Interview with Helen Guttridge

Name:
Helen Guttridge

 

Age:
The latter half of my twenties

 

Location:
Cheshire, UK.

Your Website:
www.iridium-design.co.uk

 

How long have you been designing/developing websites?
Proffesionally since January 2008

 

How to do clients find you?
Word of mouth

 

Where do you go for inspiration?
I tend to sit down with a piece of paper and a pencil (and a nice cup of tea) and design around the company/service/product. I may view competitors sites too, but normally only to make sure I haven’t copied any aspects.

 

What is your favourite CMS?
Wordpress of course.

 

What programs/applications do you use when designing/developing a website?
Dreamweaver for coding, photoshop and illustrator for graphics.

 

When starting a new project how do you start?
Make a cup of tea. Then start sketching designs and layouts on a piece of paper. One I am happy with the design, I create a mock in photoshop and submit it to the client for approval.

 

What do you feel are the most important skills for web designer/developer to have?
Being able to listen to what the client actually wants, not what you think they need. A good eye for colour and design. A good grasp of html language.

 

What skills are you currently developing?
Flash animation, and will soon be learning php.

 

When you’re not working what are you 5 favourite things to do?
Spending time with the hubby and the kids, reading, shopping, cooking and gardening.

 

Do you have any favorite websites for keeping up to date and interacting with others?
www.webdesignerforum.co.uk

 

Are you freelance or do you work for a company?
I’m freelance.

 

What other services do you offer? eg SEO, print design, copywriting, hosting etc.
Print design, graphic design, branding.

 

What is your dream job?
Professional lady who shops and does lunch.

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