|
|
Go to page 1~2 [Next] | ||||||||||
Chappo Special user Bris Vegas 754 Posts |
Gday lads and ladies!
Finally got up the website I've been working on with a colleague. I would love to receive some constructive criticism from the general magic community.However... DISCLAIMER: I am prepared to cop a bit of flak. I attempting to market myself as a corporate package. I can't afford three separate websites for my 'skill triad'. I have 3 skills that I focus on when it comes to corporate performance, and nothing else. Please do not think I attempting to portray myself as a jack of all trades... Also, the multimedia section is a tad sparse at this point in time, but that will change in the new year. Cheers lads! Make sure you post constructive criticism. http://www.rowanchapman.com.au
The rules of a sleight of hand artist, Are three, and all others are vain,
The 1st & the 2nd are practice... And the 3rd one is practice again - 'Magic of the Hands', Edward Victor (1940) |
|||||||||
thumbslinger Elite user This is a good number: 458 Posts |
Hey Rowan-
Well, it's clean and tidy. Looking at what you have, the only thing I might suggest you consider is only letting the main image to the right of the copy animate/change with each navigation link instead of the 'section' header doing that short animating and fading up. Reason is, the fewer components that move on the stage/screen, the easier it is for the user to detect new content. Now, I realize all that is loading is new content (the header, the actual text and the graphic) but if the text box just stays there (you are using a dynamic text box with the scroller component aren't you?) then the auto scroller can appear when necessary and that way, you're not actually loading a new text box with each click and the visual jarring (though not really bothersome) is cut to a minimum. This is very nit-picky I agree, but since I am a designer, which includes sites since about 96/7 when Netscape burst on the scene, I've seen small details that add up to success and clicks and others that don't. But, take it all with a grain of salt and tell me to shove off if need be! Much, much better than the typical stuff. The intro flame thing is cool!
Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and Tommy Emmanuel are all you need to study to learn to play guitar.
|
|||||||||
Chappo Special user Bris Vegas 754 Posts |
Thanks very much for your kind words and constructive criticisms.
To be honest, I'm not sure what you mean... The dynamic text box and the animatics between each section of the site was specifically designed to emphasise a CHANGE between pages. I know that this may be visually jarring to some but I just wanted to reiterate that the 'skill-triad' is not melded into one 'creative conglomeration'. I wanted to maintain a distinction betweem each corporate offering. I may have completely misunderstood what you've been trying to say, but thanks again!
The rules of a sleight of hand artist, Are three, and all others are vain,
The 1st & the 2nd are practice... And the 3rd one is practice again - 'Magic of the Hands', Edward Victor (1940) |
|||||||||
professorwhut Inner circle Posts R US sold me 1353 Posts |
Very nice and very professional.
I like it.
After much soul searching about a signature, I decided not to have one.
TG Pop [aka ProfessorWhut] |
|||||||||
Justin Style Inner circle 2010 Posts |
It's a clean site but I am confused as to what you are?
Musician? Magician? Actor? There is no way I would believe you are a "corporate" magician though. Check out Paul Gertner, He's a corporate magician. I tried to watch the videos but they were very annoying with those pop ups at the bottom of the screen. Try a different layout. I will say the chick looks hot! I didn't have the volume turned up so I don't know how well she sings or you play the sax? With that in mind, why not make a seperate web site for your music endevors? You need some better photos. Stay away from fancy words...liease??? The first page took to long to load, avoid flash. Both in your magic and in your web site...lol If you are trying to sell yourself as a Magician, drop the "actor" and the "sax" stuff. Again, make seperate web sites for each. These are just some of my random thoughts, with just a little tweaking you'll have a great site! Good luck! |
|||||||||
magicman88 New user Minneapolis, Minnesota 14 Posts |
Your page looks excellent!
|
|||||||||
Myrsolon Loyal user 209 Posts |
Overall I think the site is ok. I agree with Justin, you need to narrow your site down to highlight just your magic, setup diffrent sites for each venture.
Also, just a personal thing, I probably wouldn't bad mouth the competition with over generalizations like: "Not many roving magicians provide a genuine persona that their audience can interact with. They are there to make their clients look stupid and to elevate their own egos." I'd probably focus on what you can do through highlights instead of that kind of contrast. Show us how you're better, you start to right before you go into that. Anyway, just my opinions. |
|||||||||
dsalley13 Elite user 465 Posts |
Very, very nice. I'd like to see your magic videos with spectators. It's fun to watch a spec's reaction. Also, maybe slow you effects down a bit and let them sink in.
