Overview

 

Web design is something I really enjoy doing. I am proficient and experienced in simple web languages (such as HTML, XHTML, and CSS) as well as complex languages and frameworks required for dynamic, responsive websites (such as PHP, AJAX, Spry, etc). All my websites meet the standards set forth by the W3C, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is always available.

 

Creating a great website requires keeping several things in mind, the most important thing for a website is first functionality and secondly appearance. When I'm desiging a website for a customer the first thing I do is ask the client what they wish to convey and/or accomplish with the site. After establishing a functional framework I then build a visual layout to the customers tastes. For a more detailed examination of how I create websites for customers read the design process section underneath this paragraph.

 

Design Process

 

I use a similar approach for most of my website design projects, this make it easier for the cilent and myself to know exactly where the project is at any given moment. This also provides a time table for what the cilent can expect to see and when payments should be made. The 5 steps in my design process are listed and discussed below:

 

Step 1: Project Definition

 

The most critical step in the web design process is creating an accurate project definition. I like to start my websites with a basic outline for each page with headings (h1, h2, h3, etc.) and blocks of text. This keeps the site structure organized and makes it easier to manage while working on the cosmetic details. At this point is also when I will discuss and establish a time table and payment schedule with the customer. A contract will be prepared and delivered from myself to the client for both parties to sign, so that there will be no misunderstandings about anything related to the project.

 

Step 2: Design Visualization

 

This is the fun part of site design - choosing the visual layout, styles, and effects for the your website! During this stage I work with the client to create a unique and creative layout based on customer preference and specifications (or using my judgement if the cilent is indifferent). CSS and Java code can be used to create an almost limitless combonation of innovative site designs, for a great list of various website styles built on the same site framework check out the CSS Zen Garden.

 

Step 3: Site Programming

 

This is the tedious and complicated part of website creation, coding, programming and uploading the website. At this point in the I will use HTML, CSS, Java, and Ajax to write the code for the website so that the content and effects are presented properly. I use Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 on a Mac OS platform for the majority of my programming work.

 

Step 4: Testing

 

At this point in the design process I will upload the cilents website and associated files to my own personal server so that it can be thoughouly tested by myself and the client. I vigourously proof-check my sites with all major browsers so there is rarely any problems. This is a good oppertunity for clients to try their website out and make sure it meets all their expectations in terms of the content and presentation.

 

Step 5: Completion

 

Finished! At this point the website is completely done. I can send my customers their finished websites and supporting data through email, by hard copy (DVD), or any other means possible. If requested I can also include the original Photoshop and vector files used to create the website in the case that the cilent wants a 3rd party (or themselves) to upgrade their site in the future.

 

Web hosting and server space is currently not a service I provide, however for a nominal charge I am more than happy to help my customers set up their own hosting and domain accounts through GoDaddy. For more information on this please see my Hosting and Domains section futher down the page.

 

Web Design Portfolio

 

This is a selection of my website design work. Simply click on one of the headings in the brackets below to view a picture and information corresponding to the design project selected. This will not open a new window or navigate away from this page.

 

 

Hosting and Domains

 

The average person doesn't understand the technical aspects of maintaining a website, if you are one of these people - I'm happy to explain the details and assist you if needed. There are two crucial things needed for a functioning website, besides the websites and data themselves, these are a hosting server and a registered domain name.

 

Domain Names

 

A domain name is simply the address of the website, this tells a browser where to look for the webpages it is trying to find. Exampels of domains include "google.com," "usa.gov," and "tycho.usno.navy.mil." Most domain names can typically be bought for around $10-20.00 from domain name registrars such as GoDaddy, eNom, Tucows and Network Solutions, but more specific or highly desired domain names can draw a premium price - in extreme cases costing thousands of dollars.

 

Hosting Accounts

 

A hosting account is space on the internet that is rented (or bought in the case of a private server) for the purpose of storing a website on so that it can be viewed by other people from their own computers through the conduit of the internet. Most web hosting providers sell bandwidth (connectivity to your site through the internet) as well as hosting space. Hosting customers buy accounts based on how much bandwith they estimate they will use each month transmitting data, and the ammount of traffic that will be coming to their site, and the size of the webpages and elements themselves on the web servers. E-mail accounts are also managed through web hosting services, meaning that if you want a "name@yourdomain.com" e-mail account this can be established through the web hosting provider.

 

My Web Hosting
      And Domain Services

 

I understand that hosting and domains can be confusing and difficult for people to understand, so I'm happy to take care of this for my customers.

 

In almost all cases I will be able to buy and register your domain name for $15.00. If your desired domain name is not available or held by someone who is auctioning it for a higher price I will relay this information to you.

 

In terms of hosting space, I can arrange 10 GB of hosting space and 300 GB of banwidth for $10.00 (monthly) for my customers. More space and larger banwidth is available, as well as discounts for multi-year purchases. I will also be happy to set up email accounts and take care of any FTP uploads for a small fee.

 

Webmaster Services

 

My webmaster services include most of the aforementioned services (hosting and domain registration, FTP transfers, data management, registering e-mail addresses, etc.), as well as other routine monthly matinence funtions for your website. These matinence functions can include updating site information on a regular basis, keeping product offerings current, or uploading recent pictures as they become availalbe.

 

Due to the unique and specific nature of most websites it is difficult to detail the wide variety of website matinence and upkeep services I offer - but I am open to almost anything. Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information about my webmaster services. A contract will always be drafted and provided so that both parties are clear on the extent, cost, and scope of any agreement.