Vancouver web designer S. Preston is the man behind SixSix8 Productions

Coming to us from the West coast of Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia to be a little more specific, S. Preston has been designing and developing for the web for over the past 8 years. He originally studied at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and graduated in 1997 from the video and new media production program where he learned that he had a passion for making things look nice and video. According to S. Preston, the day that the WordPress CMS came around was the day that he started to plot his exit strategy from corporate life. After getting a chance to ask S. Preston a few more questions about his business he revealed his preference of designing for a CMS, working with an agency and his particular vision and style of design.

Luc asks: How exactly did originally start designing websites and when did you turn professional?

Mike (S. Preston) Chuhon says: My first internet experience was in 1995 and I immediately knew that this was something that I want to be a part of.  But it took me a little while to figure out that web design was what I wanted to do.  Not to say all the experiences of web development, database design, and online video was a waste, in fact, I believe those experiences all play a role in SixSix8.  But I am an artist at heart, and creative web design is my passion.

Luc asks: I see that you studied at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and i wanted to ask you how did your education in video and new media production helped you in your career so far?

Mike (S. Preston) Chuhon says: My springboard into web design was creating video players for webcast and video applications.  In a room full of broadcast engineers and video editors, someone had to make things look nice.  I’m still pretty passionate about video, and many of my friends and colleagues are in the film industry.  So projects like Riese the Series and Time before the Light are great fun!

Luc asks: Do you prefer designing for a standard CMS platform like WordPress or do you like working on custom projects?  Also do you think it’s more beneficial to design for a well recognized CMS application?

Mike (S. Preston) Chuhon says: I think the day WordPress became a CMS, was the same day I started my exit strategy out of my corporate desk.  In my former-life as a ColdFusion programmer, I was well aware that websites need constant maintenance and frankly it’s a chore to upload a new PDF, or change 2 dates.  I might be preaching to the choir, but CMS software allows me to focus on the creative aspects of my business and provide better service to my clients.  It does help that I’ve got a programmers background so I’m quite able to make WordPress work for me.  And the second question, yes, I’d love to use more CMS software. ExpressionEngine and Drupal will be in my repertoire soon!

Luc asks: Do you prefer to work exclusively with design agencies like Sixty4Media when freelancing or do you develop your own contacts as well?

Mike (S. Preston) Chuhon says: You know, it’s arrogant to think that one person can do everything.  We all bring skill sets to the table.  I was told early on in business, you don’t need to eat the whole pie and I’ve incorporated that into my business values.  Let’s work together to provide the best service you can!  Sixty4Media and I have a great relationship and knowing Miss604 and her husband John (Mr604??) have been invaluable to me.

Luc asks: What should people know about you, your vision and design style when they hire you?  What services should they expect?

Mike (S. Preston) Chuhon says: I believe in websites that are clean and clear.  Especially on the internet, content is still king!  But what I do is make that content more appealing and engaging and helps bring an emotional connection to your communication or marketing.  Not to mention that there’s a lot of crap on the internet getting tossed around, so I like to think my designs help make you stand out from the crowd.

Luc asks: I see that you work in print design aside from your web design work and i wanted to ask you if this experience designing for print makes you a better web designer in your opinion?

Mike (S. Preston) Chuhon says: You know, experimenting in art mediums is part of being well rounded.  I won’t say I’m great at print media, but I do love to try to translate my skills on to paper.  To be completely honest, many clients have trouble differentiating between print and web, so it makes sense to provide both services whenever it fits.