Look Lively understands the needs of other businesses and traders in terms of website design and also in terms of working in the local community.
"My life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can."About Look Lively Web Design
Look Lively is the trading name for freelance web designer/developer Rich Horn. That's me!
Although I run the business myself, I use the royal 'we' throughout my website because if I don't have the time or the particular skill to get a job done, I will hire in a freelancer or two to help.
Several years in the design industry means that I have a marvellous network of friends and colleagues including graphic designers, illustrators, programmers, printers, copy-writers and so on ; between us we can do anything!
Also, we collaborate on your website together - you and I, which is a 'we' too.
I came to computer-based design in 1999 when I began an HND in multimedia at the Arts Institute in Bournemouth. After graduating in 2001 (distinction grades) I worked for a variety of design companies in Dorset and beyond, on both an employed and self-employed basis. I primarily designed, developed and published CDROMs and have produced work for companies big and not-so-big including the likes of BP, BT, Alliance and Leicester, Heath Lambert and more. However, I dislike working for these large and impersonal organisations. Feeling that the internet promised greater democracy of expression I moved into web design. This has allowed me to work more with real people, as it were. Instead of these faceless corporate entities who are so, well ... corporate.
So, here I am. I now enjoy putting my creative energy into work which supports people at a community level such as small local businesses, associations, clubs, artists, yoga teachers, therapists and so on. Quality web design is a combination of the artistic and the technical , of form and function ; I like it like that. Seven years working in the design industry gives me the necessary contacts, experience and skills to take on and complete design/development jobs professionally.
I use entirely Open Source software in my web design and development work. This releases me from restrictive licensing, lowers my costs, and so my prices. I heartily recommend a switch to Open Source to anyone wanting more freedom and self-determination in their computer work.
