timmy-studio.com
Jakub Fuławka is a freelancer managing Timmy Studio. Since 2017, Kuba has been engaged in comprehensive video production and photography. His specialties are wedding films and video marketing.
Above all, it's an excellent opportunity to rediscover and redefine oneself. To create something new, one first needs to dismantle the old monument and boldly seek innovative solutions.
INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT
I met Kuba towards the end of 2022 while recording my promo video, which you might have seen on the main page of this website. We instantly clicked and found a common vibe! We are in very similar places and moving in the same direction. Our creative industries intertwine and complement each other. That's why, as you might have noticed, we often collaborate on various projects such as
PROJECT SCOPE & AUDIT
Finally, the time has come to work on a project for Kuba! Kuba approached me with the intent of rebranding his website, which he had built some time ago using a page builder. His site had been severely neglected.
Most of Kuba's work was showcased on social media.
Instagram served as Kuba's portfolio, and at that time, it was quite a mess. There was no clear structure, defined niche, or specialization evident. There were wedding videos, short private travel clips, event reports, photographs, drone footage, and promotional videos for businesses. Everything was thrown together haphazardly.
Returning to my task and the website. Many design solutions on Kuba's website left me perplexed... both from the perspective of a client and a creator. While reviewing this rather brief page, my mind was flooded with questions, one after another, wondering why?
Why, being a creator, did Kuba fill the main page with stock photos everywhere?
Why are there pictures instead of videos, given that Kuba specializes in video production?
Why can't I click on anything?
Why aren't there any reviews, references, or ratings here?
Why can't I see a single photo of Kuba?
Why does the background feel so cosmic?
Why is this site so brief, and why doesn't it appeal to me but rather pushes me away and bores me?
Honestly, no offence, but it looks cheap and unprofessional. I honestly prefer his Instagram. Of course, I had more feedback, much, much more... I chatted with Kuba on Skype to share them, determine the direction, and outline an action plan.
In the process, we discussed the vision for his brand's image, identified target groups, organized the offer, and the way to communicate it within the structure of the new website. I presented Kuba with preliminary color schemes and themes we could pursue.
FIRST VERSION
The main idea, of course, was to focus on video, animation, and interactive concepts by bringing static images to life when hovered over with a cursor or tapped with a finger.
I wanted to distinctly highlight the advantage of video over written text and photos.
SSDDSD
In the initial concept, I split the page vertically into two parts: the left side contained an always-displayed frozen-in-scroll section with essential elements like the logo, header, bio, testimonials, and CTA.
On the right side, all the action took place - in the hero section, I placed a video showcasing Kuba's work. Below, there were thumbnails of videos with categories and two frames with a parallax effect or locomotive scroll containing portfolio tiles.
INSPIRATIONS
Alright, in my head, it looked better. After the initial designs and implementations, I kept feeling that something was missing from this project... I began to actively seek inspiration. I browsed other video platforms, Pinterest, Dribbble, Behance. Everything was there. But it was all just... mundane and dull.
The new website needs to evoke emotions, reminiscent of a cinematic experience. It should immerse the user in a movie-like atmosphere and radiate a modern web design mood. I figured I couldn't come up with anything better on my own, so I decided to pack up and fly to Poland to meet with Kuba in Wrocław.
Poland
On the flight, an idea struck me, and wandering around Wrocław only solidified it! I quickly felt the mood of the night city. It was nighttime, surrounded by lights, neons, advertisements, reflections, colors, contrasts. This was precisely the ambiance I was searching for in this project.
I told Kuba about it. The nighttime, cinematic concept really appealed to him! Now, our goal was to find locations that perfectly encapsulated this idea!
We immediately headed to a spot characteristic of Wrocław: the Neon Gallery!
It's probably the most illuminated courtyard in Wrocław. A myriad of colors, reflections, afterglows. Colors shimmered and reflected off building facades. I was impressed.
Two colors stood out the most - blue and red. I took a few photos, and then Kuba and I grabbed a bite to eat.
Over burgers, we discussed the website details face-to-face and got down to work.
COLLABORATION
I grew up listening to rap. I was always fascinated by the vibe when rappers, their crew, the DJ, and the producer would all head out together. They'd rent a hotel, which quickly turned into a traphouse, and they'd create music. They lived for the music. I decided this project would be the same!
I had pictures of the nighttime city on my phone. I had the city around me. But in my mind, I constantly had the view of nighttime Wrocław from the plane. I wanted that view in front of me while designing. The 38th floor of Sky Tower was the answer.
After checking into the apartment, I immediately started sketching the new website grid on my tablet, while Kuba prepared videos and thumbnails for individual sections.
COLLABORATION
Synergy and collaboration. We had another helper, AI. Chat GPT was just emerging, but it played a significant role in creating content for the website.
Designing in Figma, I used colors from the photos we took around the city. I complemented the layout with materials from Kuba, and the website design was nearly complete. We decided to have a cinematic premiere. Kuba invited his friends, and we showcased what we had created.
Jakub Fuławka
SEO Timmy Studio