Software vs Skill, Software vs Hand Coding

I've joined a few groups on linked in that have to do with freelancing, graphic design and web. These groups are great resources for sharing ideas, providing feedback on designs and there are job postings too!

There are discussions regarding web design with some people claiming you should only do hand coding and others promoting software programs. Most agree that understanding basic html is a must.

Design and composition are skills that a good graphic designer needs. The software is a tool to use for design and does not replace skill. So it's not enough to know how to use InDesign or Photoshop because it's not the software that creates and has an eye for color, typography and composition; it's the designer or artist. I think those who discourage the use of software for web design are programmers who love coding but a designer wants to focus on creativity and there are software programs that are good for creating websites without doing it all with hand coding. Conversely, if you don't know anything about html and CSS it's very difficult to enhance, tweak or troubleshoot the design.

The software program I've been using is Dreamweaver. I like to work with a split screen so I can focus on the design and manipulate it with code. This also allows adding javascript when necessary and it's easier to trouble shoot problems. But then again you have to know html to troubleshoot.

The class I took started us with hand coding which introduced the idea of divs and tags. This knowledge has helped me tremendously when creating websites. For example, I created a calendar (which I will eventually replace with a calendar app) in excel, converted it to html and then embedded the code in a web page. At first the calendar was shoved over to the left of the page and I wanted it centered. Because I knew html, I was able to make changes from the code side.

Those who hand code only have no confidence in the code generated by software programs. But for the designer those programs are essential and there are sites that can help you check the code.  I've been checking out design programs at 4-year colleges and they focus on art, design and creativity and not so much on programming languages.

WorkSource Job Club Logo

I've been attending the job club at WorkSource in Tacoma. This last week we were told that they wanted to reinvent the job club and brand it. People came up with a name and I volunteered to do the logo. There were only two things I asked. One is it to be able to use it in my professional portfolio and the other is that if they want to change it to come to me first. I designed three versions and the facilitator chose one. So far everyone likes it but there are a few more people that need to review it. This is the winning design in color and gray scale.

Website

Today I'm making improvements to my website and establishing a Facebook presence for my business. Hopefully, the gallery, web examples and 'At the Movies" can be on one web page. A linked in icon has been added to the "About Me" page and, when I'm done with Facebook, a Facebook icon will be added. The content on a couple of pages will be changed for SEO purposes. The background for the body will be changed and possibly the banner will be changed. I just think my website could look better and I want people to find the site when they search for graphic designers. 

Also, on my to do list is get added to online directories.

Potential Client

A financier was introduced to me for a website project. He wanted me to sign a non-compete agreement for just talking about a possible job. I thought that was odd. Those agreements are usually signed when someone is hired and when there is potential competition between the employer's business and the contractor's business. Basically the agreement ensures the employee or contractor doesn't steal clients away from the employer. My business doesn't compete with his. I did not get a good feel for this guy and decided not to bid on the project.

Art Walk

I created a piece of digital art for an art walk. One of my photos was used and I painted in the fairy, wings, gown, added glow effects and used a brush from http://celestial-star.net/. This took me hours and I'm still not quite satisfied with it. But tomorrow is the art walk and I need to get it printed and framed.