What I do

Websites are not static: they are journeys that guide visitors quickly and easily to the most relevant information.

Clarifying what that information needs to be and it's hierarchy of importance is a big part of what I do. Mapping out information at the beginning of a project gives everyone involved the opportunity to think it through, and avoids expensive design and build fixes later on. So I'll explore competitor sites, review current sites and make suggestions from an outsider's point of view, mapping out the site and content before design work fully begins.

Then there are technical requirements. Who is the site for? How important is Search Engine Optimisation? Does the site need to run on a CMS? Do you already have one? etc. A bundle of seemingly annoyingly little questions that ensure anything I propose is the most valuable, relevant and manageable approach it can be.

Some sites need to be things of elegant beauty, others playful, others hard working information or corporate sites. As a commercial designer, one of the things I love is getting under the skin of a company to try and most accurately reflect what they're about and what their site's about.

For me, design is a subtle thing. It's about understanding and working with the brand – sometimes a brand that's well established and well known, other times one that is just starting out. There's a real joy in creating a brand from scratch, but – whether new or existing – I always derive a lot of pleasure from looking at something I've designed and getting the sense that "Yes, that looks just like them". Like finding the perfect present for a friend.

Then there is budgeting. Costing a website can be a tricky thing – there's obviously no finite answer as to how big or complex it can be. I therefore like to discuss what a client's looking for and get a sense of expectation before costing a job out: and then break it down as thoroughly as possible to see what can be removed altogether, or potentially staged. If appropriate, I put together tiered pricing structures to provide options. It's all about meeting budgetary restraints whilst producing something you'll want to show to your family.

Most of all, there's talking. Partly that's about always ensuring my clients can get hold of me, and know when work can be expected. But more than that, my job is about helping you do your job. The more I understand what you're trying to achieve and what you face, the more I can make sure what I come up with is exactly what you need.

On that note, if you'd like to talk now, please just drop me an email at susie@little-nomad.com, or call me on 07979 347 727. I'd love to hear from you.

Susie