So here I am sitting in front of my notebook on the last day of 2014. I can hear the fireworks through the window. I really chose the day to write an article.
I’ve been thinking a lot how to start this article after a year of absence. Should I apologize immediately and try to provoke empathy? Does it even matter?
The truth is when you’re out of writing routine it’s hard to come back. But here I am now. However, I never left what I love the most and that’s web design.
We launched a new web & graphic design website
I started with my wife Martina a new website Ri-Graphics.com with web and graphic design services. I’m in charge of web development while Martina is doing the graphic part. She’s kind of creative soul in our family.
We did a several web projects and like most startups we’re looking a place under the sun. The site is in Croatian language but it will be translated in English very soon.
Of course, your opinions and comments are highly appreciated.
Take a look at Ri-Graphics.com.
Web design based on the proven Genesis framework
All web projects are based on well known Genesis framework for WordPress which I personally use for almost 5 years. What I really like, there is no need for translating all the settings in Croatian language – everything is already solved simply by activating of free Genesis Translates plugin.
If you’re from non-English area just like me, maybe your language is on the list – click here and see all supported languages. Even if your language is not supported, don’t worry it’s not the end of the world. On the plugin’s page you’ll see what I mean.
For all curious, our site is designed on a slightly modified Centric Pro theme. This theme is perfect for web agency and all serious online businesses, so it was my first choice.
Check out the Centric Pro for yourself here.
So, what is your next step?
End of the year is usually a good time to summarize our life and business. Maybe you’re thinking to take a new step as well?
You’re not happy with your existing website? Thinking about redesign or a new one?
Let me know in the comments…
I almost forgot… Wish You Happy and Healthy New Year 2015!
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donna merrill
January 6, 2015 at 16:00Hi Dragan,
I know the feeling of coming back after a break quite well. I’ve done it myself and it is a bit peculiar sitting in front of a screen, thinking about what we are going to write.
How wonderful that you can do so much with different languages! This is one thing that can give you a great “edge” in the marketplace. This is great to know and I’m glad we connected. I just re-vamped my blog a few months ago, but I do know many people…some with English as their second language that would surely benefit from your services.
-Donna
Dragan Palla
January 6, 2015 at 17:46Hi Donna,
Yes it’s a peculiar feeling sitting in front of a screen after a long break, thinking how words will just flow, but it’s quite contrary. I must be honest, writing is a difficult task for me.
I read your article and I agree about looking back and moving forward – really great personal story. After all, when you like what you do, it’s much easier to overcome all problems and I think that’s the key.
Great to connect with you Donna and if you know someone in need for web or graphic design, I’m ready to rock :). Thanks a lot.
Sue Price
January 8, 2015 at 09:59Hi Dragan,
I too like Donna and you know the feeling of being away from writing. I had a couple of gaps when I had some family illness and things. It is difficult to get back in the swing for sure.
Great you and your wife have a new website and another part to your business.
Yes the end of the year is always a good time to take stock before moving forward. I certainly did that.
I will spread the word on your services.
Sue
Dragan Palla
January 8, 2015 at 17:46Hi Sue,
I thought it would be easy to sit down and write like nothing happened, but obviously that’s not the case. Like everything it requires practice.
Thank you so much for coming and spreading the word. I appreciate your visit.
~ Dragan
Melanie Kissell
January 11, 2015 at 22:13Glad to hear you’re back in the blogging saddle again, Dragan. 🙂
Ri-Graphics looks beautiful! Best of luck to you and your wife and Happy Web Designing!
Dragan Palla
January 11, 2015 at 23:25Hi Melanie,
As you already know it’s been over a year since my last post. Among all, I had the problem with procrastination.
I know blogging is most definitely not easy but it’s so worth all the time and effort you put into it.
Thanks Melanie for stopping by and hope you’re enjoying your weekend.
~ Dragan
Ikechi Awazie
January 14, 2015 at 03:13Hi Dragan
I found this post through the aha community. Let me say Happy New Year and welcome back to blogging. Your Web design site is awesome. I can’t imagine that this is built with Genesis Theme Framework.
Looking forward to more of your post updates. Have a nice week.
