We've just soft-launched the Nobrow Cartoons website.  It features a steampunk cartoon engine/idea generator that really works!  And also some really excellent cartoons by Mark Heath.  

This site was much like Ian's in that I spent more time on it than I should have.  There are a few more pieces to clean up before we start hitting the promotion hard (and submitting the site for awards) but it's up and working now.  

This site, and it's proprietor Mark Heath, were a pleasure to work with.  It reinforced my desire to work with creatives as I think that's when I produce my best work.  The process went well and the end result is pretty interesting.  I usually try to make the sites I design so distinct and unique that they'll stand out from the crowd.  This is what happens when you want a hand-crafted piece of interactive art for your website.

I don't know if doing desks is a permanent thing or not, but they sure are a fun metaphor.  It seems like the people who want sites from me see the photorealistic artwork I create and the fun Flash gadgets and want those things for themselves.  

Mark told me that in the cartoonist's world there is a debate about whether they are writers who draw or artists who write.  I'd like to think of them as writers who draw, because I like working with writers.

I'd really like to work with science fiction authors.  If you know any, send them my way.  I know authors tend not to care about their websites as much, but I think a really excellent website will get you notice, recognition and respect that you may not have had otherwise.  People like to hit the internets to check up on names they hear, and if a smashing website is what greets them then they'll assume you know what you're doing.  And they don't have to be that expensive to be done well.

I guess the problem is that most writers don't have any money.  But how are you going to get more money if your website looks like dreck?  It could be the difference between an editor who remembers the name on your manuscript because they were impressed by your website, and your manuscript languishing at the bottom of the pile.

Be nice to your editors.  Have some awesome eye candy waiting for them when they google you.