The Geek Talk

Who’s David Smith?

I’m a full time web designer, currently working at the Bath-based web design agency Deep Blue Sky Digital.You can find me on Twitter as @get_dave

HTML5 or XHTML2, and why?

HTML5. Why? Because it’s more realistic and open. XHTML2 was developed by a closed group, which didn’t consult with the web community. It failed take into account how people currently use markup languages and was largely backwards incompatible. HTML5 is the opposite and the current spec details a wealth of new features which I’m very excited about.

How do you choose the idea and the colors in any new project?

I always start by reading the project brief as it focuses my mind on the objectives of the site and helps to rid my mind of any preconceived stylistic ideas.

I tend to create visual moodboards from elements collected from both print and online. This helps me trial a number of different approaches to the design without the commitment of time required for a full scale mockup. I keep a Flickr account where I collect and tag snapshots of design elements that I find inspiring and this is a great source of material.

For colour I often create my palettes by sampling colours from imagery provided by the client. Failing this I sometimes refer to Color Lovers, which has a fantastic array of resources for creating strong colour schemes.

What does your typical day look like?

On a good week, my working day usually begins with a run. I live very close to the office so I can usually fit this in before walking into work.

Once in the office, I fire up Gmail, Adobe Fireworks and Aptana Studio and start designing, coding or whatever else I need to do that day. I try and vary my workload each day as this helps keep me fresh.

I keep a close eye on Twitter as it’s a great resource to keep up to date with the latest industry news.

What are the tools you couldn’t live without?

The three F’s: Firebug, Firefox and Fireworks. For me nothing can hold a candle to Firebug for web development and as Firefox is its original environment, I stick with that as my primary browser.

For design, I prefer Fireworks over Photoshop, as I find it to be better optimised for web work (although I know I’m in a minority on that one!).

What do you do in your free time?

I studied Music at university and so I’m still a pretty keen musician. I play the trumpet in various Jazz settings and also with the Bath Symphony Orchestra, which takes up a good chunk of my time.

Other than that I’m a pretty average 25yr old who likes going to the pub and spending time with mates.

Current favorite apps?

I have to confess I’m yet to buy an iPhone. Still need to convince the missus on that one! Anyone got any recommendations on tariffs/providers?

What OSs do you prefer?

Sadly, it’s Windows for me at the moment. We’re running Linux boxes in the office but our workstations are all Windows based, so I’m pretty comfortable in that environment. I’m just about to install my Windows 7 Upgrade at home so I’m looking forward to dumping Vista forever.

Small pic of your Workplace?

Favorite: Colors, Font, Languages, JS Framework?

Colours: No particular favs. Muted colour palettes are my pick of the moment.
Font: Despite all the attention on fontface embedding, I’m currently loving the retro feel of Times New Roman.
Languages/Frameworks: I work with PHP and I’m a fan of both Prototype.js and JQuery.

The things or source that inspired you?

Andy Clarke is a massive inspiration. Transcending CSS was the book that put me on to web standards for the first time. He’s always trying to stay ahead of the curve and he’s not afraid to say what he thinks.

The original source of inspiration for becoming a web designer was 3 years ago when I built a site for my girlfriends parents using Dreamweaver. I still run the site today (without Dreamweaver!) and you can see how it’s evolved over time.

What do you prefer, freelance work or full time employment?

I’ve never worked freelance, but from speaking to people who do, I know it has both upsides and downsides. Personally I’m pretty happy with my current employer and I don’t feel the need to take the plunge into the freelance world just yet.

Your personnel projects and goals for 2010?

My primary goal this year is to relaunch my personal website Ahead Creative. Unfortunately it’s been left to languish in it’s current state for far too long and I’d like to give it a new design and rebuild it using HTML5.

I’m also quite keen to build my first mobile website – just the excuse I need to get that iPhone!