[Hidden-tech] advice about graphic design/web instruction

[Adam Connor]

Hi Daniel,
Unfortunately, I can't point you toward any worth-while classes.  All 
the ones I've checked out myself (though its been a while) focused on 
basic or outdated practices and neglected some of the more important things.

I can however say that almost all of my knowledge comes form being self 
taught and keeping in touch with many other developers and designers, 
and that there are many online resources you can use to learn at your 
own pace.  I'll list some of them at the end of this email.

Also, I'd be happy to share with you all I know about the world of web 
design.  My particular specialties lie in User Centered Design, 
usability, Information Architecture, standards based client-side 
development, and graphic design.  I've been freelancing for about 2 
years now, but have been a professional web designer for about six (I'm 
26), and I'm currently the lead designer and user-experience architect 
for MassMutual's producer portal.

So if you'd like any help, feel free to email me.  I'll answer whatever 
questions I can, and if you'd like to get together in front of a 
computer and go over anything, I'm sure we can find some time.

Lastly, onto the online resources:

A List Apart - www.alistapart.com - A List Apart is published by Happy 
Cog, its essentially an e-zine on the topics of web design, development, 
and content.
456 Berea Street - www.456bereastreet - Roger Johansson specializes in 
standards, accessibility, and usability, three areas of web design that 
sadly, still seem to get overlooked by a lot of professionals
Particletree - www.particletree.com - Particletree tends to focus more 
on development than design, but good stuff none-the-less
UX Magazine - www.uxmag.com - This is a great resource on everything 
that can effect the user experience online, really great writing by 
really great contributors
Mark Boulton - www.markboulton.co.uk - Mark has written some excellent 
articles in his blog on subjects like web typography and designing 
online with a grid.  Definitely check out his "Simple Steps" series
CSS Zen Garden - www.csszengarden.com - I've taught a handful of web 
design classes myself (due to the lack I mentioned before) and I've 
always used this to show the students.  Its more inspirational than a 
learning tool, as it demonstrates the strength of CSS and helps many 
people realize why coding layouts in tables belongs in museums next to 
the tyrannosaurus exhibit.
W3 Schools - www.w3schools.com - a great way to get a handle on HTML 
basics and familiarize yourself with the HTML 4.01 spec, the XHTML spec, 
and the DOMs
SitePoint - www.sitepoint.com - a great resource that runs the gamut, 
web design, server-side, client-side, content, etc.  The books they 
publish tend to be pretty good too.

I'm going to stop there for now.  There are literally hundreds more, but 
it would take me to long to list them all.  Like I wrote earlier, let me 
know if I can help you in any way.  There should be no secrets in the 
world of web design - at least thats how I feel anyway.

Adam Connor
Little Green Toaster
www.littlegreentoaster.com


Daniel Guidera wrote:
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>
> Hi,
>
> I might be in a situation where I'll have to make a mid-life career 
> "redefinition," and I'm wondering if I could solicit some direction, 
> information and advice.
>
> I've been in illustration and informational graphic design for many 
> years, concentration almost exclusively in Adobe Illustrator and 
> Photoshop. I've taught myself rudimentary "head-above-water" 
> competence in InDesign and Dreamweaver, and dabbled a little in Flash.
>
> When I look at what employers are requiring for graphic arts 
> positions, I realize that my skill set is woefully fallow for today's 
> market. Hence, were/when my current position goes away, I'm thinking 
> that schooling/retraining will be necessary.
>
> I'd like to get out in front of the process and begin exploring 
> options now. I'd be greatly appreciative for any information about 
> graphic arts (web/print) educational resources in the Northampton 
> area. I'd be particularly interested in semester-length classes, as 
> opposed to one-shot seminars.
>
> Thanks so much for your feedback. I'm so impressed by the knowledge 
> and thoughtfulness that characterizes the conversation on this board.
>
> best,
>
> Daniel Guidera
> www.danielguidera.com
>
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