Ronnie Morales is a web designer and graphic artist from Manila in the Philippines. He has been interested in web design ever since he read a tutorial on HTML back in 1998 and started to design professionally in 2004 after graduating from college. Ronnie studied Electronics and Communication Engineering at Mapua Institute of Technology so he definitely considers himself a “self-taught” web designer. With that said after 5 years of professional experience in web design his goal is to make “well-designed websites accessible to everyone”.

1. Ronnie, how did you get started in web and graphic design originally?

I’ve been always interested in graphic design ever since I was young. I believe I got it from my father, he’s an old school layout artist and it’s only natural that I follow in his footsteps.

I got started on web design after reading an HTML tutorial I stumbled upon back in 1998. I learned everything that I can about designing and building websites. I remember using only notepad to code websites those days and using tables and frames to layout web pages. The web was relatively young back then and the design trends were very different. Keeping up with new design and usability standards all these years has been a fun challenge.

2. When did you first start designing websites and how long have you been designing for the web professionally?

I started designing websites as soon as I learned how, signing up on tripod and geocities for free hosting just to play around and experiment. I really didn’t take web design seriously; it was just something for me to do on my spare time.

But as the years went on, I found myself more and more interested on web design and I just kept on reading tutorials and improving my skills while trying to finish a degree in engineering.

I started designing professionally in 2004; I applied for a web designer job as soon as I graduated from college. I worked in an outsourcing company working small websites for various clients around the world.

3. Where did you study and specifically what did you study and has it helped you to become a better web and graphic designer?

You might be surprised but I took up Electronics and Communication Engineering at the Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila, Philippines. I’m a self-taught web designer and even though I didn’t study in a design school, college has helped a lot because I believe that school offers much more than just lessons and books. School also teaches us how to deal with problems and prepares us socially before heading out to the real world.

I do wish that I did go to a design school and I have been trying to find a good one locally but with no success so far.

4. Why did you choose a one-page portfolio layout over a multi-page portfolio to showcase the work that you do?

Being a one-man team, I don’t really think I would need a multi-page website. I wanted to keep everything simple and to have all the information a visitor might need available as soon as my website loads.

I did consider using a multi-page layout but it just didn’t represent me well. I wanted a website that says: This is me, this is what I do and this is what I have done so far.

5.  What are your favorite web technologies to work with when designing websites?

I’m not really a programmer but I enjoy coding my designs using valid XHTML and CSS codes. It’s just an awesome feeling to see your design in a browser windows looking just the way as your designed it in Photoshop. I also use jQuery to improve usability of a website as well as adding minor visual effects or animation.

MaryLuc Melgar is a web designer from the Philippines currently residing in Singapore. She runs a web design studio called Weevox Studios and a blog called “Octwelve” where she spills the news about the latest in Blogging, Design and her own view on the world. She works on a wide variety of web design projects for clients in e-commerce, healthcare and many others.

1. How did you first start building websites?

10 years ago, I stumbled upon Eric Jordan’s website, 2advanced.com and got totally inspired from his work.

Since then, I started making anime wallpapers following the 2advanced style, which is “techie”. Eventually, I turned these wallpapers into websites. Then, one guy discovered me and asked me to design his website. I didn’t know what I was doing back then so I had to do some research, asked help from forums and read tutorials. And at the end he seemed to like my work Then I got referrals and more referrals and the rest is history.

2. Where did you go to school? University or College? Did it help you in your career as a web designer?

I went to some colleges here in the Philippines but I didn’t finish my degree. Because that time I’m already loaded with design projects. I find myself struggling to juggle school and work at the same time. I was taking IT and I’m not enjoying it at all. So I decided to stop and just continue being a freelance designer. And I think it’s worth it because that’s how I honed my skills.

3. Where do you get your inspiration for the web designs that you produce?

I get my inspiration from…food. Seriously! Eating noodles, chocolates, donuts, cakes, and ice cream gives me inspiration to make beautiful designs I also get inspiration from magazines, from watching anime, music videos, TV commercials, print ads, and I also get inspiration from the biggest players out there.

4. What is your favorite part of a web design project?

My favorite part is… guess what, conceptualization and designing the visuals of course

5. What do you like to do in your downtime asides from building websites or writing on your blog?

I like to shop. Whenever I’m stressed or just totally block, I just go to the mall and buy some stuff. After that I feel okay again. If it still doesn’t cure my designer’s block, I will go out of town, see the nature, go to the beach and just relax for a few days. I also like doing photography with my toy L.

6. How do you price the web design work that you produce? Do you find that some clients are not willing to pay the price you quote and how do you deal with this scenario?

I charge per project basis. The quote depends on how many comps they want, how many pages, if there will be a custom illustration, flash animation, revisions, etc. Yes, I do find some clients who are not willing to pay the price I quote. If their budget is limited, I just tell them what they can get from their budget. So it’s fair for clients and for me.

7. What interesting projects have you been working on recently?

I’ve been working on icons for a health website. This is the largest project my company is currently working on. It’s quite interesting to me because this is the first time that I’m doing icons. Even though this is for a health website, the icons we’re creating are quirky so I enjoy coloring them. I’m quite happy with the result. I didn’t know I can make icons. I hope I can post this project in my blog once it’s done.