Web Design & Animation
Services
Finding and selecting a designer for your project can be a daunting task. I've created this page to address some of the questions you might have regarding how I might be of help in achieving your business goals. Feel free to contact me if there's anything not covered below that you need to know.
I need a web site, what do I need to know before contacting a designer?
Visiting a web site involves a series of steps and an outcome, how would you describe the experience you want your visitors to have? Some good questions to ask yourself are "what is the goal of my web site?" and "who are my visitors and customers?". Understanding the results you wish to achieve with the site will go a long way in communicating your needs to a designer.
I'm starting a new business and need a visual identity along with a web site, can you do that?
Launching a business online or modifying an existing site is often a good time to consider designing your overall visual identity and can be more cost effective than going back and revising it later on. If you're starting from scratch, I'll be happy to work with you in designing, logos, print material, typography, presentation materials and web site which will give your business a consistent look.
How much do you charge for a web site?
Depending on your needs the price can vary quite a bit. If you contact me with details regarding your needs for site design I'll be happy to get back to you with an estimate. Some important details to provide are; is the site a revision or is it brand new? do you have needs for a logo and visual identity? how much content is there? Do you have needs for advanced interaction or video?
Will I be able to manage the site after it's designed? Can you do site maintenance for me?
I can set up a Content management system (CMS ) on your site which will allow you make updates on your own. I'm also happy to discuss putting together a program where I can take care of this for you on a regular basis.
How much do you charge for animation?
When requesting an estimate for animation it's a good idea to consider the following details; What is the overall running length of the piece? Do you need character and background design or will the piece be using existing characters and backgrounds? Will the animation be for web? broadcast? theatrical presentation? Is there an existing soundtrack or do you have needs for voice talent , sound effects or music? In addition, is the piece narrative or do you have needs for interactivity? The more details you can provide, the closer I can come to giving you a close estimate on the project.
Can you tell me a bit about your background?
I started working professionally as a designer in 1981 for Fisher Price Toys in chilly Buffalo NY. Four year later, I set out as an independent toy and game designer and created several classic games for Milton Bradley ( now part of Hasbro ) including Chicken Croquet, Fraidy Cats, Totally Twister, Cookie Cop and Chicken Limbo which sold millions of pieces worldwide. In 1998 I began a long term project with Lego and Massachusetts Institute of Technology creating toys which interfaced with computers. During this time I became interested in Macromedia Flash, an application used for producing interactive animation which I used to produce virtual prototypes for Lego and began producing animation for the web and broadcast.
In 1999 I started Pixeltoon focusing on producing narrative animated films, web design and interactive applications in Flash. Since then, I've directed numerous animation projects including partnering with actress Karyn Parsons for the company Sweet Blackberry. Our first DVD, "The Journey of Henry Box Brown" narrated by Alfre Woodard was selected for a Parents' Choice Award in 2006 by the Parent's Choice Foundation. My independent animation work has been included in many festivals including Animatu in Beja Portugal, Outfest in Los Angeles, and The Short Shorts Film Festival in Tokyo Japan.
Along with my animation work, I'm a design instructor at Massachusetts College of Art and produce playful kinetic sculpture work which has been exhibited internationally and is currently featured in a one woman show at the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton Massachusetts.