Switchstance

Hi guys, if someone read my presentation I have tons of doubts about web-design, here it's a non exploited bussiness, most websites are donde by their own owners, no need to hire a web-designer. Here the webmasters are a little bit designers, programmers, moderators. So, I know I can do cool websites, but, for some reason I think I make some mistakes and maybe you can correct me.

I never sketch a website, 'cause, I don't know, I just sit in the computer and start to work in the layout. Maybe that's a big mistake.
Software I use: Dreamweaver 8, Corel Draw 12, Photoshop 7.0 and some other tools like Flash, Fireworks, etc. Maybe you could suggest me some other tools for PC wich are great.

I wish to know what are the common steps to make a website, for example, now I must do a re-design of this website : http://www.unification.com.ar , the original design is made by his own owner, but he already seen some of my posters and work and he's interested in make a brand new website. The site is about a cd/t-shirts/merch from underground bands, he's not making money from this, he just sell stuff and send money to the bands. If you have this task, what would be the steps to follow to make a stunning website?.

I hope be clear.

Regards.

Gino

Well if you can upgrade to Photoshop CS3 or CS2, but thats not a HUGE deal.

I usually do research on other websites that are similar to what the client wants first. I also like to see what other blogs.websites in that are of business have done.

Then I usually just start laying out in Photoshop right away and playing around with the basic grid.

It's important to know what content will be on the site so you can plan the design around the content.

For example, for my blog I need to be able to fit 6 125x125 banners in a prominent location, a search box, and rss box and other things. So you need to know what the client is going to have on the site before you can start to design really.

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Switchstance

In this case the client it's not a client, if you know what I mean, he's not going to pay me, he just want a better site that he already own, that's the task, he don't giving me a lot of information and doesn't want a blog-type-of-site neither. He just want an artistic website.

alyCe

Then why are you designing for him?

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When in doubt, wink, peace and pout

Switchstance

Because not everything is about the money, sometimes it's about do something good for someone you care. But, we're missiing the point here.

Aarlev

If you're not already an established designer, then it's a good opportunity to gain some experience and expand your portfolio. I've done a few free websites for friends etc. just to better myself and learn something new.

Anyways. I don't think there's an ultimate solution to a successful website. For some people it works to sketch it out on paper first and for bigger projects with lots of sub navigation, content etc. it is probably the best way. I personally go straight to the computer.

Common steps are to find out what the client wants. Do research on similar sites. Make a few design suggestions for the client. To have a successful website it must also be fast, accessible, have good content and be easy to navigate.

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alyCe

Of course I've done a whole graphic profile/visual identity for a friend of mine's company. It was just a question wherever I should do some no-spec promo, because there are way too many people in the lerning curve that does free work "for their portfolio" or whatever. But yeah, nothing work with designing for friends (unless they start take it for granted)

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When in doubt, wink, peace and pout