Blue Sky: Web designer meshes technology, photography`

Valerie Rippey moved to Springfield a few years ago in search of a better quality of life.

She had spent 12 years in the world of big business at Sprint Corporation in Kansas City. She worked as a systems and marketing specialist, which gave her experience in cutting-edge technology and marketing practices. Prior to working for Sprint, she owned and operated a free-lance art photography business.

Coming from a business family and owning her own small business, she had an understanding of the needs and concerns of the small-business owner.

Her work at Sprint, particularly her experience with the customer satisfaction survey program she developed and implemented, broadened her customer targeting and marketing skills.

In September 2001 she launched Blue Sky Services and began to develop the business plan for the company. With the aid of the Missouri Small Business Development Center at Southwest Missouri State University, she was able to establish her goals and objectives.

"The center was an invaluable tool, not just for obtaining a loan, but for setting a long-range business plan," Rippey said.

When she first envisioned her business and began to establish a presence in Springfield, the start-up costs were minimal, she said. She invested in a new computer, business cards and brochures all for under $3,000.

Today, Rippey combines Web design and art photography to help small businesses and individuals get their messages out to the right audience in the most appealing way.

"My business is a perfect blend of skill sets," Rippey said. "It provides a way for me to do what I know and love."

To set up Web pages Rippey primarily uses Dreamweaver software, although she does some program coding herself for certain special effects.

Because she runs her business from her home, operating costs are low, and she is able to pass along the savings to small-business customers, most of whom have limited money to spend on a Web presence, she said.

It is possible for a business to set up its own Web site for practically nothing, she said.

But if the image doesn't attract attention or the message isn't clear, it may not be of much benefit. It is also necessary to have links that expand exposure to possible customers.

Many related companies will offer reciprocal links that can help both companies.

Another critical issue is to pick the right domain name. Sometimes it is not possible to use the company name because it is already taken, she said. She ran into this problem with her own Web site. Blue Sky is a popular moniker. To incorporate the company name she'd established with her earlier photography business and wanted to keep, she chose the Web address imaginebluesky.com.

Rippey designed a Web site for Mark Shipley, processing servicing manager at Lawrence Photo and Video, in January 2002, www.markshipley.com. She redesigned the site in March of 2003.

"It is really beginning to take off since we redesigned it," Shipley said. "I've gotten a couple of commercial jobs from the site and inquiries from all over the world."

Shipley advertises a CD catalog of his stock photos for sale. The site features examples of stock photos, product photos, location portraiture and architectural photos.

Rippey derives her income from both Web design and art photography. She has increased her client base through her connection with the art community, attending events, networking and calling on small businesses that could benefit from her services.

As she has become more well-known, new clients have started to come to her through referrals.

Recently she made the decision to expand her client base through advertising. For this step she needed additional funding and sought the advice of Tim Baker, vice president at Liberty Bank.

Baker reviewed Rippey's loan application and helped her obtain financing through the Small Business Administration.

"Rippey had a good business plan. Her business is a unique blend of Web design and photography," Baker said.

Rippey has done photography for Silver Dollar City during its Fall Arts and Crafts Festival.

She has clients from the artist community and the alternative health community, where her own special interests lie, and the business community at large, where she plans to expand.

Rippey is an active supporter of the Springfield art community, and she is co-founder of the springfieldartists.com Web site.

The site provides local artists with "virtual gallery space" and announces local art-related events. She and other local artists would like to make Springfield an art destination for tourists.

"They've done it in places like Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Eureka Springs, Arkansas, " She said. "It would be nice to have a vibrant and cohesive art community in Springfield."