Hello, everyone I was wondering if you guys could help me with a problem. I've been working with this guy on Getafreelancer.com to create an online interactive t-shirt design site. So far it's been rather slow and frustrating, because the design lab is clunky and I don't know how too explain ways to make it functional for the public. So I am here asking for advice on how to improve it or if I should chunk it altogether. The design itself is lacking so please ignore that aspect. I just want input on how to improve the design lab. If I can't get this to work within a week or so I will probably use forms for customers to enter designs. The site is done in php and flash for those with some experience with either, here are the links the second is the design lab Screen2Shirt Screen2Shirt
Last edited by asclark67; May 6th, 2008 at 02:49 PM.
Reason: design lab is second link
It doesn't seem any more clunkier than any of the other design it yourself sites out there. What do you wish it did that it doesn't? Or what site have you seen where you wish you had that designer?
Also, you can tell me none of my business and I will completely understand; but roughly how much did you pay?
Well as for the function of the site, I gave the coder some ideas from other sites, like shirtcity.com, designashirt.com. It seems like he just copied these sites as opposed to doing as I asked and giving me the same functionality with a different style. Of course I believe the gold standard for this kinda site is BlueCotton.com. Their studio is one of a kind and I'm sure quite expensive. I've noticed a few times when loading images in my design lab that the products sometimes appear off centered. However I'm the only one doing testing so if any of you visit and notice errors in loading please let me know. Also support is a big concern, it has been a hassle keeping in touch with this offshore coder. (The time change makes communicating difficult) It was my understanding that some support would be provided after the project was complete for atleast 6months of the business opening, After that I would have full time person to maintain issues with the site. I think our American Culture is rather difficult for the designer to understand as he is from India, so I've spoken with a very good graphic design artist that I attend college with, and he will provide the template. As for cost as you know Getafreelancer has several price levels, I chose to put my project between $300-$1500, I received private messages for a complete professional site with shopping cart and support for $4000-$5000. However I want to focus on the design lab, In which most coders have offered for $500 - $1500. Yahoo store would be my backend system for security reasons.
Well as for the function of the site, I gave the coder some ideas from other sites, like shirtcity.com, designashirt.com. It seems like he just copied these sites as opposed to doing as I asked and giving me the same functionality with a different style. Of course I believe the gold standard for this kinda site is BlueCotton.com. Their studio is one of a kind and I'm sure quite expensive. I've noticed a few times when loading images in my design lab that the products sometimes appear off centered. However I'm the only one doing testing so if any of you visit and notice errors in loading please let me know. Also support is a big concern, it has been a hassle keeping in touch with this offshore coder. (The time change makes communicating difficult) It was my understanding that some support would be provided after the project was complete for atleast 6months of the business opening, After that I would have full time person to maintain issues with the site. I think our American Culture is rather difficult for the designer to understand as he is from India, so I've spoken with a very good graphic design artist that I attend college with, and he will provide the template. As for cost as you know Getafreelancer has several price levels, I chose to put my project between $300-$1500, I received private messages for a complete professional site with shopping cart and support for $4000-$5000. However I want to focus on the design lab, In which most coders have offered for $500 - $1500. Yahoo store would be my backend system for security reasons.
I've had a hit and miss with get a free lancer. So i suggest you talk to each of the people on your shortlist before hiring see who you like the best. Remember if you only pay $500 for a website, you're only going to get a $500 website.
Online t-shirt Design Software 
