I swear it was just yesterday I was filling out paperwork to enroll in the Conestoga College Web Design/Development program. The wait and anticipation of going back to school has long since gone. Many nights studying and completing projects will soon be a distant memory.
Here I sit for a moment to reflect on time well spent on the journey of enriching my skill set. The final push is now in full swing - the summit visible - I look back at the path traveled to reach this point - I'm high, much has been achieved on my assent to complete my goal. My belief is with hard work and determination all is possible.
Dear friends and associates can you please help me find a work placement.
Work Placement starts November 21st, 2011
Require: 150 hours to receive my Web Design/Development certificate
This is an unpaid work placement - yep you get me for FREE.
Need: a mentor - some one to coach me - in any ONE of the following:
Adobe Dreamweaver, Flash, Flash Action Script, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign,
After Effects, XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, Java SDK, Database design,
MySQL, PHP, Apache Web server, Microsoft: Visual Studio C#.NET, ASP.NET, Silverlight
Hard to believe I've learned all that eh!
CHEERS !!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
I escaped the C# ninja's !!
It's okay people -- I found my way back to this blogging site.
I was captured by the C# ninja's (from a previous blogs)
I woke to find myself coming out of a coding haze
to realize it was my "Job Search" class this week.
Looking back I think those Ninja's grab me around the end of Flash Animation only to toss me into a deep pit of Flash ActionScript, along with JavaScript -- Advanced C# was toss down into the pit too. I was hopeful with the smell of Java SDK in the air I might be rescued !! I did see a Silverlight "cloud" in the sky one day but alas it was SQL and LINQ playing tricks on me.
I just wanted to let everyone know I'm okay, been working hard
and enjoying all my days spent at school.
I was captured by the C# ninja's (from a previous blogs)
I woke to find myself coming out of a coding haze
to realize it was my "Job Search" class this week.
Looking back I think those Ninja's grab me around the end of Flash Animation only to toss me into a deep pit of Flash ActionScript, along with JavaScript -- Advanced C# was toss down into the pit too. I was hopeful with the smell of Java SDK in the air I might be rescued !! I did see a Silverlight "cloud" in the sky one day but alas it was SQL and LINQ playing tricks on me.
I just wanted to let everyone know I'm okay, been working hard
and enjoying all my days spent at school.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
** Flash **
I love this software, it's very dynamic in nature.
I've felt more at home in this software than any other we have learned thus far.
The integration between the code and the visual graphic is what I like best.
It sits nicely between the right and left hemisphere of my brain.
I can honestly say programming purely in C# hurt my poor old cranium.
I'm used to creating and using various workflow solutions that were a part of my previous work experiences but....
FLASH - allows the creative artisty side to play, all the while sprinkling code snipits here and there to intensify the web experience.
The creativity is outstanding -- sky's the limit!
I've felt more at home in this software than any other we have learned thus far.
The integration between the code and the visual graphic is what I like best.
It sits nicely between the right and left hemisphere of my brain.
I can honestly say programming purely in C# hurt my poor old cranium.
I'm used to creating and using various workflow solutions that were a part of my previous work experiences but....
FLASH - allows the creative artisty side to play, all the while sprinkling code snipits here and there to intensify the web experience.
The creativity is outstanding -- sky's the limit!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Web Design
I thoroughly enjoyed learning Dreamweaver. It's a relatively easy application for web page creation. The vast amount of templates makes a great starting point for any one new to web design. I like the fact it works well with other Adobe products.
There were a couple of things I did miss though. With using an out of the box program your held hostage to "their" way of working with the html and css files. When things go sideways or completely wrong your not sure if its you or the software? You can spend hours trying to debug your website and time is of the essence.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I love data and the base where it lives
My first exposure to a database was back in 2000.
Allprint was in the process of installing a workflow and database system when they hired me. It was my responsibility to migrate the data from 4 servers to a much larger one. Data input, administration training, and educating the work associates became my focus during the first few months. Over the years many expansions took place on this database. I became passionate about the data, how it was stored, how my work associates could access it.
I liked helping the associates I worked with, they would come to me if they needed help doing searches/queries. The database became an intricate part of my work life, I cared and nurtured it just like you would a child, often referring to it as my baby.
Ten years later here I sit in school learning the very thing I worked so intimately with day after day until the company closed. I had always wondered how the intricate workings of a database came to be. I knew there was a coding language involved. I had a chance once to see the "inside". It was a little scary but I was intrigued, wanting to know more!
Database design during the month of April was a refreshing change from the C# challenges. I understood the logic of database design. Found it to be less of a struggle in comprehending the syntax and code requirements. In the future I would like to continue creating, working and implementing databases.
They say be careful for what you wish for....
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
design VS coding in C#
The month of March proved to be very challenging for me! WOW
I've never been exposed to the world of computer programming, and now have a new found respect for people who work in this field. C# programming required the use of the other side of my brain, many a night I went to bed with a thick fog in my head.
