The winner for April was Karinne for her site Web Nonsense! Congratulations Karinne! Here is a little insight as to what went into the making of this blog.
What specifications or direction did the client give you for this project?
Since I was the client on this one, I really had “carte blanche”. I wanted to venture out of the flat one or 2 color that I usually base my design on and find a really colorful palette. I also wanted to experiment more with brushes and make the site pop out more with it all.
Where did you find your inspiration for this design?
As usual, I’m always looking through the endless showcase sites; checking out what’s the trend, what’s been done and what works. I really wanted this design to be something I’m proud of and that can stand beside some of the best out there.
How long did you work on this project from start to finish?
I didn’t set any deadlines since it was a personal site, however, I do have a clients’ site I want to convert to a WordPress system so I used my blog as a testing site for this. I think the original design was set last November. It’s not “completely” finished but I would say 95%.
What types of languages, technologies were involved in the development of this site?
It obviously use (X)HTML and CSS as well as PHP since it’s developed as a WordPress theme. Photoshop had a huge part in this because of the brushes that were used.
Did you find any aspects of this project to be challenging?
Learning how to integrate my mock-up into WordPress. I had never done this so it was a totally new learning curve for me. And I have to say … it’s VERY easy.
What part of this project is your favorite?
Designing it was very fun because I had to think outside my little box and go wild. I didn’t have any restrictions.
On a personal note, how long have your been designing and developing websites?
I’ve been designing sites for 9-10 years now. Started with an HTML course in College and I got hooked. I was always working on my HTML project even in other classes. I’ve always been heavily involved in soccer so I asked the regional association if they wanted a website as a way to distribute news and other information to clubs/parents/players/etc… more easily. That was my first site and they are still my client now! Since then, I’ve stumbled upon blogs from Jeffrey Zeldman and Dan Cederholm and the rest is history.
