Interviewer: Jayel Gibson

Today we are talking with Invision-Graphics founding owner, Mr. Shawn DesRochers. Let's find out his secrets to internet success!



Jayel: Shawn, what brought you to ˜the web' and when did you get started in programming and web design?

Shawn: Wow there's a big question, I actually started with computers and small design jobs in the early 1990's as a hobby, when I got hurt on the job I was offered re-training and dived into getting my computer and webmaster certificates.

I sort of fell in love and fascinated with programming and designing web content so much I just kept returning back to college to learn as much as I could.

Jayel:What is the primary focus of your company? How has your online presence evolved?

Shawn: Invision-Graphics.com is the focus point for clients big or small looking to start their own web company were they can offer products or services for their business needs.

We started to evolve just the last few years and as of 2005, we have served and designed some 400+ websites, everything from graphics to client side applications.

This gives us great pride as many clients are still returning clients, displaying that we have incremented a trust and loyalty for customer and have earned their satisfaction and trust with their projects and designing needs.

Jayel: What program language do you use? What editing software do you prefer?

Shawn: Well I have experience in several programming languages, but I would have to say PHP for its ease of use and flexibility. I use a great tool for editing and modifying my PHP scripts called Zend Enterprise Edition. If I had to suggest a free PHP editor I would have to suggest Crimson Editor.

All the programming is done by hand, this goes for html, as well. Editors are handy when first starting out, but over time users seem to depend on them. The other down falls is most editors are not flexible enough, as trying to validate an HTML 4.0 Transitional document using an editor is not feasible.

Jayel:What is your perception of web design? What are the most important elements of a well designed website?

Shawn: (KISS) Keep it simple Stupid is the philosophy I use, The biggest tip I present to my clients is have a good draft or perception of what your looking for, this includes graphics, flash, overall layout and features.

As a designer and software developer, it's very important to know what your client wants and what they picture their website and services will be. This is extremely helpful as communication and a good understanding of the clients needs are the utmost importance is being a successful design firm.

Jayel: Do you think content or visual appeal is more important?

Shawn: Content and visual appeal are 1 key factor to having a successful website, it also has to define what the company is about and the perspective their trying to pass on to potential clients.

There are so many key factors when designing a website it's truly overwhelming, if you're not experienced or just starting out your going to want to do your homework.

The overall site must be HTML valid, well designed with clean layouts and graphics that are sure to capture the visitor's eye and keep them enticed with the overall site. It also must run sufficiently with no errors, but keeping visitors and clients in mind when it comes to navigation, a designer has to perceive what a visitor to their site may feel when they first visit the page, when it comes to over links and designation.

There's also search engine and page rank optimization to consider, most don't pay to many thoughts to their keywords and content in relativity to their alt tags, meta tags and even their title tags for keying in on their market. Designers must study the clients market and review the client's competitors to successfully deploy good keyword techniques.

Jayel: Should web design be considered graphic design? How important is it for graphic artists who don't work on the web to keep their fingers on the pulse of what's happening online?

Shawn: Web design has evolved so much over the last few years it unbelievable, so to believe that graphics is all there is to designing a great site, think again! Designers are always faced with many challenges from clients and especially with new technologies popping up or techniques. Were either retraining or reeducating ourselves to stay ahead of competitors.

After all the more you can provide to your potential client the better chance you have at being successful.

Subscribe to newsletters and online communities that offer your interest of choice, but overall the internet is your key resource. Search engines will provide a vast majority of graphic tutorials, Flash, CSS, Html and even PHP techniques and practices that are sure to be overwhelming at first, but stick with it. You are you worst enemy when it comes to trying something new, never give up your sure to pick up something new that you can incorporate into your own work or design.

Jayel: Most of us know that a website can make or break an online business. What are a few of the questions clients seeking a new website should ask a designer before they sign a contract? What can clients expect from a maintenance contract after the new site is up and running?

Shawn: We get asked a number of questions before starting a project and we welcome clients to ask away, we want your business, but we also want you to be comfortable with us and your decision.

How much is the total project or design going to cost?

Are your designs tested for multi-browser and cross-platform compatibility?

Can I request design changes or modifications later and is there any additional fee?

Request the initial design contract for review?

Do you out source projects for other design companies to do the work?

What is the average turnaround time for any project?

Do you create or design your graphics from scratch or do you purchase stock photos or pre-made templates?

Do you supply the original graphics files and what formats are they for future editing?

Who owns the copyrights to the finished work?

What do I need to supply you to get my project started?

Do you have any sales or marketing experience to successfully promote my products?

Is this a hobby of yours or is this your fulltime job?

Do you offer any other expertise or do you only do web site design?

How many designers or web developers will be working on my project?

Can I interact directly with my designer or project manager?

Will you create a logo or branding image for my site?

Will I be given a contact number for the project manager?

Do you offer monthly maintenance packages for updating and changes?

How are your fees equaled in and do you charge by the hour or project?

Jayel: Can a new designer get all they need from a community of peers online?

Shawn: You can learn a great deal from online forums and communities, reading as much as you can on tutorials and new design techniques, but for the most part I recommend a good vocational school that's well rehearsed in the specific topic of your choice.

There you will receive 1-on-1 training and keep up to date with the new trends.

Jayel: Since Invision-Graphics seems to be one of the "must-visit" sites for the new web designers coming online, what tips would you give to new web designers?

Shawn: Your site is your portfolio, it projects who you are and your skills, keep it versatile and offer interesting articles and tutorials that are sure to entice visitors to be repeated visitors. Offer many different sections that you can display your graphic or web programming experience but keep it lively and a great resource for the novice user who's just starting out.

Jayel: One of the websites you have designed and maintain is the busy online writing community todays-woman.net. Tell us about your experience designing and maintaining this popular site.

Shawn: Todays-Woman.net is and will always be a project in the making- I've spent the last 3 years designing and developing features that are hopefully adequate to the online writer or author. I vision many new features and obstacles to over come over the next year, but the experience has been a pleasure. I get many appraisals for my work and the overall ease of use for Todays-Woman, that it's truly a pleasure to keep bringing it forward. I never imagined that Todays-Woman.net would be as popular as it has turned out, but it's a great privilege as the designer and developer to see its progress and interact with members directly on what they may see or project Todays-Woman can be.

Jayel: Any last words for those thinking about entering the world of web design?

Shawn: Learn as much as you can, never doubt your capabilities for a second, and set your goals and aim high.

Jayel: Shawn, thank you for taking a bit of your time to chat with me and share a bit about website creation and maintenance.

Shawn: You're most welcome Jayel.
 

Shawn DesRochers is the CEO and Founder of Invision-Graphics Design Firm, Invision-graphics.com is a small website design and web development firm specializing in design & redesign, graphic design, logo design, corporate branding, advertising and illustration.

Be sure to visit http://www.invision-graphics.com