Opinions? And a few questions :)

spreadyourwings · Apr 3rd, 2008, 19:08

Hiya guys

Im starting a new graphic design company online and have made a small website... basically I was wondering if you could five me your opinions? (Pics at bottom of post).

Also the 2 domain names I would want; spreadyourwings.co.uk/.com are taken and I really don't fancy any of the other suffixes so Ideally I need a new name... any ideas? I'm running dry! I also need somewhere to host it, I'm liking the looks of streamline.net has anyone had any experience with them or any other suggestions?

Cheers

Josh

aso186 · Apr 3rd, 2008, 19:16

Umm... there's really not much to go on! All the images are extremely similar, you would have been better off just posting one!

I like the navigation, very unique. But like I say, there's really not much else to comment on. Plus the 'copyright' watermark is very off-putting to make a better judgement.

I'd recommend getting more content on your website, then hosting it so we can interact it with too. I'm sure you'll get a much better response then

spreadyourwings · Apr 3rd, 2008, 19:22

Sorry, will remove images and leave one up... watermark is only because I didnt want anyone to take anything... guess that isn't very likely, i'm just paranoid lol.

Thanks aso

spreadyourwings · Apr 3rd, 2008, 20:12

I feel very stupid for double posting now :/ Sorry!

Can't seem to edit post, so basically what sort of content would you reccomend? All I'm trying to do is advertise my service as a graphic designer and attract people to me instead of other places as you do. I'm not at all apt in Flash

But can anyone reccomend anything to really make me stand out from the others? I love to work in Photoshop!

Josh

spreadyourwings · Apr 4th, 2008, 00:44

Update: [img=http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2511/screenshotpa6.th.jpg]

Bocaj · Apr 4th, 2008, 01:22

Don't use flash, i'll frown at you for it.

The pages seem very blank to me, and it depends which way you want to go... advertise your self as a freelancer or as a company.

It's just your post said you were starting a company, whereas the way you've written your text (it's very informal, like your talking to them about yourself) is very freelancer profile/blog like.

I personally never start with the about me, but that's down to preference.

Also take a look at other company/freelance profiles and list what you liked/didn't like... and work from there.

Key to creating anything GOOD is inspiration (atleast that's what i think).

How you design it would depend on yourself, company tends to be more regulated and corperate, whereas freelancer crosses half way towards a personal blog on the fun/creative aspect.

Your content seems very distant from your navigation...

i'll think more when it comes to me....

Bocaj · Apr 4th, 2008, 01:27

oh btw, i never saw the updated screenshot.. sorry

crackafaza · Apr 4th, 2008, 08:39

Ok, here comes my critique,

I like the new screenshot, alot better than the last one, I like the header, and how you have placed your links, it will be interesting to see how you code it.

But I have to agree with the rest, why is the page so boring and empty, you got some much empty area? why waste this area?
If you are a graphic design company, don't you want to show off your amazing website on the homepage? to entice them to continue with your website, Soo add more images, and see what happens then

Oh and by the way, if you are looking for somewhere to host your website, for the time being whilst you are making changes, send me a PM, and I can host it

Cracka

spreadyourwings · Apr 4th, 2008, 10:20

Hiya guys thanks for the critique

With regards to freelance or company I think I am going freelance I'm just not good with words to explain it lol...

And about using the space, the only thing I'm worried about is overdoing it and making the site look tacky, should I be adding bars down the side with graphics I have done or what? :/

Sorry I'm not very good at phrasing things!

Thanks guys

Bocaj · Apr 4th, 2008, 11:56

Take a look at these for some inspiration

CSS LOAF

FAVEUP

CSSARTILLERY

DA

There are dozens of links that i (or anyone else) could probably recomend for inspiration, i've only linked you to some showcases.

Flick through them for inspiration, any techniques you like research them... this will also help you understand about balancing a page well.

When writing content for a page i used to just write it off the top of my head, now though i jot it down and dwell over it for a few days while i'm in college, altering it and shaping it until it's how i like it.

Quote:

But I have to agree with the rest, why is the page so boring and empty, you got some much empty area? why waste this area?
If you are a graphic design company, don't you want to show off your amazing website on the homepage? to entice them to continue with your website, Soo add more images, and see what happens then

I agree, as a freelance you should be trying to create a unique showcase reflecting yourself.

Then you always have the debate on how you it should be and how formal it should be etc.

spreadyourwings · Apr 9th, 2008, 15:33

Thanks for all inout guys!

Small disaster

System crashed and I had to reformat... had all files backup up on dads pc, but he deleted my .psd files so now I have lost ALL the .psd files for ALL the iamges so I cannot edit them properly anymore... looks like I have to start again...

Oh and also I'm trying make the bottom bar stay in a fixed position and for everything to scroll underneath it... atm all I have done is set it to be 100% at bottom of screen which works for the screen resolutions but doesnt stick it to the bottom of the page... any ideas?

Bocaj · Apr 10th, 2008, 15:06

you mean fixed in the same position in the browser window regardless of when the page scrolls?

If so you just need to add

Quote:

position: fixed

If that is what you mean

spreadyourwings · Apr 10th, 2008, 23:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bocaj

you mean fixed in the same position in the browser window regardless of when the page scrolls?

If so you just need to add

If that is what you mean

It's so simple XD! Will give it a try! Thanks a lot mate

catalystmediastudios · Apr 11th, 2008, 00:53

position fixed does not work in IE 6. You will either need some crazy CSS trickery that will screw up all absolutely positioned elements or some javascript.

Here is a script you can use:

http://doxdesk.com/software/js/fixed.html

Or google position fixed IE

Bocaj · Apr 11th, 2008, 13:10

Oh i thought IE6 was first IE it was supported in

Learn something everyday

Not to many people use IE6, from statistics to most of my websites it's less than 1%.

shalom_m · Apr 13th, 2008, 18:19

As I understand, spreadyourwings.co.uk and .com are already taken.
Why then are you still basing your design as if they are yours?

Now to my main point.
Your index page is part of your portfolio.
If a potential client does not understand it, or finds it difficult to navigate, or hard to understand your main message - YOUR TAB IS CLOSED (forever)

Think of your index page as the worm on the hook!

spreadyourwings · Apr 14th, 2008, 17:37

Heya shalom...

The name will always be spread your wings, I may just have to go with sywdesign.com or somthing similar.
As to your main point... what is it? I understand the index is the worm on hook but what are you trying to say? Is mine unclear? Unprofessional? Untidy?

Cheers

ricksteruk2008 · Apr 14th, 2008, 21:16

If you are just starting up, You have to sell your work. People will want to see your work straight away, it must have that "wow" factor. To make you stand out from the rest, make sure your work you put on your site and also the work for your clients is flawless. It will take months to build a reputation minutes to destroy it.

On your site content is King, the more quality content the better. Because of the line of work you wish to compete in is very much graphic based you need to ensure you have a healthy mix of quality work and good keyword rich text. You need to think of yourself as a proffesional company. Avoid using I try using We, tell the customer what you can do. Sow the seeds of thought in there head.

Remember the images you use must be in the correct format, ie GIf or JPG to ensure your page loads fast. any longer than a couple of seconds for the page to display, your customer has gone else where.

spreadyourwings · Apr 22nd, 2008, 15:47

Thanks mate, will take that into account and get to it.