Skip to content

Block 81 Blog

Insights on web design, development, and running a small studio.

Process

The Niche Myth: Why Being a Jack-of-All-Trades Isn't Career Suicide

Everyone keeps telling freelancers to 'find your niche or perish,' but after 20+ years in business without one, I'm here to tell you that being a Swiss Army knife in a world of scalpels might just be…

Read More
Productivity & PM

Apple Notes & NotesCmdr

NotesCmdr is a simple app that brings Markdown and slash commands to Apple Notes, making it way more efficient for your daily note-taking. It's not "true" Markdown, but honestly? It's just enough to…

Read More
For Clients

When Your Bookkeeper Ghosts You: A Tale of Unanswered Contact Forms and Unexpected Shutdowns

After my bookkeeping company suddenly shut down, I discovered that most companies couldn't be bothered to respond to contact form inquiries—ultimately highlighting why the one company that actually…

Read More
For Clients

Beyond the Launch: Why Smart Businesses Partner with Web Studios for Ongoing Success

Your website is working 24/7 as your digital storefront, and just like any hard-working team member, it needs proper support. A website support retainer isn't just another monthly expense; it's about…

Read More
For Clients

Your Website Is a Dealbreaker: How to Know When It’s Time for a Redesign

Discover when and why your professional services website needs a redesign.

Read More
Studio News

Dear 2024: Bye

2024 was tough. I aim to slow down in 2025

Read More
Process

Git Commit Messages

I've started writing Git Commit messages in a way that keeps things organized and makes future me a bit happier and less stressed.

Read More
Code

CSS: Vertically Break an Image Out of its Parent Container

A short tutorial on breaking an image vertically out of its parent container. If you're a CSS pro/veteran/expert, skip this video. 😉

Read More
Design

Your Logo Needs a Visual System to Thrive

Unlock your brand's full potential with a comprehensive visual system. Elevate beyond just a logo to foster recognition and trust among consumers.

Read More
Tools & Platforms

Thoughts on Twitter, er, X

I joined Twitter back in April of 2008. I don’t remember why I joined, but it became a fun little hangout and I enjoyed it. While I left both my personal and business Twitter accounts open, I haven’t…

Read More
Productivity & PM

No, I (Probably) Won’t Reply to Your Email Right Away

For a balanced approach to client communication, steering away from constant email checking is important. The key is to be responsive without being instantly available, fostering healthier client…

Read More
Studio News

Our Newsletter Is Back!

I’m excited to announce the official reboot of Block 81 Insights. Subscribers to this newsletter will get info written by me about design, web development, and to a lesser extent, tech in general.

Read More