My design style is clean, easy to understand (or use, for the web), and visually exciting. My clients can expect to receive multiple services, such as graphic/print design, icon and logo development, as well as sophisticated web design. Typically, offering this diversity of services requires a large team of designers and would be far outside of most clients’ budgets. My design services are personalized, honest, dependable, and a good value in today’s competitive market. As a one person studio, I am able to cut out the cost of management and large overhead providing clients with a affordable personalized service.

What are your interests besides graphic/web design? How did you get into the field?

In a nutshell, besides graphic/web design, I enjoy: outdoor physical activities, inspiring books, inspiring art, cooking, music, animals, plants, and learning new things.

My career in graphic/web design grew from my interest in art and my desire to be in a profession where I could use my creative skills. Even as a teenager I was always seeking design jobs.  Every business owner I met, I would ask: “hey, can I design your logo?” or “do you need a business card designed?” When the web really started taking off in the mid to late 90’s I was fortunate enough to have a few mentors push me in the direction of HTML and web design.

What blogs or web sites do you read daily?

Most days I am so busy working on projects that I will only spend time looking at the sites I’m developing and, of course, my email! Aside from that, I enjoy The New York Times and BBC sites for my world news and The Oakland Tribune and sfgate.com for my local stuff. I always enjoy the articles on fecalface.com for what’s happening in the art world. Otherwise, wefunkradio.com for my music fix, and of course rawcutsradio.com, which is an online show I started with my friend Skip Jones this past year (some shameless self-promotion).

What are the next developments you’d like to see in the field of web design?

I have really enjoyed the development of Content Management Systems (CMS) like Wordpress that allow clients to update their own web content and I would love to see these technologies grow to be even easier to use. Watching browsers move towards Web Standards and away from Internet Explorer is something that many Web Designers want to see. How about an iBelt with a touch screen where I can order pizza! James Bond would be impressed!

If you could have any profession other than your own, what would it be?

That’s a bit hard to explain, but probably a hybrid between the daily life of Mick Jagger and Andrew Wyeth.

As far as you’re concerned, is it “web site” or “website”?

That’s a great question! I’ve written “website” so many times in emails, contracts etc. I’d have to lobby for the compound word version. Has anyone contacted Merriam-Webster about this situation yet?

What are the most important things for potential clients to know about working with you and the web design process?

I like to work one-on-one with clients. In a world of agencies, corporations, and “being-on-hold”, I offer a personal connection with my clients. I understand that for many clients working with a web designer can be a new, and sometimes frightening experience. I do my best to make my clients feel comfortable with the design process and guarantee they will be happy with the final product.

***This interview was graciously conducted by Jodi Perelman M.F.T. who practices counseling and psychotherapy in San Francisco. Want to learn about yourself? Check out her website www.jodiperelman.com