fusionware design

Below is an interview I did with Spicy Web Designer a while back. You can check it out here, or at the Spicy Web Designer Interview.

Erica Ware is a web designer and developer from Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. She has been designing and developing websites for the past 5 years. Erica graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta’s Web Design Department which allowed her to gain the solid skills she needed to design websites.

1. How did you get started in web design?

Web design is my second career; I started out doing something else, but have always had a love for art and computers. I love to create design and possess a technical ability as well. So it seemed to be a natural progression for me to get into the field. I quit my full-time cushy job and went back to school, again! And have been much happier ever since. I wanted to be able to wake up every day and love what I do.

2. When did you start designing websites?

I started designing websites about 5 years ago. Currently I’m a designer at a Top Agency in Atlanta and also freelance through my own web design company fusionware design .

3. What are the biggest challenges that you face in web design currently?

One challenge is definitely keeping up with the technology. But, fortunately good design doesn’t go out of style. Another challenge is the usability of sites. We have made great strides in teaching our clients what usability is and why they should care. I try to work with my clients to deliver the best possible user experience. Another challenge that we face is creativity. Lots of people are making websites; yet, many still are not creating experiences. When you’ve got a client, deadline, massive changes, etc¡K it’s easier to churn out what’s expected, but those small details are what creates a memorable experience for the user. Being creative in every aspect of the web design process is essential.

4. Do you code on any of your web design projects? And if so, do you consider yourself a “Front-End Coder”? Why or Why Not?

I code about 95% of my sites. I would consider myself a hybrid designer and developer; I enjoy both design and front-end development. I’m not a hard core coder by any means. I built a foundation and have enhanced my abilities over the years. You should see my bookshelf; it’s packed with many books from AJAX to Design Patterns.

5. Where did you go to school and has it helped you become a better web designer?

I attended and graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta’s (AIA - http://www.artinstitutes.edu/atlanta/) Web Design department. I cannot image beginning my career without the solid foundation I received from AIA. I was in very good company as well. The department was amazing and forced me to think outside of the box while maintaining a solid grasp on design principles, web standards and usability.

6. Since you first started how has the web design industry changed? Has it changed for the better? If so, how? If not, please explain?

The web design industry has changed immensely since I first began 2004. Web standards has taken off and is widely accepted and actually expected these days. Also, the use and adoption of traditional (graphic) design principles, such as the grid are prominent these days. In addition, a larger push towards usability has made this industry an amazing place to be. I cannot image not being a part of it.

7. What are your favorite tools to use when designing a website? Why are they your favorite tools?

Photoshop and Illustrator are definitely my favorite tools to use when designing a website. Dreamweaver (although I’ve been using Coda and CSS Edit more and more), of course, and I also utilize various FireFox plug-ins such as the Web developer toolbar and Firebug. There are also a few sites I like to visit on the regular for color inspiration, design and typography such as:

http://www.colourlovers.com/
http://typesites.com/
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/