I like to draw and paint and create the occasional piece of art. That doesn't make me an artist. I can create digital images, using software and a mouse. That still doesn't make me an artist. I can pick colors, code tables, crop and optimize photos and lay all those elements out on a webpage. Those skills are handy but possessing them does not make me a designer. No matter how hard I try or how many tutorials I read, I will never posses the ability to create a professional looking web page.

"The appreciation you gain for good design increases as you apply your knowledge. Ultimately, your overall experience with site building will help you choose the right professional."

It's okay. I accept my limitations. The sites and pages I build for myself are smalltime. I can make a relatively attractive page that loads fast. I have sweet job working for Cozy as a writer, so creating an awesome design isn't high on my priorities list. I don't need to be a genius webpage designer. My bosses, C-Pimp,is the design masters. He has a gift. A natural, astounding talent. I am perfectly happy to see my writing on his subtly brilliant pages and sites.

If I ever decide to open a paysite, the first thing I am going to do is hire a professional designer. I am not a fool. I can make a decent Amateur layout but there is no way I am going to risk my money. Paysites are serious business. It's all serious business. You joined our happy community of perverts in order to make coin, didn't you? After some point, you realize your strengths and weaknesses. If you've got the rest of the magic formula figured out - except for the design, then swallow your pride and hire a professional.

At Cozy, we have long recommended that you learn HTML. Most adult webmasters start out working alone. Each one of you develops a set of skills, integral to success in this industry. You must know how to correct bad code or embed an ad banner on a page. With HTML or JavaScript or CSS, one missing character is all it takes to fuck up a site.

We also advise that you understand and recognize the concepts behind a winning website. Usability, color, content, marketing text and placement. You have to be able to step back from your page and see it as your surfers see it. You need to compose your page in a manner that entices them instead of pleasing you. We want you to build your own sites and learn about adult design using your own hands. Problems arise, even with a designer on staff. You will always need to pinpoint and rectify those problems. The knowledge you gain by learning the code for building webpages (HTML) is invaluable. The appreciation you gain for good design increases as you apply your knowledge. Ultimately, your overall experience with site building will help you choose the right professional.

What you need to decide is whether or not the moment has arrived for you to hire a pro. Paysite operators aren't only people that contract the services of design providers. Perhaps you run a free site that gets a lot of traffic but no matter how you arrange your sponsor banners, change your colors or retool your layout, your conversions are horrible. Could be you just need piecemeal work like a set of ad banners or a new logo. Maybe you want to buy a pre-made template for a gallery or an adult blog. Designers perform a myriad of tasks, aside from top-to-bottom paysite construction. If you are at the point where your personal attempt at creativity is holding you back, that is when it's time for a master.

Fortunately, there are many wonderful designers in our field. Some of these folks have been on the scene for well over a decade. They know what loads clean, looks good and entices the customer. They understand that functionality trumps artistic merit. Some specialize in particular niches. All are accepting and willing to work with pornographic website owners. Here are a few places where you can find professional adult website design:

Blue Design Studios
(http://www.bluedesignstudios.com)
Top notch company with a massive portfolio of clients. Special props for displaying the most detailed, upfront contact info I've ever seen.

Kid Red Productions
(http://www.kidredproductions.com)
Good stuff. KRP has been pumping out the hot designs since old school days. Tight, solid, banging.

Webinc
(http://www.webinc.com)
Award-winning, top drawer, cutting edge. From simple static banners to Flash animation to full fledged porn portals, there is nothing Webinc can't do.

Cozy Frog Designer Listings
(http://www.cozyfrog.com/listings/designers/menu.asp)
Whatever you are looking for, you'll find on our site. Five different categories, hundreds of designers from which to choose.

If you can build a website that loads fast, looks good and sells well, I bow to you. I used to think I was a fairly talented artist until I got in the adult website business. Now I realize I am but a pretender when it comes to true artists. Hire a professional. Take a step up so you can reach the big time!