How did you get into web design?

When I was about 15 years old, the whole rage of owning one's own blog was still in its early stage. I took an interest in creating my own blog and started experimenting with html + JavaScript on Notepad. I gradually began to create free blog skins for others. At friends' requests, I designed skins for them and in process I learnt a lot about integrating html scripting with graphic design. It was a very interesting experience and it laid a strong foundation for my web design skill.

Do you remember the very first site you designed?

I did my first 'real' website when I was about 16 years old. It required viewers scroll left and right to view an entire horizontal stretch of a wall that I photographed and illustrated on. The website was heavily JavaScripted, which came with small animations positioned at random spots, accompanied by random text, old photographs, and bad drawings.

You are doing a lot of illustration, is this a specialization for you?

I would definitely consider illustration and graphic design as my specialty now. I have been freelancing for about two years. In the long run, I prefer to focus on graphic design. But I do wish to continue doing web design in future when I gain further skills!

Where do you get your art for these webpages?

If they are vector art or illustrations that can be done in Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, I create them myself. If they are photographs, I shoot them in studios or do outdoor photography. If they are miscellaneous objects, I source for them in books lying around in my house, or scan objects into my computer. I have a huge collection of the most random books, novelties, + knickknacks at home. I scan in all sorts of objects to experiment. My scanner has become an essential hardware for most of my works.

What will be the next big development in webpage design?

I strongly believe that a Flash-powered website is the most impacting and exciting form for a website in the long run.

Have you ever worked with website templates?

Yes, definitely. I think it's the basic foundation before going into anything else related to web design.

What do you think about Flash technology?

It will be a great advantage for a web designer to have Flash animation skill. Animation makes online media come to life.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Flash?

Although I am not an expert in Flash animation, I think there is no disadvantage with using Flash. Though I find it very difficult to fully understand the program, I believe the skill will be very useful.

What are your sources of inspiration?

People. It's amazing how we are all created differently and I find that very inspiring for my work.

What are your favorite website designs that you did and did NOT design yourself?

I have too many to list down. Most of them come from www.thefwa.com. They have a fantastic collection!

What was the toughest project or customer situation you've encountered?

Ironically, the toughest project is the one that I recently did as a personal project titled 'The Illustrators' World'. It's an illustration piece that took me almost more than 6 months to complete.

What are your interests and dislikes in webpage design?

Online websites are the most convenient form of media. As a web designer, it is very thrilling to know that whatever design interface you are creating will eventually become something interactive plus animated for your online visitors to enjoy. So far I haven't come across anything about webpage design that I dislike - besides complicated javascripts.

Thank you, Ping, for you viewpoints and graphics.

Helen Walker

Helen Walker graduated with a degree in Mass Communications and Sociology. She worked as a newspaper journalist for two years after that. Having always been interested in cyberculture and its impact on society, Helen switched to online journalism and joined Design Interviews blog in July, 2007. Ever since she's been interviewing web designers and administrating the blog. Helen is a keen movie-goer and she is also a panda lover.


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Get in touch with Helen: helen.walker4@gmail.com