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Posts Tagged ‘web design’
Why Hiring a Freelance Designer Can Help Your Project Succeed
8/2/2011 2:46 PM By William PirragliaMany small businesses would never consider hiring a full-time designer for their company. However, some growing businesses find the need to turn to designers more frequently and begin to question whether they should hire someone full time or if bringing in a freelancer is a better choice. These reasons strongly support turning to freelance designers as a solution.
Flexible staffing
When you hire a permanent employee for design work you are locked into that individual’s skill set. So while they may be an outstanding graphic designer, their web design skills may not be as strong. Using freelance designers allows you to match an individual’s strong points to your different projects.
A fresh perspective
Salaried employees make decisions based on what is best for their careers and are sometimes afraid to be honest for fear of losing a job or promotion. Freelance workers can bring not only honesty without fear of backlash, but they also bring with them new ideas and experiences that can help drive a project forward.
Focus on the project
Freelance designers know that you are their client and if they want repeat business or recommendations, they need to remain focused 100% on the project they are working on. Unfortunately for salaried employees, they are often given a multitude of different projects to work on simultaneously so they cannot dedicate their time entirely to one over another.
Cost savings
Business success depends on capital resources. Salaries are usually one of the greatest expenses that a business has to contend with. However, by using freelance talent you can pay the market price for quality workers while still saving money that can be used to grow your business.
Five Qualities to Look for when Hiring a Freelance Designer
8/1/2011 4:22 PM By Jeff Orloff
Whether you are looking to hire someone on a freelance salary or on a per-project basis, you want to make sure you have the right designer for the job. While there are many questions that you can ask during the hiring process – unless you already know what kind of answers you want to hear – you may be going into this stage somewhat blindly.
When interviewing freelancers, be on the lookout for the following five qualities to help ensure you get the best candidate for the job or project.
#1 Talent
The best way to weed out applicants that certainly won’t work out is to gauge their talent. This may seem obvious, but it can be easy to be swayed by someone’s charm or professional connections. Looking over their work, you need to ask yourself, Can this freelance designer get the job done the way I want? If the answer is no, send a polite regret notice and continue searching.
#2 Experience
The second thing to look for is experience. Not just general experience, but experience in the project for which you are hiring. Also, it is important that they have experience in the technologies you will be working with so there are no compatibility issues. It’s also worth mentioning that the number of years is not always indicative of ability, so when interviewing a candidate, ask questions pertaining to depth of experience.
#3 Engagement
Do you get the feeling that you are just another job for the freelancer? If so, then move on to the next name on your list because he or she might not put the effort in their work you deserve. Look for someone who cares about your project and takes a general interest in what you are trying to accomplish.
#4 Flexibility
Your freelance designer should do what it takes to work with you and your schedule, within reason. Make sure that the freelancers you hire are flexible when it comes to deadlines, as well, meaning they respect them but also don’t moan if an assignment is pushed back.
#5 Dependability
Lastly, you want to hire a freelance designer that you know is dependable. He or she should meet deadlines, deliver work as promised and respond to communications in a timely manner. If this last quality is uncertain, then you may be left with a product you are disappointed with and a bad taste in your mouth.
Where To Find Freelance Web Designer Jobs
7/22/2011 12:34 PM By Jeff OrloffFinding freelance web designer jobs has become increasingly difficult over the years because of advancements in technologies that have made it much easier for people who haven’t necessarily mastered the same skills as web coders to put up a working website. Add this to the fact there are so many freelance web developers and designers out there, it’s no wonder so many talent prefer a fulltime job over freelance work to secure employment.
Even though web design opportunities may not be as easy to find as they once were, there are still many avenues to connect with potential clients.
Networking
Most freelance work is found through word of mouth. A friend of a colleague needs a website for their new business or your Aunt Sally wants to start a customized blog for her book club. Talking to people and letting them know you are looking for clients can have a huge impact on your business. Add this to referrals you have from existing clients and you may quickly find yourself with more work than you can handle.
Clean-up work
Another way to find clients is to look for people who need their website redesigned. Websites that are built on old frameworks or have outdated design and capabilities are perfect places to start. Many freelancers also find work from people who didn’t get the quality they expected from a less expensive “designer” they hired.
