Small Shop, Big Image

Like many Web-oriented businesses, Darkyl New Media is a small shop with a big image, big talent and some big clients.

"I'm the 'big guy'," Hewlett proclaims, although his card styles him simply as 'President'.

"My sister, Moyra, is my 'Art Director' and is absolutely brilliant. No bias, here — just ask our clients! She has not only mastered the technology of graphic design but her background in traditional drawing, painting and sculpting makes her invaluable."

The two work well together, Hewlett says, discussing each project thoroughly before they begin so that the art, technology and

marketing all work together, toward a successful Internet presence.
 

The virtual office

"I am a big proponent of the 'virtual office'," Hewlett asserts.

He points out that, even though he could easily afford a traditional office, Darkyl remains a home-based business.

"I hire freelancers for larger projects as they are required. When it's managed efficiently, the 'virtual office' gives us all the freedom to

work our own way. For example, I have acting gigs that mean that, often, I'm working on a laptop, from a Winnebago at three o'clock

in the morning. — Not exactly nine-to-five! As long as the work gets done, our clients are happy and we're enjoying ourselves, it's perfect!"

Art Director Moyra is currently using a PowerMac 7200/120, which she just loves, with a 17 in. monitor.

"I've asked her about getting a G3 system but she won't budge!" Hewlett insists. His own requirements are a little more exotic. "I'm a complete 'mobility' junkie and run the whole office from a Compaq Presario 1681 laptop with an MMX Pentium running at 266 MHZ."

Both Hewlett and his sister have 'regular' 56K modem connections through local ISP's. "I'm looking into other options for future projects, but haven't really made any decisions yet."

Among his favourite new work-related toys: the new SparQ 1.0 GB parallel port drive from Syquest. "I love it! — Fast, cheap, hassle free and reliable..."

His favourite Web design tool?

"Just got the demo of Macromedia's Dream Weaver. Hate the name; love the software! The ability to view the errors that your page will generate in various versions of HTML is invaluable! The drag and drop HTML is first rate, but what the 'geek' in me loves is the integration of a good old text editor."
 

And finally...

What sage advice does Hewlett the Web veteran offer newcomers?

"The lesson I've learned from the Web is to specialize! You've got to find your niche market and target it, because the competition is incredible. I mean, everyone and his mother says they're a Web designer. It's a matter of whether you can do it!"