The Bridge of Deaths, Autum of Always Purrty.com Web designer I am...

Autum of Always Purrty.com Web designer

I am thrilled to welcome a very special guest. She is a Web-designer and I not only enjoyed the interview but frankly I learnt a lot about websites and I know who I will hire for my next one; AUTUM. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

1. How long have you been designing websites?

I have been designing websites since I was 13. I started by designing those really annoying geocities websites. I learned from looking at the source code of other websites. I also came across a really cool website that I still sometimes use for quick references. http://www.lissaexplains.com . It’s great for anyone who wants to learn to make a basic website.

2. What triggered your interest in Websites?

Well in 1997 an awesome band came out called Hanson (please don’t laugh lol) I knew I wanted to make a make a fansite with like fanfiction and stuff. So I did. Thus Hanson Highway was born. It had terrible graphics and even more terrible content. I decided not to do the fansite and focus on my music website. I ended up having a music website and a small hosting company on the side.

3. Do you also maintain websites for those of us that are technically impaired?

I sure do! I know how annoying coding stuff can be. Not everyone has code running in their veins. I love to help people with their websites, and they are really easy to maintain.

4. Do you work independently or for a website Design Company?

I work independently. I think I have too much of an independent streak to work for a company. I like having my own schedule and control over all the aspects of the design.

5. I paid $25 USD for my website Domain and pay the same amount to renew every year; is that standard or do prices vary?

If you are paying that much just to renew your domain, you are paying way too much. You can get a standard domain for about $10 a year with hosting companies like http://www.godaddy.com, and http://www.hostgator.com

6. How do you choose the images for sites?

I go by what my clients tell me. I tell everyone to go to stock websites and look around to get ideas. I usually use that as a jump off point for my designs. Sometimes the design goes in a completely different direction than we intended.

7. Do all images need to be credited to the source?

Yes, yes, and yes. If you can’t find a source, assume it’s copyrighted and don’t use it. Places like http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page have free images that don’t have copyrights and are free to use. Never just use any old image. No matter how cute something is or perfect always make sure you can use it. A good place to understand what copyrights are is here: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ You can see the different license types and how to identify if you can use it or not. If in doubt e-mail the owner of the image. If you can’t find that, then don’t use it!!

8. I have seen one image in particular in many inspirational websites with a drop of water making ripples; are there actual resources where anyone can download images for free or for a fee?

Like I said on the previous question wiki commons is a good place for free images. Some GREAT places to buy images are: http://www.fotolia.com , http://www.dreamstime.com , and http://www.depositphotos.com Avoid places like shutterstock because they will charge you 3 times as much for their images as cheaper stock places. A good place to find images for free is http://www.deviantart.com BUT make sure you can use them outside of deviant art. Like I said, if all else fails contact the owner of the image.

9. I have a running stream on my site and have seen a really fun swimming fish on other sites what is your favorite moving image on websites; or what type of moving image?

I have to be honest, I never really liked moving images. I do like very simple subtle animations that aren’t over the top though!

10. If someone commissions a website design how long does it usually take for the website to be ready? From zero securing domain to finished product.

It really depends on the content they want to include, but I can get one done in under a week if I have all the information I need.

11. When you are not working or having fun with a computer what are your interests and hobbies?

I love to play piano and sing. It’s my greatest hobby! I also love to read and play video games. I am a huge gamer and I love my xbox. I am currently playing Assassin’s Creed: Revelations—my gamertag is Purrty Always ;) I love to play Gotham City Imposters and Battlefield 3 if anyone is interested!

12. Is there a particular time of day that you like to work? I ask because I believe that what you do is a creative expression and many creative types need peace and quiet or a specific sound?

I do my creations at all hours. I am a true free spirit and that gets me in trouble lol. I have started making schedules so I don’t forget to do anything. Ask Anna from http://www.RBTLreviews.com she knows I need a schedule lol. I also need music when I do my coding and stuff. I have a playlist full of: Hanson, Jonny Lang, Marie Digby, Karmin, NWA, Fefe Dobson, and Elton John.

13. If you could not be a web designer what would you like to be?

I would probably work with animals in some way or photography. Hmm maybe a writer too. Maybe a singer lol…. I would do everything if I could :D

14. Can you list a few Do’s and Don’ts in websites? I have visited some that I find difficult to read or use and others that seem far more user friendly.

DON’T use light text colors on dark backgrounds! DO keep things simple. DON’T have a ton of stuff in your sidebars. DO add personal aspects to your blog or website! DO dare to be different.

15. Is there anything else you want to share with us?

I just want to say thank you for having me. These were good questions!!

Here are the LINKS to find Autum:

http://www.alwayspurrty.com

http://www.facebook.com/AlwaysPurrtyDesign

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