ZOMTIKI

My name is Alan, I’m a graphic designer and this is my testing area for using WordPress as a CMS. I’ve built html websites, and Joomla CMS sites, but I’m just discovering the wonders of WordPress. So far it seems adaptable and solid, with well-developed plug-ins and options that convert WordPress from a blogging platform into an excellent CMS site.

A CMS is a Content Management System, allowing the client to update their website themselves with no actual web design or coding experience… although of course have some experience helps from making a mess. The challenge for the designer/developer is to work within the CMS platform architecture but still find ways to customize and create a properly branded client experience, professional looking and appealing, but not so dense and daunting that the client is afraid to manage their own site.

The CMS solution is appealing to the client who wants to be their own webmaster, applying occasional updates like staff changes, press releases, image gallery items, and more without being dependent on their ad agency or web design freelancer. Clients are more web-savvy, and, in the right hands, a CMS site can be managed by a single in-house staff member, quite effectively giving the impression and looking like the result of a multi-person web team on the job.

Oh, and I’ll throw in some info about zombies, tiki culture, hot rods, retro design and more.