Happy Moving Day - This Blog Has A New Home!

I'm excited to announce that today I launched my new Wordpress site, I'd been working on it for a while now just for this blog. So...I'm still posting, just at a different address.

You can visit me now at www.pinupdesigns.net/pinupblog

Thanks so much for stopping by, hope you like the new place!

Web Site Bidding Wars - How Low Will You Go?

A recent posting I read on Craigslist: “Wanted - 4 to 5 page site and blog for $250.00. Basic site, shouldn’t be too hard for anyone with the skills” (I guess this is to justify the $250 they are willing to pay?) They went on to add “Don’t even bother writing back with a quote for $600, I won’t even respond” (Um, but that may even be below market value!)

The ad was upsetting but what really got me was how often I’m seeing these types of requests. And what’s really unsettling is, are web designers responding to this ad saying “Yes! I’ll do it – no problem, it’ll be great”?

Even looking through other freelance sites, it was a disheartening reading through some very heavy project requirements and then seeing people bidding on jobs for really, really low pay! Now I want to say, not all the jobs were like that and there were some designers’ profiles I checked out that absolutely had higher but realistic hourly rates and bids. Not that it has to be justified but they were also very talented designers who also posted portfolios and information on themselves and their experience. But overall, I got the sense of sharks in the water and a bidding war on who could undercut the most. Fearing for my safety and the buoyancy of the little air mattress called faith and hope I’ve been floating on, I paddled the hell out of there.

And this lead me to question even more; for the consumer, has it come down to savings over quality? Because honestly, the old saying is true – you get what you pay for. Most web designers with several years experience under their belt also know their value, understand the amount of work involved and simply, cannot and will not build you a 5 page web site and blog for $250.00.

Now that having a web presence for your business more important than ever, are individuals and business owners willing to have a poor site done if it’s cheap enough just to “get something out there”? Because after a little more digging, I did discover that some of the people willing to work for so little are really just supplying a template, swamping in a few pictures, some text and bam – instant web site. Nothing custom, nothing original and not much thought into branding or much else to be honest.

As I keep reading posts and articles on freelance best practices still advising to raise prices each year and how this will even ensure a better clientele (which I do agree with wholeheartedly), this slippery slope of falling wages and diving bids makes me wonder about other designers work and experience now.

I hope, as I’m sure everyone does, for clients that value, appreciate and understand the thought, time and creative process involved in creating and building a great web site. It can’t happen in a day and usually not for $250.00. Even in this extremely difficult economic time, I can only hope the undercutting and bottom bids don’t put a near end to those of us who work extremely hard, continue to grow and learn and have pride in the work that we do and love.

Designers and Code

Should designers know how to code?

This is such an old argument/discussion but a heated one in the web community and it’s always interesting to me when it comes up, listening at all points presented and how passionate the debate can become.

Personally, I can hand code. I can build a web page by hand in Notepad but the design process is the part I love, that’s what I feel strongly about and am always trying to learn and improve. And I think there are some advantages to knowing how to code as well as design but I can see where people would also just focus and specialize on the one area alone. Design is not easy, it’s not always the “fun” part. As with anything creative, it’s a struggle at times. Ideas don’t always flow or work out as well on the web as they did in your mind but I really, really love it regardless.

It’s not that I don’t spend as much time coding and building, it’s just because the joy for me comes in the visual creation, the creative solutions I can provide and the joke I’ve now publicly made - to "make things pretty". A term that has been used snidely toward me but also just as a general statement: “Just make it pretty”. I adopted it and now use it for myself because however you look at it, good or bad, I do want to make things visually attractive. I like seeing the art in the machine.

Should all designers have to be able to code? I think it helps but I also think it’s ok for design and development to be two different areas and skills. I don’t think all designers should have to also know all back end coding but of course, knowing some basics is going to be a positive and may even help when working with a developer and understanding what they may need or how things will work on the back end after implement your design.

I’m constantly impressed by developers that seem to be able to bend web sites and make them behave and do their bidding and I’m still working on learning a little more on the development side but for now, I’m a designer that codes.

