PaleGallery Design

Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: Im a freelancer so Im all things to all clients!

Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: Creative, intuitive, bespoke, approachable, adaptable

Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: As a freelancer Im only as good as my last project! I have no design ego (plus I love a bargain myself) - so for every project I listen. I look to the best design houses for inspiration, cutting edge stuff which I can dissect & make more affordable for my own client projects. Few have CocaCola or Nike budgets!

Q: Describe your office environment.
A: ...my workspace is light, airy & opens into my garden (I know Im very lucky).

Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: ....not really applicable to a freelancer! ...

Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: If every other designer strives, desires & delivers - then Im no different at all. I like that Im straightforward & honest. If I cant do something I'll happily say so. I was an IT trainer for five years & there is nothing like being hit with a question you cant answer to keep you on your toes. Ive never forgotten that!

Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: I'd rather spend my hard earned pennies on the latest industry software than fritter it on advertising. I work hard & that shows in what I produce for my clients. Im proud that most of my work is word of mouth, even abroad. As a freelancer I cant afford to spend weeks on tenders when I could be bringing projects in (under budget!) for my clients.

Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: Very simple really. Im everything in a happy little package! Take a look through my site, decide if Im the designer for you, then get in touch & talk me through your thoughts. My job is to take what's in your head & add some designer magic to suit - target market, current trends, your budget & generally make it a pleasure for you to look at daily.

Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: Listening (a lot!) & advising. Many people don't realise how low cost an effective campaign can be, so I open that channel. Offering cost effective solutions with the *wow* factor thrown in, but also knowing when to step back & simply say - "your my client, its your money & you can spend it how you like".

Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: Offer cake?...If I realise that what a client expects wont balance with their budget or deadline, I'll try to streamline things to accommodate. If however, I recognise that they might be better suited to a different designer I'll happily walk away. I have to eat like anyone else & there is only so far any client will tolerate advice.

Q: If a client was trying to decide between a shortlist of web design companies, how would you recommend they go about selecting the right one for them?
A: 1. Look at the shortlisted previous projects, would you like to own one of them? 2. Is their own website clean, simple to get around & welcoming? 3. Will they balance your budget with your needs? 4. Go with your gut. It's rarely wrong!

Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: Evolving. Like any other heart & soul design nerd! Hopefully still inspired by diverse design, enjoying being creative & remaining credited as a good designer, everything else is a bonus. When a client simply looks at you - end project - with that "wow - you did it" incredulous face, that's a slap in the face thank you that's unbeaten for me.

Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: Honestly? Id have to currently say "who knows?" - I can see the trend for "apps" (iPhone & iPad), networking sites & wordPress blogs - all negating the service of a "web designer" like me - but Id hate to see a reversion to the text-based internet we started out with in the 60's. If everything becomes generic, we might as well forget inspiration.

Q: What computers do you have use in your offices, PCs or Macs?
A: Both PC and Mac

Q: How was your company name chosen?
A: ...contact me & I'll tell you!

Q: If you were to give your clients one tip on how to get the most from their website what would it be?
A: ...anyone can spend hundreds, thousands or millions on a website & its campaign - it doesn't make the product or customer service any better. A website is only another form of advertising. If you have one, use it & back up your proclamations on it - be honest, open & available to your clients when they email or phone.