Sam Crowe | The Creative Crowe, LLC

Crafting a Quirky Floating Badge with AI and Creativity

by Sam Crowe | Jun 15, 2024 | Uncategorized

The Birth of a Bourbon-Drinking Pig

As a creative professional, I’m always thrilled by the unique and sometimes whimsical requests that come my way. Recently, a client approached me with an intriguing challenge: they wanted a small, floating badge for their Shopify site featuring an image of a pig drinking bourbon, complete with smoke emanating from the glass (thebourbonbowlsmoker.com would be appearing live at the Bourbon, Bacon & Beer Festival Saturday June 15th). Initially, the idea seemed daunting. How could I possibly create such a specific and detailed image, especially with my busy schedule?

But thanks to the power of modern technology and a little creativity, I was able to transform this quirky concept into reality in just a few hours.

The Tools of the Trade
In the past, a project like this would have required significant time and effort, involving multiple iterations and possibly outsourcing the artwork. However, the landscape of digital design has evolved dramatically. Here’s how I brought this unique badge to life using some of the latest tools at my disposal:

Advanced Software Tools: I rely on a suite of powerful design software that allows me to manipulate images, create graphics, and add special effects with ease. These tools have become second nature to me, enabling quick and efficient creation of professional-quality graphics.

Text-to-Image AI: One of the most exciting recent additions to my toolkit is text-to-image AI technology. This tool allows me to generate highly specific images based on detailed textual descriptions. For this project, I provided a thorough description of what I envisioned: a pig joyfully sipping bourbon, with smoke gracefully curling out of the glass.

Creative Description and Detailing: The key to leveraging AI effectively lies in the details. I described the scene vividly, specifying everything from the pig’s relaxed posture to the way the smoke should interact with the glass. The AI took my words and translated them into a visual masterpiece that was remarkably close to my vision.

From Concept to Reality
With the image generated, I used my design software to fine-tune the details, ensuring the badge was not only visually appealing but also consistent with my client’s branding. The floating badge had to be integrated seamlessly into the Shopify site, enhancing the user experience without distracting from the main content.

The entire process, from conceptualization to uploading the badge to the client’s site, took just a few hours. What initially seemed like a complex and time-consuming task was transformed into a straightforward and enjoyable project thanks to the power of technology.

The Power of Modern Technology
This experience highlighted just how far technology has come in simplifying the creative process. The combination of sophisticated software tools and AI capabilities allows me to tackle even the most unique and challenging requests with confidence and efficiency. Not only does this mean I can deliver impactful, professional results more quickly, but it also allows me to offer a more personalized service to my clients.

Personalized Service with Professional Results
If you have a creative challenge or need a unique design solution, I’m here to help. My ability to leverage the latest technology means I can bring your ideas to life in a way that is both timely and professional. Whether you need a quirky badge, a sophisticated logo, or any other design element, I’m available on retainer to provide the personalized service you deserve.

Let’s make your vision a reality together!

Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in learning more about how I can help bring your creative ideas to life with the latest technology and a personalized touch.

Contact me today to get started!

Unlocking the Power of WordPress

by Sam Crowe | Jan 1, 2023 | Blogging, Website Redesign

The first conversion from a static site to a WordPress site that I did for a client was Benjamin Moore Drywall. I worked with Ben to convert his site to WordPress and suggested that it would be beneficial to him to take a before-and-after photo of each project he worked on and, if they came out well, to post them on his site. This would not only provide social proof that he was a professional in the area but it would increase his online visibility and improve his chances of being found organically.

Ben began doing this and it really seemed to make a huge impact on his visibility online. He went from purchasing leads from Angie’s List to ranking above Angie’s List when one searched for Drywall in the Greater Richmond area. I suppose it didn’t hurt that his name is Benjamin Moore and he installs wall covering but I am confident that posting regularly on the topic(s) you wish to get found for continues to be an important part of every website’s SEO strategy. Search engines want relevant results and site’s that show signs of life by posting regular/recent updates.

My name is Sam Crowe and I am a web developer who has been designing, developing, and maintaining WordPress sites since 2010. I have advised many business owners to take advantage of the power of blogging and only now am I taking my own advice and committing to posting for the first time since 2017. Having worked on hundreds of business sites over the years, there is a good chance I have helped someone just like you get the results they were looking for with their website. I don’t know everything but one doesn’t work on the same thing for over a decade without picking up on some important things worth sharing. Thank you for being a part of my story by reading it!

WARNING! Update All Wifi Devices

by Sam Crowe | Oct 16, 2017 | Handy Info

I wanted to make sure everybody has heard about the recently discovered vulnerability found in the security of most all Wifi
devices that you might be using to include smart phones and wireless networks. There are patches being developed right now for updating
electronic devices effected by the vulnerability so be on the lookout for updates to your Wifi connected devices and keep yourself safe.
The link below is an article from wordfence along with a helpful video that explains what is happening and how to go about protecting yourself
from a “Krack” attack:

PSA: Severe Vulnerability in All Wi-Fi Devices

What is a free website worth? Should you nix WIX?

by Sam Crowe | Aug 31, 2017 | Handy Info

We all have to start somewhere as business owners and everyone knows it is important to have a web presence for your business. If you are just getting started you may have enough time on your hands to invest in a DIY solution using one of the “free” web builders out there. As a savvy business person I am sure that you can appreciate how suspect a “free” anything is. The catch here is that with the free version you get a fun interface to throw together a site without knowing a lick of code but you get to be a billboard for the service in such a way that the whole world knows you are using a free site. This speaks to your credibility and how serious you are about your business. Would you want to go to a doctor who uses those free business cards and has a free website or do you feel a little bit more secure about building a relationship with a doctor who has a professional (advertisement and Adwords free) website.

Additionally when we live in an age where we are all battling to pay attention to things that matter do you really want to invest your time and focus on tweaking a website even if it is made easy? It’s not really free if it doesn’t liberate you from the hours you will likely spend trying to tweak it to look the way want it to. Even if you get it looking like you want it to are you certain that you are optimizing your opportunities for growing your business? It is the difference between doing your own taxes and hoping you got the best result vs. leaving the taxes to a trained CPA who can point out some sweet new breaks you are eligible for or make recommendations that not just save money but get you a better result.

If you are still fired up about the DIY route then knock yourself out. I know that some portion of you will recognize the value of professional services and having a trusting relationship with a person who can be your guide and who can navigate you quickly and easily to that better result. I have been through this enough times to have a process and a plan for success.

Do I Really Need an SSL Certificate?

by Sam Crowe | Jun 19, 2017 | Handy Info

If you are like me and you’ve found yourself wondering if you need to spring for an SSL certificate for your business web site, I have information that may compel you to get one straight away. Many people don’t realize it but a new version of the HTTP has been released and it is supported by most browsers with distinct performance advantages over the old HTTP. The kicker is that HTTP 2.0 requires that one have the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate to reap the rewards it offers via improved SEO and web app performance.

So it’s not just about having to shell out another annual fee for that little lock and HTTPS: in the URL bar and it’s not just for sites that are collecting credit card information for e-commerce. It is something that can enhance and improve every website. It is something I can help with if you need a certificate set up for your site. Contact me today.