Spicy Web Designer Interview with Justin Nash

Justin Nash is a web designer from Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas in the United States. He graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the Southern Arkansas University back in 2005 which is also when he began designing for the web. He has been freelancing since he was in college and continues to freelance in web design today and serves over 100 clients currently. He also has his full time job working as a Concept Developer for LifeSynch.

1. How did you get started in web design?

As a freshman the plan was to major in studio art and minor in psychology. After taking some basic design classes I got interested in graphic design. One of the requirements was a special topics web design class. My first actual project was updating photos on my fraternity’s website. After coming to the conclusion that I was going to need a basis in coding, I enrolled in an HTML/XHTML class the next semester.

2. When did you start designing websites?

It was mid 2005 before I did anything I would consider “competent web design” projects.

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

I am a graphic designer by trade and I struggle with advanced coding. I am not a programmer, but luckily there are things like WordPress and enough open source code out there for the rest of us.

4. Why do you refer to yourself as a Front-end developer over calling yourself a web designer?  Is it a way to brand yourself to your clients?

As I said before, I am definitely not a programmer. I look at things from a user experience/front-end perspective.

In order to design a site well an artist has to understand the purpose of the site, as well as how it will be used, and the market that is being targeted. Once all those things are established he/she supports the project until completion. That far exceeds the responsibilities of a “designer” in my opinion.

5. Where did you go to school and has it helped you become a better web designer/front-end developer?

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Arts from Southern Arkansas University. I believe that all my success is due in large part to my professors there. In my classes the professors put an emphasis on seeing things from a different perspective and to looking outside my immediate surroundings for inspiration.

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?

Web design has moved into the social networking and RSS era. I think it’s a great way to reach people. It lets me keep up with the latest in design trends all in one place.

I have blogs like DesignBump, DesignFloat, MyInkBlog, JustCreativeDesign, YouTheDesigner, Abduzeedo, SpicyWebDesigners and more all fed to me every day.

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

Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are obviously necessities.

• I often use Adobe GoLive to check any errors I may have made (it color codes all my tags and lets me know when there’s a problem).
• I use Browsershots.org to check cross browser compatibility.
• I use Strata 3D to add a 3 dimensional touch when necessary.
• I use Acrobat Connect to walk my clients through comps and concepts.
• And for those projects that use content management systems or need tutorials, I use Snapz ProX to record actions for my clients such as uploading posts and creating thumbnails.