Newbie Web Designer

[Gareth48]

Hello,

I took an earlier retirement from the University of Wisconsin to devote myself to full-time design work. During my tenure with UW I did contract portrait work on the side so I have been involved in the arts for about 40 years.

I have recently created my own company with my own website. The more I got into this I started asking myself: "do I have any talent at all for this stuff or is this some kind of pipe dream?"

The bottom line is I would really appreciate some feedback from folks who have been doing this for a lot longer than I have. My site is not yet entirely completed however. The "bio" "webdesign" and "portraiture" are, at this point, the only active links. I guess I would like feedback on my overall approach to design: do I have something to offer my potential clients? Or should I think about becoming a "Greeter at Walmart" or maybe a garbage man.

If my work stinks OK, I need to know that so I can stop wasting my time. My site address is: http://www.lucisdesign.com

I thank you in advance for your input!

Gareth

 

[LeetPCUser]

The site is amazing. Only thing is pictures load a little slow. Other than that I can't find anything I dislike!

BTW I go to Whitewater!

 

[leviathon]

+Great colours!
+Beautiful yet simple layout
+Good, clear text


-I'm not a big fan of the way your link:hover works. I don't like it when hover involves font-weight change. But that's just me


Overall:
It's a beautiful site! And yes like Bryan said you can try optimizing the pictures.

 

[Gareth48]

Bryan,

Thank you so much for your kind comments. As a matter of fact I live out side of Whitewater in the Town of LaGrange! Small world! By the way, what was your impession of my portrait work?

The pictures are light as I can make them. Mostly PNG's which should take up little bandwidth but I'll certainly check into it.

Thanks again!

Gareth

Tony,

Thank you for your kind comments. I don't like the the hovers either. I just did that the other day to see how it would work. I think is takes away from the cleaness I'm trying to maintain.

I'll work on the graphics. I'm using PNG's maybe I'll switch to GIF's and see if that makes a difference.

Thanks again!

Gareth

 

[Something Vague]

Hey Gareth48 - let me start you off with saying, you aren't wasting your time. You are certainly off to a fantastic start in web design.

Kickass:

• The collage is eye candy. Once I opened your website, I was very impressed with your collage on the right-hand side. Immediately, as a customer views your website, I think they will be triggered into hiring your services.
• Link Rollover is great. It was nice, gave the site some edge.
• Unique Structure. Your website has a unique layout. Usually most websites stick with the 1, 2 sometimes 3 column figure - your template is very loose, very simple, and looks wonderful.

Needs Some Loving:

• Keep It Consistant. I noticed when I would click "bio" for example, in the navigation, the link to your biograpahy would disapear. I know why you would do that - but most often websites keep the navigation bar consistant.
• Big Empty Space. So, I was reading your website, got down to the copyright, figuring that's all. I scroll further down, and there is a huge gap of empty space below your copyright. I would try and fix that, or put some content there.
• You're good, let's hire you. But we can't, on the website there is no informating regarding how to contact you! As well details like price range, time per service, etc.
• Expand Yourself. I think you should expand your services page (like mentioned), and add a few more pages on. Things like "pricing", "portfolio". Your collage is pretty but customers might like to see a portfolio of your work, and a price range on how much a master peice will cost.

What's the COOL FACTOR? 7/10

Work on getting more content out on the pages, and get ready for some serious working sir because quite frankly - you've got talent. It's rare these days, but I believe in ya.

Keep Rocking,

CWN

 

[Gareth48]

Tony,

I changed the hovers back to normal. You're right they work much better. The change in colour was too stark.

Gareth

Chris,

Thanks for taking the time for viewing and commenting on my site. Your comments are well taken. I'm planning on adding much more and will work on the consistency of my links. I'm getting there but being a perfectionist I refuse to post anything "just to get it done." Being in the business yourself I'm sure you will understand.

I have much stuff waiting in the wings but before I went any further I wanted to obtain feedback from folks whom I felt were in a better position than I to judge such things.

Thanks again for your kind comments...I'll keep rocking!!

Gareth

 

[leviathon]

Tony,

I changed the hovers back to normal. You're right they work much better. The change in colour was too stark.

Glad I could be of a help

You're going to become a well-known web-designer in no time if you keep on producing works like these! :yell:

 

[fmauniverse]

Site review

Hi. The template looks quite basic and really unique. It's really clear, has a beautiful picture and a nice colour pallet navigation bar. I personally really like it, even it's simple.

Good luck with your site!

Overall Rating: 9,5/10

Regards.