The Roycroft movement was started in 1895 by Elbert Hubbard in East Aurora, New York and continues to represent the ideals of fine design and craftsmanship. Barry Yavener was elevated to the level of Roycroft Master Artisan in 1999.

Individuals wishing to become Roycroft artisans must submit their work to a jury comprised of other Roycroft Master Artisans and are judged on the following criteria:

1. High quality of hand craftsmanship
2. Excellence in design
3. Originality of expression
4. Professional recognition
5. Continuing artistic growth

Periodic reviews of all Roycroft Artisans work are mandatory in order to maintain the integrity of the movement.

I labored and struggled over a description for this new Web site. I finally gave up. I hope you will visit the site and let the power and beauty of Barry's work speak to you directly.

On April 5th, I had the opportunity to take part in Career Day at Barker Middle School. I spoke with 6th, 7th and 8th graders about Web Design.

Describing the path to becoming a Web designer was challenging. After all, when I was in school, my job did not exist! The Internet existed, but the WWW as we know and love it today has only been popular for 10-12 years. Although colleges now have formal programs in Web design, it is still a relatively new discipline. It is hard to know what things will be like when these Middle Schools students complete their education, but surely there will be great opportunities.

So, instead, I described some of the skills I have found to useful in my career.

1. You have to love to learn. Be eager, not just willing, to explore unfamiliar territories. One of the things I like best about my job is being able to immerse myself in different businesses. I get to meet interesting people and talk to them about their goals and aspirations.

2. It is important to be able to deal with change. Technology changes constantly and rapidly. Businesses change. People change. You must constantly keep up. This is not easy for most of us. If you learn quickly and enjoy the challenge, you will thrive.

3. Basic communication skills are essential. You need to be able to communicate with colleagues, co- workers. Also, clients - and their clients. Web design is all about communication. And not just visual communication. The ability to speak and write well is a valuable asset. This part got an appreciative nod of approval from the English Teacher monitoring the class.

Funny story. A student asked me how I find work. I replied that I am fortunate to have many happy clients and they give me lots of referrals. He was very confused by my answer. "I don't understand," he said. "If they are happy, why would they want you to have a referral?" Turns out - a referral to a Middle School student is a directive to the principal's office and a ticket to detention! Poor guy. Sometimes it's tough being a kid.

Google has a sense of humor.

It takes less than 60 seconds to do this and it's funny.

1. Go to www.google.com

2. Click on "Maps"

3. Click on "Get directions"

4. Type New York in the first box (the "from" box)

5. Type London in the second box (the "to" box) then hit "Get Directions" button on the same line.

6. Scroll down to step #24.

Annette Riley Web Design combines an art background and many years experience working in small business settings. My clients are small to medium size businesses, which I have watched grow and change over the years. Other clients, locally and around the country, have hired me to do updates and periodic maintenance on their web sites, even though I am not the original designer.

I enjoy helping other business owners grow their businesses. I measure my success by their successes.

You are good at your business. I am good at Web sites. Let’s put our talents together! Call or e- mail me so we can talk about your business and how I may be able to help you.