Website Stuff | I want a new site, but don't know where to start!

Before you even THINK about getting a new website, you need to be prepared. The most difficult thing about putting a site together is that everyone has an idea, but not a plan.

Think of website as a map... Look at the big picture rather than start a page-to-page plan. We can guide you based on the industry standards, but you have to have a clue of what and how you want to present. A website is a Salesman that never sleeps, so make sure you are providing solid information to your target audience. Your web visitors will appreciate simple navigation and easy access to valuable information.

Here's a mini Check-list you should go by when consulting with us.

1. Domain Name: If you don't have a domain name (www.mycompany.com), you should start thinking about what you would like to reserve. Make sure you come up with at least 5, just in case the one you have your heart set on is taken. *btw - you are allowed multiple domains on a web host, so don't be scared to use more than one.

2. Content: Even if you don't have final copies of the content, make sure you have a good idea of what you want on your site and how many pages (more or less) you will need. Every industry is different, so look up your competitors to get an idea.

3. Budget: Websites can get expensive, so be sure you have a good idea of want vs. need. For example - Flash is cool for some businesses (full motion), but it's not necessary to make a powerful statement. Same applies for active server pages (ASP). If you are on a limited budget, you may want to look at alternative options.

Graphics Stuff | Low vs. High Resolution art

A big misconception that a lot of folks have is that once something is designed, it can be resized to any size and appear the same. That is SO incorrect. Here's the way it works - Graphics that are designed for the web don't have to be high resolution. The web browser only needs images at 72 dpi/ppi to be crisp, where as graphics that are for press need to be at a minimum of 300 dpi. - DPI stands for "Dots per Inch". The measurement of resolution for web, page printers, photo type setting machines and graphics screens. The more pixels per inch, the higher the quality of the image.

Makes no sense, right? Think of it this way. When you have a design that is created for print, it needs to be created at a large scale and high resolution so the final product is crisp and the images are sharp. If a graphic is created at a low resolution, and then the size is increased, the amount of pixels do not increase with the size - they remain the same (in quantity), therefore, the image becomes blurry.

It's completely the opposite from high to low resolution. If you have a high resolution image, in any size, it can be scaled down and never lose it's quality.

It's important to let us know if you will be using any graphics for print before asking us to start a design project.

That's it for now - If we come across any other "need to know" subjects, we will be sure to post them. *If you have anything that is design related that we can help answer - feel free to drop us a message by visiting our contact page.