Web designer

[delemtri]

Hi everyone,

I'd just like to take this opportunity to make the first post on this new board and say, I'm a web designer looking for work, so if you need any web design done, don't hesitate to ask. I do HTML, PHP/MySQL, JavaScript, CSS, and graphics work. If I'm interested enough in your project I may work for close to nothing at this point as I need stuff for my portfolio.

Thanks, have a nice day. :)

[jetsetter]

delemtri,

I've got a contest going on over at sitepoint if you're interested...

http://www.sitepointforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26292

Regards, Joe

[delemtri]

Yeah, I saw it, and I was gonna join, but truthfully I don't think I really am up to the competition I saw on there or the current design you have. I'm still learning stuff about what people want and what doohickeys to add and everything.

[jetsetter]

We're not really looking for any of the code, just the web design template.

The logo, the layout, graphics. In the end, i'll be taking the template and creating a phpnuke them out of it.

No harm in trying...

[spyres]

Delemtre, not to mean, but if you want people to pay for your services, you need to make your home page look a lot nicer. It looks like it was slapped together in 20 minutes using Frontpage.

[delemtri]

jetsetter: I can do code, I just can't do that great design with the limited experience I have. Also, graphics are really not my forte.

spyres: delemtri.com is just a personal website, and I did it notepad. I'm working on a second website for a company I'm going to try to open up soon ("Ryft Web Solutions") but for now that's what I have on my sig. I know it's not too pretty or coherent but it's all I really need for a personal page.

[spyres]

I look forward to seeing the site you're designing. But I don't think many will want to buy services from you unless they can see some good examples of your work. Maybe you should link to one of your other sites as an example since the personal one isn't in great shape right now...

[delemtri]

<shrug> Usually what I do is say, here's a rough sketch of what I can do, are you interested in compensating me for my work if I touch it up a bit and add some special features and graphics and such.

[Madolyn]

Originally posted by delemtri
<shrug> Usually what I do is say, here's a rough sketch of what I can do, are you interested in compensating me for my work if I touch it up a bit and add some special features and graphics and such.

Man, that won't wash. It's so easy for someone to say they're a page designer but yeah, unless there's something really spiffy, at least clean and easy-to-read if not whizz-bang-jazztastic, nobody but the absolutely clueless will want to know.

I give you one point for the fact your site actually displays for me, but I take it away again because you haven't demonstrated the slightest ability to lay out content in an eye-pleasing manner. That animated graphic is terrible. Please have it put down humanely.

As Nashua (now Gestetner) used to say: you can't inspect quality into a product. If you don't demonstrate your skills at the first instance you're going to have a really miserable time of it. I recommend the HTML Complete as published by Sybex.

[delemtri]

We did already go over this. Maybe if you read through the rest of the conversation you'll see it.

This forum is called "Contract and Be Contracted," not "Insult and Be Insulted." Sorry if I'm overreacting, but the hostile response I got when I posted my search for work is something I've never seen before on the HostRocket forums. Kindly cease and desist, thanks.

To respond to your comment, Madolyn: That. Page. Is. A. Personal. Page. I registered my web design domain with HostRocket two days ago and that page should be up as soon as possible.

[Damian]

I know exactly how you feel delemtri. I can code, but when it comes to graphics....jesus. I suck at them. :)


Keep up the good work and ignore the folks who only want to point out your faults, not compliment you on your good parts.

Have a good one.

W

[StrayAlleyCat]

Sheesh.. makes me glad I'm not ready to advertise to do sites/graphics. I'd hate to see the comments shot at me for my site.

Good luck with your work Delemtri :) I hope it works out wonderfully for you!

[delemtri]

I for one, like your site, StrayAlleyCat. :)

The reason some personal websites come off as sloppy, I think, is that a personal website is supposed to far more informal. A personal website reflects one's personality, and sometimes this can come through strong colors or images that would be unpleasant on a business site. That's because a business site has to be a bit more stiff, at least, that's the way I see it.

Another thing is a bit more symbolic. Business sites are usually trying to sell a product or a site, or at least make something look good to a customer. A personal site should focus on content, rather than aesthetic appeal.

This is all just an opinion, of course, from a silly, inexperienced, and apparently faulty web designer, so don't take it too seriously. :)

[Madolyn]

People, hello, don't go crazy on me.

If the only site you have which demonstrates your skills with webpage design is a personal page -- sure, that's okay. But if it's awful it's not doing anything to promote you as a skilled designer. See what I'm saying?

Admittedly I haven't put anything in my profile or set up a signature which would enable you to see what I can do, but that's because my domain with HostRocket hasn't propagated yet and I feel there's something iffy about linking domains they don't host.

Criticism is criticism whether it's "constructive" or otherwise. Would you rather people told you here your site doesn't have what it takes or do you want to get unhappy emails from potential customers (who will spread the word that your site doesn't have what it takes)?

Sit down with a nice cup of tea (or whatever) and breathe deeply.