Dragan Palla
January 14, 2015 at 17:05Hi Ikechi,
First, happy and successful New Year to you too. Thanks for the nice words about my webdesign website, yes that’s Genesis theme slightly modified. I’m glad I joined aha community and I’ll see you around.
Best,
Dragan
Harleena Singh
January 14, 2015 at 07:23Hi Dragan,
Welcome back to the blogosphere, and to the ABC as well – good to have you over. I was just about wondering what happened and where had you vanished! 🙂
Just as Donna mentioned, I can well understand how tough it is to get back into the ‘grind’ of writing and commenting. Though not a year, but I did take a month long break last summer, and it took me a few days to get back to normal, so I can well understand your situation. But you’d also notice that the blogosphere is one such place that no matter when you return, you are always welcomed with open arms and the same old good friend’s, isn’t it?
Congratulations to Martina and yourself for starting your new site, which sure looks good. It doesn’t look like it’s on Genesis – awesome indeed! I guess the wider your horizon, the better it is for you. Wishing both of you the very best with it, and we’d love to see it all up in English, whenever that happens.
Thanks for sharing this with us. Have a nice week, and a lovely year ahead 🙂
Dragan Palla
January 14, 2015 at 17:25Hi Harleena,
I think you have a nice community and I’m glad I joined ABC. I couldn’t agree more with you about good old friends and I’m actually surprised by the support I receive.
To be honest my first guess was I sank and let’s begin all over again but actually I came to understanding and support. I was thrilled and yes blogosphere is definitely one great place.
Thanks for the kind words about our new website and I’ll let the everyone know when we translated it in English.
Best,
Dragan
Nikhil Narkhede
January 14, 2015 at 11:32Hi Dragan,
I think I read this article at the perfect time. Even I should start re-designing my website. YOUr take on genesis seems to be interesting. Cheers! 🙂
Dragan Palla
January 14, 2015 at 17:00Hi Nikhil,
I’m glad you find Genesis framework as interesting and if you’re thinking about redesign I strongly recommend you should give it a try with Genesis.
Glad to connect with you.
Best,
Dragan
Rahul Krishnan
January 14, 2015 at 16:48Hi Dragan Sir,
This is my first visit on your blog.
I will check out for more awesome info.
Best of luck for your new website.
Regards,
Rahul
Dragan Palla
January 14, 2015 at 16:54Hi Rahul,
Nice to meet you here and I hope you’ll find some useful content on my blog. Thanks for the kind words about new website.
Best,
Dragan
Sylviane Nuccio
January 15, 2015 at 01:42Hi Dragan,
Congratulations on your business and best success to you.
I know it’s always harder to get back to things when you take a long break, so I wish you all the energy that you need.
Thanks you for coming by my blog and best success to you this year.
Dragan Palla
January 15, 2015 at 17:35Hi Sylviane,
Thank you so much and I just love coming to your blog because of a plenty insightful posts.
Best,
Dragan
Adrienne
January 15, 2015 at 16:16Hi Dragan,
Welcome back and although you’ve been MIA from blogging you haven’t been from your business. Congratulations to you and your wife and I’m happy to hear that your web design business is going well. Your site looks great by the way, love the look.
I actually admire anyone who does this for a living, I know several of you now. The patience you must have to fulfil your client’s needs and at times even be a mind reader. I’ve never been creative and also admire those with that kind of talent.
I want to wish you both all the best this year and again welcome you back to blogging.
~Adrienne
Dragan Palla
January 15, 2015 at 17:51Hi Adrienne,
Actually it’s wonderful you mentioned being a mind reader when doing web design. That is SO true. The most difficult part for us is when a client says “do what you think is the best”. In the end it’s so time consuming.
Thank you for stopping by, I appreciate kind words and support.
Best,
Dragan
Carol Amato
January 18, 2015 at 02:28Hi, Dragan,
So glad you’re posting again, that’s great news! Yes, the beginning of a new year is a great time for a fresh start in many areas of life. 🙂
One of my recent posts was my video about a business makeover, which I gave myself recently, ad it was very encouraging.
Congrats on launching a new web & graphic design website, and I certainly wish you all the best with it. My new theme is a Genesis base with customization added, and I love it. It’s speedier too, which is nice.
