Philosophy and Strategy

Today there are so many multimedia/web developers that they could fill up a planet the size of Mars. If you’ve been searching for a good creative development source the possibilities seem endless. Then there’s the tech lingo, full of phrases like: ASP, JavaScript, Flash, portals, and on and on. Choices aren’t getting any easier, each day the world of technology comes up with a new tool that takes us a while to understand.

Part of a designer/developer’s job is to help you understand new technologies, how they work, what you need, and what you don’t need. It’s also their responsibility to make sure the message you envision works successfully for the audience you intend to reach. A good design/development person is a unique resource — as individuals, they offer uniquely individual things. You’re purchasing more than someone who can operate software...you’re buying the creative mind. Each designer/developer has their own style and way of viewing things, interacting with clients, and providing energy and commitment to a project. Working with a designer should be a rewarding and satisfying experience. The best designer/developers listen, add creative input, and work hard to become part of your team. They understand that their success depends on the success of their clients.

Creative and unique ways of looking at a client’s needs should be at the forefront of any good designer or project developer. But, often communication concepts become so diluted by the newest tech “fad” or “over the top” design, that the audience has little idea of what the message is. Two old clichés “don’t reinvent the wheel” and “think outside the box” offer conflicting, but important, messages. Sometimes, simply revamping what you have is all you need. Other times, you need to really push the envelope to address your message. Just as often, you need something in between. By providing an objective voice, adding creative and constructive input, and working hard to understand your needs, I find an approach that works for you. These are the focal points of the services I offer.

Many clients I work with come from media backgrounds and understand the process of developing web sites, multimedia, print, and other areas of marketing communications. For the person new to the world of media development, I try to keep things simple. I don’t want to bother them with a lot of mumbo jumbo tech talk. I try my best to communicate with each client as clearly as I can and, when necessary, try to educate them in the areas they feel they want to better understand. Regardless of a client’s experience, I’m not afraid to make suggestions when I see fit — that should be part of the reason I was hired. The more a client knows about their options, the better I can satisfy their needs.

Experience is central to excellent service. Sometimes a client needs more than they know — other times they need less than they think. My approach is based on understanding as much about a client as I can. Then I use my experience and skills to make suggestions that will benefit them.

Areas of Service

Design is at the center of my services — from creating web sites, to developing multimedia CDs, to designing print materials. I’ve worked for a variety of clients covering advertising, television, corporate, non-profit, and healthcare organizations, to name a few. My business relationships include the small business owner to the large corporation. I give each client the same level of detailed attention, regardless of their size.

To learn more about my background, and the clients I’ve worked with, please visit my profile page.

Below are the major areas of the services I offer:

Internet

  • Animation
  • ASP Database Development
  • Bulletin Boards
  • CSS Style Sheet Development
  • Dynamic HTML
  • e-Cards
  • e-Marketing
  • Flash
  • Interactive Forms
  • Interactive Testing
  • JavaScript Coding
  • Search Engine Ranking
  • Streaming Audio and Video
  • Web Portals
  • Web Site Design and Development

Multimedia

  • Animation
  • Desktop Presentation Development
  • DVD-CD Production
  • Macromedia Director/Lingo Design and Support
  • Slides and PowerPoint Support
  • Sound

3-D

  • Characters
  • Broadcast
  • CD-DVD
  • Logos
  • 3-D Animation
  • Fantasy
  • Poster Art
  • Video
  • Web

Print

  • Advertising Layouts
  • Brochures
  • Business Cards
  • CD-Booklets, Covers, and Inserts
  • Flyers
  • Mailers
  • Posters
  • Signage

Sound

  • Audio Recording, Mixing, and Editing
  • Internet and Multimedia Sound Support
  • Original Musical Compositions

I am also associated with a variety of strategic partners that include: writers, photographers, directors and producers, networking experts, database developers, advertising/communication specialists and additional designers/developers.

Considering Design and a Designer

Some things to consider when developing your message and working with a designer:

  • Think hard about your message — consider your user and audience.
  • Before hiring a designer, look at their samples — confirm that they have talent, skill, creativity and experience.
  • Make sure you communicate clearly your needs to the designer.
  • Consider any designer/developer as a team member and collaborator.
  • Be prepared. Provide the designer/developer with all the information you can. Don’t let them guess about what you want.
  • Give the designer a good deal of latitude — trust them. If you can’t, you’ve made the wrong choice.
  • Invite the designer to be in on the ground floor in creating your message.
  • Make sure you educate the designer about your business, message and services.
  • Have a sense about your “message” and “feel” — things you like and dislike.
  • Have most of the art (such as photos, logos, etc.) and content ready.
  • If you're developing a DVD, CD, web presence, or any other interactive medium, think hard about the user interface — a beautiful looking web site or DVD that needs a manual to navigate through is only going to succeed in frustrating your audience.
  • In communication, things that work are rarely complex — don’t over design, simplicity is usually better.

Thank You

I value your time and appreciate your interest in my services. In a nutshell, I offer high quality, creative design and development solutions at affordable prices. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your needs. Consultation is free, and I’ll be sure to have you off the phone before dinner.

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