The Eternal Table | Client Work
WEBSITE CREATION & DESIGN FOR
‘THE ETERNAL TABLE’
This project was new territory for me in a few ways - it was my first entirely remote client, the first project that was solely website-based with no social media component, and also a complete departure from my personal aesthetic. Add in the fact that the subject matter revolved around modernising ancient Roman recipes and cross-cultural cuisine, and I should have felt entirely out of my depth, but I didn’t. It was an exciting challenge, an opportunity to test my ability to work to the client’s specifications rather than be led by my own taste, and to create something incredibly unique.
Karima came to me with a few initial ideas and a short list of capabilities she would ideally like her site to cover, and we started from there. The main requirements were that there would be a user-friendly way for her to post new recipes as and when they arose, divided into two distinct categories, and another space to keep a running schedule of her upcoming events and workshops.
“I felt confident setting up my website with Maddi because she helped me to clarify my own ideas in a workable, practical way, whereas the two people I had approached prior to engaging her services wanted me to have everything mapped out for myself, and they were just going to be the techno-plumber. They talked way over my head about what I was ‘supposed to do’ rather than working with me in a collaborative way that would allow me to develop the confidence to take over a solidly designed site.”
The sites I had designed prior to this had largely been composed of static pages, with a separate blog capability, so the opportunity to really experiment with Squarespace’s integrated features was a challenge I absolutely relished. I quickly found ways to create the components Karima had requested, and felt quite pleased with myself as a result, I cannot tell a lie. We ended up going with a straight forward list format for her schedule, but the mere fact I knew we could have had a rolling, automated catalogue of events was enough for me.
Alongside getting the bare bones of the site constructed and sourcing imagery that amplified the unique mood of the brand, we began to populate the recipe sections and add in various sections of copy as Karima dreamt them up. As an academic and published author, it was important that the text for the site be written in Karima’s own voice, so I acted as architect and copy editor, weaving the pieces together as they came in, and watching the site slowly take shape.
“I provided all of the content for my site, and Maddi was very in tune with how to make it work - and she was very flexible about making changes that we hadn’t anticipated. I never felt that she was frustrated with me - which would have been understandable given my entry level. She gently kept me moving forward to get materials in with clear prioritized lists of things that needed to get done.”
It was a long process, with many moments of collaborative problem-solving, but the end result was absolutely worth the work. Karima has a site that does justice to the phenomenal career she has built, and I have the satisfaction of a job well done. I can truly say I have never come across a niche quite like The Eternal Table, and I’m proud to have played a part in transforming it from a loose collection of ideas into a cohesive, inviting and incredibly inspiring brand. Find more about Karima and her work here.
“The final product was amazing and my professional image improved as a result. Overall, it was a positive working relationship and the handover went smoothly. I would definitely recommend working with Maddi.”