Web Graphic Arts Design is a distinct skill from more traditional design mediums. In particular, the challenge as it relates to web design has to do with striking the necessary balance between form and function.
A website that looks great but is impossible to navigate is a real problem. Why? Because the objective for most sites is to provide a substantial return… a measurable return to the business, for instance.
Likewise, a utilitarian site that is easy to navigate and packed with great information but is an eyesore may fail to engage. Or, may not achieve the potential it has to impact the bottom-line to the degree it should.
Web Graphic Arts
Carving & Coding
Applying a Design
More and more, the line between Web Graphic Arts and Programming are being blurred. So that today’s graphic artist must be fluent in function (user conventions) as well as aesthetic.
involves taking Photoshop, Indesign, or other design files and “cutting” and “coding” them up in order to make them functional in the web environment (on a website).
involves taking already carved & coded files and applying them to a website platform (ie. think of it like putting siding & shingles & fixtures on the exterior of a framed-up house).
There are various degrees of quality as it relates to web design.
- Crappy – a crappy design can be a design that just looks bad and is off-putting or a beautiful design that ignores learned conventions
- Servicable – a design that is ho-hum. The design doesn’t detract from the experience, but also doesn’t inspire anyone.
serv·ice·a·ble/ˈsərvəsəbəl/
Adjective:
1. Fulfilling its function adequately; usable.
2. Functional and durable rather than attractive.
- Decent – a decent web design is one that is better than average in look and feel, while also minding the goal of converting visitors.
- Solid – a solid design looks better than most and has been User Path Optimized (heeds Learned Conventions & Best Practices)
- Excellent - an excellent design has the aesthetic appeal of an Agency while integrating high-powered Lead Maximization tactics.
What we suggest is this:
- If you feel your site is detracting from your bottom-line, it is crucial to fix/replace it (or shut it down).
- If you feel your site is not hurting your business but is not lending to the bottom-line, it is time to evaluate it.
- If you feel your site is an asset to your business and your sales efforts, then is it time to optimize it.
- If you feel your site is a proven asset and want to take it to the next level, then it is time to market it.
The Difference Between Branding vs. Web Design
Web Design is one thing. Branding is quite another altogether.
Can we design a nice-looking site around a logo? Yes. Yes, we can.
Do we provide Agency-Quality Branding Services? No. We do not.
We know our strengths and we know our “blind spots”. We are not an agency, but we do a lot with marketing agencies that do great work in the realm of brands.
If you don’t know who to trust, we can point you in the right direction. We’ve worked with and continue to work with many Marketing Agencies. We know the strengths of each of these and are happy to refer you. Contact Us.