Website Review and Suggestions

**dljstudios** · 04-18-2009, 05:55 PM

This is my personal design portfolio, I released it 2-3 days ago. Any suggestions/tips? Any ideas of how to get more traffic?
I'm trying to thing of a creative/professional way to do the right side of my portfolio page. This is the first website i have designed/coded completely myself.

http://www.dljwebstudios.com

**Forbes** · 04-19-2009, 01:36 AM

6.5/10: Good, better than most on the web

One word: Professionalism

To look more professional you need to capitalize your I's. Also, the all capitalized navigation is not professional.

**dljstudios** · 04-19-2009, 01:41 AM

Thanks for the tip, i will update that as soon as i get the chance. I've already updated the website some.

**Forbes** · 04-19-2009, 05:28 PM

It really looks much more professional now.

**letitgo802** · 04-20-2009, 03:58 AM

i think it looks professional as well, great job

**Wayward** · 04:36 AM

I like it. I like the featured client part and the portfolio section in general looks good.

I would use a more striking logo. There's nothing wrong with yours at all but I think considering it's your business, you owe it to yourself to create the absolute best work you can for your own site and looking at your portfolio, you've done better. What you need to do is use your logo to speak for you. Show, rather than tell your clients that you rock.

This is a bit of a theme on the site. I think it's slighty too wordy for a site based around someone who does a lot of visual work. I would use the home page to sell myself rather than as a blog, and put the blog somewhere else on the site. I'd make the 'latest work' section a bit more visually appealing. You could also consider services and portfolio into one page.

In terms of writing and pitch it's as good or better than many I've seen. It's a little bit self doubting in places - you really don't need to mention your age for example - but otherwise, it works alright.

**dljstudios** · 04-29-2009, 09:39 AM

Thanks for the comments. How does it look now?

**dljstudios** · 05-13-2009, 09:21 AM

I have updated the website. How does it look now?

**hookoo** · 05-13-2009, 09:29 AM

Looks good. I would update your own logo to show your talents more.

**hookoo** · 05-13-2009, 09:31 AM

I was looking again at your site, this time for pricing. What are your rates?

**dljstudios** · 05-13-2009, 09:39 AM

People are to email me for prices, as prices vary. What kind of work are you thinking

**RoyDixon** · 05-13-2009, 02:06 PM

Daniel
Greetings from Iowa!

There are a few things that I'd like to mention.
I agree with hookoo and Wayward about the logo. The one you have is nice, but it's safe. I don't even really notice it. This is supposed your area of expertise, so show the potential client why they should buy from you.

I would maybe say "Welcome to DLJ Web Studios" Instead of "Welcome to DLJ Studios". I think it would be a bit less confusing.

The Nav buttons get lost, IMO. I'd move them down a bit and make them more visible.

The page is not graphic enough. You're an artist, and a pretty darn good one. This page should show that. Make the work the primary focus. Get rid of the blog post style of text. Save the personal details for the "about me" page. Use the home page text to explain what you can do for the customer, and have some nice graphics to drive the point home.

You have a unique selling proposition - individual talent in a niche market. That makes SEO much easier, but the art needs to be showcased. What good does it do to display that talent on a sub-page? Most viewers will take a quick look at the homepage and move on. They won't even take the time to find the portfolio page unless you make them WANT to and make it easy to find.

Good luck!

**TheLumin** · 05-14-2009, 02:53 AM

Not bad. I got to say I like the color theme that's going on here.. the blue is nice! However I would recommend a new font for your page title images

**dljstudios** · 05-14-2009, 09:49 AM

Thanks, what font do you recommend?

**4layouts** · 05-14-2009, 11:57 AM

I agree with the other posts about changing your logo. The whole reflective text thing is way overdone. I refuse to use it in my work.

Also, I would suggest changing the font. It just doesn't look too professional. Try Arial or Verdana. I would avoid other fonts on webpages. Also, I would suggest moving the navigation under the logo. Its a little hard to find at first glance.

Pretty good design, but still a work in progress. With a few quick changes you can make it look a lot better.

Good luck!

**dljstudios** · 05-18-2009, 09:49 AM

I updated the homepage a little. How does it look now? Any recommendations on the homepage?
I'm also going to redesign the logo in the near future, and if I find the time I will redesign the website.

**davemies** · 05-18-2009, 12:52 PM

when you do the logo i suggest you stay away from 'web 2.0' and move towards something darker (in feel) that goes with your work.

**dljstudios** · 05-19-2009, 12:15 AM

Thanks for the tip. I've been trying to think of something to do for a logo that will capture attention, and go with my work.

**zibrnp** · 05-19-2009, 11:01 AM

Hi,

I would put more pictures on the main page because when you look for a graphics company you expect to see something great right after you open the page.
I think it should help you to get some clients

Regards, T.

**NewBreed** · 05-19-2009, 11:14 AM

I think the nav is in a real bad place. People like what's familiar to them and if it's something they don't feel comfortable with they are out of there. Not saying you can't be different, but be different in your graphics. I seen your art it looks pretty bad@ss. I'd also get rid of that purple weird box you got there. It looks like something you would've seen from the 90s... it's pretty ugly and definitely doesn't look professional. Just display your services in a cool looking box or with some simple graphics. Come up with a catchy phrase why people should come to you for their art.

Anyways, good luck. Keep slamming out those pics.