Today is my last day working online until January. Please still send your entries for my CafePress template contest to the email found in that post. The link is to the right. I am not physically leaving anywhere, but will not be online for a month.
I will be using this time to reconnect with my family and friends, get Christmas shopping done and wrapped and spending quality time with my husband and children. I have been working really hard since March on my own CafePress stores. I am a little worried about losing some valuable time that I could be adding designs for the next holidays, but it is more important for me to be present with my family.
I will be coming back, hopefully refreshed, in January. I will be resuming my template design service and begin working on my stores again. I will be working on a new schedule that will work better for my family and I will be implementing new packages and prices. I look forward to seeing you then.
Have a Merry Christmas and a great holiday season.
In Christ,
Ne'
Friday, December 7, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
My Christmas Gift To You... Free Website Design Contest!!!
I am running a very informal contest, where the winner will receive a custom website redesign! Must be a CafePress Premium shop. To be considered you need to write a few paragraphs telling me why you need your site redesigned. Also include what look you hope to achieve. Send this, along with your shop ID, to my email listed below.
This is very informal and the winner will be chosen at my sole discretion. Contest begins Dec 1 and ends Dec. 31st. You must submit your entry by the 31st of December. Winner will be chosen by me, maybe with a little help from my friends and family, by the end of Jamuary. Template design will be started in the spring.
This is a good contest for anyone who doesn't have the time, money or ability to get their CafePress store redesigned. Winner will receive a custom storefront design, complete with header, sidebar images (browse designs, products, etc.), simple section thumbnails and more. This does not include subsection graphics, special coding or other services, or an elaborate design beyond my ability. You will be happy with your results, and I will give you the same customer service a paying customer would get.
To enter, please send me an Email with your shopID you wish to be redesigned, what you hope could be achieved, and why you need me to choose you over everyone else.
Thanks and have a Merry Christmas!
Ne' Metzger
Don't have a CafePress store yet?
No problem, just click on this banner and sign up.
NOTE: A free basic shop will not qualify for my contest, but it a good way to make a little extra cash. You must open or already have a Premium shop for my contest, only because CafePress will not allow html in a basic shop, so I can't design it.
This is very informal and the winner will be chosen at my sole discretion. Contest begins Dec 1 and ends Dec. 31st. You must submit your entry by the 31st of December. Winner will be chosen by me, maybe with a little help from my friends and family, by the end of Jamuary. Template design will be started in the spring.
This is a good contest for anyone who doesn't have the time, money or ability to get their CafePress store redesigned. Winner will receive a custom storefront design, complete with header, sidebar images (browse designs, products, etc.), simple section thumbnails and more. This does not include subsection graphics, special coding or other services, or an elaborate design beyond my ability. You will be happy with your results, and I will give you the same customer service a paying customer would get.
To enter, please send me an Email with your shopID you wish to be redesigned, what you hope could be achieved, and why you need me to choose you over everyone else.
Thanks and have a Merry Christmas!
Ne' Metzger
Don't have a CafePress store yet?
No problem, just click on this banner and sign up.
NOTE: A free basic shop will not qualify for my contest, but it a good way to make a little extra cash. You must open or already have a Premium shop for my contest, only because CafePress will not allow html in a basic shop, so I can't design it.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Mama Diggs Web Graphics ReDesign
Mama Diggs is a CafePress store that specializes in hip and trendy t-shirts and gifts for mom and baby. I was asked to redesign the website graphics for her to place into her template on her own. My instructions were to create a design that appealed to all sorts of mothers. We came up with the idea of having a mommy holding her newborn baby in her arms, but the mom and baby needed to look mixed, "both white and black race" because she needed it to represent herself and the other mothers in her area she was promoting the store to. She also loved turquoise, pink and chocolate. I came up with these graphics for her to place in her store.
The Mama Diggs header:
This has been created with a transparent background so that the top part will show the light brown background I created. The bottom part is white to match up with the main storefront background which is white.
The section Thumbnails:
Here I used the pink. turquois and chocolate colors, as well as the golds and creams I used in the header for accent colors. I made the 6 top thumbnails round to go with the circular theme we had going, but chose to make the bottom three thumbnails stand out and add contrast to break up the circular feel. The rectangles ground the image, while adding elegance and sophistication with its striped layered look.
