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My Web Design Style
 
I believe clean styling and sensible page architecture serve to highlight your content and convey your message most effectively. My original designs tend to be lean and modern. I'm influenced by Zen-style design where simplicity is timeless and beautiful, however I am comfortable working in a variety of styles based on my clients' requests.

My Approach to Web Design   
 
I wholeheartedly support the standards and practices of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) whose job it is to ensure web content is delivered consistently to the majority of users. If that statement does not mean much to you, consider this ... employing web standards provides tangible benefits to clients: my sites are generally optimized to load pages quickly, function logically, and display consistently regardless of browser or platform. This gives you improved accessibility, maintenance, extensibility, and exposure. Don't get me wrong, it is rather commonplace for me to "inherit" web design projects that may be far from the standards that I use when starting from a blank canvas. I try to update those sites when appropriate. It is important to me that I give your information the best chance to seen by the most people, with the least amount of technical difficulty inflicted upon them.

My Target Web Design Clients    
  
Many of my clients aren't seeking anything more than one website project - their own informational website. Some believed they could not afford to have a web presence or professional site design. A few have attempted the DIY approach with limited success. That is because a professional site is the sum of its parts. In spite of the technological and user-friendly advances in software, you still require quality in coding, graphics, and content to make your site stand out. I can deliver in all of those areas.

   These are the areas where I believe my services can make the most impact...

Small Business Clients: With my background, I feel uniquely qualified to address the design needs of a small business while being cognizant of your mandates and budget. I have helped these types of clients with corporate identity improvements and electronic marketing programs. As a graphic artist I am readily available to help you launch a new image, idea, or campaign. However, my business brain also understands the need and importance of preserving your brand. If you already have a design concept in place, I am happy to work with your existing collateral to ensure we do just that.    
  
Retail Business Clients: All over the country I see a great need for inexpensive web services targeting the small consumer-based business community. Retail upstarts, Mom & Pop's, boutiques, eateries, etcetera - all deserve their place in the Internet Age without it costing a small fortune for design or upkeep. I specialize in helping these folks present themselves in the most favorable light. If you have no online presence or are struggling with a sub-standard do-it-yourself design by yourself or "the kid down the street" - you should contact me, now.     
   
Personal Clients: Many individuals want or need a visually communicative way to share their life experiences, creative output, or personal interests online. I get requests from families, newlyweds, and travelers along with amateur cooks, musicians, poets and photographers. All are seeking their own personal space on the web. The self-promotion gamut ranges from musicians sharing their music, to traditional artists or photographers who desire an online gallery, to families that wish to share photos or happenings with their loved ones. The "My Space" boom was born from this market segment and serves its purpose for many, but having your own website makes a much bolder statement of who you are and what you need to say.

Clients I Recommend to Others  
    
As a digital media creator, I certainly would not discourage the use of cutting-edge web design when appropriate. The simple fact is those uber-design techniques consume quite a bit of time, and therefore money, to produce. If you are seeking a high-end, multimedia, full-motion extravaganza - I'm not your guy. I simply do not have the manpower needed to produce that type of site in a timely fashion. The same is true for full-fledged e-commerce sites. I can do them - but a larger firm will do it faster and will be able to handle the "back-office" payment processing details for you.

Startup Costs
 
If you are a small business or individual wishing to establish a web presence, there is a small investment required. Yes, there are some "free" web hosting services out there. I strongly advise against them. You always get what you pay for and, in this case, free is no bargain. You will be subjected to limited space, functionality, and features along with annoying pop-up ads and additional scrutiny by spam filters and ad-blockers that can limit your exposure. This can leave your audience with a very negative impression of you or your business.
 
For what you get in return, web hosting is extremely affordable. Design charges aside, the cost of establishing a domain name (i.e. www.yoursite.com) and having a service provider host your site can be just a few dollars a month depending upon your needs! Having your own site provides the added benefit of establishing your own email accounts for you or your entire business. No more @aol, @gmail, @hotmail, etc. - these are all great services but do nothing to enhance or promote you.
 
I can setup and maintain a website with a major service provider or the provider of your choosing. I simply charge a small administration fee to do so - all other charges are passed through to you with no markup. If you would prefer to stay out of the technical loop, I can host your website for you for as little as five dollars a month. Contact me for details.
 
If you already have a website and desire an upgrade, I can do that as well. I require administrator access to your site to make changes and upload files. If you are under contract with another web design firm or service provider, I can assist or coach you in transferring administrative control. I can also help you transfer your entire domain to a new service provider for cost reasons if that is your desire.

Estimating Your Design Costs
 
Every web project is different and it would be nearly impossible to provide you with an intelligent quote without gathering more information about your needs and goals. Expect some back and forth dialog so I can ascertain what it will take to deliver your system and assign a fair price for the service. There is no charge for this process. Please use the contact form to provide information, ask questions, or request a quote. I will respond to you promptly.

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