What do you think of my web page - Web Designer looking for work need to know what you think.
Hi Kimberly,
I think you have some nice beginnings here that could be improved on a bit.
just a couple of suggestions:
Go with one main theme and build on it. I see a lot of separate effects/looks happening (ie. striped welcome sign, animated spray can, paint blob border) They are all nice effects (I don't care much for the spray can though) I think your design is going in too many different directions.
maybe go with the paint blob border and make some paint blob or same color buttons -- also the welcome sign could look more like the paint blob graphic or at least match in color without the stripes. (could also go in another direction and continue the stripe/color effect on your border and graphics)
Maybe add a little plain text content explaining what you do and want to accomplish on the main page?
proof read everything or have a friend do it, I noticed a typo- (charties) in your menu.
I also think it's fun to surf surf surf and see what other people are doing -- note what looks very cool/effective, then find a way to UNIQUELY (don't copy them) execute some of the coolness into your own site.
Hope this helps
take care,
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Carolyn Jones
icq# 5351437
Anonymous posted this at 17:21 — 26th May 1999.
They have: 5,633 posts
Joined: Jan 1970
Thats my personal opinion, but I think that most animation, let a website look unprofessional. They are allright on an entry page, but otherwise they distract from the content.
Also, no offense, but if you want to do business in webdesign you should come up with more than sites that almost everybody can throw together in frontpage.
Later,
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Malte Ubl - Germany
http://goKewl.com/
JP Stones posted this at 18:53 — 26th May 1999.
They have: 2,390 posts
Joined: Nov 1998
I can see that you are looking for an interactive 'lively' feel to the site, but will have to admit that it does look amateurish at the moment. The lack of content on the first page is also a negative point.
JP
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Roo posted this at 19:46 — 26th May 1999.
She has: 840 posts
Joined: Apr 1999
Yeah, it does look like a 'personal page', I'll say it again, if you are seeking to make money, your site has to have that professional buisnesslike appearance, there is a huge huge difference between a personal and commercial site.
Lose the animations, though the are fun, your clients aren't looking for that. It's distracting.
Your backgrounds that you offer would be difficult to use text
on, and are more 'artsy' than functional.
Too much scrolling on the hompage. If I want to hire you I want the info fast without the glitz.
Don't advertise that you are using Printshop, to a company looking for a webdesigner they want to see Photoshop. Yeah, I know it's beyond my budget too, so don't advertise it.
The other services tou offer , better make sure they are Mac compatible as well, an awfull lot of buisnesses use Macs, as a matter of fact I've seen several graphic design jobs that I'd love to apply for but I'm on a PC.
Since you have no sample pages yet, get rid of the empty pages will turn customers away. Maybe design some bogus layouts, or logos to display instead, showing a varity of page designs.
Mainly you want to sell your services and anyone who views your site will get a 'first lasting impression' you want to make sure you come off as professional, polished, and knowledgeable.
Roo
Roo
myriad posted this at 02:19 — 27th May 1999.
They have: 88 posts
Joined: Mar 1999
Just a quick note without being too
harsh.
1) Too many distracting images
2) Don't like pop-up boxes
3) Not much content
The page isn't very business like - but that would depend on the type of client your after.
Sorry - but hope this helps
jksworks posted this at 02:58 — 27th May 1999.
They have: 12 posts
Joined: Apr 1999
Please see http://khwebmster2000.cjb.net and tell me what you think.
I was also wondering if I should try to do my own (copy and paste codes) cgi script for a guest book or if it would be ok to use a remote host?
Thank you
Kimberly
Joseph Bannon posted this at 03:09 — 27th May 1999.
They have: 178 posts
Joined: Sep 1999
It looks like a "personal" homepage.
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jksworks posted this at 19:42 — 28th May 1999.
They have: 12 posts
Joined: Apr 1999
I was not going for a business look. I simply do not have the skills for a big company to hire me. I already tried that and I just can't get a job doing that. I was more looking for local churches, organizations, and small business that are just wanting something bright. There is too many business looking pages out there and they all look alike to me. I wanted something different that didn't scare people off and I figure if I would not use a business large site I could not find my way around and feel lost. Why would a local small business in my small town want to use something they feel lost when they see it. I guess I should have said that in the first place. By the way, I just got my first two clients this week. There are small personal site but work is work.
Kimberly
Carolyn Jones posted this at 20:13 — 28th May 1999.
They have: 327 posts
Joined: Mar 1999
Congradulations on your new jobs Kimberly!!
, and each happy client will tell his/her friends about you.
I think there are clients for every level of web making expertise
take care,
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Carolyn Jones
icq# 5351437
Asymmetric, unique designs for contemporary minds
Mountain WorldWide posted this at 19:52 — 29th May 1999.
They have: 90 posts
Joined: Dec 1998
Well, one thing to keep in mind Kimberly is that once they get to your web site you can sell them on your words instead of your looks. If many of these Webmaster Forum members and moderators don't like the images and think they are distracting, chances are many other people will too. The simple solution is to develop what Roo said about "too much scrolling on the homepage." And you can do this without sacrificing your graphics and your style:
On your first page, just ask a few questions that your client will be wondering when they get to your site. Have these questions link to a page with an answer and an example. Then mold those pages around your style. This can be a challenging, yet educational, way to hone your skills.
The questions can be something like "Why should my organization be on the Internet?" or "How does Kimberly's designs interact with the Internet user to provide an easy and enjoyable visit?" Try to think of about 5-6 questions and answers that will convince potential clients to at least contact you.
And the pages you have now do not have to go to waste. On that first page, at the bottom, you can put a link to webmaster.html that says something like "For a guided tour Click Here."
Remember though, the first page needs to be neutral and needs to offer the visitor choices right away so that they do not hit the back button before they have a chance to look at your credentials.
One last thing...you should have your own domain name. Not only is it more professional, it's fun. Since you are not targeting the hardnosed business type, get a domain with your name (kimberlyhargis.com or kimberlydesigns.com). Clients will take you more seriously and you can brag to your friends. Plus, it is easier for people to remember when you tell them to check out your web site. It's not very expensive either.
If you need any help let us know.
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JP Stones posted this at 00:10 — 30th May 1999.
They have: 2,390 posts
Joined: Nov 1998
yep congrats on those two jobs, hopefully they will lead to many more in the future.
JP
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