How did you become a Web designer?
Professionally I've been a graphic designer for the City of Milwaukee for over 9 years. I'm responsible for creating graphics and maintaining Web pages in a Content Management System for the Common Council and City Clerk's office. I've seen a lot of change in the last few years regarding how much we use the Web to reach constituents. I was recently challenged with creating our Milwaukee 2010 Census website, which was a great learning experience because I hand coded it. It's interesting to think where things are headed for us and I'm having fun learning how to do more and improve on our Web presence.
Are you self-taught or did you get a degree?
While I do have a degree in graphic design, I really hadn't learned any Web design when I was in school. I was always more on the artistic side of things and always into photography. Having come from the graphic design side has been helpful artistically and visually and I believe gives me an advantage. Through my employer, I've been lucky to have taken advanced training courses in Flash and Standards-Based Web Design from a local Adobe certified graphics training company. These courses have been excellent in helping me learn how to do things the right way and enabled me to ask questions and get feedback from someone that knows what they're doing. I read and learn more on my own all the time, but sometimes you need help from a trained professional.
Tips and Tricks
- I wish I would have read that html book that I bought 10 years ago! At the time it seemed so boring and I wasn't sure which way I was headed. I'm glad I can say that I’m happy where I'm at and love that I can focus on graphic design, Web design or my photography, depending on what mood I'm in at the time. Having that diversity helps me stay creative, keeps me from getting bored on one thing and there's always something new to learn or to get better at through practice and experimentation.
What University or School did you attend?
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (study abroad semester at Thames Valley university – London)
What degree or certification did you receive?
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Graphic Design
How long ago did you become a Web designer?
been experimenting for about 5 years (2004)
Tell us a little about your Web design business (+URL)
I originally created my website as an experiment to see if I could do it and to have an online portfolio to send to potential clients. It's also been helpful now that I'm getting back into my photography and can post updates of gallery shows and events.
