About the
Workshop
From Fine Art to Web Development
A freelance graphics & web design studio specializing in WordPress website development.
The Hands On Workshop is about creating passionate designs – Art for art’s sake.
“It’s always about the art”
About the Workshop
A freelance graphics & web design studio specializing in WordPress website development.
From a fine arts and graphic studio
that expanding into web design.
The Hands On Workshop is about creating passionate designs.
Art for art’s sake.
“It’s always about the art”
From Graphics to Web
Fine Arts Background
After college I set up my art studio in 1986 producing paintings, graphics, sculptures and jewelry. There were some awards along the way and a lot of fun to be had as an artist in his element. The Workshop is where I started my freelance graphics studio where I am still producing fine art and graphic designs currently.
What’s in a name
The Hands on Workshop got its name more as a title because that’s what it is. Back when I was first starting out computers weren’t as accessible so all of the work was being done by hand and I referred to my studio as ‘the workshop.’ One day someone referred to it as ‘the hands on workshop’ and the name stuck. Over the years I saw how the world was rapidly changing and expanded my talents into the web and 3D art learning new skillsets and talents.
What’s up with that symbol
Every artist needs a mark they can add to their work. This is a sunrise over three mountain peaks overlooking a lake. It’s also my name, ‘Eric’ turned on its side. Fun fact.
Aspects of the Web
Branching out from graphics into the web was born out of necessity. Back in 2001, HTML and CSS were still…messy, and websites broke all the time. MIDI players and low quality .GIF’s were still in wide use while dial up was still the preferred method of connecting. Client’s were asking if I knew how to fix websites or could I design one for them. From those requests the Workshop branched out into the web. Fixing badly coded HTML, writing CSS styles and overhauling sites was becoming more than an occasional project.
More Than Just another Designer
Word was getting out. Clients started calling asking for their websites to be fixed and rebuilt. As the need for this service grew, the Workshop expanded from just a graphics studio into adding web design, eCommerce, SEO and other services. Since 2001 I’ve been developing websites and customized WordPress themes for businesses. These sites are built on a solid foundation and always with room to expand to meet the future needs of increased traffic and compete with their bigger competitors as their traffic has proved. If I’m not working on a project I’m drinking a large strong coffee and reading a technical manual to add to my skillset to keep pace with an every changing internet.
Why The Workshop?
Detail Oriented
Relentless attention to every image and word goes into the each project. Everything lines up and looks just the way you wanted for print or web whatever the screen.
Art & Exicution
Each website is like a unique snowflake. Each different and no two alike. Creativity and a passion for what I do goes into every project with the same attention to detail.
Work Ethic
I’m not happy until you are happy. You place trust in the Workshop to create your vision. There’s a sense of pride I get as an artist when I can translate someone’s idea and create something beautiful from it.
Fair Prices
You get what you pay for and possibly more. On limited budgets, I can work with you to get the most out of a project to stay within your limits. I can go over options to best achieve your goals. With careful planning and a solid foundation there is always room to build upon and expand for future growth.
Turnaround Times
On those rare occasions a client comes to me needing the work yesterday, and it happens, I can deliver. If you need a website delivered quickly and efficiently, I can help. In emergencies, I’ve had base sites up in a few days and fully launched in a week.
Communication
Taking the time to listen to your needs first and learn whats important to you is the the job. Communicating in terms can understand is an art that comes from experience. My clients need to be happy, to trust me, and to know they can come to me at any time without the stress.
Philosphy
Simplicity
Simple is better, be direct and straight to the point.
Impart the message
Visually understand before reading.
Show Form AND Function
Let good design be your guide.
Connect with your audience
Create websites that are fun and build from the eyes of your audience.
Be genuine
Be human when you write and let your art do the talking.