Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
The best technology is invisible. If you do everything right—select, repurpose,
optimize—nothing will pull attention away from your work. But invisibility only goes
so far. The more astute the viewer, the more they will appreciate how the things they
don't see make possible the elegant things that they do. That con-
nection is obvious in British designer Thom Bennett's portfolio.
Bennett's 2006 site, which is still linked from his current
one, excited the attention of the digiterati who comb the ether for
exceptional websites. For some people, such attention would result
in an extended run of the “don't fix it if it ain't broke” variety. But
Bennett, although justifiably proud of the work and pleased with
the attention, is a perfectionist. He executed a complete revision in
visual design, image preparation, and programming development.
Bennett's presentation may be technologically adept, but it does not draw
attention to itself. In fact, his design choices are conservative—in the best sense of
the word. They consider the needs of the visitor the way a good host does with a
house guest. His typography plays against the prevailing look and feel, comfortably
scaled and extremely legible.
I always take my time
and make sure that the
images show off the
work to the very best
quality they can.
—Thom Bennett
Bennett starts with a short
animated build of the site
from background to
navigation to his center
statement, which boldly
states the purpose of the
site. The design supports
the statement with subtle
colors and cool gray
background. The look is a
nice break from design-
default white matte, while
still providing a clean,
understated look.
