For every busy web designer and developer, there comes a moment when they want to kick the clock so hard that it stops time in its tracks. For our businesses, time is money; however, we cannot just stop taking on additional orders because we have too many- or do we? If your answer is often ”yes”, I’ll tell you something that might change your perspective for the better. Suppose, you have multiple web designs ready for coding, project submission dates are coming on quickly, and your inbox is brimming with yet more web design orders, what would you do?

Do you push back delivery dates?  That’s not so great for your client relations.  Do you divert all your resources toward timely delivery?  Clients are happy, but you increase your stress and can push back other high-priority tasks.  When situations like these happen, hiring a conversion company may be your best choice.

That’s where xhtml.pixelcrayons.com steps in with its PSD to XHTML conversion services.  According to its clientele, case studies, and my own test with them, you know exactly what you are getting, when you are getting it and how much it will cost. 

PixelCrayons is an online service that offers effortless manual conversion of static design files into high quality XHTML. Essentially, the idea is that they can return professional-grade XHTML design within 8 hours! You can send your designs in PSD, JPG, GIF, PNG, AI and even HTML markup. Here are the two coding packages they offer, in addition to the various add-ons including layout options, markup options and integration services:

The Basic Package – starting at $99

• Markups: HTML 4.01 Transitional, XHTML 1.0 Transitional
• W3C Validation: CSS, XHTML & HTML 
• I.E 6.x / 7.x, Mozilla Firefox, Safari

The Professional Package – starting at $199 

• Markups: HTML 4.01 Transitional, HTML 4.01 Strict, XHTML 1.0 Transitional, XHTML 1.0 Strict
• W3C Validation: CSS2 (Advanced CSS Code Structure), XHTML & HTML Browsers Compatibility: I.E 6.x / 7.x, Mozilla Firefox, Safari 2.x/3.x, Opera, Konqueror
• Includes: SEO Semantic Code, Load Speed Optimization, Complete Presentation Separation, Maximum Cross-Browser Compatibility

Work Process

Placing an order is quite simple, and the order form is self-explanatory. Just fill in the required blanks, and then wait for next 8 business hours for your XHTML design. You may upload your file in various formats (PSD, JPG, GIF, PNG, AI, ZIP or PDF) and can also have it integrated with CMS/ Blogging Engine/ Shopping Cart of your choice. If you want to mention specifications about your file, you can use the Special Comments Box. After uploading the file and completing the order form for the chosen package, an order-confirmation e-mail is sent to you with your order placed in the queue.

Client Support

The response time is quick and thorough. You would be asked questions regarding file related issues and other clarifications on design implementation and stuff. After a quick review of the work you need and clarifications over phone and mails, your markup will be available to you within 8 hours. They also have instant chat options where you could directly communicate via Yahoo!, AOL, MSN, Skype messengers.

Work Quality

The emailed markup is sent as a zip file that would include XHTML files and a folder containing CSS files, JS files and images. The quality of the markup speaks for itself, the coding is kept clean and semantic, and the CSS files are nicely organized.

Conclusion

Their manual coding provides cross browser compatibility, with equal clarity in all versions of IE, Firefox, Safari and Opera. The prices are economical and quality is surpassingly good. I think it is an excellent service if you need (and have the budget for) extra help in coding your designs, while maintaining the high-quality standards of your own work. So all in all, do I recommend Pixel Crayons for XHTML Conversion? Certainly yes, if you need a cost saving, time-saving and convenient conversion.

In this article, we present 9 Brilliantly Designed Portfolio Websites – so you yourself can see what makes a portfolio great.

All choices have been hand-picked from hundreds and hundreds of portfolios which we have encountered over the years, so it should be a very nice selection indeed. We’ve probably missed out a few we should have included – please don’t hesitate to send us recommendations via the comments at the bottom.

Please note that these are not listed in any particular order.

Flash-Based Portfolios

2advanced

4design

Static Portfolios

Web Design Beach

I first came across this website when I used to run a CSS gallery of my own; and I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. A very nice header indeed.

New Concept

Another one that was submitted to my old CSS gallery quite a few months ago, although some may not like it, I definately enjoy the clean lines and cool style of this portfolio.

Modstudio

Green, oh lush green. Modstudio have a wonderful nag for choosing good color, and I just love the apple!

