Services

Vision, Realized

To use an old cliché, SonSpring is about quality, not quantity. More value is placed on a job well done with a smaller number of clients, rather than sacrificing attention to detail by accepting too many projects. You can rest assured, with the confidence that your website creation or redesign will be handled both meticulously and efficiently. I will work closely with you to ensure that you feel at ease, and invite you into the creative process.

Technically Speaking

Each website is done to exact client specifications. Yours will be built in accordance with guidelines set forth by the World Wide Web Consortium, governing body of best practices and programming standards on the web. Adhering to Web Standards ensures that as web browsers continue to evolve, your site will not be driven by obsolete code, as is the case far too often.

For example: In the past, many websites were driven by table-based layouts and font tags. While this produces acceptable on-screen results, rendering nested tables is slower than with CSS based layout. Tables and font tags also create bloated amounts of code (increasing file-size), and have to be edited on a per-page basis because they are embedded in the actual HTML.

Cascading Style Sheets on the other hand, can be implemented site-wide, producing considerably leaner code while providing the same visual output. Some companies have cut their monthly bandwidth consumption literally in half as a result of switching to CSS based design, drastically reducing costs. Therefore, I use XHTML, CSS and JavaScript with efficiency in mind.

Site Management

Normally clients are encouraged to take over the maintenance of their own sites after the initial design has been created, and training sessions are provided. This is done using a flexible content management system such as Ekklesia 360, ExpressionEngine or Textpattern. This works best, because I can move on to helping others, and you will have the necessary skills to keep your site’s content updated regularly. However, depending on additional unforeseen needs, I will decide how much (if at all) to charge.

Caveats

Okay now, on to the bottom line. For all projects, a payment schedule is required before site design or development begins. I regret having to do this, but have found that it minimizes operational delays. It also protects against the risk of doing a site design but never receiving payment for it.

When there has already been an initial investment, the process is usually expedited. This helps avoid down-time, where the designer waits on materials and content to be provided by the client. In summary, it is not about the money, but about you taking full ownership of the project.

Too often, people request a site to be done, and expect that meaningful content will somehow magically appear. This of course, is the responsibility of the client, to provide relevant text and pictures to accompany the design. During this process, I create the container, and you supply the substance.

If you have read this far you are a very patient person. For further info about how SonSpring can be of assistance to you, just email via the contact page.

Testimonials

Nathan is one of those rare individuals entirely comfortable conceiving, describing, and certainly working with a 360 degree view of any interactive project. He intuitively grasps the relevant factors and has the skills to then implement them, be they visual, behavioral, or functional. He has been a willing tutor and a valuable mentor in my ongoing scripting and CMS education. Few of my professional friends have his combination of broad skill, patience, and humor.
— Andy Rutledge

Nathan is like a sponge. He knows so much, yet he yearns to learn more. My frequent conversations with him have taught me that. He is a gifted individual with a great taste for design. Ambitious but level headed, he is dedicated to supporting causes that matter to him.
— Bryan Veloso

Any time I receive a compliment for the Stonebriar site, I have to give Nathan a big portion of the credit, because he always encouraged me to not let those code monkey voices in my head hinder my artistic instincts. He constantly told me, “Just design it how you want to design it, and I’ll worry about how to make it work.”
— Chris Merritt

Nathan is fantastic to work with. He creates quality solutions quickly. He comes to the table with many of the problems inherent in today’s designs already worked out. So, you spend more time developing a great solution instead of arguing about details. I will continue working with him.
— Dave Merwin

Nathan deftly transformed [the Geniant blog] into markup while navigating the endless requests and changes that Jared and I threw at him as the idea evolved. Working with a team like that makes everything seem so easy and painless.
— Garrett Dimon

Thank you very much for your kindness and generosity. You are taking Life Light Ministries to a different level. You have spoken for those who can do speak for themselves. You are making a difference.
— John Dongerdive

As with any Nathan Smith endeavor, this kit is very well thought out and executed. He has considered many details and implemented them thoroughly. If you are looking to cut down development time while sketching, wireframing, or coding hi-fi prototypes, his work on 960.gs is sure to be a great starting point.
— Mark Kraemer

I have collaborated with Nathan on several projects and each time he has amazed me with his efficiency, effectiveness and knowledge of web design techniques.
— Matt Heerema

Nathan has done a couple of freelance jobs for me. I can say without reservation that his work is simply amazing. His design and code are impeccable. He even delivers when he says he will. I would hire him full-time in a second if he would let me!
— Peter Flaschner

Nathan is one of the most genuine people I’ve met and is extremely accomplished at his ability to adhere to and educate others on web standards. Also, his comprehension of CSS and XHTML is something to be admired. He is a natural leader in the web design community and someone with whom it is a joy to associate.
— Phil Coffman