The Background:
This background was created to add a fun flair to the look. It needed to look like a fun place for moms to shop. Other color combinations were tried, but in the end this one is the one I showed to the client, because it made the bright turquoise and pink pop off the page.
Sidebar links and other graphics:
These individual graphics were designed to be placed on a chocolate brown sidebar. Each graphic was designed to be used as headers and links for the different sections in her sidebar. The shopping bag was originally designed with the two shades of brown, but later was redone in the turquoise and pink so that it could be placed in the sidebar.
All of these images are being implemented into the Mama Diggs CafePress store and her off CP site. I will update with a screenshot of her finished website once she has it installed correctly.
Even though her package did not include the actual html and template instructions, I am helping her to make sure she gets it installed correctly to the best of my ability. I offer 2 packages, as you can see by clicking on the packages and pricing link to the right, but please be sure to know which package you need. This design was done for the cheaper package, with a few add-ons. This package is an affordable package for anyone who knows enough html to place the images into their existing template.
I had a lot of fun working on this design and hope it brings her lots of sales. :)
The Mama Diggs header:
This has been created with a transparent background so that the top part will show the light brown background I created. The bottom part is white to match up with the main storefront background which is white.The section Thumbnails:
Here I used the pink. turquois and chocolate colors, as well as the golds and creams I used in the header for accent colors. I made the 6 top thumbnails round to go with the circular theme we had going, but chose to make the bottom three thumbnails stand out and add contrast to break up the circular feel. The rectangles ground the image, while adding elegance and sophistication with its striped layered look.The Background:
This background was created to add a fun flair to the look. It needed to look like a fun place for moms to shop. Other color combinations were tried, but in the end this one is the one I showed to the client, because it made the bright turquoise and pink pop off the page.
Sidebar links and other graphics:
These individual graphics were designed to be placed on a chocolate brown sidebar. Each graphic was designed to be used as headers and links for the different sections in her sidebar. The shopping bag was originally designed with the two shades of brown, but later was redone in the turquoise and pink so that it could be placed in the sidebar.
All of these images are being implemented into the Mama Diggs CafePress store and her off CP site. I will update with a screenshot of her finished website once she has it installed correctly.
Even though her package did not include the actual html and template instructions, I am helping her to make sure she gets it installed correctly to the best of my ability. I offer 2 packages, as you can see by clicking on the packages and pricing link to the right, but please be sure to know which package you need. This design was done for the cheaper package, with a few add-ons. This package is an affordable package for anyone who knows enough html to place the images into their existing template.
I had a lot of fun working on this design and hope it brings her lots of sales. :)
Important Info For Affiliate Sites
When I design your CafePress store, I will automatically affiliate you on this site. So, what if your site I design is an affiliate site, such as, 4th Click? You obviously wouldn't want a link on your site to this site, because, my code could replace yours if they click my logo and then click the links on my site. So, because of this, I am offering you options. You do not have to link to this site just because I design your web page, but you must put some credit to me in your footer or elsewhere.
Here are some options for affiliate sites and CafePress sites:
1. My logo linking to this site
2. A text link to this site
3. My Logo w/a link to my email... no linking to this site
4. A text link to my email
5. Link to one of my CafePress stores w/your affiliate code. (Only avail. for non CafePress stores.
I will give you the html code you will need, depending on what method you choose. All options will end up saying something like "This storefront designed by Ne' Metzger" And will have my LogoMasterpiece logo after that, if you choose the logo option, either linked to this site or just there with no link. My name will link to my email in all cases.
If I create web graphics, but not the whole store design, please place just a text credit at the bottom, saying "Some web graphics designed by Ne' Metzger" w/ or w/o a link to my email or this site.
Here are some options for affiliate sites and CafePress sites:
1. My logo linking to this site
2. A text link to this site
3. My Logo w/a link to my email... no linking to this site
4. A text link to my email
5. Link to one of my CafePress stores w/your affiliate code. (Only avail. for non CafePress stores.
I will give you the html code you will need, depending on what method you choose. All options will end up saying something like "This storefront designed by Ne' Metzger" And will have my LogoMasterpiece logo after that, if you choose the logo option, either linked to this site or just there with no link. My name will link to my email in all cases.
