ROLE
Visual Designer, UI + Web Designer
FOCUS
Artist Michael Finnegan needed a new website to showcase his latest work while creating intrigue for new and existing art buyers. His goal was to be considered for future exhibits or commission projects. To make that happen we needed to consider what information had to be readily available for his users.
APPROACH
Working alongside We Shepherd as the creative agency on this project, we agreed Michael's website should not only showcase beautiful work but tell a story. Imagine visiting a museum. Think about how you navigate the open space and learn about each piece of artwork. Sometimes you view artwork 10 feet back. Sometimes you view artwork 5 inches away to explore construction and every brush stroke.
Our approach was to make the website a digital art museum that would do almost the same thing. This was achieved with lots of white negative space and long scrolling pages. Each piece of artwork has breathing room paired with messaging to delight the user. Some images are cropped and zoomed in so you can explore the construction and illuminated pops of color—achieved through bent plywood which has been painted on the backside.
In addition we included Michael's inspiration imagery to a few pieces. Sometimes it is not about the final artwork, but the inspiration and story behind it.
RESULT
Michael's users—art dealers, collectors and consultants—were drawn in through visual story telling and now had an 'In Progress' page that would highlight work behind-the-scenes to keep them excited. A 'Private Dealer' page was also built so users could easily download images for their marketing and/or exhibit website and view retail pricing. Having this information readily available was a huge benefit feature for Michael's users and kept them coming back.
As an extra bonus we edited a teaser video titled, Waves—Michael's biggest inspiration for his work.