Web Design - Profile
Why I began designing websites

When I first considered having my own artists website, I was sorely tempted to buy an ‘off the shelf product’ that appeared reasonably cheap.

But.....

Having trained and worked for many years as a Graphic Designer (before doing an Applied Arts degree) I knew I would be overcritical of any layout produced by a non designer.

So I began learning. Code and then Dreamweaver.

Now I pride myself on my ability to learn complicated design packages, but until I discovered Dreamweaver 8 software I was struggling a bit. I still struggle at times with it, but it is more design based in its layers and drag and drop. It is not though, software for the less tenacious.

Internet as a resource
The internet is a great resource for learning anything and everything about website design. It is also a good resource to look at for ideas for your own site. Look at people doing similar work, see what they show and how it is displayed. Does it work? Do you like it? What ideas are worth considering for your site?

Domain names
Don’t think just because you have bought a domain name you can simply slap it up on the web, because you also have to buy a hosting package. Not necessarily from the company you bought the domain name from, but then you need to find out how to move it to another host. Your new hosting company should tell you how to do that.

What is a hosting package and why do I need it?
Rather like your phone or internet provider, hosting companies provide reliable space on the internet for your site to sit in, so that everyone has access to it.

Then you have to upload it via your FTP (file transfer protocol) programme.

Where’s my site?
Having uploaded it successfully (perhaps – presuming you have all the codes and passwords in the right places before you can begin) you cannot immediately find it when you Google it.

So you start adding meta tags and links to your site
(The links are on the screen, the tags are in the code).

Then you start submitting it to search engines. Then more search engines. Then add keywords – having looked at Google or Yahoo’s keyword checker. Days, weeks or months later you may or may not find your site.

At a red triangle we can offer you a professionally designed website designed specifically for your needs, with friendly and (hopefully) no geeky advice.