Martin Hipp is a web designer from Rotorua in New Zealand. He first started designing websites professionally in 2004 and has been designing ever since. Martin is self taught in web design and is currently considering going back to university to study graphic design. The primary web technologies that he currently works in are CSS, XHTML and PHP to handle server side scripting.

1. How did you get started in web design?

My father introduced me to the web in 2000 when he gave me a book on basic HTML and CSS design. It was not until much later that I realized it would lead me to a career.

2. When did you start designing websites?

I started designing websites professionally late last year, but I have been designing websites for myself since 2004.

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

I would have to say competition and time management. So many designers are trying to make a name for themselves any way they can, and as a freelancer you find yourself working at times when other people are doing the complete opposite.

4. Do you refer to yourself as a Front-end developer or a web designer?  Do you code any of the web sites that you design currently?  If so, what language(s) do you code in?

I refer to myself as a web designer. I design, then code using XHTML & CSS and for any server-side scripting I tend to use PHP.

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

I graduated from high school last year and have yet to go to University to study. I am considering doing a degree or diploma in Graphic Design.

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 demand for web design has definitely changed the industry for the better. The use of web standards is becoming more widespread, and accessibility & usability have become major factors in any web design project.

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

I use Photoshop and Illustrator for any design work, then hand-code using TextMate.