The Purpose of My Design
In just a few hours, there have already been comments to the newest design on I’m Blogging That. And while I had this post in my mind to go up some time today with a different spin, I’ll be taking this post in a different direction now.
When I identify myself, professionally, I always say “web designer.” If I meet someone in the “real world” that asks what I do for a living, I do not say I’m a work at home Mom. My answer is web designer. Beyond being a profession for me, it’s a passion.
I could sit and look at websites all day long just for the design aspect and sometimes, I do.
But here’s the catch for me designing websites, I’m constantly evolving.
For a number of years I have checked out sites, had a vision of a design and due to inability been unable to accomplish what I wanted. Something was always just out of reach. And due to frustration, I’d give up and settle with something I could do.
Settling is no longer an option. I have a strong desire to learn and push what I know further. To be continually advancing in my capabilities online with both web design and other aspects.
You all are a witness to this every time I make a post, pushing the limits of what I talk about here on this blog.
Web designing is no different.
Yesterday, I pushed my limits to create exactly what I wanted. My want was to envision a design and complete it, no matter the complexity. I’ve been overloaded with work, my blog posts have suffered, my e-mail is behind and all I could think of was doing something for my self to ease the tension of the work load.
Finally, I’m Blogging That was going to have a design that I wanted and didn’t have to settle to create.
That is what you see before you.
Some will say that they enjoyed the previous design better. And the only thing about that design that screamed to me that it was a part of me was the butterflies (I have issues with butterflies…they mean something to me).
While the majority of you come to my blog to read about what I have to say about blogging, there are others who come here to see what I have done for myself prior to hiring me to design their site.
That means that this site needs to be a constant representation of what I can do. Not what I will do for other people (all of the time) but where my abilities are. For me, this is a pretty advanced design because of the complexity in the images. This design, coupled with what’s in the portfolio for Kiss My Code shows a wide range of ability. It’s good business for me.
And here, after finishing this design at 2:30 AM last night I found something in my design. ME! Finally I’m looking at a design that I feel is a piece of me. That I feel is somewhat representative of what I love as a person.
The Rainbow: It’s a piece that goes directly to the core of who I am (lesbian). It reminds me to have pride in all aspects of what I do.
The Silhouette: A shadow of me, in each part of my blogging aspects. From what I talk about and review, to my networking. There is a small piece of me there, in everything I’m doing.
The Circles: Everything evolves and moves in a circular motion. From smallest to largest, we’re constantly moving into new circles.
The Stars: Representation of power that our words can have, good or bad, for someone reading them.
Put all aspects together and you have a design that I feel is me. The only thing lacking that may be added later is a butterfly, somewhere.
So, if you don’t care for the design, and it doesn’t speak to you, consider how it is a representation of the blogger you’re reading. And be patient with me, as I evolve as a designer the site is sure to change again. When that happens, I can assure you that you’ll find a piece of me in that design too.
Technorati Tags: Web Design, Designer, Design Aspects, Profession
February 24th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I love the look, and since I’ve been reading your blog(s) for awhile, I can say that it definitely is a reflection of you, as a designer, as a mother, as a friend, and as a blogger. It’s an absolutely gorgeous design, and I think it suits you, 100%.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Sarah » Thanks, I think you’re right. I’m oh so in love with it.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
If you’re not, I’ll take it for something ;)
February 24th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Hi
Great post feel a little angry for jumping the gun.
I think it really is a ‘grower’, am already growing to it. I think because it was such a departure, adjustment can take take and you can mistake that for something negative. Like a record on first listen, may sound not your cup of tea, but let it grow and it becomes the most melodic tune ever.
Congrats on keeping to what you felt was right for you. I know there is always a dilemma between what you really want and maybe what you feel your clients expect. If you can fill that withing something you are
a) happy with yourself, and
b) happy for clients to see… then you have a winner in everyone’s eyes.
For me I just ad stumbled on your site not so long ago and really took to the butterflies and the colour pallet, so seeing something to radically different so soon was a little bit of ‘blink the eyes a few times’.
Honestly, I think I just saw the pixelated colours and I didn’t look much further, just got typing which is really shallow of me. Amazing, at least for me, one oh so small part can really make a difference, for bad or good.
LIke I mentioned, you should realise a branded version for desktops. Hicks Design have done something similar, really cool desktop pictures with their logo etc, gets you some brilliant branding and product placement which you see everyday.
Am doing some myself for ImJustCreative (specially photos) and would be more than glad to distribute them via my site. People always want fresh new desktop pictures, and your design is certainly fresh and cool.
Or you want to keep it to yourself, which is good as well. :0)
BTW, your post on why, what, where and when really explained everything so damn well. Im choking… :)
ImJustCreative.com - Blog & Web Ramblings from ‘my’ Gutter.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Sarah » For a design like this and everything that I have done with it, you’d be looking at the cost for this one theme that you paid for your entire seasonal pack. Just as a rough price estimate for you. ;o)
Graham » Don’t worry about jumping the gun. There is something to be said for gut reactions and it doesn’t matter how much longer you listen to an album, you’ll still remember your gut reaction.
The initial image that was up did have a slight pixelation problem. And depending on which browser you used to view the site, the problem was a little more dramatic. Once I knew how IE would vomit all over my PNG image, I was able to change it. (Oh how I hate IE)!
As far as a wallpaper, I don’t know how I feel about that. The branding would be excellent. However, I’m a little greedy with designs that I use because they all become so personal. I’ll stew on that and if I choose to go for it, you’ll be the first to know. :o)
I hope my design continues to grow on you, I can see how your initial reaction came about and I respect it. But now you can also see the pieces of me in the design because you cannot see me.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Katy
Yes to all the above!! ;)
But, but. lol
Just popped onto my iMac, with a huge screen estate. Sometimes my browser window is fully expanded, more than it needs for say your average site.
