Justin Palmer
Who is Justin Palmer?
I’m a proud Father, a wonderful husband (my wife might be reluctant to confirm this), Trail Blazers fan, amateur Southern cook, and I do both programming and design. I helped cofound ActiveReload, the company that went on to produce Lighthouse, Warehouse and Mephisto. Today you can find me at ENTP where I help design and improve the frontend of our products. I’ve also been known to do a little bit of iOS development over at labratrevenge.
Where and when did you start programming?
I think it was around 98 when I started design work and 2000 when I began programming. Those days are mostly a blur given how much my life has changed over the last 10 years. At the time I was still living with my parents in the tiny town I grew up in: Walnut, MS which had a population of about 750 people. I worked on a production line building furniture in a near by town during the day and I would play guitar with my band during the night. We were always needing promotional material for shows so I did what I had to at the time and acquired a copy of Photoshop.
Not long after we began pumping out new promotional material it was decided we needed a website. I was curious to see how it was done so I began to learn how to write HTML and eventually how to write PHP.
Eventually we ran into some trouble with the band and my mom got scared, and said, “You’re movin’ with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air.” I whistled for a cab and when it came near The license plate said fresh and it had dice in the mirror. If anything I could say that this cab was rare, but I thought, “Nah, forget it. Yo, holmes to Bel-Air!” I pulled up to the house about 7 or 8 and I yelled to the cabbie, “Yo homes smell ya later!” Looked at my kingdom I was finally there, to sit on my throne as the prince of Bel-Air.
What does your typical day look like?
I always try to start my day with a cup of Stumptown. Then I usually catch up on the world of politics before I hop into the ENTP Campfire room and begin working on Tender and Lighthouse. A few days a week I try to make it into the office to get some face to face time with the rest of the crew and, not to mention, have drinks with them.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to spend time with my Wife and our Son, go hiking, cook, or just walk around the city. I’m also a pretty big sports junky. I love to go watch the Blazers and Timbers play in Portland when I can and catch any college football or basketball game I can on TV.
Current favorite apps?
I don’t think I’d consider these my favorite applications, but they are the applications which I find hard to replace. TextMate, Photoshop & Safari.
What OS do you prefer?
Mac OS X.
Small picture for your Workplace?
We share an office with the Kongregate (they’re downstairs). It’s a nice little spot in downtown Portland.
Favorite: Language, JS Framework?
JavaScript and Node.js
Name something that has inspired you recently?
The wonderful work designers are sharing on Dribbble is really inspiring. It’s a great place chock full of talent. It really encourages me to improve my own work or helps me get unstuck when I feel like I’m in a rut.
What do you prefer (and why)? Freelance work or full time employment?
Both have their ups and downs. I love the stability and health insurance that comes with working full time. I love the freedom and experimentation that comes with freelance.
What are your personal projects and goals for 2010?
I don’t think I’ll complete it by the end of 2010, but I’d really love to release an iPhone game.
