Web Design by Anna Celeste Watson

Unique, Eye Catching & User Friendly Websites

I specialise in creative bespoke web design for a diverse range of projects from simple micro-sites to large Content Management Systems (CMS) and online shopping sites - for all kinds of industries including the creative, corporate and charity sectors. I often work with individuals, family businesses and small to medium enterprises, but also work on large sites for prestigious London blue chip companies on a freelance or sub-contracted basis.

I aim to create easy to use, beautiful and engaging websites of an exceptionally high quality that your company will be proud to promote, and that your customers will want to share and keep returning to.

But of course, web design is not just about creating good looking sites! With a degree in Fine Art (Painting), and having designed over 100 completely bespoke websites in 11 years, I believe you cannot underestimate the impact of great web design when it is combined with good branding, careful planning, and an understanding of web accessibility, usability and searchability.

Usability

It is vital to identify your target users and their various needs to make sure you have a user-friendly website. Your site needs to make an immediate impact on your web users, firstly to keep them on your site, then to easily guide them through to the pages they want to view as quickly as possible, and also provide enough information for users who have more time to browse, as well as making them want to return to your site to use it as a valued resource.

Accessibility

All my websites are built to the latest legal web accessibility guidelines to make sure they can be viewed by users with disabilities, and content managed sites are built to the highest standards possible. This also helps sites to be found by search engines too...

Searchability

There is little point having a website unless people know it exists and will visit it. Some of my clients do simply want a website they can just refer potential and existing clients to, but most companies need to generate users to their site online. Basic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is included as standard during the site build and is always a consideration during the design process, to help your site gain 'organic listings' to be found by users searching on Google and other major search engines. Blogs are also a very good way to drive traffic to your site.

No Design Templates - Ever

As an independent designer, I can only take on a limited number of projects per year so I am passionate about working with clients who care about the quality and integrity of their website as much as I do, which is why I specialise in creative bespoke design that is as unique as your company is.

I NEVER use design templates - EVER. I also believe that off-the-shelf websites, templates or blog themes are a false economy and are often difficult to adapt unless you know how to edit CSS, HTML and/or code, and often end up looking unprofessional or at best bland and the same as nearly every other site on the web.

If you want to ensure you have a strong online presence, then you need to start with a good Web Designer.

More For Your Money

I work from my home office with my Partner Illustrator Stu Jones in a 300 year old stone cottage in the town centre of Dorchester, Dorset, which means I have fewer overheads and can afford to charge less than a larger design agency, and dedicate more time to all my projects.

I strongly believe that good design and creativity is worth investing in, so if you want a cheap site or quick turnaround I am probably not the right Designer for you! However, I always offer honest and flexible pricing with no hidden costs.

I invest time and care into all my projects and in making sure your site can grow with your business. In my experience, rushed sites rarely have the high quality and longevity most clients require which could prove disappointing, inconvenient and costly, so it is well worth taking the time your project deserves and working with an experienced and dedicated Designer such as myself who aims to produce quality work and is not just interested in churning out projects for a huge profit.

A Complete Design & Marketing Service

I work with my clients from the initial ideas and planning stage, to the concept design and final artwork, right through to full project completion and can even help you set-up social networking accounts using Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, so unlike most web agencies, you get to work directly with the person who is actually designing your site and be part of the creative process. In my experience, far greater results are achieved when I work directly with my own clients in this way, so I can really take the time to fully understand your exact requirements and be there to update or develop your site if and when needed for the foreseeable future.

I often collaborate with my Associates to offer everything from logos to illustration and print work, and am always transparent if this is the case to make sure you are happy for me to do so, but will NEVER outsource the web design/artwork - after all, that's the part I love the best and specifically what my clients trust and want ME to do!

Freelance & Contract Work

I do occassionally work directly under my Associates such as Studio401 so can work on a freelance or contract basis as part of a team if prefered.

Hosting & Domain Names

My Associates DR Solutions offer FREE hosting for 1 year for new CMS websites they build for my clients, otherwise I can offer advice and help you set-up or transfer any domain names and hosting.

For non CMS websites I recommend Vidahost for their affordable hosting packages (which can be easily upgraded later on if and when needed), domain names and great customer service. If you want to secure domain names now before going ahead with your website I recommend getting the .com and country e.g., co.uk versions of your chosen domain name/s. Get 10% off all web hosting packages with my affiliate discount code: ACW10VIDA at http://my.vidahost.com/aff.php?aff=1259.

I specialise in the following web design services: Bespoke Web / Blog Design (Artwork / Graphics) Portfolio Sites including my CMS Designer Portfolio Package Illustrated Websites (sometimes collobrating with my Associate Partner Stu Jones).

Together with my Associates I offer the following web development services as part of a full web design project: Website Builds (ASP, PHP, JavaScript, AJAX, jQuery, MySQL, SOAP, HTML5, XML, XHTML / CSS) CMS (Content Management Systems - using a Bespoke CMS or Wordpress if preferred) Wordpress Blogs (stand alone or integrated into your website) Database Driven Sites & Online Shopping Sites.

Together with my Associates I also offer a range of optional services but only as part of a full web design project: Social Networking Set-Up (Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn) Email Marketing (Design and HTML Build) Mobile Websites/Apps Logo Design Print Design Illustration (for web and print) Photography Copy Writing Web and Email Hosting (1 years FREE hosting for CMS sites) Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).