Over time we develop and change. Although not probably noticed by others, I personally have noticed many changes over the past two years in myself as a designer and Papertree Design as a business.
While I am sure that the underlying reason for this version of the site has to do with a need for something fresh, I would like to think that there was a well guided purpose behind it. With this redesign I wanted to illustrate the evolution I feel that I have undergone both as a designer and business owner as well as the gradual development of a stronger focus for Papertree Design. In a way this re-design marks the coming of good things for the year ahead.
Goals Being that I intended to keep the new design as minimal as the two versions prior, I decided that I would break the mold by transitioning from my usual choice of a seriffed typeface (nameley Georgia) to a sans-serif. While I am not sure that this will come accross, I felt like this choice would signify a new direction.
As more of a personal preference, I also decide to go back to the left aligned format I have experimented with in the past. I like the way a left aligned site presents itself, it’s a good fit for Papertree Design.
Bringing new content to the forefront. As you can see I have shifted the content focus of the site, bringing to the forefront both my work and who/what Papertree Design is. With that I have moved articles to a secondary position. While I will continue to share information, I have a project I have long been waiting to jump on and I believe this will be consuming quite a bit of my writing time.
Bringing every thing to you in one place. I have long struggled with a proper presentation for everything I would like to share in one place on this site. The new footer area, I feel, has brought me one step closer to accomplishing this goal. Everything is accessible now, from each and every page on the site. Go ahead look around.
A few things you may notice – I have revived the “shorts” section for which I plan to start contributing to on a regular basis. Shorts are just that quick and easy posts that often times are done simply to share something cool or inspirational. I have also linked more directly to the theme I released a few months ago and lastly provided a subtle clue to something in the works. (Try and find it.)
In addition to launching this redesign I also wanted to note a new addition to my portfolio which I am quite proud of. Have a look at the beautiful new Hopeless Records site. More to come on that, I am definitely looking forward to working with them again in the very near future.
A final note, I think it’s also important that I mention that I went with no initial comps when creating this design, simple line drawings and that’s it. I enjoy working that way and it’s nice to be able to do it once and awhile. Under the hood I am also taking version two of my framework for a spin just to work out any kinks.
While the site still requires some revision and refinement, I have to say that I am quite pleased with what I have to start. I would love to hear your opinions below.