Div by Div

Since I first opened Dreamweaver in my freshman year of college, web design has always been a challenge to me. However, with the challenge, I find it extremely intriguing. The process requires technical skills as well as critical thinking, two skills that are crucial in design development.

My new challenge: laurenmelillo.com. I began the process with research, which soon developed into multiple sketches. I then transformed the sketches into digital mockups in Illustrator. This stage allowed me to envision the final website and explore my options. Information architecture soon came into play when I was developing the strategy of my links and relationships of the parent and child pages. Clearly, the design process is crucial. By beginning with research, I can explore what is expected in graphic design portfolio websites as well as gather inspiration and grow as a designer.

Not only am I gaining experience in design, I am also learning more about Dreamweaver and how websites come about. Rather than using the site manager in the program, I chose to manually upload my files to my server through File Transfer Protocol. By doing this, I know exactly what is being uploaded to my site.

I am looking forward to taking on this puzzle and putting it together piece by piece. (Or should I say div by div)

54 Days

Throughout the past few weeks, there have been constant reminders of graduation. At the dentist, “this may be the last time you are on your parents insurance.” At a senior event on campus, “there are only 54 days until graduation!” Also, the ever-exciting commencement invitation arrived in the mail. Although I am anticipating graduation, it also means crunch time.

I would like to have imagined myself relaxing on a warm beach over spring break. Instead, my thrill was the new purchase of my Pina Zingaro portfolio and proud ownership of laurenmelillo.com. I learned more about DNS and IP addresses and have an overall better understanding of the language of websites.

Luckily, I now feel caught up and ready to move forward with my website design. With the help of Lynda and various articles online, I have developed three different comps of my potential website. I am ready to take on the challenge and enhance my web skills as well as showcase my portfolio to potential employers.

The reality of applying to jobs and presenting at our portfolio review are becoming clearer every day. What seemed scary before seems more exciting now. I feel confident as a designer and anticipate the future ahead of me.

4 Years. Ever-Changing Technology

When my first Interactive Digital Design class at Quinnipiac University began in 2008, I opened Photoshop for the first time. I was thrilled to have recently purchased the Adobe Creative Suite 3 and determined to create and discover. Since then, I have learned over eight different programs throughout the span of three versions of the Creative Suite. Now at 5.5, I still find myself excited to delve deeper as well as teach myself new programs.

Throughout my college career, my design professors have always pushed the importance of research and self-teaching. There will always be new versions of software to be unveiled and new challenges that will be faced.

My new challenge: Wordpress. Although I have experience with Dreamweaver, I want to try a different route for my portfolio website. I have one girl to thank for assisting me in this new course. Lynda. Since I opened Photoshop for the first time, Lynda has always been there to guide me along the way. Whether it comes to After Effects or how to create your own version of Avatar in Photoshop, Lynda’s tutorials are both endless and unlimited. Rather than playing around on my computer to try and learn the program, I can watch specified tutorials that share and illustrate the ins and outs of software.

Technology is constantly changing. Luckily, there are various amounts of resources so we as designers can stay ahead.

Let the Website Building Begin

As a graphic designer with an interest in print design, I have found myself determined to learn the art of websites. With familiarity in HTML and CSS, I feel confident that I can build a substantial website to house my online portfolio.

However, there are many aspects that go into making an online portfolio. Personally, I want my website to most importantly be “usable.” Steve Krug’s book, Don’t Make Me Think, has taught me how crucial navigation and usability is within a website. The audience will see you for how your website is designed. I am definitely going to stay clear of background noise, cluttered and overwhelming visuals, as well as too much content. I do not want my website to take away from my portfolio, rather to parent and support my work.

Throughout my research, an online portfolio needs to include a logo, slogan, blog, about me, and a portfolio. Also, each piece needs to be supported by a short description to further form an interaction with a client or potential employer. My website will also feature an about me section to include my personality as well.

With ideas and thoughts about the look and feel of my website, I now have to narrow down how I will implicate them. I am leaning towards a content management system such as Wordpress or Drupal. I enjoy the challenge of taking a template and recreating it to be my own. Let the website building begin!