsp; Well, a redesign usually encompasses either the aesthetic design of the site, the functionality and layout of the site and reworking content (or any combination of these).andamp;nbsp; In order to make the Whatcom College website we researched current trends in Academic Institution websites.andamp;nbsp; What we found is that college and university websites have an overflow of content nested (essentially buried) in page upon page of information.andamp;nbsp; Our task was to bring the important content to the front of the site - that is to say as accessible as possible.andamp;nbsp; By doing so we are able to keep the attention of a generation of websurfers whose attention span is, well let's say, a little on the lacking side.andamp;nbsp; andamp;nbsp; So like all good books, we added space for big pictures, kept working short (as much as you can with a higher-learning center) and tried to make all the content accessible within 4 clicks and as much as possible within 2.andamp;nbsp; There is a lot to say about the Whatcom redesign and we are currently writing a case study to demonstrate the steps we took in a more articulate way.andamp;nbsp; andamp;nbsp; For now, let the pictures speak for themselves.andamp;nbsp; Check out the Whatcom College redesign in our portfolio.andamp;nbsp; Click HERE. andamp;nbsp;http://www.movingpixel.ca/index.php?cID=253No seriously...I am blushing. andamp;nbsp; Global Citizen Kelowna is an organization that Entertains, Educates and Inspires Change amongst citizens of Kelowna.andamp;nbsp; Craig Kielburger, founder of Free the Children, described Global Citizen Kelowna as the coming together of a community for a common purpose and has shared the concept with communities around the world.andamp;nbsp; Now in it's 7th year, Global Citizen Kelowna Week is a series of stand-alone events that aim to encourage the citizens of Kelowna to do what they can to meet the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals. andamp;nbsp; We have been working with Global Citizen Kelowna for many years and in 2011 it became apparent that a redesign was in order.andamp;nbsp; The GCK website poised a number of logistical problems in that the site was meant to promote the organization Global Citizen Kelowna, as well as, the events that are put on in conjunction with various organization including the Intercultural Society of the Central Okanagan, Art is Hope and numerous non-profit, cultural and ethnic groups. andamp;nbsp; Our approach was to seperate the navigations.andamp;nbsp; GCK as an organization is represented on the wwebsite by a smaller navigation on the top of the page with descriptions of the organization, resources, ways to get involved, press and contact pages.andamp;nbsp; The events take precedence with a vertical banner on the homepage and a horizontal banner on event inside pages which lists all the events taking place.andamp;nbsp; The event pages themselves are set up with a set layout to increase the ease of finding information for each event while surfing the site.andamp;nbsp; These particular pages demonstrate the various sponsors, event details, costs, times, locations and google maps.andamp;nbsp; andamp;nbsp; The response on the website has been very positive.andamp;nbsp; Our favorite description was andquot;hot hot hotandquot; and we appreciate the sentiment.andamp;nbsp; To anyone who sees this post I stronly recommend you visit Global Citizen Kelowna and attend events or volunteer.andamp;nbsp; Visit Global Citizen Kelowna!