I'm a newby web designer and I'm enjoying the learning process immensly. I had been interested in web design for some time when I finally decided to take the plunge. I decided to do a 1 year 'Design for the Web' course at Tower Hamlets College in East London, starting in 2008.
The course has been invaluable in teaching me the fundamental issues in the development of the World Wide Web, usability and accessiblity, as well as design principles. I was very fortunate to have an excellent tutor, Prisca Schmarsow, who is both a talented designer but and very in touch with what is happening in the world of web design. She has been a constant source of valuable knowledge and advice.
Being creative
I have enjoyed drawing and creating things from an early age, and really enjoyed doing '0' level art at school. Soon thrust into the world of work, my visual skills were put to use when I started out as an indoor plant display maintainer, and then again when I worked as an interior decorator, which required close attention to detail.
Writing skills
Later on I became interested in the study of sociology, world affairs and languages, and decided on a degree course at the University of North London in 'Comtemporary European Studies'. Aside from providing me with a good general education, the course was invaluable in teaching me research and writing skills, and improving my French and Spanish language skills.
My English and French language skills were further enhanced during a French to English translation course, which I took at Westminster University, acheiving the Institutes of Linguists Diploma in Translation in 2005.
Computers are great!
I have always liked computers and I am amazed at what can be achieved with them. At one point in my career I decided I wanted to 'get into IT'. I thoroughly enjoyed doing a 1 year IT Helpdesk course at East London Technology Training. Having covered many topics, I decided at the end of course that web design may be the way for me to go. The internet is fascinating and an exciting new world which is constantly evolving and changing. I enjoy the sharing and social aspect of web development, and I find the task of hand coding websites both fun and challenging.
People are what matter
Web design has everything to do with communication and people skills, and I find this is one of the most rewarding aspects of the the whole process. In my current part time job as a receptionist in a community law centre, communication is paramount. The right approach and response can make a world of difference in progressing towards a good outcome for the client. In the web design process the same importance applies, in both helping the client realise their aims successfully.
And in my spare time..
I love the outdoors and long walks or cycles, especially during the long warm days of late spring. I’m passionate about dance, particularly dance with African roots, and you can often find me getting fired up at a good jazz funk club at the week end. I'm also a big fan of Brazilian samba at the moment, an incredibly uplifting dance, and I’m lucky enough to attend classes with the best samba teacher in London. Living a busy London life can get stressful, so I love to attend my local yoga class which gives me the chance to relax and unwind.