If I create web graphics, but not the whole store design, please place just a text credit at the bottom, saying "Some web graphics designed by Ne' Metzger" w/ or w/o a link to my email or this site.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Ali's Alley Gets a Face Lift!
I just had the joy of working with Alley from Ali's Alley to redesign her online store's whole look and feel. Her old design was created by using one of the CafePress templates to which she added her own section thumbnails.
After a few messages back and forth and a few initial mockups, she had the brainstorm that she would really love to see her shop design play off the alley part of her shop name and create a back alley theme. She wanted brick and graffiti. And here is what I came up with:
Here you can see that I created a custom brick background that looks like the side of a brick wall down a back alley. The graffiti logo appears as though it has been spray-painted directly on the brick. I created green street signs for headers in the sidebar to elaborate on the theme. At the top we decided to go with a grid of her bestsellers. This will allow the customers to easily see her wide variety of unique and fun t-shirts and gifts.
For the section thumbnails, I created simple white road signs. This ideas came when I thought about back alleys having dead end signs. So, these were done it that style. She also really wanted to link to her other stores in a unique way. That is when the idea came to place a sign with an arrow that says "This Way To:" and then green street signs linking to each of her other shops, like Forever Pets, Wedding World and Just 4 Grandma. Here is a screenshot of the bottom half:
The bottom navigation and top navigation links were done in a dark blue to add color and contrast to the red, beiges, and greens throughout the rest of the design.
For comparison, I would like to show you a before shot of her old template:
Although, this design was very clean looking and organized, it did not let customers know what her store was all about. It did not showcase her designs at all. And did not have the edgy look that her designs had.
It was an absolute pleasure creating this custom CafePress website design for her.
Ne'
After a few messages back and forth and a few initial mockups, she had the brainstorm that she would really love to see her shop design play off the alley part of her shop name and create a back alley theme. She wanted brick and graffiti. And here is what I came up with:
Here you can see that I created a custom brick background that looks like the side of a brick wall down a back alley. The graffiti logo appears as though it has been spray-painted directly on the brick. I created green street signs for headers in the sidebar to elaborate on the theme. At the top we decided to go with a grid of her bestsellers. This will allow the customers to easily see her wide variety of unique and fun t-shirts and gifts.
For the section thumbnails, I created simple white road signs. This ideas came when I thought about back alleys having dead end signs. So, these were done it that style. She also really wanted to link to her other stores in a unique way. That is when the idea came to place a sign with an arrow that says "This Way To:" and then green street signs linking to each of her other shops, like Forever Pets, Wedding World and Just 4 Grandma. Here is a screenshot of the bottom half:
The bottom navigation and top navigation links were done in a dark blue to add color and contrast to the red, beiges, and greens throughout the rest of the design.
For comparison, I would like to show you a before shot of her old template:
Although, this design was very clean looking and organized, it did not let customers know what her store was all about. It did not showcase her designs at all. And did not have the edgy look that her designs had.
It was an absolute pleasure creating this custom CafePress website design for her.
Ne'
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Custom template design for CafePress stores
Now is the best time to make your shop look it's best for the holidays. When people go online this Christmas season to shop for family and friends, they want a nice shopping experience.
First, even if they don't realize it themselves, they want to see attractive web pages. If they find your store through a Google, Yahoo, MSN or other search engine query, business cards, word of mouth or your advertising efforts, they are not going to stay in your store if it looks plain or boring. They will want to see a professional logo and store design that represents the products you sell.
Now is the best time to makeover your store to convert your traffic to buyers. If your site is plain or hard to navigate, potential customers may just click in and click out. Turn them into paying customers.
I offer two packages:
(Please, scroll down to see a screenshots of two of my own shops I designed)
Basic: $75 - Includes:
1. basic background tile, pattern or texture unique to your store
2. basic header that defines the theme of your shop
3. matching 'browse products', 'browse designs' etc. (up to 5 and can include any text you want, such as 'email' or 'our catalog' whatever you choose)
This package does not include any html help or installation. You will receive the graphic files and be responsible for implementing them into your website.
Premium Service: $150 - Includes:
1. Custom design of background, header, store front layout.
2. tables of featured designs or sections, etc.
