Big Bloggin’ Changes!
Saturday 29 Apr 2006
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
So, I was looking at your site, and thinking, wow! This is great design! I’d like to give this guy a big raise if he worked for me. But he doesn’t. He should! I’ll hire him today so he can make my jewelry designs and country singing site the best in the world! but he wouldn’t be interested…Wait…he likes bikes! Maybe if I can convince him to ride my bike, he’ll do it for free!
I like the new site. NO I HATE IT IT LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER THAN MINE! I broke my bike will you fix it?