Of course when a wine 101er wants to move from a blog to a website, she finds a website genius that also understands wine! Enter Tony Wire, the co-manager of Wine 661 along with his partner in and out of the bar, owner Tanya Green.
Every time I came into the bar, complaining about my blog being slow, the limits I had, how one day I might want to grow and be taken slightly more seriously, Tony always had all of the answers. So, when I was ready, it seemed that Tony had already done the work as I was live in a couple of days! So today's article, or maybe I should say "pairing", will get Beaconeers up to date on wine, websites and Wire.
EB: Tell us about your websites. I've seen some awesome think-out-of-the-site-box ideas on your own website. I know, for me, you gave me some instructions as to looking at sites and then letting you know what I liked...
TW: I don't really have a "theme" when building a website. I take a look the company / individual and I go from there. I really take time to learn the company / individual I am designing for so that their website is a true reflection on who they are and what they do.
I have been doing websites for about 12 years and I try and learn something new everyday. I have backgrounds in both art and architecture, so I really have an eye for this type of work.
EB: How are you able to divide your time between Wine 661 and PixelPerfectInc.com? I'm guessing that most of what you do is passion-driven, much like mine for wine, is that how you are able to do so much?
TW: Good question, I am focused on my company (Pixel Perfect Inc.) but I am also at Wine 661 whenever I am needed. I am able to deal with this crazy schedule because I love what I do. It doesn't matter if I am pouring wine or designing for a company, it is not work for me - it is fun.
EB: Do you have a favorite website-building story?
TW: My favorite website building story, hmmmmm. I think it was the day I was handed a check from my first client. That was the moment I knew that I had made it. I no longer had to design and work under someone else's ideas. I was able to finally use my imagination and skill to be creative.
I really love what I do and I can't imagine doing something else. Also remember, it is not only websites that I build, I also do marketing, company branding and print work.
(This story, written by me, was originally posted in the WestRanchBeacon.com but I have full writes for publishing.) read more