Nashville, TN: Half a year ago (half a year ago already?!), my website was
spammed. I suppose it was time for a change anyway, so I took it as an opportunity to give the site a bit of a facelift. In the creative industry that I work in, you'd think it would be fairly easy to find a web designer. Not so much. Though there are many listings for companies and freelancers and even DIY sites when you google
"web design," finding someone who can provide exactly what you're looking for is a bit of a challenge.
This is not the first time I've had this dilemma and a part of me just thinks I should learn how to do it myself so I won't have to bother with finding someone else to understand my vision and work with me to create it. However, I'm not quite ready to undertake a huge lesson in another foreign language (especially since I'm about to start classes for another one next week!), but I do have a little hindsight 20/20 for others looking to start or expand or revamp their presence on the world wide web.
1. Find someone local: This is something I didn't think would be that big of a big deal. However, I learned that meeting with someone face to face gives the designer an opportunity to get a feel for your personality and get a better idea of what you might be looking for in a finished product. Though I love the convenience of email, you can't read tone or intonation and confusion or misinterpretation may occur.
2. Know the difference between a web designer and web programmer: Though you may be presented a killer design, make sure that the technical aspects are worked out as well. If you have photos or music hosted, make sure they are being directed to your site correctly and that there is an easy way for you to upload them yourself. And although most people SHOULD be on Macs, the majority of the world still lives on PCs, so check to make sure the setup for the site looks the same on both systems.
3. Ask the right questions: You don't necessarily have to speak the language, but if you're looking for something basic that you can edit yourself, clarify that your site is being designed on HTML or even Wordpress. Something like Ruby on Rails is for more advanced web development and is more costly in regards to hosting. If you don't need something that advanced, make sure it's not being developed that way without your knowledge.
4. Get specific about money: It's difficult to discuss money when you really don't know what you're going to run into once Pandora's box is opened. It's good to start with an overall figure of how much a site revamp or creation is going cost you. But make sure you are updated often on the process and how the money is being allocated. Once you know the creative portion has reached so many hours or cost so many dollars, you can reevaluate and figure out if you want to spend more money to push forward or are happy with it as is. Communication is key. Remember: it is not unreasonable to be informed when you are the client and the one paying the bill.
5.
It is what it is... for now: As a
Type A, it's hard to let go of something if it's not perfect or if there are still some unresolved issues. However, I'm learning that sometimes you just have to say
"ok, I'm done" and move forward with whatever you have. Because the good news is:
things change. For good and bad, nothing stays the same. So, take life as it comes, learn from your mistakes and achievements and know that you can always try it again.
My goal is to keep blogging, keep updating my gallery of photographs and keep living 2011 with
enfocar. And now... enjoy the new and improved
snellycat.com!