For awhile now I have wanted to review some of my favorite websites that I frequently visit. This review is my honest and truthful opinion. If there’s something I love or hate about the site reviewed I will let it be known. I have not been paid by the reviewed website’s owner for this post.

iDesign Studios is a web design and development company owned and operated by Selene Bowlby. Selene’s original intention for her site was to use it as a showcase for her portfolio of previous work. From the moment that I first visited the iDesignStudio’s website I was impressed with the overall look and design of the site.

The entire site (blog, portfolio, contact page, etc) has the same look and feel throughout. You can tell that Selene has spent a lot of time working out every detail of the site’s design. My favorite part of her site is the color scheme. While many designers would frown upon the use of a dark background with light text; I think it works perfectly. The textured background helps add a sense of depth to the feel of the site; making the text stand out and easier to read. Selene uses a cool shade of green and hot pink to round out her color palette to highlight certain elements of the content which really works. The only thing that I would do to draw more attention to post titles or items of interest is make the text bold. Nothing extreme just a little more weight to the type to set it apart from the normal text.

Probably the most effective tool that Selene uses on her blog are the links to subscribe to her feed. You’ll notice if you’re look at the end of each post there’s a beautifully designed button begging you to click it and subscribe. There is also a section below that to add the post to any of the big four social networks. Personally, it’s such a great idea…that I may have to “borrow” it. This subtle design addition is what hooked me into subscribing to the feed.

The content of the blog is great too. Selene takes a lot of time on her posts and adds complimentary photos to each post that attracts the reader. If you are a web designer or want to be this is a great resource for helpful tips on being successful in your ambition. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this site. The one thing that I take away from sites that are this well done is inspiration for my next project. As a web designer myself I always find other things that I can do to improve my skills and push myself to another level. This website has definitely left an impression on me…nice work Selene!

~ GrandmasterB