Hey all,
So I admit, this post doesn’t have much educational merit to it, it’s pretty much a composition of a few thoughts and the latest news of what’s been going on with me and the company.
Wednesday I had the chance to work on my public speaking at John Abbott’s open house. I think I was successful in inspiring interest for the program, but one particular “client” had his doubts. Says client:
“What’s the advantage of hiring someone who graduates this program when I can just buy a template and get a website up in 27 minutes?”
As aggressive as the question may be, it’s a good one. It is one that sits in the back of a designer/developer’s mind, only truly revealing itself in the middle of a panic attack. My answer, if I remember correctly, was something like this:
“A template is often limited when it comes time to edit it. True, a standard template costs between 20-80$, but the moment you realize your content / graphics aren’t compatible with it, you have to shell out money to a web designer anyways, or buy a customized template which can sell up to $1000, if your lucky.
Also, there’s no guarantee with the template that your site will work correctly in every browser and operating system, whereas a designer can promise you just that. Template(ed) sites will probably have a hard time getting picked up by Google, too.
Also, a designer designs with marketing in mind. That is the role of the designer, to not provide something that “looks good”, but to create an effective marketing strategy in which standard templates would not.”
Surprisingly, client didn’t like that answer; he walked away without saying another word. No losses here. I went home thinking about my answer and realizing just how valid it was. I ended up making peace with the fact that there are cheaper and quicker methods of establishing a website, but, like anything, the cheaper the service, the lower the quality.
Anyhow, to less serious stuff. I’ve been incredibly busy with school as well as a few small client projects. I’m still doing volunteer work on the side too, and I’m prepping for a three-week stage in Vancouver, which I’m pretty excited about. Nonetheless, its alot to do. Of course, it all in the end affects my business, and so there will be an update soon involving a few more portfolio pieces as well as a new, solid resume on the about page. I’m also of revamping my portfolio page a bit, I’ve been looking at some professional ones and I think mine’s a little amature-ish. I’m open to suggestion!
Another thing I’ve been thinking about. I met with a client recently whose website ideas bordered on advanced web design to web development and e-commerce. The ideas are actually quite intense… if only I had the knowledge how to implement them. I think its imperative as a web designer to know how to, say, implement a blog into a static site, or make a working e-commerce page. We haven’t really dealt with Content Management Systems either. It makes me feel, well, uncomfortable.
So, if anyone stumbles across any resources from which I could learn a little more about these topics, please send them my way. I’ve had a lot of trouble finding information on programs after college that involve web design / web development in the Montreal area, so if anyone has any leads, don’t hesitate to send them here either!
I think that’s all for now. Have a good weekend everyone,
Jeremy
Jeremy Fama is a recent web and graphic design graduate with a few years of experience already under his belt. He has received awards and recognition from John Abbott College for his contribution to the community, and is currently working full-time as a web developer for Pinnacle Media.
Learn more about him by visiting his personal site Fame Designs.