1stwebdesigner

Posted by ryan | Posted on 20:13

Posted: 23 Feb 2010 12:02 PM PST

As designers we have our skills honed; a gorgeous portfolio, well designed business cards, and a vicious social media presence.

So what’s missing? Here we will be discussing the preparation for impressing a client. Impressing a client is crucial not only for initial business, but also for repeat business. Impressed clients will brag about their new projects and recommend you to their like minded colleagues. One happily impressed client could easily spread your talents around to ten or more people.

In the words of American advertising executive William Bernbach, “Word of mouth is the best medium of all.". So by the client recommending you, they are putting their stamp of approval on your work. That’s something your portfolio or business card just can’t do.

Everyone has a Portfolio, You Must Be Remarkable.

Every designer who is serious has a portfolio and business card. What makes you different than “Joe Designer” down the block? In our business, two things set you apart: being remarkable at design and being remarkable at marketing yourself. To understand if you are remarkable simply ask the question, “Am I memorable?” . Being remarkable is what gives you the ability to stand out in a crowd of your peers.

There is a good chance that you are not the only one submitting a bid on this project, especially if this is a job listing on one of the many job forums out there. So standing out is a must! The simplest things can make you stand out. It’s all about the small things, they add up in big ways with the client. It could be the extra creativity in your business card, portfolio, or even being the only guy to show up in a tie.

Define Your Goals.

What do you want out of this project? Do you just need the money? Are you looking to increase your exposure? Looking to get into a new market? Ask yourself these questions and write them down. So what does writing down goals have to do with impressing a client? Organization. When one is organized it shows in all aspects of one’s work. This will allow you to put your priorities in order and unclutter your mind; allowing you to be calm, collected, and in control. You will present an image of streamlined efficiency and confidence. Also, if your intentions are written down you are more likely to follow them.

Choose Your Words Carefully, They Will Define You.

No matter how good your portfolio is, if you have the personality of freshly baked bread; you will not land the client. When meeting your client for the first time, quickly assess your surroundings. Finding common ground is the best way to start the conversation. In some cases the client may be half way around the world. In situations such as these, email and phone conversations are the only form of contact. Tone is everything when relying on a means of communication other than face-to-face. Watch spelling, grammar, and punctuation in emails as they can make or break you.

Do Your Homework.

Before starting any new project, I google the potential client. I cannot count how many times this has prepared me for a crazy client. By checking on google and the various social networks, you’ll be able to grasp the gist of the client. Do they have several stores? Do they pay their vendors on time? Are there odd pictures of their last Christmas party on Facebook? The answers await on the internet.

Be Weary of What You Wear.

Image Source

Does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man? Never mind that now! When meeting a client for the first time it’s very important to dress accordingly. If you’re meeting at a bowling alley, a suit may not be a good choice. On the other hand don’t wear board shorts and a Nine Inch Nails t-shirt to a meeting. Well maybe if it’s a skate board company. I usually dress in dark colored business casual. It holds up nice and if I need to be a bit edgy, I loosen my tie a bit. Oh and when in doubt, wear a tie.

I have tattoos. I have been in situations on both sides of the fence. I have lost potential clients because of them and I have gained client because of them. It’s a fifty-fifty chance with tattoos. As a rule now, I keep them covered up unless they come up in conversation. I have tattoos in my illustration portfolio so the subject usually comes up.

Be yourself.

In the end, it all comes down to common sense. Do you wear a suit or not? Do you relate that funny story about your design background? Use your judgment and your design spidey-sense to navigate the clients waters. Relax, you’ll do fine. Be yourself. They’ll love you, unless you have the personality of fresh baked bread. I want to leave you with another William Bernbach quote, “Nobody counts the number of ads you run; they just remember the impression you make.”

In the next Client Tactics, we will look at sure-fire ways to spot a deadbeat client. Until then, want more ideas on being remarkable?

60 Interactive, 3D And Astonishing Webdesigns Created In Flash

Posted: 23 Feb 2010 02:00 AM PST

Advances in web technologies has paved the way for multimedia to go far beyond traditional means. Web browsing experience has been drastically improved with creative designs, 3D, mouse interaction, fun games, videos, sound, and astonishing animations, created on Flash platform. It makes extraordinary multimedia experience that attracts visitors.

Below is the 60 collection of the most inspiring Flash websites with ever-increasing innovations. As with globalization, you will get to see unique creation from different parts of the world. So, check them out!

1. Twigital

Twigital is an interactive 3D twitter visualisation created for Flash on the Beach and London Digital Week.

2. NcK Design

NcK Design – Flash 3D Portfolio

3. Nissan Cars UK

Discover the Nissan range of vehicles: city cars, crossovers, 4×4s, SUVs, sports cars and commercial vehicles.

4. Campri

The brand new Campari website, all about making cocktails, sharing Red Passion around the world, the new calendar and its testimonial, the brand identity and communication.

5. Me InTru 3D

MeInTru3D InTur™3D Intel Advergame.

6. Ford 2010 Mustang

The 2010 Ford Mustang Unleashed – Watch Videos, view interior and exterior photos, view specifications, build and price your custom Mustang and more.

7. VB2

8. 100 Best Films

100 Best Films – animated 3D boxes using Papervision3D engine.

9. Dan0

Portfolio of Daniel M. C.

10. Audi VDT

11. Air Jordan 2010

12. New Peugeot

Peugeot Motion & Emotion.

13. Drawn

Online demo of amazing casual game – Drawn: The Painted Tower, with unique levels.*unofficial*

14. Operation: Dairy

Operation: Dairy – Dairy Education Game from the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association.

15. SoBe

Experience how SoBe defines zero inhibitions and learn more about latest zero calorie flavors from Sobe.

16. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Transformers: Revenge of the fallen game for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, and PC.

17. Endless Eye

Endless Eye is a Chicago-based video production and post production company that strives to cultivate socially informative media.

18. Scion xPressionism

Custom Scion Designs – A unique Scion application that allows users the ability to customize their Scion paint, patterns, decals, spoilers, rims, light kits, and more.

19. big boss studio

Agency specializing in the design and implementation of digital strategies.

20. Quantum of Solace

James Bond 007, Quantum of Solace is a first-person shooter (third-person shooter for PlayStation 2) video game based on the films Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.

21. Gráfica Dedone

22. Standard Advertising

Standard agency, LOWE TOKYO, Standard Creative is a web site. Minato-ku, Tokyo. Planning, production, marketing and communication strategy implementation.

23. FWAPhoto

One Photo a Day.

24. Neostream Interactive

Serious multimedia company.

25. The Turn

Theturn.tv is an interactive site framing the music and visual work of Fredo Viola.

26. Fat-Man Collective

Thinkers. Designers. Developers.

27. salinas

Spring/Summer 2009 fashion shows.

28. ExtremeMusic

Class A Production Music Library, A Site For Sore Ears, the worldwide production music unit of Sony/ATV Music Publishing Sony.

29. Vegaone

Beautiful illustrations, artworks, and wallpapers.

30. T2

Motion Graphics Studio with videos.

31. Wally

The White Wall.

32. Virtual Center

Virtual Center for Contemporary Art "Signs of the Times" in Torun. It is a 3D website where you can walk around in the building.

33. Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot – Powerfully efficient. See photos, compare specs and learn more about the versatile features of Honda's crossover SUV.

34. Mario Kart Wii

Mario Kart Wii is a racing game developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development and published by Nintendo for the Wii console. The game was released worldwide throughout April 2008.

35. The Big Picture

The Big Picture is an anniversary project of X3, which depicts 7 years of the studio's life in 2400 images of the work, awards, projects, innitiatives, offices, parties and team.

36. Lacoste Red

Enter the LACOSTE Red! party. Discover the new Lacoste Collection by Christophe Lemaire. Cool fashion, sneakers, super slim fits, colorful styles, 60's inspired.

37. Masterbeat

Web's newest music superstore featuring MP3 downloads of the hottest tracks from major & independent artists & labels including exclusive DJ remixes.

38. Land of the Lost

Land of the Lost (2009). Directed by Brad Silberling. Casted by Will Ferrell, Anna Friel, Danny McBride, Jorma Taccone.

39. PIECE WALKER

40. Teamgeist

Every Team needs a jersey with a story. A graphic novel game that reveals the true value of the German National Team jersey.

41. LES MÉNINGO

LES MÉNINGO – Mission Megapolis

42. GTI Project

The GTI Project celebrates the car and its history. Delivering an amazing race experience on the secret GTI interactive Scalectrix test track. Volkswagen UK.

43. Volvo FH16 700

44. Annick Tremblay

Freelance Industrial Designer for 3D Modeling, Realistic Color Renderings, Technical Plans for Production, Prototypes, Conception with production in mind.

45. Virtual Sean

Sean Kingston Sing Along with Lil Sean Karaoke.

46. Real Casual

47. Herbal Essences Spice

Herbal Essences Spice – Sensuously Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry / Damaged Hair with Blackberry, Avocado and Mango extracts. Discover the mystical treasures of the East for opulent, sensuously-smooth hair!

48. Neglected Sensibles Shelter

Neglected Sensibles Shelter: Meet your Sensible and start rebuilding the bridge of kindness you burnt so long ago.

49. ANDREAS SMETANA

ANDREAS SMETANA – Photographer from Australia.

50. Cheese and Burger

We are the Cheese & Burger Society. We believe that cheese is the Grand Poo-bah of every cheeseburger grilled at a backyard barbecue or flame-broiled at a roadside diner. But not just any slice of cheese, Wisconsin Cheese. So join us as we celebrate the greatest cheeseburgers ever made.

51. Ben Dziuba

Ben Dziuba is a freelance Art Director, Designer and Flash Developer based in New York City offering Flash design and web design, both on-site and remotely. Official Website.

52. Ion Drimba Filho

Personal portfolio of Ion Drimba Filho presented in 3D cube.

53. Corny

Corny, the delicious meaty bolt. From natural ingredients and with lots of chocolate – delicious for energy to keep going!

54. Oasis For Fun

With Oasis, enter into the adventure and go in search of … Source: Find all Oasis products, fruits Oasis, Oasis commercials, the goodies and win prizes.

55. THE DINER

Classic American dining served with classic cocktails and endless coffee. Open every day of the week for breakfast, lunch & dinner. With five locations across london; Camden, Islington, Kensal Rise, Shoreditch, Soho.

56. Premiyum

Premium site – Confectionery.

57. Tati

Tati Celebrate on Orange Cinega of June 21 to 26
To explore the universe of Jacques Tati with special programming on Orange Cinega of May 21 to 26 films, documentaries and interviews, and participation of the heirs of the spirit Tati Makeieff Macha, Jerome Deschamps and Pierre Etaix.

58. Leaf A Legacy

For Cancer Research in BC (British Columbia, Canada) – Signals Design Group.

Add your leaf to this growing tree with a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation. As the tree flourishes, so too will the fight against cancer. Tell your story – leaf a legacy – and help build a future free from cancer.

59. Maria Lebesheva

Photographer's site.

60. D2D Queso

Cheese Fingers (D2D Cheese) are strange creatures "Little Village" brings you from afar … An island full of mysteries and characters that will blow your imagination. Being an adventurer is not always easy, but with cunning and enthusiasm you will discover the secret in it.