Project Spotlight: anniegarthwaite.com
It’s been a while since I shared a web design project with you and I’m thrilled to be back with a big, bold, bang with this design, for debut novelist Annie Garthwaite. Annie’s novel Cecily is one of the most eagerly anticipated historical fiction debuts for this year, and it was an absolute thrill to be asked to design a website for her.
Find out more about the project…
The Brief
This really was a gift of a project, because Annie’s novel has quite possibly one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen! Inspired by stained glass windows, with vibrant pinks and red to give it a contemporary feel, the cover is one I just know will leap off the shelves when it’s published later this year.
It was super exciting for me to have these bold, bright colours to work with, and we both decided that the website design should serve as a backdrop and not try to compete with the cover in any way.
Annie’s novel is set in the 15th century, and tells the story of little-known Cecily Neville, the mother of Richard III. But we wanted to make sure the website had a fresher, more contemporary feel than is traditionally found in the historical fiction genre - so no frills or scrolls, or swirly writing!
So I deliberately kept the design clean and simple, with complementary fonts and plenty of space around content to make sure it could breathe. And most importantly of all - to let that stunning cover sing!
The Details
Web design package: Midlister
Template: Foster, Squarespace 7.0
Fonts used: Din Condensed, Freight Display Pro
View the site here: anniegarthwaite.com
Annie’s Verdict
“I love my new site! It’s so impactful and reflects the book so well. Working with Charlotte was a dream. From the moment we engaged I could see she was an organised, meticulous detail person with a sound process complemented by a generous approach.”
The Post-launch Q&A
Before working with Charlotte Duckworth Studio, when it came to my website I felt …
that I needed to make a very careful choice - I needed someone who would enable me to manage the site - not bamboozle me with tech. I'm not good at tech. As Charlotte now knows...!
How do you expect your new site to change things for you?
Straightforwardly it gives me a window on the world. More particularly it gives me a space where I can build my writer brand and engage directly with readers.
For someone on the fence about working with Charlotte Duckworth Studio, what would you say to them?
Jump.
How do you feel about your completed website?
Love it! It's so impactful and reflects the book so well.
Is there anything you were really hoping would be included in your website design package?
Not really to be honest. I felt it was everything I needed.
Is there anything you feel could have been done to improve your experience?
Not really. Working with Charlotte was a dream. From the moment we engaged I could see she was an organised, meticulous detail person with a sound process complemented by a generous approach. Working with her was simplicity itself. Everything well thought out and very clear. And - on top of that - she's just a pleasure to spend time with.
Would you recommend Charlotte Duckworth Studio to a friend who also needed to build a site for their creative business?
Without a second's hesitation.