My plan is to conquer this demon called C# .... I will learn and understand this code even if the C# ninja's come to fight me and try and bring me down. I will summon the warrior and wizard to raise their mighty dice and play a game of "craps" against them.
I shall "WIN"!! - ninja's will have "EPIC failure" - hahaha
Matt has great patients working with the mentally challenged newbie C# programmers.
I've found him to be excellent at teaching this module.
I miss the days of web design. There is a familiar feel, comfort, like coming home.
Why you ask? I've been around the design environment for over 20 years.
Before this course I used to eat, breathing, sleep thinking of the offset print design world.
The remainder of this year will bring new adventures. More programming languages to learn and ultimately conquer! I will prevail, succeed to show my designing friends there's a place in web development for MaryJane!
I've never been exposed to the world of computer programming, and now have a new found respect for people who work in this field. C# programming required the use of the other side of my brain, many a night I went to bed with a thick fog in my head.
My plan is to conquer this demon called C# .... I will learn and understand this code even if the C# ninja's come to fight me and try and bring me down. I will summon the warrior and wizard to raise their mighty dice and play a game of "craps" against them.
I shall "WIN"!! - ninja's will have "EPIC failure" - hahaha
Matt has great patients working with the mentally challenged newbie C# programmers.
I've found him to be excellent at teaching this module.
I miss the days of web design. There is a familiar feel, comfort, like coming home.
Why you ask? I've been around the design environment for over 20 years.
Before this course I used to eat, breathing, sleep thinking of the offset print design world.
The remainder of this year will bring new adventures. More programming languages to learn and ultimately conquer! I will prevail, succeed to show my designing friends there's a place in web development for MaryJane!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Guys & Gals start your CPU's
Can you hear that?
That noise?
clickity - click clack...... clickity click click click clack!
It's ME pounding out code on my keyboard.
The excitement is building within me, I can hardly wait to start learning C# programming.
I was told today the remaining 9mths will be about web development!! Woohoo!!
Last year I worked hard on my 2nd Careers application and got accepted into the Conestoga College Web design and development program.
Now I'm just days away from a life changing event.
I couldn't be happier having reached this milestone on this journey to a new career.
That noise?
clickity - click clack...... clickity click click click clack!
It's ME pounding out code on my keyboard.
The excitement is building within me, I can hardly wait to start learning C# programming.
I was told today the remaining 9mths will be about web development!! Woohoo!!
Last year I worked hard on my 2nd Careers application and got accepted into the Conestoga College Web design and development program.
Now I'm just days away from a life changing event.
I couldn't be happier having reached this milestone on this journey to a new career.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Inspirational Websites
While searching the internet for inspirational websites
I came across various sites, one in particular stuck in my mind.
www.templates.com
I came across various sites, one in particular stuck in my mind.
www.templates.com
At first I though it was a heavy media hype advertising site.
Upon further investigation found it to be a wonderful place to go
and see what other web designers are creating and ultimately selling.
Web design can be works of digitized functional art or mass media marketing
depending on the company and type of commerce your selling.
Below are 4 different website I've come across that I like.
Each offer up a different feel, sensation and curiosity.
Please take a moment to play and investigate.
I found Jason Long's website to bee easy to read, easy to navigate, clear and decisive.
Svelte has been creating and contributing to the Templates.com community since 2008. There are over 400 website templates create by this member.
WOW !!
This site POPs with colour!!
Big, Bright, Bold - these are the words that come to mind when viewing. It caught my eye, made me curious to adventure into the website.
Di has been creating and contributing to the Templates.com community since 2008. There are over 700 website templates create by this member.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Most useful software to date:
Matt asks - "Which piece of software that we have covered thus far have you found the most useful?"
I've been exposed to this application many times over the years and just love it.
It opens up my creative side, oh all the wonderful things you can do.
We can all look like super stars!
Coming in at 2nd place is Adobe After Effects, it's great, robust, different, fun.
Plus it puts smiles on peoples faces - who can't resist a good animation
Adobe Premiere Pro - video editing..... I found it to be very challenging.
I thinks its because I have to put myself into the 3rd dimension.
Project planning is key with this software.
PHOTOSHOP !!
I've been exposed to this application many times over the years and just love it.
It opens up my creative side, oh all the wonderful things you can do.
We can all look like super stars!
Coming in at 2nd place is Adobe After Effects, it's great, robust, different, fun.
Plus it puts smiles on peoples faces - who can't resist a good animation
Adobe Premiere Pro - video editing..... I found it to be very challenging.
I thinks its because I have to put myself into the 3rd dimension.
Project planning is key with this software.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Twitter! who hasn't heard of it!
Never thought I'd have a need or a use for it.
Been an avid Facebook user for years.
Since starting school I've been exposed to all kinds of social media 411.
