My graphic design site

[toozerosickz]

Simple, gets what I want across. Small size for 56kers.


http://www.kalibermedia.com/

Most samples are over a year old besides a couple.

[YvetteKuhns]

I see a white page with something tiny in the center. The gray text is difficult to see or read. Click to enter is sad to see on a page and I am not a big fan of splash/intro pages. If a visitor doesn't see what he/she wants on the first page, he/she will leave.

Optimized for IE will turn off people using another browser. Many graphics designers use a Mac and don't use IE, but then your target audience is probably mostly using IE. Of course, you are requesting them to do so to view your website anyway. ;)

Another turn off is to see site counters on a web page. Use webstats. It is not helpful to your target audience to see that information, but it may be helpful to your competitors. Your web page space should have useful and/or attractive contents to your target audience.

I clicked to enter and a little popup window opened. I usually close them and many people have popup blockers. (I used to have a popup blocker, but it interfered with useful Javascript, so I removed it.) That window is SO SMALL and I could barely view the text. I have seen a few graphics designers create sites this way, because they don't know anything about search engines.

I clicked Portfolio and there are thumbnails in that green hue to match the color scheme. I clicked a thumbnail to get yet another popup to view the image. That time it was expected and acceptable. The rap style graphics are very fresh, attractive and professional. Nice job here!

The contact link is a mailto link which no longer works. A link to a page that shows your name, address, email address, phone number and business (calling) hours is more professional. You can make this info appear in an image if you are worried about spam bots. Personally, I just want my clients to reach me. ;)

I never put a PayPal verified seal on my website and I do accept other forms of payment. Your site doesn't describe services in any detail, accepted forms of payment, terms of service, or even an about us page. Oh, the Home page has some "about us" style info, but not how long you are in business, education or something to make you credible to your potential clients.

The list of services do not link to pages or the portfolio as expected. The title tags should have your best keyword phrases in them. The meta description and keywords should be on every web page and customized to match the contents. The links page is normally where you provide links to sites that link back to yours to help your link popularity and ranking on Google.

So, the graphics are fantastic, but the web site could use a redesign. I was definitely loving the graphics. :)

[toozerosickz]

Thanks for that in depth info. I'm pretty happy with my graphic design and not so good with websites. I'll take those into consideration.

[elise]

It's a very unique concept. I've never ever seen anyone design a site like this before. Stay creative man, keep pushin the envelope.

[Kaduce]

love it

[YvetteKuhns]

It's a very unique concept. I've never ever seen anyone design a site like this before. Stay creative man, keep pushin the envelope.

First, it is NOT unique. There are a few graphics design schools here in Pennsylvania that have been teaching students this bizarre method of design. While unique, unusual and different sets you apart, it is still important for your audience to be able to view your website easily.

I remember reviewing some portfolios while my husband sat beside me. He is not a web designer, graphics designer or someone very experienced with computers. But he could be a potential client for someone who is. He stares at the really cool index page (usually an intro page - click to enter, with no navigation menu) and has no idea what to do.

He doesn't know to mouse around until the pointer changes from an arrow to a pointing finger. He doesn't know where to click to get to the next page. He thinks there is only ONE page to the website. Remember your target audience and what you want them to see. Of course, improving your search engine ranking is helpful, but graphics designers are usually more interested in "the look".

Most people are conditioned to close popup windows which is why I suggested you question using them. Some people think Flash intros are cool, but most people skip the intro to get to the website. Most people search online to find something, so make it easier for them to find it.

I had to post again, because it scares me to see people say they like that design. Imagine if all sites were designed that way. I didn't get a 19 inch monitor to see only a quarter of the page used! ;)

[mjp]

I'd have to reinforce what Yvette is saying about the site. And add that I went in, clicked *maybe* two links and had four browser windows open. At that point I left. I didn't click anything else because I didn't want to have to close 15 browsers when I was finished with the site.

Overall the design is very hostile. Meaning you are forcing too much of what you want onto your user (tiny sizes, multiple browsers, etc.).

[Kazuya_UK]

I pretty much agree with what yvette is saying, but if you really want to use that design (it is kinda cool but not my personal preference at all :)) then I'd at least use a black font or something as that would make it a bit easier to read. Also with the sample thumbnails being so small it's kinda hard to appreciate the work on there, you've got to click each individual one to have any real idea what it is (maybe you could include a larger gallery link for people with faster connections?). I suppose you could say it looks kinda stylish, but I prefer functionality over stylishness or uniqueness myself :)

Anyways I appreciate the fast loading time and as I said the design is something you don't see often, but it's the impression your prospective customers get from it that is most important.

Kaz