Hi guys,

I'm basically asking just that. Who are the VERY BEST? I've got quite a lot of projects going and I'm willing to offer generous reseller and for some large projects even dedicated servers for 24,48,72 months for some projects that I get done. However, recently I've noticed a trend for 14yr old kids contacting me, doing a nice logo, and the next day saying "mommy says I have to spend more time doing my school work" or "I'm too lazy to open the thread, can you repeat everything to me (aka "My web browser is broken, can you tell me waht it was again?")" and it's making me sick.

And I'm the sort who doesn't pay for something unless I know I'm getting quality (except when I'm doing tests, etc. - you won't see me host a production site outside ServInt, RackSpace, ServerCentral, Redbus...etc... for that reason) and so when buying web design I will pay extra for the best.

I've contacted Ceonex, who seem to be highly regarded on this board and have done some very nice designs for members of this board, but who is the ULTIMATE company for the professional online identity?

Thanks

You want the really best? Well start offering money instead of hosting.

I wouldn't say there are some very best designers, it's all up to personnal preferences and what style you think best fits your project, because every designer has it's own style, except if they are asked to copy another style.:rolleyes:

Why do you think I'm asking who the best is? I won't pay money fo something I know is just a 'quick wack up' - that's why I was offering hosting here - but if I'm going to have to pay to get anything at all, I'm going to pay premium, and I want a good bit of work.

GTX,

There are many different great companies out there. It really depends on what you are looking for. The company's portfolio speaks for itself, as well as testimonials from other clients, and how the company handles itself.

I would suggest looking on Yaxay for the top designers in the low budget range, because you aren't going to get a killer website with coding, etc. for under $1,000 from any good designer.

Cheers,
Josh

Hi there,

Sorry if I mislead anyone, but I don't recall specifying a budget of $1,000. If I'm going to pay, I'm going to pay premium, and get premium. I'm happy to pay higher XX,XXX or low XXX,XXX figures.

What I want is a company that will do the design and branding work for me, will provide me with advertising / marking strategies, will skin my software, provide support and advice on any areas related to marketing, advertising and getting visitors:sales up.

Thanks

Ceonex (http://www.ceonex.com/) are known to be excellent when it comes to branding and creating an identity for you company. You should read more about their services (http://www.ceonex.com/what/index1.htm).

They are also one of the most expensive solutions you can go with, I do believe.

There is paying for quality; and then there is paying what you need to pay for good quality. Don't be hassled into paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for a site that can easily be done for a couple thousand.

I would personally recommend www.37signals.com, as they do branding, usability and design services in package format, if that is what you're looking for.

Don't be afraid to look around!

Cheers,
Josh

http://www.stopdesign.com

They seem quite good. But anyway, I don't really get your philosophy that if you don't want prenium, you'll pay with hosting. Why not just pay less? There's always a middle. Anyway, just browse the internet, the award sites where they list some awesome websites. If you really want to look for the very best, get some magazines or publications of graphic design communities where they reward companies for their best work, like Grafika is in Quebec. (http://www.okgrafika.com/)

http://www.sofake.com/

http://www.vianet.it/ (very good)

If you were looking for the best then you shouldnt have worded your original post the way you did. (payment with a dedicated server or reseller). This WILL attract kiddies.

Start off by saying you are looking for a $xx,xxx design and people would have taken you more seriously.

http://www.vianet.it

They have a very impressive portfolio! :)

The simple answer? There isn't one! It is all about who wants what and how they want it. You may have a company who can do the best looking, the best functional site around - but if someone comes in and asks for the one thing they can't do, then they're screwed.

You will never find the "perfect company". It's impossible. That's not to say there aren't a lot of VERY good designers out there, but there is really no "top dog" of the web design world in my opinion. Everyone caters to their market, but no-one caters to everyone (and if they say they do, they're lying!).

I agree wholeheartedly with will7. There is no best designer. This is why many companies send out Request For Proposals (RFPs). They want to gather up different viewpoints of their projects through many proposals from different companies.

If you don't know about Request For Proposals, I suggest that you search Google, as there are many different sites that describe this process to you (the company). Here's one I found that seems to be alright:

http://www.finebrand.com/ideacenter/web-site-planning/how-to-rfp.cfm

Cheers,
Josh

vianet.it has an impressive list, but they do Flash primarily I believe.

If your require a fast loading, browser compatible website for your business, you'll have to opt for CSS/xHTML.

Stopdesign.com and Simplebits.com are the two best CSS/xHTML designers I've come across so far.

However, I too agree with will7. Designing is a subjective matter, you might not get the best design from the best designer.

www.wiredlabs.net - Love their designs. I don't think they are a design firm specifically but they do their work in house.

I like eCreative Group for web designs, and corporate branding.

They did our last two websites, here is the portfolio link:

http://www.ecreativegroup.com/portfolio/websitedesign.htm

Thread cleaned up.

Just a reminder you cannot recommend or promote your own services in the Main Forums.

Okay for the record, sure graphics are an important part of any website, as they have to implemented correctly for make an impact. But, there is a HUGE difference between a seasoned web designer, and a graphics artist that tried to implement their graphics into the web.

foress posted www.grahpicwise.com. This site is visually appealing, but I would hate to wonder what their bandwidth bill would be if their site's visitor count went up by 200 or even 300%. There is just no semantics or "correct" code in that site at all.

And unfortunately, that is the realization of many of the web design firms out there today. A good web developer looks for code imperfections, codes for easy updates, and also makes sure bandwidth issues, both present and future, are accomidated for.

Cheers,
Josh