ZoomConcept Reviews
Serious Problem on pixelinspired-portfolio.png 1 I think all projects should be align to left Critical Problem on pixelinspired-home.png 1 I think you shouldn't use opposite color. I now that you wanted to get project name stand out from the site but i think it still should be blue as all other titles. -
Zlatko commented:Yeah that concerned me too. Should I go with a different title color in tune with the project main color, or should I just use my regular indigo-blue link color. So I think you are right.
Positive Feature Nice looking portfolio
Good job on that one. Clean and minimal portfolio. Like it.Positive Feature on pixelinspired-home.png 1 Like this browser window :] 2 Great idea with this buttons! -
Zlatko commented:
Actually I'm trying to find even more nice ones that will blend better, and I think style of icons like I use in my contact page will be the ideal ones.
New Idea on pixelinspired-home.png 1 I suggest to resize handstyled text 1 or 2 px more -
Zlatko commented:
Yeah I'll try that. I'm just afraid not to loose readability.
2 Maybe a little shadow here? Or mirror, blurred reflection? -
Zlatko commented:
I thought about that also, applied it and it didn't gave me much impression. I might decide for some shadow effect after all at the end.
New Idea on pixelinspired-about.png 1 Maybe a hover effect with your real photo? -
Zlatko commented:
Actually this is just a temporary sample photo overlay I use. I will put my real photo afterward, I just can't find a decent photo of me :) I was thinking when hovering over it show the handwritten text.
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Minor Problem on pixelinspired-about.png 1 typo 2 typo 3 i would change this to: 'It represents me as a web designer and the projects..." 4 that 'empty stomach' phrase doesn't translate correctly. also, the word 'tend' isn't a great choice - it is too casual . I would write: "I always strive to finish projects in a timely manner, even if it means skipping some meals to get there :) " -
Zlatko commented:
That's for correcting my typos. English is not my native language, so I'm trying my best :) I'll correct all of them.
5 typo. Should be 'began' Serious Problem on pixelinspired-home.png 1 Same issue with the messaging: small businesses won't understand 'i am not an expert at this'. You are asking people not to hire you. Lead with something positive. Stay truthful, but don't tell them what you can't do. -
Zlatko commented:
Yeah I was thinking how to present this, but also give them the impression that I'm not a guru at this. I was thinking somewhere to graphically present my skills set where XHTML would score 8 and CSS 7 from 10.
Positive Feature The design aesthetic reflects your style
The design is simple, but it is very much in keeping with the type of design you provide for your clients. There are nice little touches like the handwritten font that help communicate your message.Messaging: specialized in a few...
This text doesn't work for 2 reasons: i think it will be confusing to people who want to hire a web developer when you say you are not a professional. They won't understand the nuances of that statement. I think you should have a simple, declarative sentence or two about your strengths "I excel at delivering clean, eye-pleasing, user-friendly..."-
Zlatko commented:
I'll try to think in a new direction then.
"at a glance"
The about me pave is very easy to read, and easy to scan at a a glance. I like the 'so what's next'Summary:
Overall, i think the tone and clarity of the content is very good. The overall impression is that you are eager to please, helpful and very enjoyable to work with.
Nice job.
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Zlatko commented:
Thanks, you really helped me with the content.
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Minor Problem on pixelinspired-home.png 1 What's the value of "freelance" in your description? I know you're available for work, otherwise, why would you have a website? How about "terrific web designer" or "innovative" or "original" or.... -
Zlatko commented:
Terrific? No - I basically want to stay humble. Innovative? - Nice choice!
2 It's like "freelance" -- what other kind of estimate besides "cost" would I want? I guess I'd like to know a time estimate as well, but don't you include that? So why not just say "request a quote" or "get an estimate." -
Zlatko commented:
I'll definitely consider this, Thanks!
Minor Problem on pixelinspired-about.png 1 Hey, I see your picture up in the CF user page, so I know you're not Elephant Man or horribly deformed or so otherwise unpresentable that you won't put your picture on your 'about me' page. This bugs me. I want to connect with you as a person, so let me see your face. -
Zlatko commented:
Sure, the photo overlay there is just a sample placement. I'll dig into my photo archives and find some suitable one :D
2 I would suggest getting some copywriting help. Serious Problem on pixelinspired-about.png 1 Talk about what you are best at, what you're good at, and what you bring to the relationship, don't talk about what you're not so good at. Critical Problem on pixelinspired-home.png 1 I won't point out all the spelling errors, but they are throughout the site. I know English isn't your selling point, design is, but a good finished product includes an attention to detail. If you have spelling and grammar errors throughout the site, it indicates that you aren't going to put that professional finishing touch to your projects. Maybe this is an unfair comment, in that this is still a work in progress, so forgive me if that's the the case. If it isn't, then fix these errors! -
Zlatko commented:
No worries, English is not my native language. So I'll definitely spell-check upon launching the site.
