Since this is my first post on The Old State's blog, I feel like I need to do somewhat of an introduction of myself and my role here. Normally, when people ask what I do for a living I reply "I'm a graphic designer" or "I do web design." I realize that, while this is a true statement, it is also very ambiguous and most folks don't have a clue what that means. So what is a "web designer?"

My main function is to make sure that people's experience on the web is productive and enjoyable. The real challenge lies in taking a ton of information for someone's site and building a structure that is both beautiful and easy to use. This creates a unique problem for me. I (along with most other designers) feel like I'm an artist at heart, and as an artist my tendency is to make everything I do as unique and abstract as possible. As a web designer, however, I have to refrain from going too far in that direction. In order for a website to serve it's purpose, it has to function in a somewhat familiar way, otherwise a user will get frustrated and go elsewhere.

So, that's the (very) short and sweet definition of what web designers do at The Old State. I organize and beautify. In later posts I'll go into more detail about some web design standards and principles for "usability". Sound fun? It is, I promise.


Curtis Hale CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER