FEBRUARY 2007
I would be very interested in hearing from the designers on this list about this month's topic on whether to use a design template or use a designer, in this case for web site design. If you have been in the business for longer than a year I am sure this conversation has come up with at least one client.
The same goes for the developers and business people on this list as well. I would love to hear your feedback and stories so send me a note.
Enjoy!
Kim Adams, President, Tiger Studios, Inc.
Ask Tiger Studios
A: Yes, BUT it pays to spend some extra money to hire a designer to take that template to the next level. You really don't want your site to look exactly like someone elses because you both bought the same template. Take some time to change the colors, take out elements that you don't like, change or add photos and of course add the business name or logo. Never forget that. Use the template as the starting point — not as the finished product. Have a question that you would like to see in this newsletter? Send them to Tiger Studios |
Design Template or Design Professional
I am sure you have seen sites that sell design templates — for static and flash web sites, even print brochures, too. Before you decide on your next web site design you might want to consider a couple of things. Should you use a ready-made design or a custom design suited to your business? Only you and your budget can answer that question — because my response will always be to choose the designer. For obvious reasons. Below are some pros and cons for using a designer or a template.
Using a Design Template
Pros
Cost: Costs for a ready-made template are usually low.
Speed: Once you see the design you want to use you can get it right then and there.
Cons:
Lack of Originality: If you are using that design, chances are 10 or more other businesses are too. Maybe even in the same industry as you. How embarrassing.
Not Relative: You might like the design, but does it match the look and feel of your company? How about the colors? Photos?
No Help Available: You have your design but now what? Do you have someone available to help you change the colors of the template or add the company logo? Is your programmer savy enough to do that for you?
Using a Design Professional
Pros
Originality: Working with a designer you will get a web site design that does not look like everyone elses site.
Creativity: You will get a site that matches your company look and feel and your tastes. With the right designer you will have a site that blows the competition away and gets you more business. And isn't that what you are really after?
Help Is Always There: When the CEO changes the logo of the company you have someone to go to to make that change on the design. You are not alone.
Cons:
Cost: Working with a designer will cost more than buying a template. But remember that you get what you pay for. Pay a little and get something other people have too. Pay a little more and get something original that you will be proud of.
Time: Because of the creative process you and the designer go through it takes longer to come up with a web site design. But don't you want to be thoughtful about something you will look at every day for years?
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A Little About Tiger Studios
Tiger Studios is an in-demand graphic and web design / development services company which has the proven ability to take concepts and develop them into useful and functional products. We are proud of our professional and creative attitudes and proven customer service records. Combining our experience with our cost efficient services and high-level skills makes for a winning team for any size business.
To learn more about Tiger Studios and our services, check out our web site www.Tiger-Studios.com or contact Kim Adams at mail@Tiger-Studios.com for a free estimate of your next web site or graphic design project.