Have to admit I'm kinda excited to see how being on Twitter,
following people and responding will turn out.
My mind is open ---->>>> walk in, sit down and lets have a tweet!
Never thought I'd have a need or a use for it.
Been an avid Facebook user for years.
Since starting school I've been exposed to all kinds of social media 411.
Have to admit I'm kinda excited to see how being on Twitter,
following people and responding will turn out.
My mind is open ---->>>> walk in, sit down and lets have a tweet!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Designer for Hire
What did your designer do that you felt was excellent?
My designer did an excellent job listening to me explain the requirements for my logo design.
He took into consideration my interest in flowers and pretty colours.
I asked for a feminine looking logo using my initials MJS which was incorporated into the final design.
Upon final presentation was very pleased!
It looks elegant, refined and incorporates my colour choices.
Good Job ---- Xianliang !
The only thing missing was the "Sparkles"!! teehee
My designer did an excellent job listening to me explain the requirements for my logo design.
He took into consideration my interest in flowers and pretty colours.
I asked for a feminine looking logo using my initials MJS which was incorporated into the final design.
Upon final presentation was very pleased!
It looks elegant, refined and incorporates my colour choices.
Good Job ---- Xianliang !
The only thing missing was the "Sparkles"!! teehee
Monday, January 31, 2011
GooD FiT ?
Now that we are finished the second course what are your thoughts?
I must say Photoshop felt like coming home in a sense as it is the most familiar piece of software we have learned. After Effects was totally new to me. It has some of the same drive ability components of the other Adobe Creative Suit family software. I found it challenging working with the keyframes. Having a plan and being organized seemed to help. Not sure if I would continue to pursue a career with After Effects.
Are you finding the program to be a good fit?
YES! oh wow! I'm so happy and excited to be involved in the program.
For the past three years I've wanted to learn Web Development.
I could see the print industry changing before my eyes, I've always been a "techie" and knew I need to address my lack of web development skills. I'm curious to see how my brain is going to handle programming. My close friends say you'll get it
- your the "Geeky-Girl" !!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sore Brain
I've been studying for a couple of hours now - my brain is starting to hurt.
Its difficult trying to remember all the required steps in doing complex Photoshop work.
Not to be pretentious, I've had some prior experience with the software.
There is a certain level of comfort in the familiarity of it all, I'm hoping I do well on the exam tomorrow.
Thank goodness we have our "Photoshop Workbook" plus have access to the internet for help files.
For me I think the biggest challenge will be to slow my thinking down, take time to read, comprehend the instructions and do some initial planning. Once I have reviewed the given material I can then plan my course of action and execute upon it.
Here is wish me all the best for my 1st of many exam's in this course!!
"CHEERS"!!
Its difficult trying to remember all the required steps in doing complex Photoshop work.
Not to be pretentious, I've had some prior experience with the software.
There is a certain level of comfort in the familiarity of it all, I'm hoping I do well on the exam tomorrow.
Thank goodness we have our "Photoshop Workbook" plus have access to the internet for help files.
For me I think the biggest challenge will be to slow my thinking down, take time to read, comprehend the instructions and do some initial planning. Once I have reviewed the given material I can then plan my course of action and execute upon it.
Here is wish me all the best for my 1st of many exam's in this course!!
"CHEERS"!!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
What lead ME to enroll in the Web Design program?
The print company I had been working for over 10 years went bankrupt in Feb 2010.
This gave me the opportunity to really think about my future.
I wanted to utilize some of the skills I acquired while working over 20 years in the print industry. Having a technical background, doing digital layout set up for printing, being involved with computers, and basic network management it was logical to progress into web design and development.
As an alumni of Conestoga College it was only natural to look at the course selection here. I'm so happy to be participating in this program with a rich group experienced people.
This gave me the opportunity to really think about my future.
I wanted to utilize some of the skills I acquired while working over 20 years in the print industry. Having a technical background, doing digital layout set up for printing, being involved with computers, and basic network management it was logical to progress into web design and development.
As an alumni of Conestoga College it was only natural to look at the course selection here. I'm so happy to be participating in this program with a rich group experienced people.
Friday!! Day 5 !!
Hey guys!
All this photoshop stuff we are learning is so cool.
Matt is doing and excellent job at instructing us too!
Can hardly wait to see what next Monday will bring.
All this photoshop stuff we are learning is so cool.
Matt is doing and excellent job at instructing us too!
Can hardly wait to see what next Monday will bring.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Hello World
Hey its day 4 for WDD!
Really enjoying my photoshop class with Matthew!
Learning lots of cool things.
"How to correct & enhance photo's"
Really enjoying my photoshop class with Matthew!
Learning lots of cool things.
"How to correct & enhance photo's"
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
my first post
I sit here in my 3rd day of wdd ( web design and development), learning fantastic photoshop skills!
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