About Fresh Web Creations
My name is Lisa Ward, freelance web designer and illustrator, and I am the creator of this website and all that you see here.
Creating websites is a passion for me. For the past seven years I have dedicated as much time as possible to learning the art of creating simple and unique websites that work. I love that feeling of creating something new and coming up with a finished product that I can be proud of.
Illustration is also a passion of mine
Illustration is another passion of mine, and one that you might see frequently in my web design work. If a client would like an illustration based website or a logo designed then that is a pleasure for me. I also create non-illustration based websites, and love the design process for all types of websites.
Fancy reading some more of my thoughts?
Being a website designer, in my opinion, requires an ongoing commitment to studying and learning. This is because programming languages, tools and methods of website construction are constantly evolving and become more advanced all the time. A web designer who does not keep up with the latest trends and developments risks his knowledge growing stale and therefore cannot provide his clients with the best web site possible. Hence the reason why I am constantly updating my skills and exploring new avenues all the time.
Apart from the fact that there are new laws regarding accessibility to comply with, there are also web standards to be met (which ensure that coding is up to scratch). But apart from this there are all sorts of fabulous products being produced that can help a web designer meet his client's requirements more accurately and quickly than ever before. Keeping up with the latest is definitely a big part of web design and ensures that clients are given the best possible results.
So in order to keep my knowledge fresh and up to date I undertake regular study in the form of short courses, research in the library and scouring the internet for knowledge about the latest methods, of which there is plenty to be devoured!
Anyone who says they know all there is to know about web design cannot possibly be telling the truth, as there is someone out there developing a new programming language right now, that they can't possibly know about. However, as I keep myself up to date and aware of what is available I am able to use a variety of methods in the construction of my client's web sites, ensuring that they are presented with a web site that not only looks good but works like a dream and is also compliant with the law.
It's lucky then, that I love learning! No seriously, studying and reading up a good book about something like ajax or asp is like eating chocolate to me, I can't get enough of it.
My Skills and Qualifications
Qualifications
- I have 9 GCSEs and 2 A levels
- Certificate in IT Applications - University of London - Birkbeck College- awarded with Distinction
- Diploma in IT Applications - University of London - Birkbeck College - awarded with Distinction
Web Design Skills
- HTML
- XHTML
- CSS
- ACCESSIBILITY
- PHP
- JAVASCRIPT
- MYSQL
- ASP
Proficiency in the following tools
- Dreamweaver
- Notepad
- Flash
- Fireworks
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- Wacom tablet
Other skills
- Typing speed: 80 wpm
- Proficient in using:
- Word
- Excel
- Powerpoint
- Access