1. Design
Stookstudio does web design from initial sketch and wireframe to fully developed website. I tend to favour minimal and clean design, and on occasion (and budget allowing) I enjoy collaborating with graphic designers from other disciplines (typography, print). Some of the work I've done has been featured on galleries such as:
- W3C sites (2 times editor's pick)
- ThinkVitamin (site of the week)
- ExpressionEngine showcase
- LightOnDark
- commandshift3
- bm.straightline.jp and more.
2. Development
Are you a design agency looking for a developer or already have a design you'd like to see implemented? Stookstudio can take your design from graphic file to fully coded website. And, since web design is a lot more than what you see on your screen, I'll advise you on best practices, functionality, interface and user experience design. I'm a firm believer in using web standards and in making an effort to keeping our sites accessible to all.
3. Content Management
On the web content is king, and I like to empower my clients by providing them with all the necessary tools to update and manage their site's content. My content management system (CMS) of choice is ExpressionEngine. It can be tailored to power anything from a basic blog to an online magazine and more. Every EE site I do is tailored to that client's specific needs and I provide you with all the necessary training to take charge of your own website.
4. Email campaigns
Email is the internet's killer app, and, in spite of developments such as RSS feeds and Twitter, isn't going anywhere soon. Stookstudio designs and codes html email campaigns that look good and render consistently across all leading email clients. We test our mails using EmailonAcid and send our campaigns using CampaignMonitor which gives you a whole set of tools to manage your subscriber lists and measure campaign success. If you're a hands-on client we can convert your mail design to a CM template so you can edit your mail's content yourself.
5. SEO
High on every client's wish list is a high score in leading search engines (google, bing etc..). A lot of hot air and half-truths are bandied about when it comes to the subject of SEO (search engine optimisation). I tend to agree with Derek Powazek: if someone charged you for SEO, you have been conned. Start with compelling, well written content, then build a high quality website with optimized code and you're well on your way to SEO nirvana.
6. Copywriting
I have a master's degree in translating for English, Spanish and Dutch so I'm well accustomed to writing, editing and revising copy. Though often neglected, well-written copy is a key factor in communicating your message, as well as for SEO purposes.
7. Hosting
While I don't do hosting, Stookstudio uses and recommends both EngineHosting (for US & UK clients) and Cloudz (for EU clients) as hosting partner. Both are excellent dedicated hosting companies who specialise in hosting for ExpressionEngine and other dynamic content management systems and web applications.
8. Software and languages
I've been a Mac user since the heady days of the original Macintosh but keep a PC handy for browser testing. I design in Fireworks CS5 and hand-code in Textmate. I live and code in PHP, MySQL, Javascript, jQuery, CSS, (X)HTML(5), ExpressionEngine & CodeIgniter.
9. About me
I've been obsessed with computers and the internet ever since the Commodore64 days, so I was bound to work on the net at some point. I took the long way round (yes, I played in a band once and yes I'm a certified chef as well as a translator) but I ended up doing what I love for a living, which is not a bad way to live.
When I'm not sat behind my Mac I like to read, cook, play videogames, run, lift weights and take Pilates classes at my girlfriend's studio.