Ampersand Art Supply
When I first started working with Ampersand Art Supply, it was evident that we needed to reprogram the website. The original site was a mishmash of different designs, menu systems, quick fixes, and unsearchable pages. On many pages, graphics took the place of text. There was no mobile-friendly site. Unfortunately, the budget for a complete rework and redesign was minimal, so we decided that, although the programming and site structure needed a complete overhaul, the content would remain the same.
I developed a static PHP site that would allow me to create consistent headers, menu systems, and footers throughout and allow for easy sitewide updating. I designed everything to meet basic web standards and SEO optimization. Starting with a "mobile-first" design, I wireframed the site structure before adding the product information. The visual design was simple and straightforward, utilizing their existing brand colors and fonts. I had full access to their library of images allowing for some colorful and exciting pages.
The redesign was very successful and became the go-to source for product information. It is the primary resource for product information and a big part of some successful social media campaigns that we ran after the launch.
Later, I added some more interactive features of the website, including a custom panel price calculator and several password-protected "mini-sites" for their retail partners and international clients.
SiteLighting
The most extensive website that I had the pleasure of developing was for Philips Gardco Lighting - SiteLighting.com. I created their first website with my partner, David Pacheco, who is primarily a programmer. Since that original site, we redesigned it three times, with the last iteration being a database-driven site programmed using Adobe ColdFusion. My roles in each of these designs included HTML and CSS programming, copywriting, developing images and illustrations, creating and incorporating video, and Adobe Flash development.
The site contained several thousand pages and had a tremendous amount of traffic. With each redesign, we added something new to the site. For example, the home page was dynamic, showcasing different products, photos, and recommended technical articles with each visit. We designed an interactive product selector, allowing users to narrow their product search by source, wattage, intended use, and other criteria. We developed password-protected mini-sites for the company's Sales Agents and their "VIP" club. We created an interactive Specification Sheet generator that allowed for personalizing submittal datasheets.
Each month, Philips Gardco would bring in lighting specifiers and contractors for a 2-day educational seminar. At the end of the second day, I presented the website, walking them through the various sections, and soliciting their feedback. As a result of this direct customer interaction, we were always aware of what was working, what could be improved, and what we could add that would be beneficial to specifying Philips Gardco products.
Let’s work together!
I'm always open to new creative collaborations, whether freelance design or marketing projects or full-time opportunities. Reach out, and I'll get right back with you.