So I wanted to write in this month's blog post about the challenges that a web designer faces when creating a brand and a theme for a website. I think it may be of some use to people who are struggling with their branding. If you can create a successful brand and message on a website, the rest of your marketing materials will follow suit, i.e. business cards, flyers, brochures, banners.
I was approached a few months ago by Robert, who had a vision of creating an organization that would encourage children towards the sciences and engineering fields. As an engineer, a certified life coach and a retired veteran, he was very passionate about his vision because he was a parent who saw a need in a school system with his own children that wasn't being met, and decided to do something about it.
The very first thing I do as a designer is listen. Listen to my client's vision and then ask my questions, carefully writing down everything because sometimes a small detail becomes a major focal point on a website. I ask questions not just as a designer, but also as a potential client. This helps my client think outside of the box. As I tell all my clients, we need to build the skeleton before we can put the muscles and organs in it. (I know it is a silly analogy but it works)
Once we have an idea solidified, its my job to create it visually. I love what I do, I love being able to build a website and use images, video and well written content to present an idea that takes off. Since this site is about encouraging students and parents to go towards the sciences and technology, I gave it a look where the message is clear, graduation and college. I created the logo with the graduation cap, and used the color scheme of red, white and blue. I love clear design that is easy to read, but captures my attention.
I also peppered throughout the site images of the sciences including space. Even before we launched the entire site live, the reception was incredible. Major corporations wanted to partner with Robert based on his vision, his messaging on the website and the design that encompassed that. Proudly I am not just a designer in this project, I am a parent and love working on projects that help children. We are working on other projects now and I love watching this site and organization change lives. To view the site, please visit, https://www.smartkidsva.com/
If you are thinking about creating a website but are hesitant, call me so we can chat and I can let you know what I can do for you.
Deb Newman
From Robert
Deb,
Let me start by saying "thank you." Believe it or not, I many writing this recommendation while straining to see through cloudy eyes (those darn onions!!). Thank you for not just making my lifelong dream a reality but thank you for the passion that you bring to your craft. Before I met you, I literally WASTED thousands of dollars on web developers who see our dreams as "cash cows." Too many of them bring no vision to the table. Sadly, you don't know that until you see their product. By that time, the check has been cashed. But not you!! Not only did you capture my vision but your marketing was simply OUTSTANDING!! When you attract mega-giants like Micron and Lockheed Martin to become collaborative partners, the results speak for themselves. Thank you for listening to my tangents, letting me chase the many rabbits while guiding me with intent and purpose. We started out as business professionals and I wound up making a friend...for life. We have other projects to create, more lives to impact and other accomplishments to post on social media. To you my friend, may success and prosperity be forever knocking at your door. No doubt Rob is proud of his bride living our her full potential. You go, girl!!!
Robert
Robert N. Melvin, PhD
Principal Coach/Founder
Smart Kids Virginia
www.SmartKidsVa.com
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