I play the Hammond organ (50 years) and can appreciate the multi-talented part of your being a magician, musician, and actor. All of those disciplines together makes each individual part seem better and what better way to learn timing than music and/or acting? Even in magic, it's the notes you don't play that are equally or more important. Slow your pace and it helps build the final effect. It's like using commas in written language. Slight hesitations let the magic bloom in the mind of the audience. All the Best, dsalley13 |
|||||||||
mmreed Inner circle Harrisburg, PA 1432 Posts |
My opinion...
I dislike having to WAIT for the site to load, just so I can see fancy spot lights over the navigation. Flash sites are a fad - and many people HATE them. Stick to FAST loading GOOD LOOKING raw HTML and CSS formatting. I dislike the combined approach of actor musician and magician... I think that will hurt you. People are looking for a MAGICIAN.. and may see you as a "jack of all trades... master of none..." I like the color schemes and the look... its the technicals and the combination I think hurt.
Mark Reed
Wedding and Event Entertainment |
|||||||||
Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
In my opinion, the site itself looks good. I had no problem with loading times for the main site, but the video would not come up on my machine. You may want to use bold or caps to highlight your three strengths, and link these to your pages. And tell the prospective client what each of these strengths can do for their program - keeping it fun and flowing as an MC, interactive entertainment which can also include branded effects, or background mood enhancement.
As a writer, I strongly suggest you get a proof-reader for spelling, grammar and verbiage. I understand you probably wrote what you would tell someone, but written communication is very different from everyday speech. Often our literal speaking does not look good in visible words. If you can’t spell and can’t write to make sense, I as some sort of corporate official may lower my opinion of how you will communicate with the people at my event - and if you present yourself that way to me, I will wonder what you will bring to my guests. I might suggest captions to go with your photos. Could these be events where your prospective clients may have actually witnessed your talents, but not known it was you? Just my thoughts. Ed |
|||||||||
Thales Elite user You may have read one of my 415 Posts |
I like your site a lot. Over all very well put together. I agree that you might want to separate out your various skills into separate web sites but if that would cost more than you want to spend than is works well enough. My suggestion is to get different pictures of yourself for your home, bio, actor and contact pages.
"If you can't change the method, change the moment." Vernon
|
|||||||||
Hansel Inner circle Puerto Rico 2492 Posts |
Your site looks GREAT!!!
Follow Me...
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Hansels-Comedy-and-Magic-Show-929625643774678/ Youtube: HanselSP Twitter: @HanselSP Instagram: HanselSP |
|||||||||
Chappo Special user Bris Vegas 754 Posts |
Whoa! Here comes the flak… And yes, most criticism was exactly what I expected to hear. Overall, some very nice words and some decent criticism. I am going to attempt to answer all your questions in full… and with GOODER grammar then my previous attempts (as someone kindly pointed out).
@ professorwhut: Thanks for that mate. Whilst it isn’t optimal (as nearly everyone has pointed out) I believe that it will suffice for now. Merry Christmas! @ Justin Style: And thus the professional descends upon the amateur’s aspirations with vulture-like efficiency! Jokes aside… Quote:
It's a clean site but I am confused as to what you are? You’re confused as to what I am? Fair enough. I may need to emphasise the skill-triad a tad more, though I did attempt to put my entertainment offerings in three separate sections. Quote:
There is no way I would believe you are a "corporate" magician though. Check out Paul Gertner, He's a corporate magician. And you don’t believe that I’m a corporate magician? All I can say is… Ouch. I am kicking myself that I haven’t uploaded this *** show reel of mine yet. It hasn’t been uploaded as I have yet to find a video format that can be uploaded to YouTube (or similar hosting site) with no change in quality. Anyhow, my Show Reel is always mailed out by DVD to prospective clients by hand. It shows my performance style, what demographics I can create entertainment for and how I can rove in a corporate environment. Also I didn’t know you had to be Paul Gertner to be a corporate magician. Stay tuned on this one… The ‘pop-up’ video problem is no fault of mine. This is YouTube’s standard channel embed design. Trust me, if I could afford a better option I would take it. I was not going to embed 3 separate videos as that would heavily limit my offerings and cram up the multimedia section. Glad you liked the hot chick. She sings very well. I should know because she’s my sister… I’ll leave that little moment with you. Shame you didn’t get to here the sax. Let me know when you do. Quote:
The first page took to long to load, avoid flash. Both in your magic and in your web site...lol I will also be answering all issues with flash in a later response. Quote:
With that in mind, why not make a seperate web site for your music endevors? Quote:
