Documenting my redesign

AJ Smallwood website 2017

After 14 years, I’ve finally closed my Ltd company, Coast Design. Along the way, I’ve learned to do so much but very rarely do I get the chance to document my learning or even demonstrate it on a project of my own.

Recently I’ve passed many of my clients onto various contacts who I know can take on the different elements of web design and digital marketing.

As part of this process, I was asked what my typical approach was with my website builds so it seemed like a perfect opportunity to document my process.

My skill set is an interesting dynamic.

I’m a jack of all trades but definitely a master of none

Part marketer, part developer, I’m a jack of all trades but definitely a master of none. I find that some online documentation is too advanced for me, but similarly, I’m too advanced for those that just install wordpress and customise a theme.

I keep my integrity by designing from the ground up. I know my websites inside out and don’t like to cheat the system. This though, was the ultimate downfall of my company. I would take on projects that would allow me to learn and challenge me. But this would often have a negative impact on the profitability of projects. You can’t spend hours exploring a new technology and passing the cost along to a client.

So, now I have the time and I can document my process and learning along the way. If it helps people of a similar ilk to me, then great, if not then I’ve got a documented approach to how I do things, which will probably help me in the long term as well!

So, the first project; redesigning this website.

I’ll be sure to link these posts together and it will start with selecting some simple branding.

So, on to part one, creating a simple brand.

About Andrew Smallwood

Experienced digital strategist with a foundation in web development and analytics. Leads multi-disciplinary teams in content creation and digital marketing ensuring data is at the core of decision making.


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