Freelance talent agencies
One of the best ways to find work is through freelance recruitment firms. They not only connect you with quality clients, but they can be a huge help with billing, communicating and interceding if there are any problems or disputes. Working with reputable agencies also allows the company you are working with know that you too can be trusted to perform the job at hand.
Three Advantages to the Freelance Web Designer Skill Set
7/14/2011 2:54 PM By Jeff Orloff
The web is an ever-evolving world, and no one understands this better than web designers. Those who have been in the industry since the beginning have seen web pages move from static text-only content to multi-media rich sites to robust web applications.
For freelance developers and designers that have managed to remain relevant in this industry for a long time, much of their success can be attributed to the fact that they are willing to change and learn new skills. Younger web coders need to follow this example if they too want continued employment throughout their career.
Three skills that a designer at any level or stage in their career should seriously consider learning are user experience design, HTML5 and CSS3.
User experience design is nothing new. Web pioneers like Jakob Nielsen have long been preaching the need for designers and developers to create websites that consider human factors, not just technologies. In addition to making a website more friendly to visitors, good UX design also reduces technical problems, avoids unnecessary design elements and expedites development because less time and resources are spent on things that don’t matter to business (and website) goals. Despite the benefits of UX design practices, many designers and developers ignore them.
HTML5 is the latest version of HTML standard, and while it is still in its early stages of adoption there will be a time in the near future when designers will have to move to it entirely. There are some radical changes between HTML4 and HTML5 that effect the way websites are built, so freelance web designers need to be prepared.
CSS3 release has been broken down into modules, unlike its predecessors, where the entire specification was released at once. Web designers and developers can begin to familiarize themselves with the added capabilities and features in modules that are considered stable and expand their skill set as newer ones are released.
The Evolutionary Role of the Interactive Designer
7/11/2011 1:59 PM By William PirragliaWhether you are a freelance or full-time interactive designer, be aware that your professional role is constantly evolving. Coined in the late 1980s, the term “interaction design” was intended to express a combination of the concepts of industrial and user interface design. Fast forward to the present, and you’ll find a growing need for interactivity with both websites and social media, rapid technological advances and expanding e-commerce organizations.
New web developer careers demand more than impressive CSS/HTML skills, design talent, JavaScript skills and raw technical ability. Interactive designers must now understand their employer’s business objectives, be able to create an appealing design and know how to construct a platform that is reliable on a 24/7 basis.
The job focus has evolved from melding hardware and software technology into user and audience interface targets. The traditional human-computer interaction now stresses the “human component” first. Designers then adapt the technology to the person - not vice versa.
A salaried full-time interactive designer will usually be responsible for maintenance and updates on a long-term basis. An effective user-friendly design can serve companies for years that requires more fresh content and tweaking rather than massive core design changes.
The strong influence of social media has modified the interactive definition to include the requirement to inform and entertain visitors. Using social networks as sales channels requires engaging prospects and giving them reasons to care about the company and its products or services. Only then will the prospect consider becoming a paying customer.
These days, successful interactive professionals are part web designers, engineers, information architects and strategy “interpreters.” If you’re a freelancer, you can decide to be one of these specialists, or take on the role of a fulltime designer employee serving the entire spectrum of duties.
Web Developer Careers Expand with E-Commerce
7/7/2011 4:26 PM By William PirragliaWeb developer careers cover a vast professional territory. Working long hours, these professionals often plan, design and create websites for companies of all different sizes, industries or geographical locations.
Your talent, experience level and portfolio typically determine the type of jobs you’ll attract. For example, if your hand-coding skills are superior but website conception ability is less impressive, you might flourish by creating a dynamic website using another’s plan. Conversely, should you possess proven website conception, design, content and management skills, you may qualify to perform turnkey assignments for clients.
As e-commerce continues to expand and the economy improves, web developer careers and jobs will continue to flourish. Interactive e-commerce websites demand logic and security as much as they require creativity and aesthetics. Since websites are “open” 24/7, a freelance or full-time interactive designer typically works long hours, particularly if they also manage the site for their employer.
Creating a compelling website is only one skill employers seek. Maintaining the site’s excellence and relevance involves installing cutting edge security; infusing a stream of fresh, engaging content; keeping the website up and functioning; and ensuring the site’s ongoing contribution to a company’s specific marketing and sales strategies.
The social media explosion is creating even more web developer careers. Since these sites feature opportunities for conversations that engage customers and prospects, web developers should have a feel for this media in addition to employing top level technical skills. As smart phones proliferate, web developers with mobile application talent will enjoy even more job opportunities.
