Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Take a listen if you would

I just recorded my first demo, and I think it came out really good - although NOT perfect, really pretty good for my first! I took some direction from a well known web site which I do not mind promoting because they really do have an incredible resource. The web site that I have been spending time on is http://www.edgestudio.com and they have lots of FREE content. So, feel free to take a listen and tell me what you think when you can - it would certainly be appreciated!
http://www.straightfocus.com/1800.mp3

Really appreciate any and all feedback, and just so you know I have been designing my own home studio, this was recorded in house and can be mastered as well.

Voice Over Business

I have decided to get into the voice over business - and its about time too!

People have told me for many years that I should be doing this, so now I am taking the first step and I can only expect success. I have a great voice, so what - and I think I can make some money with it too, big deal. From what I have been reading, nothing is guaranteed no matter what you sound like. There are many factors in being successful in this business and I intend to find out just what those factors are, and why.

So I am off, on my way to what just may be a journey of a lifetime.

Wish me luck, listen to my demo's on my newly redesigned web site (http://www.straightfocus.com) and tell all your friends and co-workers that there is a new voice in town, his name is Adam Warden.

Thanks for reading - more to come!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Why should you care about valid code?

Well, first of all it is important because there are so many browsers as well as different platforms.

Imagine, one used with a MAC using Firefox or Safari, and another using a PC that has Internet Explorer or Opera, all of these have their own potential benefits as well as pitfalls.

There is also the expectation of usability and accessibility.

Usability is the ease of use of the site in general, you should be able to find what you are looking for in 2 clicks, 3 at the most.

Accessibility is having users be able to access your site no matter what they are using, and that includes but is not limited to the blind, deaf and people with disabilities (yes, they are part of your audience whether you know it or not!).

Valid code, that is validated with the W3, is your first step to making sure that your site's visitors, experience the site the way it was intended. There are too many cases of web sites looking one way in one browser, and completely different in another - that is not good.

For an article that explains this in more detail, please take a look for yourself ...
http://www.webdesign.org/web/html-and-css/articles/why-is-validation-important.16126.html

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

So, how much should you pay for a web site?

In an article I just read, it is subjective.
Please, take a moment and read the same article, I would never hide anything from anyone:

Click here.

I know from experience after being in the web design business for over 10 years, that this pricing structure is really based on Web Firms, and mostly in the corporate industry - not really the one person operations as well as the smaller companies.

The pricing is always dependent on what the customer can or will pay, and there is no article that can change that, or alter its course.

I am not saying I do not agree with the article on a general scale, but there always has to be exceptions. I know that my company has built sites over the years that range from the small $500 site to well over $5000 - and it was always about the customer.

We as designers are providing a service. Just like the guy that sells you your lottery ticket, a service. And we have to price that service accordingly because of the market. Of course this is based on lots of criteria, some of which have to do with style, education, proof of performance as well as many other factors.

Bottom line is this, and of course these are just my opinions as clearly stated on this blog, Cost + Time = Total Bill, and if the client wants to pay for a service that they can not do themselves then it is up to a professional designer charge accordingly for the knowledge that they possess - just like a lawyer, doctor or your mechanic - its just the way it is, and always has been in every profession, and always will be as far as I can see.

Do yourself a favor, and do not skimp on something like your image in the internet.

It could be devastating for your business, and for a small investment you could easily repay your business with the amount of clients you will receive but also retain, its just smart business.