Navigating the business side of being creative (surfing in rough waters)

This week kicked my butt. Seriously. Maybe it’s partly the state of the world today, our economy and all the changes toward work and business that have come along with it but I also know some of it is part of my own learning process.

When I first started learning about web design, it was through some basic HTML and CSS classes online – and I mean basic. But I really loved everything I was learning and could not wait to learn and do more. I’d spend hours on the web, finding tutorials, tips and tricks articles, anything I could get my hands on to help my develop more and build on the basics I’d learned.

When I decided to go freelance, my approach was similar. Basically, I’m mostly self taught which to me means two things.
#1 - I’ve worked my butt off and come a long way the past few years
#2 - At times, my progress and growth has been through making mistakes and learning what to do when things fall apart or just don’t work out the way you mean for them to.

In the beginning, my immediate focus was on continuing to learn all I could about design and building sites but it didn’t take long to realize, being a freelance designer means actually designing web sites is only a small piece of the pie. Being freelance is really being and running a business called “you”. If you don’t like or want to handle running a business, freelance is probably not the way to go. You will have to chase down unpaid bills for work you’ve done, managing relationships – the good and the “challenging” and often, the hours are not 9 – 5 or anywhere close to normal, at least in my world. There is no supervisor, manager or team to answer to - or to help you with any of the above either.

But it is all part of a sometimes painful learning curve, gaining experience and in my opinion, learning to work for yourself, by yourself.

So I guess I should say, the business end of being freelance kicked my butt this week. I’m just not comfortable with every aspect but I do love new projects, designing and coding web sites and making clients happy and as excited about their site and business as I am. Guess that means I’m chalking it up to “one of those weeks”, diving back in, making a new list for tomorrow (yes, I can’t stop with the lists!) and hoping the experiences today make for easier, smarter tomorrows.

The comic I linked to is by Matthew Inman (Oatmeal), an awesome designer in Seattle Washington who also does comics on his blogs that I think are funny. If you think so too, subscribe to http://theoatmeal.com/ or check him out on Twitter, @Oatmeal

In the Quiet Hours

So I actually started writing this blog a few weeks ago – and then I got way too busy all of a sudden to even finish writing it. But I know the quiet will sneak back up when I least expect it and I think it’ll be a good reminder for me and anyone else who tends to panic and stress a little when things slow down too much instead of embracing and taking advantage of the down time, knowing it won’t last for long.

I was reading an interview with a popular actor who said, at the end of a filming every movie, there’s always a period of wondering “Was this my last great role?” “Did I just film my last movie ever?” Being freelance can be a wonderful, beautiful thing but I’ve felt that same sensation at the end of several design projects. The dreaded “What now?”

Freelance can mean freedom, there are so many positives like setting your own limits and schedules but nothing is guaranteed. Work can come in waves and follow with what can be scary, extended periods of down time, but I’m learning this can be a positive instead of a time to worry myself in to a ball of stress.

I’d been reading lately about freelance down time and ways to make life a little less scary so here’s a short list of what works for me when things slow down, clients are quiet and you wonder if you just made your last big movie.

Learn something new – take advantage of the downtime to keep building skills. This is probably my favorite; while not always easy (can take some discipline) I think it’s the most valuable. In my quiet hours now (or whenever I can squeeze in more hours in the evening), I’m learning Wordpress and hopefully will be putting it to good use soon.

Research – hit the “great examples of” lists, read blogs, tutorials, any relevant information you can find. I guess this can go along with learning something new but I think of this as not specifically focused. There is so much great information online you can learn from (for free!) Take advantage of all the internet offers. Smashing Magazine feature some of my favorite “great examples” galleries. A great way to learn about design is by studying great work and learning from other designers. Sometimes just spending a few hours reading or browsing galleries can provide the inspiration that helps you land your next project or learn more effective ways of working.

Get out - If the stress and worry of downtime is really getting to you, what can sometimes help the most is doing nothing on the computer at all. Go to the bookstore, go for a walk or just go spend time with friends and family. You’re finally not slammed, working 14 hours a day to meet anyone’s deadline, take full advantage and spend some time having fun with people you love.

