Having worked with joomla a bit I think this could be put together fairly quickly for someone who knows what they are doing. I would like someone to design a custom template for me to use with Joomla. I've used joomla a little bit but don't have the expertise or time to learn it well enough to build my own template. What I really need is someone who has the expertise with layout and flexibility that doesn't look like every other template out there. I think it is really more that I just can't find one template that contains everything I would like. My wish list is long and my budget is small (just like everyone else!) since I've been trying to get this design based business off the ground. It finally got to a point that I realized I needed to see if I could afford to delegate some of the work which is why I'm posting.
The web site is primarily focused on design services such as jewelry, accessories, paper products (like invites and announcements), photography as well as limited graphics work. Currently, I have a shop hosted on an external site that I just link to and I use it with google checkout. It would be absolutely wonderful if I could just offer the products directly on my site (with google checkout) although I have no idea how difficult that would be so I'd appreciate input on that part.
This is the list I had made for the site with headings and sub headings:
home page
-welcome
about
-bio
-history/background/mission/dreams/goals/etc
-philanthropic/spiritual section
news (may be able to go under about section?)
blog (about section?)
gallery
-photo
-artwork
-traditional
-jewelry/accessories
services
-resume
-list of services available
shop
-jewelry/accessories(external link)
-print based items, photography, branding, etc(external link)
links
contact
customer service/faq
-Things that I've found visual appealing while browsing for examples:
not too many columns.
-I like the idea of having an image module on the front page with images (slideshow where they change every so often)
-Load speed is just as important as thoughtful design. I optimize all of my images for the net so I would like a design that loads fast as well.
-It would be great to be able to put some video files in my gallery as well.
-I like drop down menus (suckerfish) but am open minded in terms of the style.
This may lead to other work as I need to start delegating tasks so that I can accomplish certain objectives within the company.
I would like to see some of your work to get a sense of your style. If I'm presented with something that really really wows me and I need to up the budget a tad I will consider it.
I can provide links to my current (boring and embarrassing) site I can do that and also give some links for sites and/or elements that I've found interesting. The main color palette is aqua, purple (dark), lavender and white, but I'd also consider black since it tends to make photography look good.
Thanks in advance!