If you are trying to sell yourself as a Magician, drop the "actor" and the "sax" stuff. Again, make seperate web sites for each. If I had the money I would. Yes, I know this is not the optimal design. Yes, I know that a lot of clients will choose someone with a web page dedicated solely to magic. Yes, I know that it is the less professional option. Hell, I’d love to have 3 separate business cards as well. But I cannot afford it. I have to work for the army as well just to make ends meet mate! I am a 20-year-old university student busting his guts to appear professional… I struggle to pay petrol, rent, insurance, car services and over $40 000 of accrued commonwealth support loans for university. I simply cannot afford it. Quote:
You need some better photos. I hope you aren’t referring to the professional shots. Ouch. If you are referring to the multimedia section, I agree. But hey, something is better then nothing. You are looking at spectator reactions and getting to see what I do. Yes, I am a hypocrite, as I claim to offer a ‘smorgasbord’ of pictorial/audio visual previews. Working on it. Like I said, it’s my first website. Quote:
Stay away from fancy words...liease??? Will do. Thanks for the comments Justin and Merry Christmas! @ magicman88 Thanks so much mate! Glad you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas! @ Myrsolon Please see my response to similar comments from Justin. No point in just copying and pasting it. Quote:
Also, just a personal thing, I probably wouldn't bad mouth the competition with over generalizations like: Agreed. In fact, I agree A LOT. I didn’t even write this in! The web page team took some creative liberties as you can see… I had been feeling a bit iffy about that statement for quite a while and I will remove it and the first opportunity. @ dsalley13 Once again I am kicking myself that I haven’t uploaded my *** show reel. The reason why it hasn’t been uploaded is due to the fact that I haven’t yet found a video format that can be uploaded to YouTube (or similar hosting site) without detriment to video quality. Thanks for those words on musicianship. I agree entirely. I hd a fantastic chat with Adam Grace recently on these very characteristics and he certainly believes in the magic-musician symbiosis. Merry Christmas! @ mmreed Quote:
I dislike having to WAIT for the site to load, just so I can see fancy spot lights over the navigation. As do I, but you aren’t just waiting for a couple of lights over some buttons. You’re loading an entire layout and sequence of animatics; something which ( I believe) is worth it. Quote:
Flash sites are a fad - and many people HATE them. Stick to FAST loading GOOD LOOKING raw HTML and CSS formatting. I guess we will have to agree to disagree. I have a vastly different view to this. Many people, like yourself, will advocate the need to have a simple site in HTML/CSS/PHP as it is easy to access, navigate and gain information from. Others, like myself, will support the ideals of increased professionalism in website appeal (to managers, executives, etc…) Quote:
I dislike the combined approach of actor musician and magician... I think that will hurt you. People are looking for a MAGICIAN… and may see you as a "jack of all trades... master of none..." Please read my response to Justin’s similar comments. Quote:
I like the color schemes and the look... its the technicals and the combination I think hurt. Glad you liked the colour scheme I chose! I find it somewhat reminiscent of a stage, something I dearly love. Merry Christmas! : ) @ Ed_Millis There was some excellent material in your post. I have since PM’d you. Quote:
I might suggest captions to go with your photos. Could these be events where your prospective clients may have actually witnessed your talents, but not known it was you? I hope not! I don’t personally see the need for captions, cause I’m pretty sure I have a rather distinctive look. I’m a bigger fella with a Blade 2 Haircut! Not too many of those magicians in Aussie at the moment… at least I hope. Merry Christmas! @ Thales: Glad you liked the site mate. Thanks! I agree with the Home, Bio, and Contact page photo requirement. That is definitely a work in progress… Also, please read my response to Justin’s similar remarks in regards to multiple websites. Merry Christmas! @ Hansel: Thanks so much for dropping by and leaving an appreciative comment! Merry Christmas!
The rules of a sleight of hand artist, Are three, and all others are vain,
The 1st & the 2nd are practice... And the 3rd one is practice again - 'Magic of the Hands', Edward Victor (1940) |
|||||||||
Chappo Special user Bris Vegas 754 Posts |
Apologies for the double post... Thought I'd add in these links to stress my argument.
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......um=261&3 http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......um=261&1 http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......um=261&4 The last link has been put in detail below (my conversation with Adam): QUESTION Quote:
Hi Adam, ADAMS REPLY: Quote: Chappo,
The rules of a sleight of hand artist, Are three, and all others are vain,
The 1st & the 2nd are practice... And the 3rd one is practice again - 'Magic of the Hands', Edward Victor (1940) |
|||||||||
Justin Style Inner circle 2010 Posts |
Creative brain storming!
|
|||||||||
pradell Special user Alaska 560 Posts |
Nice site, from one Jazz Mugician to another!
