There is in fact a curse that plagues beginners when it comes to designing and redesigning a website.
I’ve been designing websites as a hobby for about 3 years now and I’m still completely obsessed and passionate about my sites. Now, I may have developed decent enough skills over the years but I’m far from many of the wizards out there.
When it comes to coding and back end work, I believe I’ve reached my peak and I’m okay with that. I went to school for television never had any experience working with HTML, php, CSS and all the other acronyms out there.
For me, improvements can always be made in the realm of design and layout. Teaching myself how to use Photoshop effectively was one of the smartest things I’ve ever done.
To date, I’ve designed and built 4 unique websites:
*Didn’t actually design the theme. Just customized it. (Thought I would be honest)
Each one carried their own separate design challenges and evolved my skills.
So what’s the problem?
My designs keep getting better and better as I learn new techniques…
Got it figure out yet?
It makes me want to redesign all the other sites again!
17west.ca had about 8 redesigns before it finally went live. I tinkered with the layout for about a year when it was all said and done. After the site went live, the design went through 4 MAJOR changes and revisions with new features and better graphics.
About a month ago, I redesigned jaymckinnon.com.
It was a vast improvement over the first version but it made ericgamache.com look like it was made in 1982.
I’ve been working in Photoshop for a few weeks now experimenting with new looks and Eric’s new site is looking fantastic. It’s one of the most refined and professional looking layouts I’ve ever done.
Now, I want to apply this knowledge to my other websites. This is my curse…
Will it ever end?
Honestly? I hope not.
I use the word curse but it’s a positive thing if you are dedicated to the craft. The same theory can be applied to anyone who has a passion in life. This is why it helps to be inspired when you are being creative.
Each time I tackle a new look or create a new graphic I’m learning something new and I’m inspired all over again. I’m getting better at my own pace and when I look at the results I’m incredibly encouraged.
I’m free to design any type of layout I want whenever I want. It’s this freedom that keeps me coming back again and again. This won’t be the last website I build and it certainly won’t be the last I redesign.
It’s addicting.
Of course… This could backfire if I release the new look and everyone thinks it’s hideous… I’ll deal with that if it happens.
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