custom content management system GUI/layout

[byepolar]

I am getting a custom, web-based cms made for me. I've never used a cms before, and I don't know the best GUI/layout.

Can anyone provide screenshots of how it's done?

I've been using microsoft frontpage before this btw.

[Filipe]

If it's custom then the answer is : however you want it.

You basically need something that's really comfortable for you to use, and if you come from a Frontpage background, you'll probably want the advanced properties and technical parts of it hidden from your view - but always make sure this is available if you want to find it. The worst thing ever is having to go back to a programmer and pay him more money to fix things up again. Well, not the worst thing for me, since I'm usually the programmer :)

It will also depend heavily on what kind of content you're managing. I tell my clients to just imagine how they'd like to go about their daily content management. Then I build around their specs (or, usually, end up offering better solutions). The programmer(s) you're working with, if they built a CMS before, should be of great help with suggestions and design practices.