1. Design a new site and implement it in WordPresss
2. Design an internal web application.

We’re still figuring out what the site should look like. But I’ve started work designing the UI for the internal application. The taxonomy, tables, description, flowchart and HTML screenshots are going to the programmers this week. I’ve also figured out what I want to do with the backend look/feel.

Hired as a sub-contractor through the now-defunct Business Polish, my initial contract was to provide a template and user interface services for an internal conversion from an extensive Oracle Forms-based system to a java-based web interface. It worked out so well I ended up working there for almost two years. It was there I got to fully flex my ui-ux muscles. I’d also never worked on a Java project before. Their programmers were some of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. My design was deceptively simple. Each peice of HTML/CSS had to work as a library that the programmers could copy easily and without any CSS knowledge. Come to think of it, this is where I got my CSS chops, too.

Here is a screenshot, obviously not the real deal as this was an internal application.

This project came about when an existing client (Can-DE Fund) came to me with an idea he had. He’s a true entrepreneur and he’s also very spiritual. His idea is to combine texting with prayers. This is an interesting project. We decided to use WordPress for the bones of the site. Right now we do everything manually (posts, updating prayer counts) but our next step is to find a programmer to connect the API for the site we’re using to send the texts with WordPress. There’s a bunch more coming from this site, let me tell you. Later…

I learn something new every time I install and customize WordPress. This was extra true for Southwest RMC. This was an existing client looking to buff up his several-years-old site. We agreed to add more content, highlight a sister company and focus on his budding photography service. This client has enough knowledge and also comfort to work in the WP backend. We selected a template from Theme Forest, my current favorite source of high-quality templates. We agreed to the customizations. Before I even began this client forwarded me all his new content, neatly organized into a Word document. I’m extremely pleased with both how the job unfolded and also how it turned out. I wish all my jobs ran this smoothly.

A-Team Construction

The template I used is a DreamTemplate.com base chosen by the client. I had to redo the CSS a bit to work with WordPress.

For Author Heather Barbieri’s website

Just finished this site for a Elaine Meyers, one of the best children’s librarians ever.