Site in Progress, need feed back

I am working on a self promotion site and am looking for some feedback (self validation).

http://members.rogers.com/derrickgrigg

The content is 100% XML/XSLT based so IE 6 is required.

I'm working on moving to PHP to parse the XML so it is more browser compatible but I'm first wanting to nail down the look and feel.

I have thick skin so please be honest.

Thanks,

Derrick

Derrick,

The site look really good... The layout is simple, yet effective.

I find the navigation to be a little tedious. I know everyone enjoys the "tree" style nav, but it can be a little annoying.

I would also recommend adding an additional colour to add contrast. The gray/blue combo seems to be missing something.

Btw, some of the sites in your portfolio are quite impressive!! How long have you been designing?

Thank you for the feedback. I'm working on the colours, still trying to find the right 3rd colour to add.

I've been doing database development for over 5 years and web/database development for over 3 years. Unfortunately I can not claim to have done the 'graphic' parts on the Nissan/Infiniti sites, only the other ones. I mostly do programming, scripting, db integration and flash actionscripting. a true graphic designer did the 'image' work for the Nissan/Infiniti sites.

Thanks again for the feedback.

Derrick

Even the other sites look good... The golfing site's graphics are nice!

Whereabouts are you located? I see you're profile says Toronto... Another fellow Canadian!

I'm located just north of Toronto in the burbs but I'm currently working downtown.

the design is very clean & professional. i would definitely be enticed to seek your design services. i agree, you should add a 3rd color to it though.

ps: is that you in the top right corner?

Thank you for the comments and ideas.

Unfortunately that is not me in the corner, I'm not that photogenic.

Derrick

Yeah, I read through your site... You're in Newmarket? I went to a highschool in Aurora... How the years have passed! hehehe...

Are you working in the industry, or is design/programming more of a hobby?

A local eh!!

I'm working in the industry but I also consider it a hobby so I guess it's the best of both worlds, getting paid for something you really enjoy. Unfortunately it's not professional sports and millions of dollars

Yup! You said it... A local! hehehe... Good to have you aboard! Welcome to the DevArticles...

Yeah, that's what I love the most... Getting paid for something you love... I hear you!

Are you a professional designer or coder?

Professional coder/developer and DBA. I try my hand at the designer part from time to time but I would not call myself professional in that area. I love clipart and stock graphics

What about yourself? Judging from your site it looks like both. (btw your site looks very nice, clean and crisp, nice graphics! I just realized OMG is the garbage/recycle box co.)

Hehehe... I've dabbled into the world of Stock Photography as well... If used well, you can achieve some nice design results!



Well, I used to focus more on design, but ever since going back to school, it's mainly coding/development... I still go back to the design side as often as possible.

Thanks, appreciate your comments! It needs a redesign though, which we'll be working on sometime this year... Yeah, OMG is the garbage/recyling company... hehehe!

Is Di-group a self run biz or a design studio?

It's a self-run design studio. Me and a friend do it on the side... We've been operating over a year, and have been busily building it up; but we're always looking for work!

I know the feeling. I've been running my own business for 3 years mostly PT but I'm currently trying to make it FT. Digging up business is the most difficult part but unfortunately the most important part.

You said it... We do it when we find the time, or when we find the clients... Good luck with turning it into a FT job! Hopefully it works out and you can be your own boss, while loving what you do!