My final 3 website designs of 2024!
The idea for this post just popped into my head and I thought it would be a bit of fun because it occurred to me the other day that the last three sites I built were so different from each other!
I’ve finished my website design work for 2024 now (check back next week for my epic, oversharing ‘my work year in review’ post which I know some of you enjoy reading), and although I do have some bits and pieces to do for some of my existing clients, I’m very excited about being able to rest my creative brain for the rest of the year.
Although I love building websites, as I mainly build sites for authors, one of my concerns is coming up with fresh ideas to display what is often very similar content.
Thankfully I am often led by the amazing cover designs and visuals created by talented people within publishing, but my biggest fear is my designs becoming too stale or samey.
It was with relief, then, that I looked back on my last three designs for 2024 and realised that they are all SO dramatically different. It made me think it was worth a share.
So here we go!
Stephen Barrett’s author website
Stephen writes financial crime fiction, and had some great ideas for imagery he wanted to include to conjure up the mood and feel of his books.
Stephen is a self-published author (I’m doing more and more websites for self-published authors and I’m honestly loving it - it’s so interesting to see how things work on the other side of the fence!) and his first book came out in March 2024, with his second one following shortly.
I absolutely loved being able to use a black background! I haven’t done one for ages, and the pops of bright yellow and red (taken, as always, from the books’ covers) really help bring the site to life.
Stephen’s verdict
"Thanks very much Charlotte! I love the look of the website and your support videos etc. It's all very exciting… Fantastic!"
Rebecca Louick’s author website
Moving on from Stephen’s author website, the next site I built was for Rebecca Louick, a children’s author, so a very different affair entirely!
Rebecca lives in the States and has her first book coming out next year. She had the most beautiful illustrations and knew exactly what she wanted for the look and feel of her author website.
I love working with illustrations and the image on her homepage really set the tone for the entire website design - we went with similar soothing colours and a touch of glitter throughout the site to add sparkle and echo the book’s theme.
Rebecca’s verdict
"The website is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and so well done. It exceeded even what I had hoped. Thank you SO MUCH! Each page captures that simple, dreamy element I was hoping for."
Caroline Hardman’s website
Last but not least… perhaps the most terrifying website project I have ever undertaken?!
My final website design of the year was actually for my own literary agent, Caroline Hardman.
Caroline had actually approached me several years ago about quoting to redesign her agency, Hardman & Swainson’s main website, but as it was a huge site, already built on Wordpress and with many moving parts, I bowed out gracefully.
However, when she approached me about possibly building her a separate website, I bravely decided to take her up on the offer!
I have to say though, building a website for someone you know well is always a little nervewracking.
Thankfully Caroline was quite clear she wanted something smart, minimal and clean that made her look professional and highlighted her years of expertise as a literary agent.
We chose soft, calming shades and kept things very classy. She had some amazing testimonials (she is true one-off when it comes to agents) and so we made sure they took pride of place on the homepage.
Caroline is not known for being effusive, but she told me afterwards she thought it looked great, and as far as I know she still represents me - so I think she liked it 😂
If you would like me to build you a website in 2025, then please do get in touch now!
I only work with one client at a time and I only take on two clients each month, to make sure I can give them my undivided love and attention, so my slots do go quite quickly.
I’m currently booking from late February onwards, and would love to hear from you!
