Samuel J. Thurston Studios uses an age-refined design process to build standards-compliant, accesible websites that look professional and don't cost a fortune.  I have spent over a decade now building websites for clients.  It's been a rocky road, but I've learned a few tricks on the way.  

 

The first step is a face-to-face meeting where we discuss what your website should do, who your clientele will be, and what you want it to look like.  I have a questionnaire I've developed over the years, but also ask free-form questions to get a feel for what you expect and how both you and your customers will use it.  This is also a good time to hand me any marketing materials, logos, or photos you'd like to see included in the site.  Please have this information ready at the face-to-face.

 

Next, I go back to the labs and identify any tools or frameworks that can be used to get the job done the best way.  As a proponent of free software, I use mostly GPL licensed portals and ecommerce frameworks to ensure that any skilled developer can take over if for whatever reason we should part ways.  This way, you're not left hanging with a website that nobody can fix, and don't end up paying a fortune for third-party software.

 

After this, I'll do a several sketches of the design based on the inital meeting and my own artistic sense.  Of these, a few are selected, refined, and returned to you, the client, by email.  At this time, any loose ends like email accounts, hosting, domains and other technical stuff will be sorted out.

 

After you review the design proofs, and give me your feedback, I will continue to refine the design.  Sometimes at this point we can start over totally if none of the proofs have been what you were looking for. Usually, however, something in the first batch is pretty close to right and we can get down to implementation.  This phase is where I turn the refined designs over to the programming team, who then merge the aesthetics with the underlying programming to make your site what we both envisioned - attractive, functional, and easy to use.

 

After a final review session and a few minor adjustments, you get the keys!