Break a reed! :magicrabbit: |
|||||||||
Vick Inner circle It's taken me 10+ years to make 1120 Posts |
Nice site
I agree with maybe considering 3 different sites for your talents. It's a little confusing to look for a magician and get a sax player. Little too much of trying to be all things to all people. Plus if I'm booking a sax player how serious or dedicated do I think he is (regardless of talent) if he's an actor and magician too
Unique, Thought Provoking & Amazing Magical Entertainment Experiences
Illusions By Vick Blog of a real world working magician Magic would be great, if not for magicians |
|||||||||
Chappo Special user Bris Vegas 754 Posts |
Some more replies for the wonderful people who have posted comments:
@ Justin: Brain storming? Brain storming? You flatter me kind sir... @ Pradell: Quote:
Nice site, from one Jazz Mugician to another! Sacrilege! How can you call yourself a magician when you play jazz as well!?!?? You and your instrument shall burn in the fiery abyss, thrice-accursed spawn of Satan. Merry Christmas mate! Love to hear some of your stuff. @ Vick: Vick, your site has one of the funkiest designs I've seen to date. Well done! It has an excellent layout that is a joy to navigate. Now your comments... Quote:
I agree with maybe considering 3 different sites for your talents. It's a little confusing to look for a magician and get a sax player. Little too much of trying to be all things to all people. I'm going to go against what I said before and proceed with a copy-paste job from the uber-post I made. (It's alright, I couldn't be bothered with reading all of it either. ) Quote:
If I had the money I would. Yes, I know this is not the optimal design. Yes, I know that a lot of clients will choose someone with a web page dedicated solely to magic. Yes, I know that it is the less professional option. Hell, I’d love to have 3 separate business cards as well. But I cannot afford it. I have to work for the army as well just to make ends meet mate! I am a 20-year-old university student busting his guts to appear professional… I struggle to pay petrol, rent, insurance, car services and over $40 000 of accrued commonwealth support loans for university. I simply cannot afford it. As for your second comment... Quote:
Plus if I'm booking a sax player how serious or dedicated do I think he is (regardless of talent) if he's an actor and magician too. Would you be booking me at all if you didn't think I was up to it? Trust me, the decision to have an all-incorporating website was a tough one to make. My options were... 1. Have no website, thereby effectively eliminating any chance of professionalism (or hope of gigs) from my work. I decided against this. 2. Make one website for only ONE of my corporate offerings. Thereby maintaining a professional approach to self-marketing... but eliminating any hope of work my other options. I decided against this also. 3. Make one website for all 3 (not 4, not 5, not 10, not 25) of my skill sets. This would be at the expense of some professionalism, but would allow me to afford design costs. I chose this option. In short, I admit that this is what some clients will think. But maybe it is just possible, that I can offer all three of these options with an equal amount of professional confidence to a client; knowing full well that I really CAN provide them with first class entertainment no matter what they choose...? NB: Just a quick side note lads and ladies... Whether or not the website has worked for me in this case, I have just picked up my FIRST INTERNATIONAL GIG! I will be flown to a resort in Fiji for a private function where I will be performing (wait for it...) both: 1. Jazz AS WELL AS 2. Magic Who would have thought? Maybe it's a fluke, maybe it's just pure dumb luck... or both. Either way, I'm happy. Merry Christmas!
The rules of a sleight of hand artist, Are three, and all others are vain,
The 1st & the 2nd are practice... And the 3rd one is practice again - 'Magic of the Hands', Edward Victor (1940) |
|||||||||
Vick Inner circle It's taken me 10+ years to make 1120 Posts |
Much thanks Chappo,
Overall I like your site, wanted to give you some feedback on it, hope it does well for you My site was my original design which I had a professional company do the landing page and I did the rest. Little messy and always growing and changing. It could become a black hole for my time to fall in but it's livable
Unique, Thought Provoking & Amazing Magical Entertainment Experiences
Illusions By Vick Blog of a real world working magician Magic would be great, if not for magicians |
|||||||||
Vick Inner circle It's taken me 10+ years to make 1120 Posts |
P.S. very nice on the Fuji gig, congratulations !!!
Unique, Thought Provoking & Amazing Magical Entertainment Experiences
Illusions By Vick Blog of a real world working magician Magic would be great, if not for magicians |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » New to magic? » » New Website: some constructive criticism please (0 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page 1~2 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.12 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |