A father/daughter dynamic duo - complementary skills & lots of synergy!

Websketching has Odds in their Favor
11/25/2007 - For Immediate Release

Ventnor – In today’s highly competitive world of web design, it would seem that starting a design business would be a long shot. But for Websketching (www.websketching.com) of Ventnor, NJ, the odds are in their favor.

Started in January by the father-daughter team of Larry Warwick and Christine DeGraff, Websketching has a strategy in place that differentiates them from others in the industry. Apparently, the approach is working. DeGraff says, “The past several months have pretty much been a whirlwind of trying to get everything in order and to keep up with sales.”

Unlike most design firms, Websketching offers its clients a level of freedom and control over their site not typically available. This is possible due to a proprietary content management system developed by DeGraff. The system is simple enough that clients can make their own changes without needing to write code. Because the clients have the ability to update their own website, they are not subject to additional site maintenance fees; which translates into a cost savings to the client.

Warwick and DeGraff have made a point of building a staff of entrepreneurial and talented graphic designers and a writer. DeGraff, a programmer and designer herself, tapped graphic designers Shannon Oakley and Quincy Adam to join the team. Warwick and DeGraff didn’t need to look far to find their Flash designer. They brought in Danny Warwick, son and brother of Warwick and DeGraff. Larry Warwick, who handles the sales and marketing end of the business, brought in professional writer and public relations specialist, Susan Ferrier.

Oakley and Adam bring several years experience and impressive past client lists. Both have worked for Comcast-Spectacor. Oakley has held the position of lead designer for the Philadelphia 76er’s for the past three seasons. As a freelance designer, she has provided services to Nextel, Mark Communications and Allen Iverson.

Adam has worked on materials for companies such as Aventis, Merck and Co., AstraZeneca and Rosemont College. He was hired in 2004 by Eastern University as a Graphic Designer / Web Manager. In that position Adam was responsible for both print and web design. In addition to his ongoing work with Eastern University and Comcast-Spectacor Adam also operates his own freelance design business.

Danny Warwick has 8 years experience as a freelance graphic designer and is exceptional in Macromedia Flash, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Currently he does freelance flash design for Tamarin Entertainment. While enlisted in the Navy, he received his certification in Broadcast Journalism from The Defense Information School in Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Veteran's Day weekend, 2005, he assisted with over 40-hours of interviews and handled camera operations for the production of the 40th Anniversary of the Vietnam War V.I.P. reception party in Washington D.C. Footage from the event is on display in the Vietnam Archives at Texas University. His efforts earned him the Joint Service Achievement Medal for outstanding performance.

Ferrier, a freelance writer for the past 3-years provides the written content for the sites. She has been published numerous times in Rowan Magazine and has written for New Jersey Lifestyle, MAR Magazine and MS Connections, a publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In addition to her writing, Susan handles all public relations for The Baby Blue Foundation, a local non-profit organization founded by her and her husband, Bill.

Warwick and DeGraff have found a niche market in catering to business associations such as the Ventnor Uptown Merchants Association (www.ventnormerchants.com) and the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Business Association (www.woodstown-pilesgrove.com).

The members of these business organizations receive promotional rates on their own websites and banner ads. Additionally, the association’s site links potential customers to member’s sites.

Websketching has their sight on community and social organizations like the Girl Scouts, as well. The idea is to create an online network linking the various chapters of an organization.

While Websketching may be focused on a target audience, they are working on sites for several businesses not affiliated with any association.

Visit their website, www.websketching.com to see their full online portfolio.