Marcello Manso is a web designer and front-end coder from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He originally started designing websites when he was back in school and a band that he was playing in needed a website and since then he’s gone on to work on many web design projects. Marcello recently won a Peixe Grande award and has been featured in web design magazine.

1. When did you first start designing websites?

I started designing websites back in school days. I used to play in a band, and we needed to have a website where we could disseminate our tour dates, music and stuff. I happily accepted the job, because in that time I was studying visual communication and I wanted to take my chances on the internet. It started simple like that.

2. How long have you been designing websites?

I’m doing this for 8 years, at least. Of course, it became professional later, once I went to the college.

3. I see that you recently won an award at Peixe Grande.  How was that experience and has it added to your creditability as a front-end coder?

To be a winner at Peixe Grande was a pleasant surprise! I’ve been studying usability and focusing in user experience above everything lately, and being a winner this year in this category shows me that I’m following the right path. Peixe Grande has a high concept here in Brazil, and my work is being shown all over the country this month, because I was published in the Web Design magazine, that runs the Peixe Grande contest.

Besides the pleasure of being awarded, I’m having some good responses from the market already, like proposals for partnerships and freelancer works.

4. I also noticed that you refer to yourself as a “Front-end Coder” as opposed to a “web designer”.  What is the difference between the two in your opinion?

In truth I refer myself to both. I think they’re different, even though connected. When I say I’m a web designer, I mean I am able and good at designing a concept, turning it into a visually appealing and user-friendly layout. What comes after this is the work of a coder, who translates the visuals into XHTML and CSS, looking forward to make the website accessible, portable (if needed) and W3C validated. It’s also important to make sure the website looks good in most browsers.

They are different works, both important, and both needed to make a well designed website.  While offering my work as a freelancer, I like to show that I’m experienced in both.

5. How do you stay up to date with the latest web design trends?

I read blogs, galleries and some magazines, mostly. You can find some great sources of information just surfing the web. Smashing Magazine, hongkiat.com, Noupe, Usability Post , Css Mania, they’re all great!

6. How do you usually price the work that you do?

It’s based first in the number of the pages and then I take in count the “little flavors”, like flash, JavaScript, and any other effects in general. There are some other variables as well, like a deadline, for example. So in the end it really depends on the project.

7. Has your educational background helped you in your career?  If it has, then how has it helped?

Yes, it helped a lot, because in college I studied the basis of design itself. Then I chose to focus on web design.

The theory came in handy, but practical experience is what makes you a better designer day after day. In my opinion you have to always balance theory and practice.