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Website Branding
June 1, 2009
filed in News
I am SO proud to finally launch my NEW website!! It has been such a fun process working with these two amazing companies that have done an absolute FABULOUS job! I first contacted Infinet Design, to help me figure out what designers call a "brand." I needed a design that would set me a part from other photographers and really visually describe my personality to my readers. I went to the BEST designers I could find on the net and I found Brock and Dave. I am proud to be one of Infinet's featured blogs and am pumped to have a part of their fabulous design to blog on! All of their designs are amazing so be sure to check them all out!
Another huge important part of my business is my website. I had previously worked with templates with other companies but really was seeking something more unique and different. I went to my friend Michael for some ideas and direction. I was SO excited to get everything up and running and he definitely did the job I was looking for! Finally I was able to learn more about showit websites and gain a better understanding about how flexible creating a website can be. I couldn't be happier with Michael's design and HIGHLY recommend him to anyone looking for a new website! He was incredibly easy to work with and worked closely with me to make sure the outcome was EXACTLY what I was looking for. Michael was kind enough to give me an interview about his services so I suggest all you bloggers looking for a website to read what's below! :)
Q: What is the process for designing a website? How long does it typically take?
A: The first step is always to listen. That's how we get a sense who you are and what you want. This is the most important step along the way. After we get an good idea as to what you want, we can make a simple framework. This is a great tool for both the client and designer as we are now working on the same page (literally). One of the most common breakdowns in client / designer communication revolves around neither being able to describe fully in words what is in their heads. This framework allows us to see what each other are thinking. After that's approved and all content is submitted, we can move forward with the fun stuff: designing each page with custom touches of personality. I love displaying the client in the designs because there are so many people providing the same services out there, but there is only one you... and YOU are what your clients will hire... not your services alone. In terms of timing, surprisingly it is mostly dependent on you, the client. If the client has all of their content in order and ready to hand over, we can have a brand new site up and running within a month easily [sometimes shorter depending on how organized you are ;)
Q: How closely do you work with your clients?
A: Very. This is one of the best parts of my job. I love delving deeper with the client to make sure there is a touch of them everywhere. This is where templates fall flat on their faces... there is no way to express through the website (your BEST marketing tool) who you are and what you value. This is what the client wants to know and in order to convey it to them, we have to first get to know you. As the project moves along we provide weekly - though at times daily :) - previews for you too review and comment on so we can get the site dialed in for you. You should never feel intimidated or hesitant to suggest a something new because after all, you've hired us to make you shine.
Q :What is a piece of advice you would give a client if they want to build a website but don't know where to start?
A: The best place to start is always with inspiration. Do some research - actually - you've probably already done it. Look around, see what you like and don't like, tell us what your favorite websites, clothing designers, stores, and brands are. Give us a sense of who you are. Let us know what you want to convey to your potential clients... are you going to make them feel like rockstars? princesses? celebrities? best friends? Give us all these random ideas and we'll help you funnel it down to a cohesive and brilliant beacon of ... well... you! And that will be plenty to sell your products and services. So yeah... start with inspiration.
Q: What is one thing you love about designing?
A: I love creating fresh and clean looks. I love to see someone else get excited about those looks. I started out designing t-shirts in college and it was always so fun to see someone else stoked on what I got excited about. I love taking existing looks and rehashing them to be new and interesting. I love creating something surprising. I hate stumbling blocks, but I absolutely love overcoming them! The best thing about design though, is the people I get to work with along the way, because in the end, it's people and relationships that matter most.
Q: What is one funky fact about yourself that you would like to share?
A: Here it goes: I absolutely LOVE popsicles and showers. I cannot get enough of either. A freezing cold big-stick (or three) on a warm day... mmm... the best! A few showers before lunch... can't beat it. I just wish I had the time.
June 1, 2009
filed in News
I
am SO proud to finally launch my NEW website!! It has been such a fun process working with these two amazing companies that have done an absolute FABULOUS job! I first contacted Infinet Design, to help me figure out what designers call a "brand." I needed a design that would set me a part from other photographers and really visually describe my personality to my readers. I went to the BEST designers I could find on the net and I found Brock and Dave. I am proud to be one of Infinet's featured blogs and am pumped to have a part of their fabulous design to blog on! All of their designs are amazing so be sure to check them all out! A: The first step is always to listen. That's how we get a sense who you are and what you want. This is the most important step along the way. After we get an good idea as to what you want, we can make a simple framework. This is a great tool for both the client and designer as we are now working on the same page (literally). One of the most common breakdowns in client / designer communication revolves around neither being able to describe fully in words what is in their heads. This framework allows us to see what each other are thinking. After that's approved and all content is submitted, we can move forward with the fun stuff: designing each page with custom touches of personality. I love displaying the client in the designs because there are so many people providing the same services out there, but there is only one you... and YOU are what your clients will hire... not your services alone. In terms of timing, surprisingly it is mostly dependent on you, the client. If the client has all of their content in order and ready to hand over, we can have a brand new site up and running within a month easily [sometimes shorter depending on how organized you are ;)
Q: How closely do you work with your clients?
A: Very. This is one of the best parts of my job. I love delving deeper with the client to make sure there is a touch of them everywhere. This is where templates fall flat on their faces... there is no way to express through the website (your BEST marketing tool) who you are and what you value. This is what the client wants to know and in order to convey it to them, we have to first get to know you. As the project moves along we provide weekly - though at times daily :) - previews for you too review and comment on so we can get the site dialed in for you. You should never feel intimidated or hesitant to suggest a something new because after all, you've hired us to make you shine.
Q :What is a piece of advice you would give a client if they want to build a website but don't know where to start?
A: The best place to start is always with inspiration. Do some research - actually - you've probably already done it. Look around, see what you like and don't like, tell us what your favorite websites, clothing designers, stores, and brands are. Give us a sense of who you are. Let us know what you want to convey to your potential clients... are you going to make them feel like rockstars? princesses? celebrities? best friends? Give us all these random ideas and we'll help you funnel it down to a cohesive and brilliant beacon of ... well... you! And that will be plenty to sell your products and services. So yeah... start with inspiration.
Q: What is one thing you love about designing?
A: I love creating fresh and clean looks. I love to see someone else get excited about those looks. I started out designing t-shirts in college and it was always so fun to see someone else stoked on what I got excited about. I love taking existing looks and rehashing them to be new and interesting. I love creating something surprising. I hate stumbling blocks, but I absolutely love overcoming them! The best thing about design though, is the people I get to work with along the way, because in the end, it's people and relationships that matter most.
Q: What is one funky fact about yourself that you would like to share?
A: Here it goes: I absolutely LOVE popsicles and showers. I cannot get enough of either. A freezing cold big-stick (or three) on a warm day... mmm... the best! A few showers before lunch... can't beat it. I just wish I had the time.
