Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! Evan Signature
Evan Carmichael Top Header
Share for a Cause









Tips for Web Design

Written by: James Keough

Article Overview: Many factors contribute to excellent Web design. Read the following tips to gauge against your own efforts. We hope that it helps.

Free Download - SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION OVERVIEW By James Keough
Name: Email:

Tips for Web Design

Web design is a medium of aesthetic expression in which designers take pride. The connection to business lies in well crafted and user friendly sites being more intriguing and visited by potential customers. Like any medium, the standards and 'vogue' practices will not remain static; web commerce warrants an appeal of originality mixed with efficiency. The bar will constantly be raised in the domain of web design services. The following is not so much an immediate and specific culmination of suggestion, but is fashioned for means of timeless reference:


Do some preparation-


Designing as in writing, involves many steps to get to a final product. One of the most important steps of web design takes place off the web. Conducting steps of preparation before beginning to apply skill on a page is very necessary. Having a sketch pad or chalkboard handy to create a vision of what things will look like once they are page is a very helpful method of preparation. This will not only help in generating and augmenting ideas, but will increase the speed of production. There are wireframe software applications that will allow you to do this if seeing it on screen is beneficial for your creative skills.



Give it time-


Sometimes things and ideas don't seem to congeal well. This may be due to your present state of mind or taste. If you are amidst a time of confusion or 'designer's block,' move on to something else for an hour, hours, or day, and then come back to it. Sometimes creativity needs to breath. A better idea, a new perspective, or the decision to take a different approach altogether, may present itself after some time off.



"Time will tell."



It is not all online-


Many artists gain inspiration outside of their immediate medium. Get away from the computer screen and take some time to look at other art mediums. Visit a museum, peruse art rich magazines, look at photo books, and any other source that may showcase art (it is everywhere). A good idea is to carry around a disposable camera (a digital one if you can afford it) and a notepad to jot down some ideas. Many times ideas will leave us just as quickly as they embrace us if we rely on short-term memory. Do not only take advantage of art found in the current age, but visit art from previous periods; they can either be reinvented or built upon.



Consult birds of a feather-


There are many blogs and online forums where one can find others who are in the same industry and willing to comment on and exchange ideas. If you work in a business with a limited amount of designers (maybe you are the only one) this will limit your sense of critique if looking for second opinions. It is good to seek different opinions, but getting feedback from others in your field will be a much more enriching experience. There is also something to be said about 'going with your own instincts.' Sometimes the most 'genius' ideas were 'ridiculous' before they became a 'success.'



"The man with a new idea is a Fool until it succeeds."




Be a scholar of your craft-


The best artists are those who constantly study their work, the work of others, and their medium in general. Engage yourself in literature, expos, conversation, and other resources that are tied to your craft. Most likely you became a designer based on a general love or interest; if you are still in the field, then this is something that must be continuously procured. Knowing your medium inside and out will only improve your capabilities and enumerate resources for ideas and inspiration.



Look from all angles-


Many times an artist (web designers specifically) will get into a routine as far as how they go through the actual design process. It may be a good idea to take the design approach from different angles now and then to see if this stymies or stimulates efficiency and creativity. Many designers will begin with the header and then continue to work on the smaller aspects of the page. Is this a golden rule or act of habit? Of course there are no rules in creativity; try to change your angle to see if it will become a benefit.



"Foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds; practiced by little poets, priests, and philosophers."



Be happy and never be satisfied-


You may be a very successful website designer or a novice that is doing very well. Success sometimes breeds contentment and this will only become an impediment. If you have had success, most likely that means that you have some real talent. As far as I know, the muses have not placed a limit on creativity and talent, so keep up the good work! If you have had success with one style or design do not disband your ideas but leave opportunity for expansion. Sometimes you may be doing a project a disservice by applying your 'usual' dynamics to it. Constantly pursue your best and when you think you have achieved it, redefine what it is.

Related Articles
  5 Important Flash Web Designing Tips to Enhance the Look of the Website
  Things to do before you hire a web design company
  All you need to do before hiring a web design company
  Get a Custom Logo Design and watch your Business Grow
  4 Cool Website Design Ideas

Home > SEO > James Keough > Tips for Web Design
Article Tags: designers, designers, preparation, The connection, Web design, web designers



Related Forum Posts
Business Tips Business Tips - How about: Tips for managers to handle employees more effectively? Tips on how to deal with difficult customers? Tips on how to deal more effectively with suppliers? The only three I have in mind right now, but will try to come up with something else. Chris
Re: Top Banner Help Re: Top Banner Help - [quote:35xjo6uq]Good job on the banners BennyBoy![/quote:35xjo6uq] No probs:) I agree Online Marketing and Publicity Search Engine Optimization - Web Design and Programming Blogging also may be... Web Design Tutorials Looking to Hire - jobs section Interesting Articles / websites
Re: what position to request? Re: what position to request? - Hi Michael, Great suggestion from David, or you could try something around a design consultancy, How about Website Design Consultant, Design and Development Manager, Website Support and Development Manager or maybe Internet Business Development Consultant. Ultimately whatever you are comfortable with and good luck for the future, Mal.
Re: Using Craigslist SEO to Promote Your Website Re: Using Craigslist SEO to Promote Your Website - Great Craiglist Tips for driving traffic. I can definitely use these to drive traffic to my blog.
Elevator Pitch in 10 Words Elevator Pitch in 10 Words - "Winning Business Design For Aspiring Entrepreneurs Based On Their Idea"


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.



Featured Article


Bottom Footer
Share for a Cause












Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Popular Articles

Emotional Energy is Our Engine

Intro to Search Engine Optimization

Selling with Humor (and a Sorry Butt)

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.