making websites
♥ Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Okay, to those sites that are already out there & to those of you who are thinking of opening up a site, I hope this is helpful.
Image editing programs:
-While it's highly recommended you have some sort of image editing program (Photoshop, Psp, etc.) you can make do without one. When i first started out, I had NO editing programs. Just paint. However, with some creativity, you can still make really cool stuff! You know my zip zap zoom & myspace myway divs? I made those entirely on paint. You don't really need all those programs to make cool stuff. But it is helpful though. ;D
Style:
-Now, I know it may seem tempting to make exactly whatever's popular with graphics right now. But don't completely fall into that groove. People like to see new stuff and a different style. It's what will get you noticed. While stripes and hearts are great and all, that's only one style. Same with skulls and splatters. They're cool, but not everyone likes the grunge style. Eventually, you'll fall into you're own style of graphic design. But try something totally different every once and a while, it'll give you variety & will also appeal to many more people.
Navigation:
-When making a website, try to make it easy to navigate around. Go to your favorite websites that have been established and see how they organize things. Try to learn from them, but also from their mistakes. You know what bothers you about sites, so try and work upon those issues. Too many windows will look busy. Windows that open up in new windows can be irritating. Try to come up with a way to organize your material so that it's easy to view and get to. Navigating around a site is more important than soe may think.
Credits:
-I personally think it's a neccessary thing to have a credits section. It lets people know how your site got to be the way it is, and it shows respect to the people you used for resource. Even if it's JUST a tiny thing such as a color shceme, it's nice to link back to them somewhere. Besides, people will stop asking you where you got all your stuff. You can just ust tell them to take a look at your credits page.
Buttons:
-Having a good affiliate/support button is more important than some might think. Before people get the chance to see your site, your tiny picture is the first thing they see. Like the phrase, "always have a good impression." that's what a button should be. It's everyone's first impression. So be sure that it's eye-catching. Try a vibrant color or some really cool design. You could even take the next step and try some animation. Anything to impress them. (Mind you, don't do neon green flashing stripes. They want to have a good impression, not an epileptic seizure.)
DeviantArt/Flickr/Threadless/Naked&Angry:
-Ok. Touchy subject. I know many newer sites have a tendency to use photos not made by them. I'm totally for this, if you credit the correct person and get permission from them first. But I don't think it's right to use it without asking first. Even if you found it on Photobucket, you can't credit photobucket because they didn't make it. Please be more careful before you use a photo and you don't know where it's from.
Originality:
-This is a big one. Being original means coming up with all new ideas, a whole new way to do layouts or divs. Maybe a new style in graphic design. The possiblities are infinite, you just need to find yours. Originality also means creating your own graphics, not just using some you found on the internet. It also means coming up with your own ideas. Not copying someone elses and claiming them as yours. By being original, you'll build a better reputation and other sites will have more respect for you. That respect will be benficial later.
Updating:
-I suggest updating a site every week or two. If you leave a site unmanaged for weeks on end, you may not be notified of problems or concerns your users may have. They also wont be too pleased to see you unacknowledging them. Don't turn your back on your users! They're the ones who got you where you are and you owe it to them to manage your site properly and consistently.
Inspiration:
-I often hear people say, "But i can't think of any cool ideas." Well then, all you really need is some inspiration! I personally get ideas for the things I make from places like: commercials, billboards, clothing, music, television, pop culture, etc. There are so many places where you can get fresh new ideas to create. You just gotta take a look around.
Affiliates:
-A great way to get your name out there is to become affiliates with other websites. It helps you reach other corners of the internet and gives you a whole new audience. But be sure to become affiliates who offer the same content as you. A layout site affiliating with a fansite probably wouldn't be a good idea. Also, be very kind when applying for affiliation. Try to make a good impression and be honest about your reasons why you want to be affiliates. You'll get more respect and that is always good.
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making websites
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Designer : Cynna
materials: Various japanese site
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