Graphics Zone - Design Inspiration for Latin Sites

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Design Inspiration for Latin Sites

by BarryHilton, Adult NetSurprise

Buy some Latin content, throw together a quick site, upload your pages and you're done, yes? No... Before you embark on any 'niche' or even a broad category website design you need to have an understanding and at least basic knowledge of the area or theme you're trying to market.

Before you even switch on your computer, you need to ask yourself the question... What do I know about the Latin culture and people? If the answer is, well I don't know much but everyone says Latin sites convert well... then you need to do some research!

First of all look around you! Do you have any books or magazines that give information on the Latin peoples? Open an Encyclopedia! Don't have one? Then take to your trusty internet search engine...

First, what does Latin peoples mean? A quick search reveals that the Latin is defined as being a 'characteristic of or relating to those peoples in Europe and Latin America whose languages are derived from Latin.' [WorldReference.com]

This defines the areas of interest... Do you want a Latin America themed site? Or a European themed Latin site? Both could be equally successful but would require different designs, they could even be described as separate 'niches' of the Latin site...

OK, we've got this far, now what exactly is Latin America and European Latin? Latin America is defined as 'those areas of America whose official languages are Spanish and Portuguese, derived from Latin: South America, Central America, Mexico, and certain islands in the Caribbean.' [WorldReference.com] Whereas European Latin countries include Italy, Spain and Portugal.

We've decided to design a Latin America website. We'll start looking for some ideas for our website design... Most of us will have heard of, or be fortunate to have seen, the Rio Carnival - The Carnival of Carnivals! So we'll start searching for 'Latin America Carnivals'... Did you know Carnivals are celebrated right across Latin America. From the world famous Rio Carnival, the Jaliscan cultural festival in Mexico, to the Cajamarca Carnival in Peru where the famous "unshas" are raised (trees decorated with gifts and fruits). and while dancing the tree is cut! You might actually learn something too - lol

When you're searching look at all the pictures and photos! You'll get some great ideas for colors to use on your website design and a 'feel' for the flavor of your site... after all you want surfers to get in the Latin Spirit and sign up for your Latin Sponsor! Found a particularly interesting site? Bookmark it so you can find it again later (This is very important if you're searching a lot!).

For example take a look at some of the high energy, passionate, provocative photos of the Rio Carnival [ipanema.com] and get some great color and theme ideas for your Latin websites!

Want to add a little spice to your site? Why not take a look at hot and spicy Latin America foods? Get that hot Latin look by incorporating an image of a Jalapeno Chile or go further with the trendy Habanero Chile, reportedly the hottest chile in the world and 60 times stronger than the Jalapeno! [Chile Pepper Institute]

Don't forget you can get inspiration from anywhere... travel sites, Latin music, Latin dance, explore Latin America and create a wonderful, enticing site to draw your surfers in! Maybe you'll find some alternative revenue sources from the mainstream, like music CD's or Latin videos?

The Latin people are fiery and passionate... throw this passion and fire into your website design and you'll get the rewards!