Digimurai

Another cool portfolio, digimurai is definately worthy of praise – just look at that cool mascot.

Noe Design Studio

I fell in love with the twirly, abstract effects on this one – fair enough the rest is bland and minimalistic, but I just had to show you guys those twirls.

Adit Shukla

I decided to put this one up because it was a typical example of a good, bold portfolio. The background does wonders for this one.

nDesign Studio

The most incredible background I’ve seen in my life, full of color and life. Wonderful.

Suggestions/Comments?

Which are your favorite designs out of the lot? Which ones do you think have the best usability and accessibility? Which ones would you hire (if not all)? Have your say below.

If you’ve just dumped 5 mock ups on a client and they rejected every single one of them, all is not lost! You may be able to resell each one of those mock ups online and many times you can end up making more than you might have with that client. Be aware that if you signed a contract to make sure you still have the right to sell that work!

Either way this is a good way to make some extra income when times are slow. Or better yet, a perfect way for those up-coming designers or writers to get the ball rolling and find out if they’re talented enough to go out on their own!

On to the list…

#1 Sitepoint Marketplace

Sitepoint’s Marketplace has a special place in my heart as this is where I got my start before going full time freelancing. I sold templates for almost 2 years and brought in a good chunk of change during that time! You can sell any type of template here as well as domain names, websites, software, scripts and more. The marketplace has also had a bit of a face-lift recently and is still running strong!

#2 WebUnload

WebUnload Marketplace, which brands itself as “The Ebay For Web Stuff” is one I haven’t gotten the chance to try out myself but looks to be rather active. You can sell any type of template, established websites, blogs, domains, and software. Give it a shot!

#3 Pixish

Alright, while Pixish isn’t a place you can sell your work directly as with marketplaces. It is a place where work gets sold. Individuals and Companies hold contests and anyone is free to submit their work. Sometimes the prize is money and sometimes the prize is a cool sleek gadget… and well, sometimes it’s just books! Either way, pixish is pretty active and is a good choice for graphic and logo designers to make a little extra cash.

#4 DigitalPoint Marketplace

DigitalPoint is a hugely active community and contains a pretty active marketplace directly within their forums. You can sell Content, Templates, Domains, Websites, Programs, Scripts and more! The only downside to DigitalPoint is that the members aren’t usually willing to pay near full or sometimes reasonable price for the work! It is a good start for those who need to refine their skills though I must say.

#5 TalkFreelance

TalkFreelance is similar to digitalpoint but usually with higher quality submissions. Members here are usually willing to pay what the item is worth as well. The downside is that it isn’t quite as active as places like DigitalPoint but it is definitely not dead! You can sell the usual Templates, Articles, Domains, Websites and more…

#6 99designs

99Designs is similar to pixish as it holds contests, though 99Designs has a wider variety of type of submissions unlike pixish. From the makers of sitepoint, 99designs seems to be very active and attractive! Mostly for designers as the contests that are held are for Web Designs, Logo Designs, Business cards, and other templates. Definitely worth a try!

#7 Webmaster-Talk

Another forum marketplace, Webmaster-Talk.com, is a somewhat active community where you can sell templates, domains, websites, ad space, and much more! While not as active as some of the others on the list, the wide variety of items you can sell definitely makes it worth a try.

#8 CovantageTemplates

CovantegeTemplates is not a marketplace but a company who will sell your website templates, flash templates, logos, and banners directly through their website and affiliates. At this time, they take a %12 percent share from each sale.

#9 JungleTango

JungleTango is a marketplace for Wordpress Themes. Users are allowed to upload there themes, set a price, and receive payments when the template sales reach $100 (similar to adsense). Payout is said to be 1 – 3 days afterwards. While not hugely active, it is worth checking into!

#10 Ebay

Well of course you know of Ebay but did you know you can also sell templates as well as domains and developed websites? While Ebay is of course highly active, selling templates will take a little bit of skill here. Many people may shy away from these kinds of sells as it seems to be populated with cookie-cutter spam type sites and templates. Some do sell and if you have no luck anywhere else, give it a shot!

#11 CrowdSpring

How about one extra? CrowdSpring is a rather new but very promising creative marketplace. I have just recently been aware of CrowdSpring by one of the comments below but I must say I am impressed so far! For Graphic designers, Illustrators, Web Designers, and Photographers, CrowdSpring seems to be taking a fresh and detailed approach to the creative marketplace arena!

