* For list of my available designers and links to their work, please contact me directly.

The term Web Design is often used to loosely describe the entire process of creating a website. A few years ago, when web sites had little functionality, this was not far from the truth. But now, with more and more web sites taking advantage of database driven functionality, design is one piece in a multi-step process.

When is the best time to do visual design?

Placement of the design phase in the process of building a web site, as well as how much time and money should be allocated to it, will differ for every project. I find that design phases are most efficient after the core functionality has been thought out and documented. Wireframes, the product of a discovery phase, serve as an excellent starting point for a designer.

How do I choose a web designer?

In no particular order (reverse-alphabetical actually) my three main criteria for choosing designers are:

Style

Do you like their work? Does it seem like they understand the qualities that you associate with good design?

Specialization

If you want a high-concept, branded, online presence, then a designer who does a lot of marketing material and advertising campaigns may be appropriate. For a functional site with a lot of interactivity, a designer who specializes in Web 2.0-looking, user-interface design may be a better choice.

Professionalism / Budget

There is a lot of talent out there at sub-market rates but professionalism is hard to find. If you decide to go with a college student in Kansas that you found on Craigslist (nothing against Craigslist) for $20 / hour, do not be surprised when you miss your launch date.

In 2009 NYC, professional designers range from about $80 – $300 / hour (most of them prefer to charge by the job so don’t tell them I said that). If you are getting quotes in the hundreds-of-thousands-of-dollars range (or even tens) for a logo, then you are either dealing with a world famous, time-tested visionary, or being taken advantage of. Come to me instead.