Most Boring-est Site EVARRR

So yes, I realize that this site is a tiny percentile attempt at what I’m truly capable of (and has been for a bit too long).  I like to change things up often here, and if you knew me, you’d know how much I consider that to be a good thing.  Always on the move, watching out for some technique I can work out.  Some new rockin’ visual technique set to blow your mind and melt your face, like a bad-ass site is supposed to…

But, the new band isn’t ready yet.  Which is why you’ve gotta stick with me.  Dig it in, deep below the surface, listen to the content that I’ll keep flowing, and don’t worry about the clothes on the back of this monster.

Part of the reason I’ve been dancing around things like sociology and process is to intentionally work out the things that I know need polished, in a bad way.  That, to know one’s own flaws, look at them in the mirror and say “what the f*ck has got to be done to fix this”, takes backbone and some kind of spiny-fluidy stuff.

My strengths, and I know them well (VERY well), are illustration and graphics.  Take me on in that game and I’ll give you a tough battle.  It’s what I’ve been trained to do well.  My kung-fu of graphics.

But, we all can’t be good at everything.  And, in the game of running a personal site, there’s no team to help pick up and run with what you do best.  Personal websites are all about doing everything all by yourself.  And unfortunately, sometimes, the flaws can outweigh what good you can do.  I’m not really all that good at building entire websites by myself.  I have a great weakness of understanding in the fields of things like information architecture and content-sorting.  I get the concepts, certainly - but practice makes not theory.

So, I’m taking advice.  I don’t feel like I need to be a pro at certain things, but as an illustrator and pixel geek - how the heck should I approach this monster?

Help me Obi-wan, you’re my only hope.

Comments Back to Top

1. Josue Salazar

Jul 22nd, 2007

Being your site also means you don’t have to respond to anyone. I like it the way it is now, you don’t *have* to make it better.

2. Anton

Jul 22nd, 2007

Thanks, Josue!  But, I do have a sh!t-ton of pride that somehow drives me to wanting more here.

3. Anton

Jul 22nd, 2007

On a side note - I really need to learn to proof-read these better before I post them.

4. Nate Klaiber

Jul 22nd, 2007

I have found the same thing to be true with my personal site. As you said, I understand so many of the concepts - but when it comes to visual design I can’t just crank something out. I want it to be intentional and meaningful. So, while I work on other projects - my personal site takes the backseat. I despise my personal site. I don’t like wordpress and I feel like my site is not a true reflection of who I am as a web developer.

But - it is MY site, so it can take extra time if necessary. Just as Josue said - it is YOUR site, you don’t have to explain anything.

As for me - i’ll stick around. he.

5. Anton

Jul 24th, 2007

Nate, so true.  And thanks for sticking around!

6. Taree Internet

Jul 26th, 2007

Look to other sites as inspiration, the ones that make you go “wow” that element is great. Then customize and personalize something that fits you. Pull ideas for different elements from different places, mash them up together so they work.

But really, things we have and take for granted other people look at and go wow, cool. I just think we get bored of our own stuff. If someone else had it and we looked at it we would probably go that’s great.

Just evolve, you’ll be ok.

Carly.