I noticed that your background of the blue rays stops quite suddenly, more noticeable at the top. Obviously at the bottom it’s not so apparent as it blends into the cyan/light blue colour. But does look pretty harsh from the top.
I know, I know again. The chances of someone having their browser window so wide, but in the chance they might, like me, just wondered if you could do anything to reduce the harshness of the background suddenly disappearing.
I am sure it’s on your wish list, but if you hadn’t noticed this then consider this a simply heads up. I guess just a thin tall gif gradient going from the dark blue to the cyan, repeated all along would go along way to reduce that sudden stop of image to background colour.
God almighty, what must I sound like. I have always been one to take on constructive criticism, as long as I know it’s coming from the right place, but I am aware ot everyone takes to it so kindly. So I am just trying to not be too in your face. I appreciate it’s a new roll out, so figure these things pop up from time-to-time and you will not see for yourself some of the more irregular discrepancies.
That’s why you have people like us watching out for you… :0) he confidently says.
Me.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
LOVE IT!!! LOVE IT!!! LOVE IT!!! Great job making sure “YOU” were represnted in the design of your site!
You are so dang creative and always have such a clean looking site! Thanks for being a part of the blogging world with your eloquent words and thoughtful in sight!
Love Ya Girl!
February 24th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I think your new design looks fabulous! You’re very talented. :)
February 24th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Graham » OK, I’m sure I’ve just tripled the download speed for my site but the site is now viewable up to 1700px which should cover your Mac.
While I do greatly respect your opinion and being so open to freely give it, I have to ask you to stop where this design is concerned. I’m notorious for being very prideful of my designs and going back to the “standard” not me designs because of being overly “constructively criticized.”
I love this design and I could not possibly design a site like this that is going to cover every single person with very different screen resolutions. With this, I’ve rolled with the punches to design for the norm and upped that to work with the resolution you’ve given me.
Please hear my passion in this design and if possible, roll with the punches from here on out to have this design work for you when visiting the site.
Lil Miss » Thanks for the nice words girlie. I sure appreciate it. :D Haven’t seen you around here lately, hope all is well with you.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Tish » Thank you very much. Added you to my feed/blogroll today, I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
I like your design! It looks so clean.. You done it very artistically.. ;)
February 24th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Great design indead. I thought the butterflies where so inviting. This is awsome.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:48 am
Yes Katy, point taken. I do sometimes get carried away. Its from all my years working in design teams, where you just get into the habit of ‘pitching in’. I did go to bed thinking I had overstepped it. SO sorry about that.
Please do feel free to removed the posts if you feel they detract from the site, I really will not be offended. :0)
On the flip side, as I mentioned in a post this morning, and subsequent to that, I have DIGG’ed this post.
It really is a wonderful sincere expression of the reasons why going for change can be done, instead of for the sake of it. I think it’s a valuable tip to others who may be confined to doing designs that are forced on them rather than what speaks to them inside.
I for one have learnt from this article, it’ s easy to loose your ’soul’ and just bounce along for the ride, conforming so to speak.
I appreciate your honesty with me frankly, for saying what you mean and ‘telling me off’. :) I deal with that a lot better then people just pretending or take wide arcs around you…
Promise to watch my mouth and my thoughts in future.
Graham
February 25th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Graham » I understand the “team support” way of thinking. My business partner, Mindy has often received the same comment from me that you got. What makes that sad is that she and I are the team working on the design. LOL It works for us though and I’m appreciative that you didn’t take offense to my last comment.
No need to delete your comments, doing so would mean that I’m not open to diverse opinions on my blog and that’s far from the truth. But, like anyone that’s human, I have a limit on each topic and I’m also willing to say when enough is enough. :D
Please, don’t watch your mouth or your thoughts. Just remember where the line is in comparison to your toes. ::wink::
February 25th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Phil » Thank you, I appreciate the compliment.
Asuka_Aki » I can see butterflies as inviting and I’d have to agree that the last one was exactly that. Happy to hear you like this design as well.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I love it. It is bold, bright and shows you are following your best path. I admire that and can’t wait to see what you’ll do with my site :)
February 25th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Hello. I just wanted to say that I enjoy the site. I had only seen your page once before, so i don’t remember what it looked like, but I enjoy what you’ve done with it, and I am fully supportive of you progressing in your ability and incorporating things that mean something to you. I am not a designer, so I apologize that I cannot give you professional feedback, or pinpoint what it is about the design that I enjoy. I can’t even begin to understand the difficulty it takes to design something like this, as I know very little html, and nothing of any of the other writing languages to date. Or graphic design. Pretty much nothing, really. Anyway. Good work.
Cheers.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Bold, Bright and Eye Catching! What more could you ask for with branding?
February 26th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Michelle » Thank you! I’m looking forward to starting work on your site. :o)
Libby » Thank you… for the compliment and support.
Beeker » Thanks and you’re probably right, this is starting good branding for me and the site.
February 28th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Kinda late comment but better late than never, right? Love the new layout! Definitely looks better than the previous one. I wish I also had the skills to make a nice custom WP theme for my blog. :D
February 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Jaypee » Thanks for the compliment. I have to agree, it is better than the last one. The good sign is that I’m not yet sick of looking at it…. means it’ll stay around a lot longer. :D
March 24th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I like your new design–especially for all the personal meaning you put into it. I think is says a lot about the kind of designer you are. Good job.
March 24th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Jason » Thank you! I appreciate the compliments. :o)