Basically, what this means is that I do all the work involved with what people actually see. For those familiar with the technical words, I specialize in typography, color theory, information architecture and animation.

I am also well versed in web marketing techniques and common methods to improve CTR (click through rate) and conversions.

I can't believe it has been that long... but it has.

I started my career building web applications for fun (and a bit of strategy). In 1999 I built a prototype for an internal web application for AT&T Wireless (my employer at that time). I pitched the concept to management and they gave me a job so I could build it out for them.

I was the sole developer on the project, so I designed the site and wrote all the back-end code.

Eventually other opportunities came along and I moved on. Over the years I have refined my skills to hone in on what I love... interface design.

I mentioned that I worked for AT&T Wireless.

Other large scale projects I was involved in include JPMorgan Chase bank and Mitt Romney for President.

Medium scale projects I've worked on include Artfact, Operation Blessing: China and Sias University (China).

I have worked on countless small projects for pre-revenue and phase I startups as well as my own business ventures (I currently own and operate 50+ websites).

I have, on many occasions, hacked up Wordpress to use as a CMS and/or blog. I do have a mid-level concept of PHP, though I prefer not to write it myself.

Although there is always more to learn, I consider myself to have advanced skills in Photoshop, HTML, CSS and jQuery.

For the techies out there... I write valid XHTML 1.0 strict and CSS. I am very comfortable writing jQuery from scratch and have advanced experience in processing AJAX (JSON) returns.

Before I make it to the code writing phase though, I hammer out a design in Photoshop to give myself a starting point.

Depending on the project and scale, I may or may not create wireframes.

I prefer to get my design about 80% complete in Photoshop before I start writing code. Then everything tends to fall into place along the trail.

So what don't I do? All the stuff that people don't see. Namely, database and "back-end" language stuff. I have extensive experience working with back-end developers in languages like SQL, Java, Python, Ruby etc., but I don't actually write code in those languages.

I am borrowing this phrase from Jason Fried (of 37Signals) where he makes the argument that "less is more" implies that "more is better" when, in fact, the point that "less is more" is trying to get across is that "less is better". Confused? :-P

I strive for minimalism in my designs and approach to life. I am a firm believer that minimalism is a superior form of design, not merely a personal preference.

I no longer support Internet Explorer 6. Many developers will charge an extra fee to support IE6, but I have decided life is too short to support such a horrible browser and waste my time fighting with something that is (finally) on its last leg. It all comes down to me enjoying my work.

I no longer work with large corporations. Life is too short and the internet is changing too quickly to have to cut through red tape and play the corporate ladder games. I only work with small to mid-sized businesses, and I typically prefer to stay in the startup realm where people are real and CEOs are accessible and care about their website.

I lived and worked in China for 2 years. I don't say this to boast, but rather to demonstrate that I am not afraid of taking risks... in life or design!

A few designers and companies that inspire me are Collis Taee'd (of Envato), Metalab, Smashing Magazine and 37Signals.

I reserve the right to amend this list :-)