My new website

1.28.2009
Sarang and I have been struggling with our website for months. We want to re-do it completely, but at the same time, none of us knew how to achieve what we wanted. We did the the current and the previous websites all by ourselves, but this time we wanted something glam, chic and very me :). The re-do was also a necessity, because most of the flowers in the gallery were pictures of my student work, rather than my professional work. So, it was really important that we had something that showed people what I do NOW, rather than when I started playing with clay :). Also, this is the final stage of the branding exercise that I have been doing for the past several months, very successfully. A lot of people asked me why I haven't put pictures of my creations on my business cards, banners, letterheads, stickers, etc. The trouble is, that everytime I put something, I realized I created something that I liked better. Also, I don't want to keep changing my logo, my colors, etc. - something I learnt in my MBA. For those who don't know, yes I have an MBA degree with specialization in Marketing. Before coming to the US, I worked in the marketing department of several organizations.... my last two focussed on advertising and branding... alright, enough of my bragging! We've digressed from the main topic already :). So anyway, the thing I wanted to say is, I wanted is..... I think its better for me to use an image that is not my work, but in some way represents it.
When Brandy designed my Business Identity for me, I found what I wanted with regards to that. I love the flowing flowers in the designs... The same concept is carried on in the new website too. But, instead of doing it up in white.... (I know what you are thinking.... "There she goes"), we have done it up red (-ish) and pink. The colors are very romantic, the designing very chic and elegant. Most of all, it is simple. And the creator of this template is the lovely Joy - a fellow etsian who is the owner of boxedmemories. I am really amazed by the talent on ETSY. So much so, I have stopped purchasing a lot of things from regular stores. Joy was a great pleasure to work with. She was SO patient (I don't exactly have an idea of what I want, but once I see a finished product in front of me, I definitely know what I don't want.... that can be hard to work with) and creative. I plan to go back to her soon, as and when I start working on my image pages.
Do let me know how you like the new look. Am looking forward to some serious feedback :).


3 comments:

JuliaA said...

i like it. you have a great sense of aesthetics, deb, and it shows in your new website design like it does in your work.

"Also, I don't want to keep changing my logo, my colors, etc. - something I learnt in my MBA. "

this is why i'm not sure what to do with business cards or labels--right now i have very simple labels because i'm not sure if i'll want an image of a design on things that represent my shop....and i'm not happy with my photography yet. i keep wondering about it, but i think for now i'm doing the right thing.

glad to see you've reached a new level--it's what i hope to do with time!

CelticKnot said...

You're doing a fantastic job! I really enjoyed looking at your gallery. Your work is so beautiful.

Jennie said...

Looking good, Deb! I have done the same thing with my branding in terms of not using specific product images except for my business cards and my Etsy avi. It works very well for me, and I'm sure it will for you too!!