Reflecting Time Redesign

Several months ago I started a redesign for Reflecting Time Productions - Michael's business website. And last week I had a little time now that I am done with my big postcard project so I worked on it and got it up. I am really happy with how it turned out. I still need to add graphic art to the services but Michael is better at writing the little blurbs for them.

Just a screen shot....click on the link to actually see the site.

Reflecting Time

All-in-one Website Design/Hosting

Recently I came upon several artists we are acquainted with that got their website at an all-in-one place. It is a place where you can get hosting, domain, and then you can "design" your own site by simple selecting colors, layout and such but not actually design it. Which of course means most of the sites there end up looking very similar because there isn't any design to it. Those kind of sites also really limit what you can do to them. You can't have add-ons that might enhance your website. You can only go with what they allow. But really that isn't my problem with them even though I don't like it as it doesn't really express anything unique about the artist. But my main problem is that the company owns the domain. And yes I read their faq saying they will "happily" transfer it over but I wonder how hard it is actually. And their faq answer to why you should just let them handle the domain is VERY misleading. It is basically scaring the customer into just leaving it to them. If any of those artists want to move their site so that they can design something different or add on anything, the all-in-one site might fight or not relinquish the artist's website. So they are trapped in it. And that bothers me a great deal.

And just to note I am not upset that the artists didn't go with us to design their website - yes it would be great if they did but I do understand why people go with the all-in-one. It is quick, inexpensive and easy way to get yourself on the web. I would rather them choose any designer over places like the all-in-one because of all the problems that can come up with an all-in-one type site.

Web Design Tip Series: Ads

I am going to be doing a series of blog entries for making your website the best it can be but they will be posted at Reflecting Time Productions.

A little excerpt:

I have designed quite a few websites ranging from businesses to artists and one of the things people look to do is find ways on how to generate a little extra income to help offset the cost of maintaining their website. There is a growing trend among website owners to put ads on their website or blog. As tempting as this might be, most of the time it is not a very good idea.

Read the reasons why not to put ads on your website.

Artspace & Open Studio

There is a great group here in Grand Junction called Artspace & Open Studio. Michael and I are working on their website. It is going to be a pretty big website so it will take a few months to get it going. But for now I put up a temporary site to keep people up-to-date.

Artspace & Open Studio

Weekend is HERE!

We went to Ocean's 13 yesterday. We both really enjoyed it but Ocean's is I would say one of Michael's favorites. Thursday's tend to be the day Michael tries not to do any work. When owning your own business you know how it can become a 24/7 thing as I remember all too well. So I am glad he makes an effort to take at least one day with no business.

I designed Michael a new work website last night and I really like it...now I just need my code to play nice with firefox so I can upload it and make it live! ugghh! But the image is a preview until I can get it coded right.

Tomorrow will be busy. Making a pie in the morning. Then we are going to the Art show and sale at the Gallery B&B. They will have their resident artists and also quite a few other artist and some other handmade goods. On the postcard we got for it there was a bracelet that looks so neat..like a weaving. After that we will be going to friends for dinner. They are always fun to hang out.

Website!

Well it is official....

Darbyart.com is up and working!