What does Sizes attribute mean in website design?
Pronunciation: /ˈsaɪzɪz ætrɪbjuːt/
The “sizes” attribute in website design is a simple way to tell your browser how big an image should be before it’s even downloaded. Think of it like ordering a pizza: you tell the pizza place how big you want it (small, medium, large), and they prepare it accordingly. With the “sizes” attribute, you’re telling the browser the likely dimensions of an image on different screen sizes, so it can download the most appropriate version, saving your website visitors time and data.
Why is understanding the “sizes” attribute important? It’s all about efficiency and user experience. By specifying image sizes, you help your website load faster. This is crucial because slow loading times frustrate visitors and can hurt your search engine rankings. A faster-loading website leads to happier users, better engagement, and potentially better business results. It also helps manage data usage, making your website more accessible to users with limited data plans.
The “sizes” attribute works in conjunction with the `` element and the `![]()
` element’s `srcset` attribute. `srcset` provides a list of different image sizes, while `sizes` tells the browser which size to choose based on the screen’s viewport width (the visible area of the browser window). This ensures that the right size image is delivered, avoiding unnecessary downloading of larger-than-needed images.
For example, you might have images optimized for different screen sizes: a small version for mobile phones, a medium version for tablets, and a large version for desktops. The `sizes` attribute lets you tell the browser: “If the viewport width is less than 600px, use the small image; if it’s between 600px and 900px, use the medium image; otherwise, use the large image.”
Implementing the “sizes” attribute correctly requires a careful consideration of your website’s design and the various screen sizes your visitors might use. While it might seem like a small detail, it can significantly impact your website’s performance and user experience. This is a key aspect of what we call “Zero Noise Marketing” – focusing on the details that make a real difference.
For help with optimizing your website’s image loading and improving overall performance, give us a call at 613-777-5001.
“The Bride”. A an example of an experimental, or concept album project from 2022. Painted in acrylic. (Private collection)
Building Confidence Through Language: A Guide for the Collector
One of the biggest barriers for aspiring art collectors is not a lack of taste, but a lack of confident language. People know what they are drawn to, but they often struggle to articulate the ‘why’ behind their emotional connection. Providing them with a basic vocabulary can be transformative.
By explaining core artistic concepts, we can bridge this gap. An artist’s newsletter or a gallery brochure could break down:
- The Architecture of Composition: How lines and shapes lead the eye and create a focal point.
- The Emotional Weight of a Color Palette: Why a limited, muted palette feels different from a vibrant, high-contrast one.
- The Role of Value in Creating Depth: How the interplay of light and shadow builds a believable world.
It’s like being given a phrasebook in a foreign country; suddenly, you can navigate and connect with more assurance. Consider Edward Hopper, whose stylized realism simplifies scenes to their emotional core. Understanding this allows a collector to explain why the work feels so dreamlike and memorable. This knowledge doesn’t replace the emotional response; it validates it.
The Dialogue Between Feeling and Form
Great art speaks to us on two levels: the immediate, gut-level emotional reaction and the deeper intellectual appreciation. You might feel the perpetual warmth and light in a Monet, which immerses the viewer in the sensory experience of a moment. Conversely, you might sense the rugged, stoic soul of the landscape in a piece by Canada’s Group of Seven, which evokes a feeling of profound solitude.
These feelings are universal, but the ability to discuss why we feel them builds a stronger connection. From a marketing perspective, this education slots perfectly into the buyer’s journey. During the “comparison” phase, an artist who also educates their audience is building a relationship of trust and authority, making the final “decision” more likely.
Conclusion: A Bridge of Shared Understanding
Art, in its purest form, is an act of communication. Whether through the calculated narrative of a storyteller or the freeform expression of a poet, the artist extends an invitation to the viewer. By providing the language to understand this invitation, we empower collectors to move beyond simple preference and into the realm of true appreciation. It transforms a simple transaction into a meaningful connection, where the viewer doesn’t just own a piece of art—they become part of its ongoing story.
About the Author
Jaeson Tanner is a Marketing Thinker at Zero Noise Marketing and a narrative artist once in a blue moon. You can see his work on Instagram at @jaeson_tanner.