3. One product collage if needed
4. Section thumbnails for main page if needed (no product collages for these)
5. html help and installation if needed
I cannot do CSS or really fancy navigation or graphic frames. I will work hard with you to make sure that you are happy with your final design.
Add Ons: Prices Vary - Examples:
1. Slideshows
2. Mouseovers
3. Installation
4. Holiday Decorations
5. Subsection Thumbnails
6. Logo design
7. Banners
8. Product collages
9. etc. etc.
Please look at some of the websites I have done for myself and family in my signature.
Please, Email me for more information or to start your project.
Ne'
First, even if they don't realize it themselves, they want to see attractive web pages. If they find your store through a Google, Yahoo, MSN or other search engine query, business cards, word of mouth or your advertising efforts, they are not going to stay in your store if it looks plain or boring. They will want to see a professional logo and store design that represents the products you sell.
Now is the best time to makeover your store to convert your traffic to buyers. If your site is plain or hard to navigate, potential customers may just click in and click out. Turn them into paying customers.
I offer two packages:
(Please, scroll down to see a screenshots of two of my own shops I designed)
Basic: $75 - Includes:
1. basic background tile, pattern or texture unique to your store
2. basic header that defines the theme of your shop
3. matching 'browse products', 'browse designs' etc. (up to 5 and can include any text you want, such as 'email' or 'our catalog' whatever you choose)
This package does not include any html help or installation. You will receive the graphic files and be responsible for implementing them into your website.
Premium Service: $150 - Includes:
1. Custom design of background, header, store front layout.
2. tables of featured designs or sections, etc.
3. One product collage if needed
4. Section thumbnails for main page if needed (no product collages for these)
5. html help and installation if needed
I cannot do CSS or really fancy navigation or graphic frames. I will work hard with you to make sure that you are happy with your final design.
Add Ons: Prices Vary - Examples:
1. Slideshows
2. Mouseovers
3. Installation
4. Holiday Decorations
5. Subsection Thumbnails
6. Logo design
7. Banners
8. Product collages
9. etc. etc.
Please look at some of the websites I have done for myself and family in my signature.
Please, Email me for more information or to start your project.
Ne'
The Holiday Boutique CafePress Custom Web Design
The Village at 1512 Boulevard Holiday Boutique is a website that I own with the help of CafePress. I designed the site myself. Here is a screenshot:
The store specializes in all holidays and special occasions. I needed a design that looked festive and Christmasy for this time of year, but also let's customers know right off the bat, that they can get their special occasion and holiday t-shirts and gifts for year round, like Easter, Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. The plan is to make subtle changes for each holiday. Right now I am running a Christmas portal, Thanksgiving portal and specials of hoodies. The links to the other holidays are in stylish circles below the logo and above the portals. They include Spring, Summer, Autumn and Christmas, plus Weddings, Family Celebrations, Awareness and Support Our Troops. The colors have been chosen very carefully to not only work well together, but easily be recognizable for the holidays it represents.
The store specializes in all holidays and special occasions. I needed a design that looked festive and Christmasy for this time of year, but also let's customers know right off the bat, that they can get their special occasion and holiday t-shirts and gifts for year round, like Easter, Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. The plan is to make subtle changes for each holiday. Right now I am running a Christmas portal, Thanksgiving portal and specials of hoodies. The links to the other holidays are in stylish circles below the logo and above the portals. They include Spring, Summer, Autumn and Christmas, plus Weddings, Family Celebrations, Awareness and Support Our Troops. The colors have been chosen very carefully to not only work well together, but easily be recognizable for the holidays it represents.
TeesForBaby.com CafePress Custom Web Design
This is one of my own CafePress stores. TeesForBaby.com sells cute baby t-shirts and unique pregnancy announcements. I designed the entire site myself. Here is a screenshot:
I created a fun logo that represents that the site is for cute babies. I used two sidebars for easy navigation and to keep more of the important items above the fold. The drawing of the boutique storefront lets customers know this is a boutique. I used nested tables to highlight some of our featured sections and items, such as our bestseller princess frog t-shirt.
I created a fun logo that represents that the site is for cute babies. I used two sidebars for easy navigation and to keep more of the important items above the fold. The drawing of the boutique storefront lets customers know this is a boutique. I used nested tables to highlight some of our featured sections and items, such as our bestseller princess frog t-shirt.
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