Frequently Asked Questions

Jeff Baham
Zyzzix Principal

Q. What right do you have to call yourself a web site designer? My uncle/roommate/friend has a little brother that'll make me a website for fifty bucks.

A. Web site design does often seem to blend a lot of lines between "hobby" and "profession." However, the key to an exceptional website is not the ability to know how to run some software; it's the innate ability to create good design — art which communicates. I have a degree in design from the San Jose State University School of Art and Design, and have been working as a graphic designer since 1984. But of course, the most important thing I can encourage you to do when selecting a designer is to examine the portfolio... so please, examine the samples via the link above to see if my style fits what you are looking for.

Q. So, how do we go about this? If I hire you, what can I expect to happen?

A. Good question. First, you'll need the content ready to go; I'll get you pointed in the right direction if you need a hand in that regard. Next, we'll determine an overall strategy, starting with a look and feel for your site. If you already have a business identity or logo, I may make suggestions based on that. We will walk through the web site creation process together, step by step, until the day your site goes live.

Q. But I mean, I really know NOTHING about websites.

A. Don't worry. From your point of view, designing for the Internet is really no different from designing for any other medium; you just want to communicate. You can think of your web site as any other type of flyer, brochure, or booklet, at its most basic level. We can start from a brochure you've had printed up, verbal ideas, other things you've seen and liked, or even sketches on a napkin. Don't get stuck on the technological aspects of this.

Q. What about after the site goes live? Do you maintain the site and update it for me?

A. You can certainly hire me to do so, though when creating your web site, I will strive to make it simple to maintain. In fact, you may be able to learn to update it yourself. I am essentially a front-end designer, which means that you are hiring me for my expertise in designing a look and feel to your website that will give you a specific image. My business does not focus on the day-to-day operation of websites. But I can certainly point you in the direction of a few good webmasters, or, as I said, take on the job myself (my schedule permitting.)

Q. Your prices are about a fifth of what I was quoted from a local advertising/design agency. Frankly, I suspect that I'm going to get what I pay for. Make me believe, baby.

A. Please don't take my word for what I can do... visit some of the websites that I have created to see what you will be getting. Realize that Zyzzix is a small business, and that enables me to cut my prices way, way down. Consider the fact that I myself worked many months for an internet start-up company, designing art and websites for companies that paid our corporation much more than I was paid to actually do the work. Ponder the notion that I love what I do, and am striving to maintain a "boutique" sensibility, meaning that I intend to work primarily for smaller businesses that need a big-agency look and feel to their web presence. Are you feeling it yet?

Q. Do you take credit cards?

A. Sure, via PayPal. I'll also take your checks, money orders, uncut gemstones, or vintage Mars Attacks trading cards.

Q. Why can't I really find a solid quote for my project right here on the website?

A. Another good question. Honestly, there are too many possibilities for your web site for me to give definitive quotes without a consultation (which is free, by the way.) Some people prefer simple, straightforward sites with a clean presentation, while others might want the site done totally in Macromedia Flash, to provide an immersive multimedia experience. Those two examples, while providing the same basic data, could differ in cost by 200% or more. If you've got an idea as to what you're looking for, shoot me an email and I'll get a little more specific based on your requirements.

Q. Is print dead?

A. Absolutely not. I'm still heavily involved in the world of "traditional" design; in fact, my current workload is primarily publication layout, CD covers, and identity/logos. Feel free to contact me for a quote for any print work you might need done as well.

Q. You refer to Zyzzix as "we" throughout the rest of this website, as if I don't know it's really just you working out of your dingy basement, you fraud.

A. I see that you've seen through my little ploy. Actually, it's a "home office," thank you very much. And I will hire freelancers and/or specialists to help me as your job may require. I have close contacts who work in both the dot-com and the entertainment industries both here in Northern California and down in Hollywood. The actual number of Zyzzix designers that will be working on your specific project will be determined by the specifications of your project. Don't worry, I got your back. And my home doesn't even have a basement.

Q. You didn't answer my question.

A. Well then you'd better write me soon, before you forget it! Send email to jeffbaham@aol.com.