Post-Production: Updated Website

After completing further research, I have been constantly experimenting within the software of Wix, to create a new and improved website for our artist, SIOUX. Similarly, I have listening and responded to the feedback given from the focus group and made some strong and bold decisions. For example, I was thoroughly inspired by many sites but mostly inspired by MØ’s, Sia’s and Lorde’s sites. I prominently noticed, simplicity and clear direction plays a big role in the creation of their websites. Therefore, due to this I discarded the website I had previously made and started again from scratch. For instance, I recognised and understood the drawbacks of my previously created website, with the help of the focus groups comments. I understand I need to incorporate brighter colours and images, to achieve the youthful, bright, rebellious concept of our artist and therefore I felt the template I had used has restricted me from creative freedom and so I started again.

I noticed the artists’ sites use a clear, well-structured and basic layout and therefore I considered this when creating my website. Similarly, I also realised the website homepage needs to be the main focus as it will determine whether one wants to explore the rest of the site or not; hence why I felt the need to create a logo for our artist with the help of my group. Also, I want the social media sites to also be focused upon as Lorde similarly does in her site.

I created the website by firstly picking a blank template, and placing a black slightly marbled background as the homepage. After this, I chose a series of four appropriate and effective images to allow a small slideshow to play when entering the site. After completing the design, I placed four hyperlinked buttons, consisting of sign-up, tour, listen and store in each corner of the homepage. I was throughly inspired by MØ's layout and therefore took this into consideration. Similarly, when a viewer press' on each button it directs you to a new page of selected information. After experimenting and playing around with colours, sizes and designs, I felt something was missing. However, I quickly made some changes and felt the need to add the logo we had previously created layered onto of the small slide show. Therefore, I placed the logo, SIOUX in the centre of the homepage to gain clear recognition and direction for viewers. I also added links to social media sites at the bottom, such as, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr and SoundCloud. Lastly, I worked hard on playing around with developing each of the four pages, adding relevant, correct and suitable information where necessary for all the titles, such as, sign-up, tour, listen and store. However, the last change I wanted to make was to additionally add our music video, auto-playing as soon as one enters the site using a lightbox. I felt this was necessary as it immediately provides new information regarding SIOUX's latest release and creation.

Similarly, I payed close attention to the four linked pages and therefore developed them. For example, I started with the sign-up for the website, I felt sign-up was necessary for a website as it allows the individual who is navigating the system, usually a fan of SIOUX to feel more connected and therefore sign up to gain more information about SOUX. I simply created this page by adding clear text box's and a map to show clear navigation. After completing the sign-up page, I wanted to move onto the tour link. Every website has a tour page to allow viewers to see when the artist/s are next playing and to gain intriguement and immediate excitement or connection with the artist/s. I simply connected the app 'Bandintown' and linked a defaulted artist for the time being. As well as this, it is fundamental for a musical artist to include a listen page in their website as this is what they are known for. Lastly, I wanted to include an additional store page with access for viewers to purchase items. In order to achieve this, I created five different items, including a basic t-shirt, jumper, baseball cap, beanie and a mug, using the software Photoshop. I simply created the logo and layered it upon each item in a unique and original way. However, I will constantly consider and re think the four links I have chosen, for instance, I am also fond of linking follow and about instead of sign-up and store; although I will discuss with my group when I update them with my efforts.

Although the website is not complete and still has many alters to be made, I wanted to update my group on my efforts and work so far. However, the feedback had both negatives and positives. For instance, they appreciate the simplicity and clear direction of the site but they weren’t fond of the visual look, for example, the chosen marbling used, although the site didn’t have the correct colours yet. Although the drawbacks, my group were pleased with the features included, such as the auto-playing video when entering the site, as well as the sign-up, tour, listen and store. However, I was pleased with the feedback as I understand this is a group effort and am happy to listen to their opinion on how to improve the site. Due to this group discussion, I will go away and make some changes. However, Harvey has offered to create the Instagram social media for our website to help out as he has finished with the video.