Curtis Hale @CowboyCurtis30 (Partner, Art Director) and Travis McElroy @travisoldstate (Owner, Creative Director) form The Old State @TheOldState were gracious enough to sit down with me via Skype to discuss their website redesign and some thoughts behind their brand.

I asked them for some insight behind the name “The Old State” and what went into the idea behind that brand. Explaining that they like to do business the old fashioned way, by actually talking and getting close with their clients. Being accessible and open with their clients to truly form a friendship is at the core of their business philosophy. They even let special clients work in their office!

We discussed some specific changes on this design update to theoldstate.com, namely the video testimonials from their clients. They wanted to put forth a strong effort to make the site feel personal and put themselves out there for their clients. They generally appear to have a strong focus on javascript over flash.

I asked specifically about the “request for proposal” dropdown form at the top of the page, and if they see it being used regularly. Turns out they do and they feel like it’s been a successful way to have people communicate with them. We discussed their portfolio’s use of the “scroll to infinity” effect, they strategically chose that effect to help keep people viewing the portfolio and keeping engagement high.

I was also impressed by the strategy behind the contact page on their site, specifically having their team’s contact info and pictures listed on the bottom of the page. They answered quickly that it’s just all a part of their being open and transparent with their clients and being there for them.

They look like a really smart design firm, strategically thinking things out and executing those ideas at a high level. Thanks again to Curtis and Travis for taking time to talk with me, we’ll be watching The Old State as they continue to grow and put out great new work.