Saturday, January 26, 2008
Can you have a professional custom designed website made for your business on a small budget? The answer, of course, is “it depends on what you want”, but if your needs can be met with a simply designed template, you can establish a presence for your business on the internet. Expanded features, sections and complex functionality (like e-commerce shopping carts) can be added later, and when your “starter” website has a well thought out structure it will not require a complete overhaul to integrate the new features.
An example from my portfolio is Painting by Bianco. A small company of two people, they needed a way to easily show off their portfolio to prospective clients . The look is elegant and clean, and the template that I created includes easily interchangeable elements, so that when the time comes to develop it further, the new elements can be added on quickly.
Here are my top two ways you can help your designer bring the project to completion on time and under budget:
- Have website materials ready to go: submitting the final version of all website text will guard against time-consuming revisions, organizing and giving your images a descriptive name will help streamline the process.
- Give timely feedback: creating a website is a collaborative process between client and designer. Your input is invaluable, and keeps the project moving forward.
Even when you have limited resources, a custom, professionally designed website is within your grasp.
Let’s get started!
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I am happy to announce the launch of the re-designed online portfolio website for van der Wyk Design! It proudly displays the new logo and new look, with additional resources such as outlines of the web design process and graphic design process and a “manifesto” stating how I approach design, which is featured on this blog as well.
This blog is new as well, created to be a means of announcing the latest news, events and a resource for articles and tips relating to web design, graphic design and photo retouching, so stay tuned!
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Thursday, January 3, 2008
When considering design for a two-dimensional space , the empty space is as important as the elements that make up the content. The eye should move around the page, reading and seeing the most important things first. Good design creates a relaxing and pleasant environment for your eyes to collect information; it makes the viewer happy and lessens stress. Good design communicates purpose visually, so that you can know what it is about at first glance. It will seem free and easy; the viewer will not think about the fact that it was designed. A successful design lets your mind sigh with relief.
Images should have meaning within the context of the page. A graphical item should not exist for the mere purpose of having an image; it should enhance and convey the message of the work. This is especially important in the creation of a logo and brand identity, but sometimes overlooked when creating brochures, flyers and websites. Whether a photograph, illustration or digital artwork, the images will coexist with text and space in a way that is balanced and makes sense- one does not overpower the other, they are a team.
Websites are a powerful means of providing information and products to anyone with a computer. The Internet attention span is relatively short- if visitors do not find what they are looking for within a few seconds, they will be happy to find it elsewhere. Websites must be obvious to be successful. It is fun to load them up with tons of images, movies and music, but it must make sense for the purpose of the website. My web design approach is to present the real content of the website artfully and simply, joining ease of use with aesthetic value to bring beauty and clarity to the internet.
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