Play pretend - Make up a new project to challenge yourself. Sketch, design, build it out and save! You may be able to take something from it later, even if just an idea or color scheme.

Relax – scary deadlines, being over busy, working late hours, it’ll all be back. Take advantage of the quiet time now and recharge and relax.

Why I'm so addicted to Twitter (and how it’s helped me as a designer)

Just last June, I had blogged about my first uses of Twitter, just dipping my toes in to test the water. It felt awkward at first for sure but I kept trying and looking around and soon I’d felt I was getting the hang of things. But as my affection for other similar sites have dwindled with time, I still have a hard time using my computer for very long without at least logging in to my Twitter account just to see what’s going on, even if I really have nothing to say.

But I honestly believe this is one of the really good addictions and many times I’ve been so thankful for all the people I’ve connected with, resources I’ve found and knowledge I’ve gained.

Being able to follow other web designers and freelancers has been invaluable. I’m always reading other designers blogs, looking for tutorials, checking out how other people do things and view projects and basically – create! I’m so grateful to the designers on Twitter who looked at my work and gave an opinion or sent me a link to a good online book or have created tutorials that have blown me away.

I also follow some pretty cool marketing and inspirational people that have provided so much great information on their sites and blogs on the business side of being freelance.(Self promotion, Time management, Branding, etc)

When I came across this article 10 Great Tips for Using Twitter as a Designer It definitely hit home, I think I agree with each and every point.

Honestly, the list is too long to post all the awesome people I follow so here are just a few of my favorites:

@designthatrocks
@naominiles
@maidenx
@Giovanny
@DiggedyDave
@kreynoldsdesign
@DanielleLaPorte
@IttyBiz

For the whole list or to check out my “tweets” I'm at @AnnasPinup. Click away on some of the people I follow or just browse around, read and see what you find.

The re-design challenge – Complete! The blood, sweat, tears and lessons learned

Warning: This is a long post. Sorry but for whatever reason, I feel I have to bear my soul on this one. It just really turned in to an experience I feel inspired to write about and share. So, if you’re short on time, feel free to skim, look at the picture of the old site and failed ideas, giggle, hopefully see how far I’ve come and pass it on. (To be honest, I’m a little nervous now about sharing my mock ups and kind of exposing some weaknesses but it’s all in hopes this will help another very frustrated designer or will stick in someone’s head when they are ready to scream because whatever they are trying to do just won’t come out right. )
But also feel free to come back when you have time to read it all, comment away and share any growing pains of your own. I love reading other people’s stories!



Above is a picture of the old site - I'll begin at the beginning.

Well, I knew I was in for some serious work and a major personal challenge when I decided to not only completely re-design my portfolio site but also open my big mouth and tell everyone else I was doing it but I don’t think I truly realized how difficult and beneficial and all around totally necessary this would be on many different levels. I learned and grew more than expected, on my own skills and design perspective but also how I view the road blocks and self doubt and how my own thinking and the way I work had to change.

The way this whole idea came about was partly from me just not liking my old site anymore but also wanting to do some serious overhaul for branding and to create a new design I could also use for more than just the site – business cards, postcards, this blog, Twitter, all of it.
So, from my November post: Redesign Challenge Part II -
I’d stated “The look needs dressing up and doesn't really convey any kind of message about me as a designer yet but I also felt there were some good parts I wanted to keep.

As soon as you pull up the home page, you can easily identify
-business name
-samples of my work
-how to contact me”

“After brainstorming, some of my key ideas were beauty, fun, feminine, strong creativity and a little vintage or retro feel mixed in if possible. “

This was the groundwork I worked off of. Sounds simple enough, right? Start sketching. So I had an idea in mind and tried it out but it didn’t take long for it to feel wrong somehow. Things weren’t looking right and I wasn’t sure what it was – sizes, placement, I just knew it wasn’t right. So I had to trust my instincts (even though inside I was fighting it) and start over. Just for laughs, here’s a sample of that idea. Not horrible but just not quite right.




