Review of http://life.eop.org.uk/
I wouldn't expect a web site aimed at giving people a platform to vent their feelings (presumably especially if depressed, given the helpful links section) to look into the dark abyss of space. I wouldn't expect sunshine and bunnies either but it's a bit, well, depressing.
You've explained the advantages of being a contributor. However, there is no mechanism to become a contributor - no register link, no contact page. That's a pretty fundamental mistake if you want people to contribute.
The 'Latest Articles' list is redundant as the very same posts are on the front page. All it does is take up screen space and push down the content you want people to read. Is the 'Contributors' list so important that it is right above the rest of the content?
Are you really so confident that visitors will read right to the bottom of the page - past the far-too-tall top navigation, six blog entries and the 'Thought Vault' - and then click the mouse just to find out what the site is about? If the site is going to be different from the average self indulgent ramblings that blogs tend to be, you're going to have to explain what it's about sooner, otherwise visitors won't read on.
Don't get me wrong - you've styled it all nicely enough. However, I think the whole architecture of the site needs a complete overhaul and you've given it an inappropriate style.
Site:
http://miloszorica.info/.
I like this a lot; the clean canvas and centred portfolio works perfectly to draw attention to the quality of your work. The splatter of paint branding works well.
I also like that you've had the balls to see through the stark simplicity rather than clutter the site with unnecessary crap. To embellish the design too much would be to take away from the showcase. As a showcase to highlight your work it does the job incredibly well.
I would work on your hover underlines; perhaps use margins on your nav rather than forcing it with an extended block of #FFFFC7 on web.gif. I'd also add a simple contact page, if for no other reason but to comply with the Companies Act.
Critique of a site for Ronald J Treitner
Has anyone actually given you an honest critique of his work? I'd hate to come over like Simon Cowell, but you just isn't up to being a web designer. (more...)
http://www.griffinwebdesign.co.uk/
OK, so not a favourite design-wise, but Andy Shaw keeps coming back for more... this is a reply to the 3rd time he posted his site asking for feedback:
Did you save the replies on your previous thread? If you did, most of my comments apply to this redesign.
- The stock imagery used is lazy; the images chosen don't add any value to the page.
- Too many font faces used. Lack of cohesion.
- From a personal POV, I dislike the "web 2.0" trend of size 36 text, graphics that make anyone on a 1024x768 display or lower have to scroll down to read what a page is about and in.
- Still confusion about whether you are a freelancer or an agency/company, which carries on through with your "beta" design (oh purlease!). Trust is vital in business - there's nothing wrong with being a freelancer, but be honest about it and embrace it. Congrats on getting rid of that ridiculous pricing guide, though.
- Your copy is still atrocious. "medium size business's"? Oops. Get a dictionary, get hold of a style guide and get your copy in order.
- There's some serious problems with trust. Your "beta" site claims you were "recently tasked with re-branding Griffin Web Design". Bullshit. YOU decided to rebrand - no-one 'tasked' you with it. The only sites in your portfolio are your own and one for your brother/other male relative. That's fine as examples of what you can do, but don't pretend you've got experience of working with clients or that you've got any on-going professional relationships. Be honest - at the moment, anyone will be able to see straight through you.
As a general note, I actually prefer your previous design. I said in your previous thread that I'd be surprised if you were still around in 12 months time, and I stand by that - you don't seem to have the business acumen required to go it alone. That your portfolio hasn't grown, your Plumber "client" doesn't even seem to have a domain name and that you've got the time to go through a rebranding suggests two things - that you've not had any clients and that your priorities are completely wrong.
If you're serious about going it alone, go out and make connections and get clients in. It takes a helluva lot more than to put a portfolio site up and hope that people visit and buy your services.