Conclusion

Know of another resource I’ve missed? Let me know and leave a comment below (hey, that rhymes!).

Well Freelancers have a secret that they don’t want to tell you 9 – 5 cubical dwelling rats. We’re living the good life ever since we walked right into our bosses offices and told them they can take this job and shove it!… Or in my case, left them a message on their voicemail overnight (who said you have to be brave to be a freelancer??).

Sure, we work harder, usually longer hours then in our past real world jobs… but we enjoy it! Most of us come to the realization in our career that we we will never end up doing what we love… but that’s not necessarily true! While a freelance web designer isn’t exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up, it’s something i enjoy doing. In fact, there are many benefits unique only to the freelancing field.

#1. We Lead Flexible Work / Lifestyles

We work at our own pace! We have the choice of when and where we work and how much we work! As long as we learn to handle our deadlines then we have a sense of freedom that you won’t find at your company owned desk. Sure, go ahead and go out drinking with your friends in the middle of the day (hey don’t judge me!). No need to call into work the next day either. You’ve handled your work for the day, you’re on time and up to speed… go enjoy yourself every now and then!

#2. Better Working Conditions.

Obviously we work from home… and while you can think of all the obvious benefits of working in your pajamas at 2pm, there are some you might not have thought of! For one, you learn to take care of your work environment (your home!). You will most likely tend to the pile of garbage that’s been building up for 2 weeks… you also will find yourself re-decorating your entire living room, home office, bedroom or wherever you do most of your work. When you live where you work, you tend to keep things pretty tidy and pleasing!

#3. We Save Money while Earning Money

With increasing gas prices the thought of cutting back 50 – 70 percent of your consumption of fuel could really keep that weight in your wallet! Think of how much you could save when you cut out two trips a day in your car.

Not only is there the decrease in gas usage, there is also a cut back in the cost of food. Every day is bring your own lunch day! Fast food and other restaurants can put a strain on your wallet by the end of the week…

#5. We have freedom of choice!

We choose what projects we want to work on and we choose what clients we want to work with. While you will most likely be accepting every project that comes you way at first, once you’ve done that horribly tedious job or worked with that raging demanding client, you’ll learn the power of “no.” It can really save you a lot of stress and frustration! And it can even save you money! When you choose to take on 5 smaller projects instead of one or two large projects, you get more done and make more income!

#6. Recognition

Something you don’t usually get (easily) at your day job is recognition. Your reach on the Internet is endless and once you’ve established a name for yourself you’ll soon start getting recognition for your work. It not only makes you feel valuable but it also increases your client leads, and motivates you to work twice as hard! And its not so much work when you’re doing something where you feel important and talented!

#7. We learn more

Being a freelancer is much like running your own small business. You are the boss, the employee, the customer service, the salesmen, the accountant, the janitor, and the tax man!

While taking your first steps in freelancing you are also taking your first steps as an entrepreneur. You learn much more then you would in the corporate arena. You really get a sense of personal finance and overall get a bigger respect for business in general.

#8. We (usually) earn more!

If you’re making 300,000 (USD) a year then i wouldn’t advise you to quit your job and become a freelancer but if your a regular Joe or even in middle management then you can (most likely) increase your income by becoming a freelancer… that is if your somewhat talented! In-fact the possibility of becoming a business success are endless. If you have any business savvy or are pretty good at what you do- then you’re chances of becoming successful with an endless stream of income are much higher when starting out as a freelancer! By becoming a freelancer i gained a new respect for all aspects of business and am now working on my MBA program!

#9. Less Stress?

Well maybe! I wont say that this is the easiest most stress free job in the world, but as you learn to manage your projects and deadlines, it can be a breeze! Depending on the job you currently have now, most likely freelancing will be a walk in the park!

#10. NO COWORKERS!

If you’re anything like me, you’re not exactly a fan of the redundant small talk of that co-worker who loves to talk about their 10 cats. Sure, we have to stay personable in emails and on the phone with clients, but your also treated with a level of professionalism. There is no water-cooler here and no one is going to bother you about what happened on the last episode of Lost. So keep your peace of mind and get to work!