I have spent the past several weeks learning how to use the apple software for websites and after using web designers for more than ten years I decided it was time for me to find a way to do my own website building and maintenance. There are so many details to work through and I have not decided if my home page should include the paragraph that explains how to view the website, or if it would be best to leave it simple and without all the text. I am not going to activate this new site until September 3 and I am still trying to decide on many of the details within each of the pages. I have so much to learn.
New website, home page
New website, gallery page
Each of the galleries has it's own page with thumbnail images that can be enlarged. I am still working on details ... whether I should include haiku poetry like I do on my current site ... whether I should also include dimensions and medium, but the general layout is setup with the links to navigate through the site on the top of every page.
Each of the galleries has it's own page with thumbnail images that can be enlarged. I am still working on details ... whether I should include haiku poetry like I do on my current site ... whether I should also include dimensions and medium, but the general layout is setup with the links to navigate through the site on the top of every page.I also decided to switch my blog back to the darker background I used to have I (it matches my website). I tried using the plain white background for the past several months because I was told many galleries prefer the white as it makes viewing the art less distracting but I feel the colors in my work are more vibrant and pop when there is a dark background.
It's almost overwhelming, all the different choices with web design, and I enjoy learning and change. I am looking forward to taking charge of my internet presence and I am hoping the hardest part of all of this is getting setup correctly right at the start. I am open to any thoughts and feedback you might have about web design and preferences.
From an observer's standpoint, I would like an explanation paragraph on websites. Sometimes you land on a site and haven't a clue how to navigate it as there is nothing on it but an image! I like the dark myself!
ReplyDeleteHi Autumn,
ReplyDeleteSome websites do not engage the viewer, that's for sure! some websites are confusing, some just make it difficult to figure out and it's up to us as viewers to find a way to see the content (or not).
I have always felt it was important to have an easy navigation otherwise people just wont bother to take the time to figure it out. Also, we aren't all on the same learning curve and that makes some of the techie types at a huge advantage. What appeals to me about the apple software for websites is that it makes it real simple to just use one of the existing templates which is consistent and pretty much pre-determined in structure. I think having the same tabs at the top of every page will always allow the viewer to know where they need to go to see what they need to see. The problem is, some artists feel that it is more interesting to stick to "less is more" in terms of web design and that way you are able to focus more on the art. You then have to hope your viewer takes the time to figure out how to find and see the content.
This is just my take on it, and my personal preference. I hope I answered your question, Autumn.
Your website looks great. I admire your learning and "taking charge." I like the gallery page above; it gives me a title and a sample of where I might like to look next.
ReplyDeleteThanks, hw. I have so much more to learn about web design but I can't tell you how great it feels to be in charge. I just need to learn how to import and use my domain name but the website is now officially published!
ReplyDelete