Michael Blake

The first website I ever did for a client was back in 2002. It was for a company I wanted to work with, because that’s what I wanted to do – design and create bespoke home cinemas. That’s when I met Michael Blake and we’ve been friends ever since. I’ve also been hosting his website and email for 23 years! This was to be his 2nd Refresh.

As with many web projects, we talked about it and knew it had to be done, but work always got in the way. It was when Michael was asked to have his work at Bittescombe Lodge featured in a magazine, along with some fabulous glossy images by Aisling, that he was triggered into having that Case Study featured on his new website.

Michael knew what he wanted. He wanted the website to go from light to dark, luxurious yet simple. Sophisticated. Like his installations. He also wanted the logo to have a subtle tweak. He still wanted it recognisable, – just modernised. So I started there. I often farm out Graphic work, as it gives me a chance to bring in outside influence and have each Project have it’s own, unique inspiration. However, as I’d known Michael so long, I felt like I just ‘knew’ what he wanted.

Michael liked the idea right away and then it was just a matter of a few tweaks here and there. The seed was planted and the rest was just about getting it all done. We kept the original Headings font, as it has become associated with Michael’s brand. Aisling’s images lifted the professionalism and luxury feel of the design and Michael went to work on describing his core services and each of the Case Studies we planned to feature.

This refresh of Michael’s Brand will give him a boost online and we will use that boost to drive more traffic through his Social Media channels and hopefully generate more niche business opportunities, so Bespoke Installations can continue to get involved with fabulous projects like those featured in his Case Studies section. We’re also hoping to get a few more Blog posts added as and when he gets the time.

This website build is a classic example of the sweetspot I like to hit in my portfolio. It’s a local business, with a great pedigree and a great story. A business that wants their website to represent them in a particular way, so that it encourages more work of that specific type. After all, the website is your ‘shop window’ online, so it’s how everyone perceives you. Make sure it shows you as you want to be seen.

Lastly, Michael has been using the email address michael@bespoke.biz for 23 years. I’ve migrated it twice in that time and tweaked the anti-spam junk filters here and there but essentially, it has been rock solid – and will be for years to come. There are not many business owners who can say that and it’s no mean feat. Providing a Service that ‘just works’ is something that I am very proud of and something i’d like to do for more local businesses.