Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Stella,

I agree with everyone else here. I wish there were actual products rather
than the drawings. Whether it means that you create mockups of what the
actual product will look like and photograph them, it makes it real rather
than virtual. Consumers don`t usually buy what they can`t see.

Did you illustrate Stella yourself? Will that same illustration show up on
every page of the desk calendar, magnet etc.? If so, there should be more
of an emphasis on the inspirational or humorous saying because that
seems to be your strength based on your background. I am always
amazed and in awe of great copy writers. As a designer, I have the luxury
of making something look good but a great writer has the difficult task of
making something sound good.

I don`t want to sound mean but there is something child-like or childish
about the look and feel of your site. If that was your intent that is fine.
But playing devil`s advocate, even though a business is home-based it
does necessarily mean they want to appear to be home-based. Home-
based business are attracted to the same professional or more finished
sites that other businesses are. I`m not saying lose the cartoon feel but I
think you need to polish up a bit more to attract your potential
customers. Some sites to look at that have an illustrated character are:
http://www.kokidsbooks.com/
http://www.angrylittlegirls.com/
http://www.emilystrange.com/

Obviously, each site is for a different audience. I am not saying they are
masterpieces in interactive design either but there is something
compelling enough for someone to stick around and check it out.


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Mary Hutchison Design LLC design + strategy + counsel 206.407.3460 info@maryhutchisondesign.com

Stella,

I was thinking about it and maybe you could have your web person make the graphics of your products into rollovers, so when a person moves their mouse pointer over a drawing, a photo of the actual product appears. Then it would revert back to the drawing. That might please everyone.

Chris

Thank you one and all.
This is fantabulous advice. Gosh. I`m starting to sound like Joel.
I`m so lucky to be surrounded by such amazing brain power.

Startup Stella

Hi Stella,

Just checked out your site.  It was clean, easy to navigate, all links worked, pleasing to the eye...in other words, I thought it looks great!  Congrats on a nice web site and a great concept.

Eileen/Judjah

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Eileen Morris Shnoozles, LLC www.shnoozles.com

Wow...

You certainly spice up this dull world full of "oh so much fun 9 to 5 work!! woohoo. yay. *cough cough* what time is it? oops its 05.01 pm.. I have to feed my dog. C ya! gotta go home ASAP! tell the boss I`m running away."

Anyway, a bit of fun color here and there would bring your webpage more attractive... perhaps garfields(dot)com-look?

Cheers! It sure fun things you did!

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