For those of you keeping score, this is major web overhaul number six… or maybe it’s number seven by now. Either way, it’s apparently been enough for me to lose count!
I’ve learned a lot to get to this point in the website development game. To date I’ve gone from a simple, unflattering three page static site that told pretty much how to get in contact with me and what I do to a site that included a very poor portfolio presentation, to a slightly more useful site that included such niceties as a blog and even online proofing so that my clients could proof projects in progress without having to have access to their email.
With each revision I try to keep my clients’ needs in the forefront of the design, while also adding little tidbits of entertaining interactivity as well. While all sections of the new site aren’t quite up and running just yet, some of the new features you’ll notice are:
A Much Cleaner Look – I’ve tried to open up and air out the design of the site, especially where text is concerned. Gone are the dense paragraphs of copy. In my experience of being a designer, I’ve become extremely snobbish about typography. There’s lots and lots of horrible typesetting examples all around us in both print and web. Ironically, how type appears to the reader is what can make or break the effectiveness of an advertisement’s message. I try to make sure that type doesn’t get in the way of the message. This hasn’t always been so easy on the Internet, but after learning a good bit of CSS styling, there’s no reason my website can’t be just as easy (and enjoyable) to read as my print designs.
More Simple Navigation – Drop down menus and graphical navigation are cool, text navigation is faster. In efforts to streamline the site and make it all more efficient, I’ve left behind flashy menus in exchange for a straight-forward, easy-to-use textual navigation menu.
Pictures Everywhere! - As I posted earlier on the previous website, I’ve added photography to the lineup of studio services. All the pictures you see on this site are taken by me. I’m not exactly a newbie at photography, but I’m no Ansel Adams either. My new outfit is all digital and integrates perfectly with my digital workflow. Currently, non of the pictures on the site are watermarked with my copyright info (not a legal necessity, but it does discourage theft), but please do not take any photography from this site, even for personal use as a desktop picture without asking first. Odds are I’ll be honored that you want to use my artwork, but be nice, ask first. -
Online Gallery - In conjunction to adding photography, I’m also adding an online photo gallery of my photography. This will probably be worked in as a sub-section of the portfolio section. Same rules apply here as to rest of the photography on my site: Look, Don’t Steal. Ask First. I’ve considered even making an online store where visitors can purchase prints of the pictures featured, but still have a few details to work out yet - namely, finding a suitable framer. Any suggestions appreciated.
Interactive Blogging - Even though this section lacked consistent updating, aside from the online proofing section of the site, it’s been the most visited and asked about. I’ve had more clients, friends and family ask me when the next blog post was coming than questions about all other areas of the site combined. Funny. I hadn’t planned on that section being so popular. In efforts to make it easier for me to keep updated as well as add interactivity for site visitors, I’ve incorporated an entirely new blog section. The new section of the site will allow me to post much quicker and easier as well as allow users to post responses! Whaddaya know, a true blog! Of all the updates to the site, I think it’s this one that’s got me the most stoked.
Reviews - In addition to the new-and-improved blog, I’m planning to post all kinds of reviews - events, gadgets, design equipment… all kinds of crazy stuff. Should be fun!
Links - What’s a site without a list of links? Look for a list of my favorite bookmarks. Some on different aspects of design, some on personal interests - all fun, clean and educational.
Detailed Online Portfolio - This is something that I’ve been working on for quite a while, but never have been able to complete as of yet… I do have a portfolio brief that I carry with me to new client meetings, however, that doesn’t do me much good here does it? I’m in the process of categorizing my work and developing an online version of my portfolio to showcase the work I’ve done for marketing/branding, print and web design, as well as photography.
I think that about does it for outlining the new site. I’ve still got a bit of work ahead of me to complete all these goals, but this project is going a little faster than I had anticipated. Hopefully there will be no snags, either way, it’s all about learning something new and adding value!

Like It? Share It!

Hide Sites

When I had the idea to include a blog section to my site I didn’t think it would develop into anything quite like this and admittedly, my fianceé even raised a questioning eyebrow to the idea.

My orginal intent was to have a small section where people could come to get to know their graphic artist a little better - maybe even allow me to do a little venting in the process. I’ve always enjoyed writing but haven’t had much of an opportunity to do much creative writing. Sure, I could write a book or something - but this approach gives me instant gratification and could even help with the studio if I go about it the right way.

In today’s techie age, things like blogs have become more and more popular with individuals and interest groups, and I’ve even read in several business magazines that a successful blog is as essential a marketing campaign as anything other means.

The majority of people that visit my site are clients or potential clients, and it’s amazed me how many of them keep asking when I’m going to post new information! I like to think of myself as flexible enough to adapt to client needs, so here goes.

My old, poorly-cobbled together blog was a pain to update and
really crippled my motivation to keep it current. Adding pictures was absolutely no fun either. For this iteration of my blogdom, I’m using a php-based system that – so far – I’m happy with. It’s taken me longer that I wanted to learn the ins and outs of php, but now I can add posts through a web browser instead of firing up my web development software, and things like picture galleries should be a breeze too. We’ll see how that goes when I get to that part of the updates.

Which brings me to the major news. Along with this new blog system, I’ve decided to completely redesign my website. For those who’ve been keeping track, it only took me what, nearly two years finally design a site I somewhat liked enough to post?

Part of beging a graphic artist (or any type of artist for that matter) is not being able to leave your own work alone. The old 3amdesignstudio.com that was finally posted was actually revision number five. It was just the first one to actually get published.

This redesign should be fairly swift. If you’re reading this, it’s halfway done already. The new site is going to be a lot more streamlined and have a much cleaner look and feel. I’m going to continue to do online proofing for all projects as I have in the past, but have some plans to help smooth out that workflow as well.

Along with a cleaner look and better online proofing will come an actual online portfolio as well! Many, many, many potential clients have been asked if I had any type of online gallery or “digital portfolio” they could paruse, and though the links were set up to navigate to such a place… I never had anything posted. I’m sure I’ve lost a good bit of work because of that, but that’s going to change. The revised site will have an interactive portfolio that potential clients can browse for each of the services I offer through the studio; branding/identity, graphic design for print and web, print fulfillment, and photography.

It’s exciting times at the studio! Check back often to see the progress!

-c

Like It? Share It!

Hide Sites