Web Design

Identity + Change + Decisions

28/07/2013

Over ten years ago, when I had been learning about web design and had been running a forum for a couple of years, I decided to build my own websites. I registered two domains, illusio.net and illusiocreative.co.uk. The first, illusio.net was to be my hobby domain for my writing and art, and the latter for web design. I chose a user/brand name because the culture of the web was different back then. It was more common for people to use nicknames, as anonymity was encouraged and the use of ones own name was not favoured, for many reasons. It was mostly about guarding ones privacy. At that time, I had still not considered selling myself as an artist online or creating a portfolio. I did blog however, and had an account on Live Journal. Later on I decided not to use the illusiocreative.co.uk domain for web design and use it for my art instead. Continuing with the brand name, Illusio Creative still seemed a good idea at the time. However, in the last year or so, I have come to the conclusion that this is maybe not the best way for me to move forward in terms of marketing myself as an artist/illustrator. I have noticed that very few artists and illustrators use branding, and most use their own names. I don’t feel comfortable with it any more, and in fact a couple of years ago, I did register a domain with my own name.

Fizzy Beads Jewellery

22/12/2011

A few weeks ago, my lovely friend Sylvie Foxworthy asked me to build a website for her to showcase primarily her jewellery making, but which would incorporate a blog as she wanted to include other aspects of her life, cooking, family etc. As with all things, that initial discussion of her needs was put off many times due to the demands of family and work, but finally, we agreed a brief and I got on with it.

Sakura Jewellery

13/12/2011

I know I don’t post much about my web design on here, not really sure why, perhaps because it’s more problematic and stress inducing sometimes that the simple business of creating art. Anyway, sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn’t, sometimes you have a great client, sometimes you don’t. But, I had the privilege of building a website for the lovely Anna Stassen of Sakura Jewellery.

Useful Tips for Artists and Designers

08/10/2011

I decided I would write up some tips for artists and designers thinking of setting themselves up with a website/blog based on my experience. Hope they are helpful, let me know if there is anything I have missed. Do, and I mean…DO get your own domain name, this will help to create a strong online identity. Using free blogs is fine if you are a student, or just starting out. But, if you want to be perceived as having a professional status and attitude, then having your own domain is important. I know that some established artists’ use Blogger for instance, but not many. Don’t (if you can avoid it) point your domain at a third party provider like Blogger, Typepad, Cargo etc. Point your domain at your own hosting. Only that way do you truly own your own content. Third party providers are ok, but have their limitations both in terms of features and for SEO (search engine optimisation). There are some good deals out there. Pick a hosting provider that is based in your own country (crucial in terms of support), and that has been in business for a minimum of five years at least. Cheapest is not always best. If you can’t customise your own site, then buy a good theme from somewhere like Theme Forest. Nothing, and I mean nothing is more off putting that a badly designed site, or one that is ugly to look at. Choose a livery/colour palette that will display your art to advantage, avoid heavy primary colours. First rule of web design, less is more. Don’t overload your blog with widgets, it looks tacky and untidy. Keep it simple, with good clean design, judicious use of white space, easy navigation. Include a ‘Bio’ or ‘About’ page and a ‘Testimonials’ page (make sure that you link back to the source). People want to know about you, and want want to connect. Testimonials are important as it indicates reliability and integrity. Blog regularly, and not just about yourself. Include posts about other artists, and current trends, fashions, etc. DON’T put a hit counter or ‘who is online’ button on your site. That is very early ’90s’ and makes you look like an amateur, believe me! So, that’s it for the moment, nothing else occurs to me off the top of my head. As I said, if you think I have missed…

Something different…

30/08/2011

So, now my shows and projects are done for the summer, I am taking a bit of a rest from painting for a couple of months to concentrate on illustrative work, new ideas, my online shops, and ‘gently’ persuading some local shops and galleries to show/sell my work.

Creative + Passionate + Inspired