The first 2 lessons were learned here:
#1 Trust your instincts. Always. Why was I fighting what I felt? I’d posted on my blog I was re-doing the site and I felt like I needed to have it done in a week. Even though I had clients, even though I have a life and family. I was staying up until 1in the morning to try and force out a design I knew inside wasn’t right because I’d put this pressure on myself to not only achieve my goal but do it in a week. Not too smart, thankfully I gave in and trusted myself. Amen.

#2 Don’t get married to all your ideas, especially early on. This one has been SO hard for me and I know it’s again because of the pressure on myself to hurry hurry HURRY! The truth is (I think this might be my favorite lesson of all) things change, learn to flow with it. Sometimes change can be a beautiful thing!

But, I did really like the background and I never throw anything away, however I did forget about it for a while.

I felt really stuck and a little miserable so I spent some time looking at other sites for inspiration, trying to force out sketches and feeling a little sorry for myself. Looking for stock images that might give me an idea, I started off in a different direction. I don’t know exactly why but I really liked the idea of working with picture frames and building pages on to the background of an old house. (I still like this idea, just didn’t work for this project – but I may use it for something someday!) And I really wanted to try something I’d never done which was all images for navigation (buttons aside). So that was my next idea but inside my picture frame, how to arrange all the elements I wanted to show was where things got muddy. And I was really, really hanging on to this idea instead of being open to changing things around, trying different images, etc. More 1 – 2am nights working myself into a crabby mood the next day because I was still trying to force something to happen that just wasn’t working and I didn’t want to see it. I was convinced this is the design I HAD to do and I better just figure out how to make it work.


Self Realization: I am the worst client I’ve ever had. (Coolest boss mind you but worst client) What’s with all these stanch demands? Work faster and no changing your mind or trying any new directions! Who designs like that?
And here's my second try -



You can see I was closer but finally had to let go here as well. By this time, it’s December and I feel like a failure and am devastated and feel like a fraud (Why did I post this on my blog?!?!?) I just couldn’t imagine starting over from scratch again. I had exhausted and beat myself up so much, I couldn’t see straight. I finally gave in and started venting to my husband, showing him both designs and sadly gazing at the monitor. “I like parts of them both, why don’t you just put them together?” he said.

I was stunned. What? That means I’d have to be open to changing my original ideas and not just stomp my feet and scream and feel frustrated. I didn’t want to admit it but I knew he was pointing me in the right direction. After staring back and forth and both of my self proclaimed flops, I did start to see something and slowly, was able to start going through them for parts like scrap at the dump. “I like this part but not this, I really like that background but those buttons won’t work.” But the worst and best part about the end process, as soon as I started working on what I still refer to as “Round 3”, everything just sort of fell in to place. It wasn’t hard anymore, I didn’t feel like I was struggling and forcing so much. Now part of that was the going back to a more familiar structure I was much happier and comfortable with but I know part of It was also because I was finally able to open my mind and relax!

With round 3, I can’t say I didn’t give myself any time limit but I opened the window way up to what I was doing before. I hoped to finish in 31 days and actually finished in about 12. I kept the idea in my mind, you’ve already started over 3 times now and it might take 10 more tries. The important thing is that it’s the right design for you, terrible client lady. And if it just feels wrong and isn’t working, try something else. ( Lesson #3 – Ding!)

It was still work, don’t get me wrong and especially as I neared the finish line, I really did some serious obsessing and nitpicking over a few things.

My original plan was not to even post the new site until I’d written this post, posted the new design here and on all my other pages, kind of an all at once unveiling if you will. But, I couldn’t wait. After all the time spent and struggle and wanting to throw my computer out in to the street and wonder what other careers I may have to take up because I couldn’t decide what to design ( I’m a terrible waitress but I can cocktail! ), I sort of couldn’t believe I had pulled off a new design I really like and that I feel definitely represents me far better than the old one. I’m sure it’s not the most breath-taking site you’ve ever laid eyes on, I didn’t try to throw in a lot of bells and whistles – the Flash on the home page was really enough for me, but the process over all brought out the proud parent in me I think.

Meet my baby, I call her Round 3, isn’t she delish?


Sorry but just one more lesson – Don’t stay up all night working and obsessing and beating yourself up - about anything. It’s never EVER worth it. You’ll feel and function and think so much better on a good nights sleep, I promise!