MEET & GREET
A little backstory
I'm creative and I love new technology, so web design is a natural fit for me. I started my endeavor into this craft in 2007. Straight away I pursued a Web Development Certificate from Foothill College in NorCal. But let's be honest, I've learned much more from incessant use of google and great web sites like css-tricks and the Tuts+ Network.
Prior to Web Design, an overuse of common sense and blatant disregard for my creative instincts in college landed me a degree in Finance. I was the kid in class who spent more time sketching than note taking. The finance industry is the furthest thing from creative and its put a lot of good people out of work recently, but thankfully I'm still gainfully employed. So whenever I'm not at the day job, I'm sitting in front of my MacBook Pro doing my best to craft quality websites and intuitive user experiences.
In just a few years I've been able to build a variety of websites for individuals, small businesses, corporate intranets and online retailers. So far this year has been my busiest yet. Making the time to redesign this site and update my recent work has been a challenge. I hope to completely redesign this site and feature all of my recent projects by the end of summer.
The Goal
My goal is to build you exactly what you need by uncovering new options that are available to result in the best online experience for your money. I try hard to strike a balance between a site that you love and your target audience will respond to. Drop me a line if you would like to discuss a new project.
The Process
I hand code each of my projects with semantic and tableless HTML and CSS using current validation standards. PHP/MySQL is what I use most often to build dynamic sites, backend management systems and custom WordPress templates. I finish off the styling with a little help from JavaScript frameworks like jQuery, Prototype and MooTools. I love new challenges, and web design is full of them. One of my recent projects was built in collaboration with a friend utilizing Ruby on Rails and it was an exciting new technology for me to get comfortable with. I'm hoping to use it again very soon.
Preferred Tools
If you're not a tech-fiend like me, you can skip this part: I use a MacBook Pro and a 24" Dell Ultra Sharp monitor to push my pixels. Most of my tools are the usual suspects, but let's give them their due.
I browse using Safari 5 and Chrome. I handcraft my code using Coda by Panic. I design mockups, logotypes and icons using the ever controversial Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I'd love to try something new whenever anything better suited comes along and crashes less. I won't hold my breath. I try to use the mouse as little as possible, so I use Alfred.app. I keep it simple tracking my tasks using GQueues and Anxiety. There's a whole stable of wonderful free applications I use on the reg that'll have to go on another list.
Let us not forget the Grog! Apparently some have health benefits. Furthermore, it's a little known unscientific fact that IPA increases the creative flow and sarcasm levels.
A handful of my favorites are as follows:
- Stone: Ruination, IPA, Cali Belgique
- Avery: Maharaja & Dugana
- Russian River: Pliny the Elder
- Dogfish Head: 60 & 90 Minute IPA
- Green Flash: Imperial IPA