About the design of VicariousVagabond.com

When I first began to play around with html and websites in mid-2003, I really didn't know into what I was getting myself. But I knew I wanted a site to post my writings and photos from traveling. After loads of research and reverse engineering other sites, using Notepad I hand coded a basic (and ugly) site.

The site was overhauled again in late 2004. It remained that way until the summer of 2007 when I felt it was time again to change the look and add more interactivity with a blog and photo slideshow. By this time I had taking courses in web and graphic design (acquiring Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop and Illustrator), and actually knew what I was doing. Time will tell how long I'll keep this design!

the site

There is still plenty yet to learn about designing websites, and what it takes to program server side code like php or cgi, which is what is needed for blog sites. But I know enough html to be able to manipulate it. And that is what I've done with this site. It's actually a WordPress template created by a designer from Sweden arcsin.se. Since I'm not a programmer who could write the code necessary for a blog-style website, I borrowed his free, open source template and made some major tweaks. For me, the content and functionality of the site was more important than an original, creative design. The site is designed using a cascading style sheet (CSS) rather than the traditional method of using tables to organize the content. Therefore, it's lightweight and search engine friendly site that is very easy to update and change the look of the entire site with a few clicks of the mouse. If you are looking for a site similar to this or something original, check out my graphic design site: wanderingdesigns.com.

the logo

I've always wanted a logo to capture the essence of my life and the purpose of this site. I have many sketches in my notebook, but was never satisfied with any of them. As I was going through this redesign, I knew that I needed to get some help with a logo. I posted an ad on craigslist advertising the need for a logo created by someone who loved to travel and was an accomplished graphic designer. Within a day or two I had so many replies that I removed the ad from the site. With a little of my guidance and vision of what I was looking for, several designers sent me samples. When I received Jimmy's concepts, I knew he was the guy who was going to create the logo I have always wanted. I feel like the logo is contemporary, simple and conveys my desired ideas. Jimmy is a tremendously talented guy, if you need anything designed: websites, logo or print, visit his website.