Web Styles
What format and style an artist uses depends on the need as far as interaction, entertainment and ability to manage content. Some artists value entertainment over text content. Others may want to interact more with fans through blogs or even have the ability to edit their own pages, photos and videos.
Below you’ll see a brief synopsis of 4 different web formats. BUT realize that a website is not restricted to just one format! Elements of each can be incorporated into any website. In fact, most of the websites we’ve done contain a little bit of everything.
To see examples of each style, visit our “Web Gallery.”
Traditional HTML (HTML5) & CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
What is it?
HTML has been the web language for years. Along with the use of CSS it is a powerful tool to create any look.
Who’s it for?
Elements can be build into HTML/CSS to have the ability to edit on a limited basis depending on the skills of the artist. However, it’s best suited for those who will not be making big changes to their website themselves. Any changes that need to be made can be done quickly and easily but with the help of your webmaster.
Features that an artist can edit themselves such as calendars and other text pose no problem in HTML. But if you want more control over your content, and don’t want to take the time to study web design, perhaps another format is for you.
WordPress
What is it?
WordPress and other CMS (Content Management Systems) have gained in popularity over the last few years. Mainly because of their ability to maximize the use of text content as well as including content such as photos and video.
One of the drawbacks of any format that uses templates is that they can tend to look all alike. But in the hands of a competent webmaster, anything is possible as far as function and look.
WordPress can be used for simple web design or can add complex elements such as slideshows and e-commerce.
The biggest plus for artist is the ability to edit much of their own content. With a little know-how text, photos and video can be added or deleted. There’s also the ability to create multiple blogs or use the “post” feature to create pages for lyrics, news, photo galleries which can be organized in many ways.
Who’s it for?
If you are someone who wants to change their content regularly and perhaps even do some of it yourself, WordPress is a great option.
Note: WordPress is database driven meaning, as oppose to tradition HTML who’s content is kept on a computer and hard drive as well as online, all WordPress elements are kept online. Periodic backups should be made as to not lose content or so that content can be recovered due to accident deletion.Graphic Interaction (CSS, Javascript & HTML5)
What is it?
Alas in the last years Flash has gone from THE popular web and video format to a question mark. Once Apple decided to not support the Flash player, which does not allow Flash content to play on iPhones and iPads, web designers have turned to the new HTML5 as well as some long favorites such as CSS and Javascript.
Now we can create fun interactive “Flash Like” elements with sound and animation AND be mobile and Apple friendly.
Who’s it for?
If you are looking for entertainment with fun interactive elements, this is for you!
Adobe Flash
What is it?
Adobe Flash was for years the best fastest growing web design tool. It integrated interactive animation and sound like no other software. It’s video player was used by every major company including to this day YouTube.
However, with the advent of the iPhone and other Apple devices Flash has fallen on hard times for web designers. Apple unfortunatley decided not to support the Flash player meaning that sites with Flash content would not play on iPhones and iPads.
But the web will not be denied! With a combination of CSS and Javascript along with the new HTML5, interaction is alive and well.
Who’s it for?
Thus far all major desktop browsers still support Flash. But what about mobile devices? What many are doing is creating separate sites. One for desktops and another for mobile devices. Or have graphics that will replace the Flash content when viewed on tablets or phones.