IVY MAE

duration: April 2023 - may 2023

tasks:

research
ux/ui design
branding
prototyping on figma
coding (html+css)

This project wasn't just about building a website; it was about empowering freelance photographer Ivy Mae to captivate her target audience. We designed a website specifically crafted to showcase her stunning work and reel in new clients from small businesses, independent designers, and prestigious publications.

view the design in action

Research

Upon analyzing three websites in the photography portfolio industry, the goal was to unveil their newest features, identify weaknesses, and pinpoint unique aspects that distinguish them in the market.

OLGA PRUDKA

This website uses a unique blend of fonts and colorful photos to showcase Prudka’s work. The design utilises a bold, modern typeface contrasted with elegant calligraphy. Interactive features like pop-up images and hover effects create an engaging experience for visitors.

MEIWENSEE

Meiwen's site leverages asymmetry for a unique layout and hover effects to highlight content, inspiring Ivy Mae's site but emphasizing balanced design for easy navigation.

RYU CREATIVE

This website balances scattered photos with a high-impact hero image. While some headings overwhelm content, subtle animations and a gradual reveal on scroll keep users engaged. Improving text size and visual flow would further refine the experience.

Target Audience

Ivy Mae wants to target an audience that consist of small businesses and independent designers who want to produce imagery for local publications. Considering that, we would want to target local editors and businesses.

Design Research

Mood boards visually explore aesthetics, emotions, and client preferences to guide design decisions.

Wireframes

Low-fidelity sketches are essentially the foundational design for a website or app, emphasizing layout and functionality.

Concepts

Concept #1

Ivy's website is a minimalist haven for her photography. Neutral tones and a mix of classic and modern fonts create a chic, editorial vibe. Inspired by clean lines and user-friendliness, the design uses white space, strategic image placement, and a clear menu to showcase her work seamlessly. Contrasting elements and a rhythmic flow guide the eye, highlighting both individual photos and Ivy's consistent style. This focus on simplicity delivers a user experience that puts Ivy's photography front and center.

Concept #2

Concept two takes a bold turn with a bright, colorful scheme and trendy blurred textures. This youthful vibe is further emphasized by the modern Proxima Nova font. Cinemagraphs throughout the site add visual interest, while the layout prioritizes usability with empty space for easy navigation. Balanced layouts with symmetrical elements keep the design visually pleasing. While this concept might not perfectly reflect Ivy's current style, it could attract a younger audience with its modern aesthetic and user-friendly approach.

Concept #3

Concept three strips things back for a minimalist showcase of Ivy's photography. Muted blues and beiges complement her work, while playful text animations add a modern touch. This design offers a sleek and user-friendly experience for modern audiences.

Showcasing the concept designs in a presentation to my peers - the third concept received the largest amount of votes for its clear, simplistic design that emphasised the photography first and foremost.

Key Takeaway

This project highlighted the importance of collaborating with the photographer to understand their vision and target audience. By tailoring the design to Ivy Mae's minimalist aesthetic and a modern, creative clientele, I gained valuable experience in creating a portfolio website that effectively showcases their work.

IVY MAE

duration: April 2023 - may 2023

tasks:

research

ux/ui design

branding

prototyping on figma

coding (html+css)