Website Design.
A selection of projects from clients ranging from opera singers to arts education start-ups to professional choirs.
My experience as a performer in the classical and opera singing world has provided me with a deep appreciation for aesthetics, storytelling, and the importance of captivating an audience. These skills translate seamlessly when designing websites for the creative sector, as I understand the significance of visual appeal, narrative coherence, and engaging user experiences that resonate with the artistic community and their audiences.
Each project is different and I pride myself on a bespoke approach but if I had to distill the process, it would include these vital elements:
DISCOVER
Client meetings
Research
DISCOVER
Client meetings
Research
DISCOVER
Client meetings
Research
Sounds That Carry
Overview.
Sounds That Carry is an education consultancy start-up offering a range services to support, develop and disrupt the arts ed sector. The brief was to design a colourful, dynamic online touchpoint for the range of services which STC offers.
I designed this site using Figma and Squarespace.
The Process.
Stakeholder Meeting - discuss project’s scope
Brainstorm - define STC’s services and how to display on website
Market Research - examine similar online sites to gain insight into problem space
Create Design Options - using Figma, design three clear options
Review - stakeholder meeting presenting options
Implement - input client pictures and content
Added Value.
STC wanted bespoke designs which bring to life their company ethos - empowering through creativity, so I designed a soft-cornered triangle motif which is used throughout the site.
Luke Sinclair - Tenor
Overview.
Luke is an opera singer working on the international stage with an exciting diary of events. This project was a redesign of his previous site which was in need of a revamp.
I designed his new site using Figma and Wix.
The Process.
Initial Discussion - discover Luke’s goals and aims
Design mockups - explore competitor space; create potential design options
Agree on design path - meeting to discuss mockups
Implement designs - input pictures, diary, and content.
Review - Luke came back with feedback and iterated the design based on his input.
Added Value.
Luke mentioned the majority of his views are on mobile devices so I paid extra attention to how his site would view on a smaller screen.
Michael Waldron - Conductor
Overview.
Michael Waldron enjoys a varied career conducting orchestras and choirs in the UK and internationally. His website brings together a significant portfolio career of performing and recordings, so I took this into consideration when creating his online presence - MW.com needed to serve as a welcoming, easy-to-use point of reference for potential clients and future colleagues.
I designed his new site using Figma and Squarespace.
The Process.
Initial Discussion - detailed overview of MW’s old website; pinpoint opportunities and scope
Design mockups - explore competitor space; create potential design options
Agree on design path - meeting to discuss mockups
Implement designs - input pictures, diary, and content.
Review - Michael took time to review the site before launch.
Launch
Added Value.
Michael’s extensive recording back catalogue required multiple embedded plugins and links to where users can buy his discs so I explore the best ways to display this online.
The London Choral Sinfonia
Overview.
The LCS is a vibrant professional ensemble, specialising in breathing new life into choral and orchestral music. Their output includes several recordings per annum and an exciting live performance season, so their new site needed feature their work and encourage audience engagement.
I designed his new site using Figma and Squarespace.
Phase 1 is currently live. Phase 2 in progress.
The Process.
Phase 1
Initial Consult - discuss the ensemble’s online goals
Create Design Options - using Figma, design two clear options
Collate - input content-heavy site.
Review - Stakeholder meeting to present site
Launch - take the site live.
Phase 2
Refine Design - rethink fonts, colours, elements
Refine Logo - liaise with graphic designer to revamp logo
Incorporate - apply style guide
Create Brand Guide - guide document for web and print
Added Value.
The LCS needs ongoing support managing upcoming events and tech troubleshooting alongside a second phase of development. Like many sites, it’s a living document of the LCS’ work which is constantly changing.
Want to know more?
LONDON CHORAL SINFONIA
Website Redesign
March 2023 - present
TOOLS:
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The London Choral Sinfonia is an exciting choir and orchestra based in London. Their work spans concerts, recordings, private events and music festivals. They have a regular output of recordings and a yearly concert season, as well as an impressive archive of previous events.
The LCS’s work covers a broad range of musical styles - from baroque to contemporary - so their online offering needs to reflect their unique place in the international music scene.
The main goals of the site are:
A reference for current and past recordings.
A way for audience members to stay up to date on upcoming events.
A means of marketing and sourcing sponsorship.
MY ROLE
Working closely with the LCS team, I was tasked with revamping the current website. Visually, the site needed a refresh and, in UX terms, users need a more intuitive experience.
I was the sole UX.UI Designer on this project.
My approach followed four steps:
Research current market competitors.
Create design options for review with stakeholders.
Implement chosen design.
Review, revise, iterate.
site goes live summer 2023
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site goes live summer 2023 //
MUSIC OF THE SPHERES
Concept Website Design
PHASE 1: April 2023
PHASE 2: ONGOING
TOOLS:
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Olivia and Renate run an international music education consultancy firm which provides insight, guidance and expertise to schools and programmes which level-up music as part of a broad arts education. They have created a flexible series ready-to-go classes and lessons which bring music to life.
Olivia and Renate need their site to serve three main online goals:
A touchstone for their education consultancy business
A resource with downloadable classes
A means to contact O+R to engage their services.
MY ROLE
PHASE 1:
I was tasked with creating design mockups for Music of the Spheres to be used in a stakeholder/funding pitch.
Following initial discussions with Olivia I detailed my design process:
Discuss mains goals of the mockups
Research education space market leaders
Produce a variety of example screen (realistic mockups)
site not live
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site not live //
MICHAEL WALDRON - CONDUCTOR
Website Redesign
February 2023
TOOLS:
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Michael Waldron is an established conductor, pianist and artistic director working across classical music, primarily in the London and Europe. His broad work remit requires a dynamic, responsive online offering with three main goals:
A virtual hub for upcoming events
An avenue for users to engage with Michael’s past endeavours
A means of connecting for prospective opportunities and projects in the future.
MY ROLE
As the sole designer and with a background in UX/UI designer, I was tasked with refining MW.com in line with Michael’s main goals. Following in-depth discussions, I explained my four (4) step process:
Agree on goals and hopeful outcomes
Produce three design options
Implement re-design
Review, iterate, revise
www.michael-waldron.com
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www.michael-waldron.com //
AKTOO
A New Website For Acting Professionals
PHASE 1: September 2022
PHASE 2: ONGOING
TOOLS:
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I was approached by a client in the USA who was trying to develop a resource-based website for actors and theatre/film professionals. The site will bring together clips, resources and information for aspiring and established actors alike.
Our main focus for PHASE 1 was to provide links to video clips so actors can prepare for auditions and acting jobs.
Imagine a database for clips linked to your favourite streaming service with specific time stamps, descriptions, and helpful hints on acting skills.
The site’s main goals in PHASE 1 include:
Filterable, easily searchable content
Links to streaming services
Embedded content
MY ROLE
PHASE 1:
My role was UX.UI Design Consultant on the project. I was tasked with the following key jobs, working closely alongside a team of developers and designers:
Research and exploration of similar online offerings
Surveys of potential users
Paper wireframes
Mockups
My client stressed that it was important to her to be able to visualise how the site might turn out, right from the start. That was my job...