On Digital Point Forum, we only know her as cocomo and she have the most beautiful phpld template in her portfolio. Before the interview, I thought she only designed free template and quite surprise when I learned that she designed few popular directories as well
1. Could you please tell us brief description about you?
I am 26 and graduated with Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology in 2005. Since then, I’ve been working as a recruitment consultant in an IT company for a year or so before venturing into online business full time. I spend most of my time at home working on designs and directories. Apart from that, I also run a couple of sites, including print template websites that I offer for free download. I love vacations and spending time at the beach is my favorite. At home I have 10 dogs, which I love dearly.
2. How long you involve in web designing?
My interest in web designing started about 3.5 years ago when I was assigned for a web design project back in my university years. Back then, my knowledge in web design was really shallow, so a good friend of mine taught me to use Dreamweaver and Photoshop. That’s how I created my first web page.
3. Do you design web directory only?
Not only web directory, but I also design for content websites and print templates as well. However, with my tight schedule, I couldn’t accept anymore web design jobs for now.
4. What were the challenges in designing web directories?
As you know, I’ve been consistently releasing free templates for the public and sometimes it can be quite challenging to come up with new ideas and at the same time fulfilling your clients as well as end user expectations. So whenever I have the free time, I’ll browse through as many websites as I could to gain more inspiration for my future designs.
5. What is your first directory design and how many directories that you have designed so far? (provide a list)
I usually design for free phpLD templates. You can view all my templates here at www.emillie.net/blog
My first web directory design was Web Sphere Directory. After that, I created another two more directory template for a good friend, Netinventory Directory and Internetory. Diablo Directory was my latest custom design so far.
6. What are your favorite directory design? (One by you and another one by other designer)
Speaking of choosing a favorite design out of all my work, wow..that’s a tough one! Say that a perfectionist, but I always to make sure that every little details are put together in place and tend to re-do all over again if the final output is not up to my expectations. I actually like all my designs but if I have to choose one, it’ll be my very own Emillie Directory since I’ve spent a lot of time working on it. There are many good designers around lately and I personally have some favorable ones in mind. One of my favorite design is Romow Directory. Clean and simple.
7. What is your advice for directory owner on how to choose directory designer?
To me, having a custom design is important to the directory business . A custom skin represents you as a directory owner and it helps to stand out from hundreds of similar looking directories. Having a unique look doesn’t mean you can overlook features that are important to user experience. Color combinations and graphical intensity should be used wisely. Navigation buttons should be highlighted and placed in proper order for easy user navigation. Anyway, choosing a directory designer actually depends on your budget and personal preferences as a designer’s work varies from one to another. Before deciding on which designer to choose, do let him/her know your requirements. Sometimes going through their portfolio can give you a rough idea on their design style. But if you’re using free templates, please do not remove credit links to the designer and sponsor. Yes, I hate people doing this to my templates.