Happy New Year to you too, Dragan, and I hope you have a great weekend.
˜Carol
Dragan Palla
January 18, 2015 at 09:12Hi Carol,
I would never guess your site is on Genesis, that’s nice :). I read your post and love how you pointed out that we can’t keep doing the same things if we expect to get different results. That’s so true.
Somehow the New Year is the good time to see our results and to take some steps. Business makeover sounds good to me if done the smart way and I think you’re the great coach in this area.
Appreciate your comment Carol, and hope you have a great weekend.
~ Dragan
Holly Jahangiri
January 19, 2015 at 16:56Hi, Dragan!
Honestly, I’d rather read this than some soulless bit of canned blogging. I get a sense of there being a real person behind the words. I’m a writer, English is my first language, and sometimes I struggle with procrastination or just not feeling the urge to write. So you’re not alone, by any means! Happy new year to you, too.
Dragan Palla
January 19, 2015 at 18:43Hi Holly,
I know we all struggle with procrastination despite so many smart advices. As you already know form this post I was working on my web design project and had other things on my mind.
When I decided to write well I had a literal mental blockade like I forgot to ride the bicycle. Unbelievably!
Thanks for commenting Holly and I hope to see you around.
~ Dragan
Jeannette Paladino
January 19, 2015 at 22:31Welcome back to blogging, Dragan. If you want to get a higher ranking (more visitors ) from Google it will be important to blog regularly. It’s a lot of effort (I know, as a blogger) but hopefully it will pay off in more more traffic and business.
Dragan Palla
January 19, 2015 at 23:06Hi Jeannette,
I agree with you and will definitely try to blog on a regular basis. Since my last post over a year now my ranking dropped dramatically as well as traffic.
Thank you for your comment and enjoy your week.
~ Dragan
Angela McCall
January 21, 2015 at 03:48Hi Dragan,
I’m so happy to hear that you are stepping in to the Graphic Design business. It’s nice too that your wife is the partner. Two heads is better than one.
So far, I have a different plan for the year of 2015. Glad to hear that you are promoting Genesis, the only frame I would recommend my clients. I personally love Genesis myself, and so far so good. I love my latest design, so it will stay for awhile. Anyhoo…
Thanks for sharing us your plans. Have a Happy New Year!
Angela
Dragan Palla
January 21, 2015 at 21:25Hi Angela,
I’m sure you already know all the troubles when starting web&graphic design business. We’re taking one step then another.
I’m glad you’re also fan of Genesis because they proved to be an excellent choice. I like your latest design too.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.
~ Dragan
Joy Healey
January 25, 2015 at 23:32Hi Dragan,
Welcome back to blogging. I too had a bit of a break last year, to know what it’s like – but you’ll soon get back into the swing of things, and by the look of the comments above you already have a ready made community of fans pleased to see you back. That must be so encouraging.
Good luck to you and Martina in your business. If the sample site you showed us is anything to go by you have a great future and I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from you soon.
Joy
Dragan Palla
January 26, 2015 at 21:30Hi Joy,
I’m really happy that I have so wonderful community and they give me the strength to move on. After my long break I was positively surprised.
Thanks for stopping by and your support, I appreciate it.
~ Dragan
Dee Ann Rice
January 30, 2015 at 04:52Dragan,
I admire you coming back after being gone for a year. I know what it is like to be gone. It seems like I have spent the last two years being gone for periods of time. Health issues and family issues just kept getting in the way.
Every time I come back it is hard to get started again. I am thankful to my blogging community though because they are all there to support me when I start back up.
It is great that you are working with your wife. I think that is so great when a husband and wife can enjoy doing this together. I would have to teach my husband so much and I don’t think he really has an interest anyway.
Great to see you back and I look forward to seeing more of you.
Dee Ann Rice
Dragan Palla
January 30, 2015 at 17:14Hi Dee Ann,
One year may seems like a lot of time but for me gone like a wind :). I hope everything is fine now with your family issues and I’m happy to see you here.
Blogging community that give you support all the way is a wonderful thing that can happen when doing online business. I’m also very thankful for that.
Thanks for your comment and have a great weekend ahead.
~ Dragan