Spicy Web Designer Interview with Maleika Attawel

Maleika Attawel is a web designer from Hamburg, Germany who specializes in front-end design. This self taught web designer is a true master of the front-end with a strong understanding of typography, color theories, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, website usability and much more. She runs a studio called “Rockatee Design” which he runs as a one-person web design studio. She has a varied past including studying English literature, Latin and Greek philology which has only influenced her work with more richness and creativity making her a much sought after web designer.

1. I see that most of your skills come from being “self taught”.  Do you think that “self taught” web designers offer a better service to their clients?

The web is still very young and – by and large – there are still very few universities/academies that offer solid education for web designers.

I remember, a few years ago I was looking to apply to educational institutes that offered web design and the possibilities were painfully meager then.

The truth is, most web designers are self-taught by a large margin, having either a background in graphic design, print design, programming or come from an entirely, non-related field.

So I believe that in terms of the quality of the service a web designer offers is more related to a web designer’s general social attitude and understanding of his profession which does cover a wide spectrum of knowledge, from classic and modern design theories, typography, color theories, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, CMSs, website usability, accessibility, psychological factors, social skills, up to business & marketing matters. In the end, it boils down to one’s motivation and passion in learning and the understanding that you can never quit learning, day in and day out. Whether you are self-taught or formally trained might often be of secondary importance in this field and in this time.

2. When did you design your first website? What inspired you to begin designing websites?

I’ve always been someone who took great passion in drawing, sketching and writing up worlds that were made of the abstract, worlds that existed within my head. I’m a fantasist by nature and, while I have studied subjects at “Uni” that in no shape or form reflect on creativity, I’ve never really ignored my passion for the beauty that is art and architecture.

In the year of 2000, I found great admiration for the American band by the name of Pearl Jam. It is this quite intense marveling at the band’s music that enticed me into making the decision to start an International forum. Having had had no knowledge in any which way on how to run a forum, even less how to design and setup such a system, I was forced to roll up my sleeves and read up on how it was done. Of course, I was aware of the options such as using pre-made designs and the like, but I didn’t want that. I thought it was important to breathe passion and life into it and giving it a personality. The research that followed peaked my interest in the whole business of designing for the web.

After having been quite successful with the forum – the community comprised 15,000 members – my curiosity on whether I’d be equally successful in converting other people’s ideas into successful businesses/outlets, was immense. And that’s where I’m now…

3. How do you go about attracting new clients? Word of mouth? Agencies? Advertising?

This is quite embarrassing to say, but I have no strategy, no insider plan in acquiring new clients. 90% of the clients I currently have are from word of mouth. The other 10% come from having been featured on CSS/Web design showcases or other internet outlets.

4. Do you notice a difference between North American Web Designers and European Web Designers?

This is a very interesting question and I must admit, I have not given it much thought. But, from what I can tell, there is not much of a difference in terms of style since web designers are influenced globally. I strongly assume that I’m very wrong here, however.

5. How do you “Prototype” a solution and why is it important to do this?

Prototyping is an extremely important aspect of constructing the information architecture of a website. I have recently made it a habit to create simple, naked, prototypes of a website before proceeding with the visual design of a site. I construct the navigational elements; determine the site’s hierarchy, content placement for all pages, which gives me a good overview of the site’s functionality and usability. Basically, it’s a framework with a flowchart character to it, which makes it so much easier to understand where possible weaknesses may lie without being blinded by the visual design. Additionally, you gain the benefit of ironing out everything that is either not needed, superfluous, or not suitable, making the visual design part and thus the coding phase a lot easier, without having to fear that you’ve left something out and the like.

6. How big of an issue is the price of your web design projects when it comes to your clients?

By and large, the price matter has not been an issue for me. It may sometimes be an issue with prospective clients who may not know their own project’s scope exactly, or clients who have never before worked with a designer and are not aware of the cost factor. However, before accepting a new project, scope, objectives, and timeframe are discussed in detail leaving little to no questions open to either parties.

7. Asides from designing websites do you also offer coding services?

Yes, I do visual design and code in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, though I don’t offer a “coding only” service per se.