How did you get into web design?
A friend introduced me about seven years ago.
Do you remember the very first website you designed?
Yes, it was www.vw-style.tk, not there anymore but that was the very first version of www.golf-4-tuning.de which changed various times on the servers and urls until now.
Describe how your work process usually flows, how do you like to start, what are the key points to consider, etc.?
For Webdesign: first starting a template with a general design, then produce tables, graphics and sites. With Forums I install the software, do the seo and then develop the design; for cms systems the same.
Do you submit your design works to showcase sites for reviews?
How much does other people's opinion matter to you? Has anybody ever told you anything negative about your website? How do you deal with criticism?
I don't submit, but criticism is very few, usually these are enthusiastic opinions when they are real.
Where do you get your art for these webpages?
My mind, my girlfriend, other websites.
What is your general opinion on current trends in design and development, such as Web 2.0 and AJAX, etc.? What future web technologies are you looking forward to?
This development is not that good for us webdesigners as all the blogs are given with preset templates. But in general more people are using the internet which benefits also the will to have normal websites designed.
Why do you think CSS design is becoming so popular among web designers?
Because it cleans the html code and has such great possibilities in customizing a website, also easy modifications of colors and stuff like that. With this it is a much easier life than have all formats each in html.
Have you ever worked with website templates?
Of course, but always customized!
What do you think about Flash technology?
It's a great design tool but the worst for websites to be found in search engines.
If you could eliminate one trend from the Web, what would it be? Why?
Complete Flash websites, because some are so bad designed that you can?t even navigate good.
What do you think of XHTML 5 and JavaScript standardization under W3C?
I don't know much about js but standards like in html may be good.
What does 'clean interface' mean to you?
Good navigation.
What language do you use for coding? Why?
I use HTML, PHP, Javascript, CSS, SQL.
Tell us about your use of colors in your designs.
Colors and pictures make a living site.
You're a web designer and a creative person - describe the creative process and how you stimulate yourself?
Watching other pages which have better design than my own, advertising, company?s cd.
In solving problems what kinds of process or guides do you use?
Forums, or search like hell.
What are your sources of inspiration?
Be the best.
What was the toughest project or customer situation you?ve encountered?
Optimizing a competitior's website.
What are your interests and dislikes in webpage design?
Likes are easy accessible and viewable navigation without js or flash. Good content written for humans, nice pictures that support content. Dislikes are FRAME sites, unfitting colors, not formatted fonts, websites with mainly advertising, especially adsense ads.
What were the mistakes you learned from most while in the web design industry?
Frames, Flash, Javascript navi.
What is it you most like and dislike about being a web designer?
Until now view income, to create something what other people like, need and helps.
What blogs or articles would you suggest reading to increase knowledge?
Suchmaschinenoptimierung.wordpress.com and Pr-tuning.com.
What advice would you give to beginning web designers?
Basics are still HTML! Content, good fitting colors and professional pictures.
Thank you Gerry for the insights and experiences. DI wishes you continued success in design and SEO.
Arthur Browning
Helen WalkerHelen 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.
Look for me on:
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Twitter
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VIRB
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Facebook
Get in touch with Helen:
helen.walker4@gmail.com
Gerry Nell is located in Schwabiscg Gmund, Germany. He designs webpages and specializes in search engine optimization. He is best known for his design of commercial websites such as Golf-4-tuning.de. He prefers to blog on WordPress and runs several there. He works with css and html, javascript and Flash. Gerry uses Dreamweaver MX, Photoshop CS and Google Analytics on a regular basis.
