New look … the "why"
Recently, I took the opportunity to give the website an overhaul. With the help of AI tools, I was able to do both what I needed and understand what I was actually doing – for the brain stimulation, definitely worth the learning curve even if it was well outside my comfort zone.
New look ... the "what"
I’m expecting all visitors to the site to a) be somewhat surprised as to the look and feel of the site, and b) then judge it!
This is because I’ve taken the recommended approach that permeates all legal websites – colder colours, clean fonts, use of stock photos – and binned it. This is actually what I had before and it bored me.
I’m a sole practitioner with nearly 30 years as a qualified solicitor. I bring my experiences and personality to the table. In fact, it would be hard not to without a concerted effort to become beige and that is not something I think I know how to do even if I tried.
For me being a sole practitioner, it is important to have a website that reflected my personality in some way.
... and the old me
Since I first put up a website, I’ve always had a desire to include illustrations rather than photos. But it wasn’t until generative AI became widespread that became a realistic option. Illustrations from stock websites were both limited and expensive and I needed a lot of them.
I like to use illustrations to do what they are meant to do: illustrate ideas. With AI, I can now use illustration for each of the services and blog posts.
Also, way too many websites are pretty boring in relation to colour but illustrations are all about colour. I may not have got it right given how complicated colour theory is but at least I have a very good excuse to use colour.
All about style
Finding the style took time. Anyone who has used generative AI knows that having a very clear prompt gets the best result and you get consistency of style across the illustrations.
That style is inspired by 1960s comics, more specifically the Marvel/Kirby era: strong inking with cross hatching and bold but flat colours.There are a number of reasons for this look and feel:
• I was a Marvel reading kid and loved them for their artwork and whilst I don’t really read comics these days, I still love the artwork.
• It is a well-established and well-used drawing style so, hopefully, unlikely to offend anyone (think Studio Ghibli).
• Its extensive use of colour.
• As so many of the illustrations required some editing, it forced me to learn digital drawing programmes and acquire some very basic skills.
• Finally, I’m learning to draw so learning this style is as good a place to start as any.
I suspect there will be a fair amount of people who will land on the website and jump right off. But those who stick around, hopefully will enjoy seeing a different kind of website for a lawyer.