Positive Feature on pixelinspired-home.png 1 Love the background and the logo. Nice design, nice concept. Nice, clean, and engaging nav bar. 2 Nice touch! New Idea on pixelinspired-home.png 1 Hey, I like this a lot. I went to your live site to check it out, and wonder, why not make this an interactive online form, instead of a Word document? -
Zlatko commented:
Hmm... I could do that. I'll think about it.
Other on pixelinspired-home.png 1 If you're going to feature this as a service on your home page, then I wouldn't say "I'm not an expert." If you're going to provide this service to me, all I want to know is that you'll get the job done yourself, or you'll bring in others to provide expertise you don't have. 2 Since this is your best strength, why not just feature it, and it alone, and leave out the coding and CMS, where you aren't as strong. Talk about your great design skills, your ability to create great user interfaces, and leave it at that? -
Zlatko commented:
I noticed all my reviews mentioned my honesty about not being an expert at coding. Well the thing is that I was, but the last 2.5 years all my work required just visual design, so I didn't had the time to return to my coding skills and they eroded with time. Now I want to meet XHTML & CSS again and be an expert again. If I don't find time for that, I'll just remove that and feature only my UI design skills. Thanks for pointing this out to me.
Summary:
Love the look and feel. Now focus on your messaging, get some help with English, look at other copy on other sites, and take this to the next level. Definitely an improvement on your existing site. Good luck!
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Serious Problem on pixelinspired-home.png 1 Does this answer the question "Why should I hire this web designer?" -
Zlatko commented:
Well, I'm telling what I am, what I do and who I work for. It seem clear enough to me. I'll brainstorm for some variations however.
2 Eliminate "MY" - "Featured Projects" is about the clients, and not about you. -
Zlatko commented:
Very true, I agree!
Critical Problem on pixelinspired-home.png 1 typo -
Zlatko commented:
Oh, I've overlooked that. The content would've gone trough proofreading however.
Critical Problem on pixelinspired-portfolio.png 1 If you are interested in solution selling at a mid-size business level, you need to segment your portfolio into industries. At a glance, it you are telling the visitor you work on non-profit websites versus for profit business sites. -
Zlatko commented:
Well the thing is that most of the design work I do is under NDAs, so I'm not allowed to post those into my portfolio. That's why I'm estimating to have not more than 10 websites published, that I'm actually allowed to post :)
Positive Feature on pixelinspired-home.png 1 Great logo -
Zlatko commented:
It's just a scribble, symbolizing a pixel :)
2 Most effective copy -
Zlatko commented:
Thanks. I was firstly thinking whether to dedicate a separate page called "Services", but there is nothing to philosophize there except the 2 services boxes, so I decided to show them just on the homepage.
3 Ensure that this fits into the prospects point of view. Tell them how this fits into their problem statements. Positive Feature on pixelinspired-contact.png 1 Nicely done! -
Zlatko commented:
At first I had some hesitations how to present it, so I showed the two contact forms, the general one and the cost estimation one. Then I realized it will just confuse the user, so I decided for this one. When you click on the Contact menu item it will go to this page, where if you click on the "Request a cost estimate" area, it will go to different page, though same looking as the general contact, but just with different form.
New Idea on pixelinspired-about.png 1 Be careful... It's not about you. Think about doing a site for a plumber. What's more compelling: - his availability? - works after hours? - certified plumber? - featured examples of his work? - articles about things homeowners should looks out for? - DIY tips? My point here is - some of that list meaningful & compelling, some are not... -
Zlatko commented:
Yeah, I should definitely think in a new direction about the introductory content there.
Summary:
Hi Zlatko
Clearly - you are a very talented designer. I only have minor tweaks for you.
- Remember - this is about solutions & not about you.
- Follow some of these landing page guidelines - to ensure your landing page is actionable
- Be careful about what you display as portfolio pieces. I encourage you to breakout samples into industries (which will allows the visitor to navigate their domain interest)
- Be persuasive on your landing page - it will lead to more prospects hiring you. I encourage you review this video, to learn more about some key persuasion principles.
Well done!
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Zlatko commented:
Thanks Michael, very practical advice. I'l check that video and the screenshot you provided me with.
I would've breakout my portfolio pieces into industries if they were more than 10, but I'm sure they won't be. I was forward planning that in case I reach a decent number that needs categorization. But you gave me the idea to at least just mention from which industry the project is.
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Summary:
Liking the logo its very basic but stands out. the sketched box next to the text pixel inspired is a great touch, Well done on this concept. Would like to see a live preview online though :)
- Peter
I can certainly try that. I just imagined this way could look more balanced & playful.