I've noticed that a number of the recent YC companies have some pretty slick web 2.0-style graphic design (loopt, Wufoo, i'm in like with you, and Scribd, just to name a few).

I'm guessing folks aren't doing the design themselves? If not who is?

Wufoo and Likewithyou are doing it themselves. They have design backgrounds. Loopt is now a big co and presumably paid a good design firm. I think Scribd has an outside designer too.

That is not true. Ricky Pernikoff is a rockstar.

I wouldn't put Scribd on that list personally. But from what I hear they're working on bettering what they have. Plus with all that traffic I doubt they'd be too worried.

Wufoo as far as I know was designed by one of their team members who came from a design/usability background. They started a magazine called ParticleTree(http://particletree.com/) before launching Wufoo.

-Zaid

I listed Scribd more for the fact that their usability is really on point. I especially like the upload box on the front page. I'm glad to see more hacker types are putting time into making the user experience really good.

Also, I'd seen Particle Tree before. Definitely well-designed.

That's a GREAT question!

In fact, I have this question of a couple of website ... For people on a budget, what makes sense?

So far, the way I've worked it ... I know a few people or friend-of-a-friend.

But what are the better and cheaper web teplate design companies out there?

How about this YC site? Who does this UI? I mean its slick with vibrant orange. Just a curiosity thats all

PG is behind the site. I believe Likebetter's Bryan Kennedy added some style modifications a few weeks back.

Some of the YC companies have design backgrounds, and you can really tell. I'm a big fan of the Wufoo guys' design sense, especially their work for Particle Tree. As pg said in an interview: a hacker with a good sense of design is really dangerous.