Transcript, lightly edited for readability:
I started building websites when I was 13 or 14, using platforms like Geocities and Homestead. I taught myself HTML and CSS using Notepad when I was at university. I built myself project websites and a portfolio website for myself, as a designer, when I was working through various coursework assignments. That’s basically how I got into building websites. It’s not something I was trained to do specifically, I’m predominantly self-taught, but have been building websites commercially for nearly 20 years now.
One of the things I love about building websites is just how flexible HTML, CSS and designing stuff in the browser is. How quick it is to take something from an idea, to a prototype and then launch it if it’s any good!
Over the past few weeks I’ve been thinking about my own website, my own brand, Hello Technology. A year ago, when I was first setting up the company, I knew I wanted to do something with a bit of a sense of humour, friendliness, using colours and typefaces which weren’t frequently seen in the IT services space. The result was version 1 of hellotechnology.co.uk.
Over recent weeks I’ve been thinking about how that design translates into the kind of work that I do, the value I bring customers, the kinds of projects I deliver, where I see my skill set complementing the skills of the clients I work with.
I’ve been thinking about how to represent that within my own website. I decided to scrap the whole thing, and create a new visual identity for Hello Technology; something that’s a little more grown-up than the previous version, but still has elements of humour, friendliness and approachability (is that even a word?)
That’s how I’ve always run my business, I’ve wanted to be someone people feel comfortable approaching and asking questions of. I hope that’s evident in the new logo, as well as throughout the new website. It’s not perfect, it’s not complete – there’s still some stuff I want to add. Just like a builder’s house is never finished and a mechanics car is never perfect, neither is a web developer’s website as I’m always finding things I want to improve or tweak or change.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to have a look around the new site. Perhaps check out some of the selected projects, highlighted on the home page. They give a flavour of the kinds of projects I’m interested in working on at the moment. From visual identity and graphics work through to software development and digital transformation within a particular business or sector.
You’ll also find some information about the kinds of services I offer, from web and graphic design to website and web application development and hosting as well as the associated marketing services I provide.
I’ve also given a bit of insight into how I work with clients. Design is always an iterative process, it’s not linear, but there are steps which are taken within any project so I’ve given a bit of information about that. I’ve also added some information about my background and story, along with the values which drive my business as well as some client feedback from recent projects.
In the Services section you’ll find a long list of the services I provide. If you’ve been working with me for a while you’ll know that I’m a ‘Jack of all trades’, offering a wide range of design and digital services. This is partly due to where I live and the kinds of clients I work with, here in Whitby. I also work with clients around the country.
Have a look at my article archive, there are a few more recent articles in there and I promise I’ll keep it more up to date in the future! I’ve also got a plan to start using some more video and make better use of my email list. Keep an eye out for the YouTube channel, there’ll be some videos coming out soon. Lots of hints and tips to help small business owners with their websites, covering things like SEO and accessibility, along with things like content strategy, social media strategy, graphics and video production. I hope you’ll subscribe and stay up to date with me that way.
Let me know what you think about the new logo. Best to connect with me on LinkedIn or Bluesky, or just send me an email if you want to chat.