Successful web developers can emerge from a variety of different paths. Among the relevant careers that produce outstanding developers, these are the most common:
- Web designers
- Web programmers
- Web producers that coordinate functions and departments to keep websites relevant and content-driven
- Interactive project managers that are team and deadline oriented, with ability to lead others and achieve company goals
- Content developers – whether text, audio or video experts – who understand the needs of web and social media development
As employers offer new opportunities, web developers should define their individual skills and job wish lists. If the allure of a diverse job description – which includes design, programming, production or content development – is attractive, web developer careers may be a perfect match for your talent. Depending on your expertise, compensation follows your responsibility levels. Compensation ranges vary widely from around $25,000 up to $100,000+ per year for talented candidates.
Some Things to Expect as an Interactive Designer
6/21/2011 12:43 PM By ArtisanToday’s top websites are dynamic and media-rich, which require web designers and developers to engage visitors with strong content, graphics, animation and video to remain successful. From graphics and multimedia programs, these talent put together design concepts that enhance the aesthetic, usability and interaction.
But interactive designers don’t only work on websites. In fact, many different projects require the same skills such as:
- Learning management systems
- Video games
- Interactive television
- Information centers/kiosks
- Digital media (DVDs & CD-ROMs)
Skills
A successful interactive designer should be a creative, collaborative person in nature as they are responsible for things like user interface, visual design and layout while working with others. However, they also need to have serious technical understanding such as writing code in HTML, CSS and other programming languages.
Interactive designers need to have certain soft skills to be successful, as well. Like virtually any job, he or she needs to be organized and enjoy working in groups. Since interactive design is only part of a larger project, the ability to work independently to meet deadlines and communicate effectively is paramount. This type of work also opens people up to criticism and the need to make adjustments to their designs.
Job Outlook
The need for quality interactive designers is on the rise as web technologies and bandwidth availability has increased the capability for people to access media-rich websites, online games and online learning. Those who are new to the field can expect to make around $33,000 their first year while more experienced designers can make upwards of $75,000 to over $100,000 annually.
Interactive designers can often find work in large design studios; however, many people in this profession also choose to work as a freelancer so they have more control over the types of projects they work on. Even if employed by a design studio, it is common for interactive designers to work from home. The job may also require frequent travel so that the designers can communicate directly with clients.
While there is no formal education required to get into this field, there are industry certifications from companies like Adobe that can help show potential employers and clients that you are proficient in the tools required to do the job.
Basic Tips for Success as a Freelance Web Designer
6/9/2011 3:52 PM By William PirragliaFreelance web designers that capture the most consistent and lucrative assignments tend to follow characteristics and practices that employers seek. As is common to most superior endeavors, attention to detail often separates the great from the good. Prominent web designers and developers – just like athletes, writers and politicians - must perform consistently and concentrate on improving their skills. These simple but valuable tips should steer you in the right direction to help you attract the best opportunities.
- Design fast-loading websites. Animated, graphic-heavy pages may look exciting at first, but can then annoy visitors and customers. Unless you have a client that wants a site to simply show off, concentrate on fast, not flash.
- Use simple navigation designs. Sure, the web-literate community is rapidly expanding. However, even the most web savvy users appreciate simple navigation designs. It’s your responsibility to get them to where they want to be on your site as soon and easily as possible.
- Employ professional fonts only. Disregard creative but difficult-to-read fonts. Be professional – if your client mandates a particular font (which is rare) and you disagree, politely assert your reasoning.
- Compress and minimize images. Few wildly successful websites employ an abundance of images, unless of course images are the basis of their business. Compressing images you do use will facilitate fast downloads and avoid irritating customers.
- Use lots of white space. Remember, website clutter is a killer. Like effective print advertising, websites can be most effective when using a “less is more” approach. Avoid the temptation to include too many images, too much color or too many fonts. Stick to white space to keep visitors focused on your mission.
- Ceaselessly check for broken links and fix them. Before and after you publish, regularly check the site for broken links. It’s common for web designers to test links before publishing, but assume thereafter everything will be fine. Even internal links back to your own web-designed pages can be broken. Clients, understandably, become very cranky if their site includes one or more links to nowhere.
Web Design Tips Your Clients Will Appreciate
5/24/2011 2:40 PM By William PirragliaLittle is more important to freelance web designers (except making sure checks arrive on time) than creating a portfolio of buoyant clients and employers. Clients that love your work will give you more and shout praises from the corporate rooftop. These referrals are as valuable as cash.
While there are thousands of online web designer tips, many are targeted to beginners while others focus on purely technical issues. However, these few intermediate tips can make the difference between an outstanding website and a mediocre project.
- Always be sure that every page of a website contains something of value. Although this rule is often violated by amateurs, don’t subject visitors to fluff or useless pages. Make every page a source of valuable information.
- Do not use heavy animation, auto-scrolling text or distracting sound. Complex animation with sound is exciting. It can also be a “visitor killer.” Most clients want you to create a sticky website that keeps visitors interested and customers returning. Auto-scrolling text is an annoyance since everyone reads at different speeds. You cannot create auto-scroll speed that satisfies most visitors. Remember, car drivers believe everyone going faster than them is a maniac, while everyone driving slower is a grandma,
- Avoid pop-up windows. Pop-ups are irritating. The only time they make sense is with voluntary surveys, additional requested information or extra product notes/pictures. Even then, many visitors have installed pop-up blockers that prevent them from viewing this information. Find another method to accomplish your goal.
- Do not employ image backgrounds. Unless your employer mandates an image background, do not use one. First, this advertises the designer or company as an amateur. Second, the time it takes to load each page is an open invitation for the visitor to move to another website.
- Publish a link to the homepage on every screen. Give visitors a gateway to return to the homepage on every page. This tip is eminently basic but often neglected by top web designers. Compress all image files for faster loading. Would you rather wait for a 300k graphic to download or a 30k image? Like waiting in line at your favorite restaurant, visitors suffer high-level frustration with delays. Since you can compress images to accelerate load speed, do so.
- Make all text easy to read. While text size and font are always considerations, a greater challenge is a client-mandated color scheme that hinders ease-of-reading. Sufficient contrast between text and background is the common problem. Be firm and creative. Try to use your client’s preferred colors in subtle ways to maintain enough contrast to highlight text sufficiently to encourage easy reading.
- Keep ALL CAPS TEXT to the absolute minimum. Much like the contrast issue, using all caps must be minimized to avoid annoying visitors. All cap text not only loses the emphasis intended, it is hard to read and highly aggravating to site visitors. Limit your use to two consecutive words (maximum) and fewer than three or four in a paragraph longer than three sentences.
Our Talent Gives Back to Local Non-Profit Working Bikes
5/18/2011 8:03 PM By Julia Shiplett
We at Artisan feel very fortunate to do what we love with passionate people every day. That’s why we value opportunities to give back to organizations that improve the world we live in and proudly represent talent that share this sentiment.
As the brainchild of Designer Atom Groom, Our Digital Gift has evolved into an annual collaborative donation that grants a worthy not-for-profit organization in Chicago or Northwest Indiana with professional design and development services. Although often the most deserving of marketing efforts to raise awareness and leverage opportunities, non-profit organizations usually do not have the means for investment. However, we are pleased to announce this year’s grant recipient is Working Bikes, a cooperative that restores used and discarded bicycles to be sold and donated locally in order to raise money for international distribution.
Our very own Talent Representative Suzanne Shannon has actively volunteered with Working Bikes for a number of years now to help provide transportation to people from Guatemala all the way to Ghana. Atom and his team were inspired by the organization’s humble resources and big commitment – out of a small storefront on Western Avenue, Working Bikes makes a global impact by shipping bikes to second and third-world countries so others can become independently mobile. This can make the difference between having a job and providing food and clean water for your family.
As a tribute to their hard work, Our Digital Gift will be providing professional identity package such as a new logo, business cards and letterhead in addition to a new website with valuable content management tools installed. Written content and a social media presence will also empower Working Bikes by leveraging a stronger platform for communication and participation.
As Atom put it, if his team can offer Working Bikes more recognition to continue their work, then the organization can provide even more bicycles in more countries. “If that doesn’t make your neck tingle and your heart glow, I don’t know what would.… Just knowing in our hearts and minds that we are making a difference through our talents in this world is amazing.”
If you would like to learn more about opportunities with Working Bikes, please check here for volunteer and donation opportunities.
If you would like to contribute your design and/or development skills to Our Digital Gift, please check here for ways to get involved.
