The challenge

Barb and I met at the Spring Thing show at Greenleaf Art Center. Our display tables were next to each other, and it was immediately evident that we were photographic soul mates, both inspired by nature and enthusiastic about capturing it with our cameras.

I was fortunate that Barb overheard me tell a visitor that I also work on websites, as she had a website that needed some TLC. Barb used TipTopWebsite.com, a service which boasts that you can Create a Website Online in 60 Seconds!. If you ask me, these “quick-and-easy, anybody-can-do-it!” services are the bane of a graphic designer’s existence: the equivalent of a 4-star chef trying to create a gourmet meal in a TV dinner tray. They definitely have value as a CMS, however, and I’m always willing to make a site as good as I can within the confines of the service; that way someone like Barb can go in and make minor adjustments, such as updating photos, without my help.

The goal therefore was to learn the TipTopWebsite software to rebuild and expand Barb’s site. The purpose of the site was to highlight the products Barb has for sale–photography prints, note cards, and inspirational booklets–and incorporate PayPal for secure purchasing.

Design highlights

A custom header using one of Barb’s photos and a favorite expression of hers helped make the site look less like a template.

The home page became an introductory page including Barb’s artist statement and a selection of photographs. Each product was then given its own page: Photography, Note cards, and Booklets. The About Barb and Contact pages allow site visitors to get a sense of who Barb is and send her a message (while keeping Barb’s email address private).

Site colors and backgrounds were modified to incorporate soft colors and nature themes.

To explore the site further and support Barb, visit www.BarbaraJMueller.com today!