News

Javascript/Coding Enhancements (Apr 08)

I have started to realize that I need to not worry about the quality of my code so much anymore but instead worry about presentation and content. People don't care what language certifications I met because if the page looks bland and has nothing to offer then it's just pointless to visit. I have decided to do undertake a few things:


I am now utilizing a speedier method of javascript coding called the JQuery library which should both quadruple performance and take one-quarter the amount of coding time. I am also now utitlizing a WYSIWYG editor to both increase the capabilities of forms I develope and greatly reduce the amount of capabilities I need to create for my forms at the same time. These features together should also add graphical effects to my work that are not only cleaner but nicer in appearance too (like the sliding and fading effects of most of the menus on this site)


I am also undertaking a self-study of artistry to help improve and re-emphasize my ability to artistically create and improve upon my work, even if it means simple graphical designs in Photoshop like drop-shadows and curved corners.

My final effort is to create a personal template and resource center for all of my sites to reference that will serve as building blocks for any similar-projects and will hopefully allow future improvements to cascade backwards into any linked projects I've worked on.

DeenaAdar.com Completed (Apr 08)

So Deena from KaraAndDeena had told me that her webdesigner who was working on her portfolio stopped halfway through developement and was not the most skilled web designer. He originally wanted to make a full website fully hosted through one flash file and a bunch of images, including no working animations or sounds or any dynamic or relevent content whatsoever (except for a few news entries)
After quick review it was quite apparent that it would be extremely easy to port the flash site into a simple regular image-based page with some simple javascript and php/mysql to allow for a dynamic news/rss system and a few graphical effects on the resume and videos page.
Luckily after gaining access to the source images and adding my own female character to the home page image and other slight repositioning the site was fully completed in no time at all. You may also notice a large collection of text keywords in the background which is actually some of her resume information to serve for SEO fishing and to give a velvet look to the black background.

KaraAndDeena.com Nearing Completion! (Feb 08)

Finally after much toil I'm going to be completing the soon-to-be released version of Kara And Deena.com I can relax. Had to take a major haitus from work due to rent payment issues at home and academic issues at school. Finally once everything was resolved I was able to rapidly complete all design on their site to make it possibly become the first website I've OFFICIALLY completed (pending final minor additions).
This has been the first time I've had a consistently responsive client (asside from my haitus during which they became equally busy) and makes me more openminded towards future work.
I think my biggest problem has always been a lack of cooperation from the clients end.

On that note go check out the site in all of it's simplistic glory (as per design). Let me know if you'd like one made for you.

Revamp? (Dec 07)

I have been studying some CSS and graphic design ideas and tips online for Illustrator and Photoshop and am considering that despite the level of CSS implemented into my designs the lack of graphical backup (images building the design) a possibly more intricate layout might call for some greater investment of time in the graphical frontend. Especially since no one immediately appreciates a backend coder's work but everyone becomes either enthrawled or turned off by the front-end graphics (as I noted during the developement of CalPolyVoice.com, only to recieve compliments on the flower designs I myself did not make).
Switching page size to Auto in the viewing features at the top right corner will display (for now) the slight changes that may portray possible future implementations. Unfortunately as of yet since this is only a test I have made no fixes for titles that are centered on the page (Resume and WishList) and as such the decorations will obviously be off.

Developemnet of Kara&Deena.com (Dec 07)
I have been hired to develope a simple custom blog and video website for rising hollywood entities Kara and Deena and will be posting updates to test layouts on here until further notice (official hosting). The site will be a simple page with basic bio, about, contact, and link to merchandise but will have a news, blog and youtube video submission (propably via custom dynamic coding by myself) in addition to hosting all podcasts of the now discontinued internet radio show The Love Drop.
DeanSofer.com is finished! (Dec 07)
After much deliberation I finally decided to purchase DeanSofer.com and put a resume/portfolio website on it. Although the content is not 100% up to date yet I will be working on it until completion. Notice the feature to change the layout of the page depending on the needs of the viewer in the top-right corner. I will also be adding a rates section for webhosting/design possibly to this website.

Biography

Welcome to my website which I use as a showcase for work I've accomplished and family things.

I grew up in Orange County and have always had an affinity for technology. I am currently enrolled at Cal Poly Pomona University where I study as a Computer Information Systems (CIS) major with a Digital Media Arts (DMA) minor after changing from my enrolling major of Mechanical Engineer.

Growing up I had developed skills in art, music, mechanics and computers. I have always considered myself to be a Jack-of-all-Trades and found myself trying my best to find outlets that brought all these skills and mediums together. Web designed seemed to be the best way to present my work to the world and built upon my foundation for coding I had started since High School. That coupled with my ability to teach myself thoroughly and I became attached.

I am a bit of an artist, but prefer to take multiple works from other people and mix them together into new creations. I have done a bevy of websites to serve as a medium to reach out to my friends and community, however, most have been independent and not considered to be under the scrutiny of e-commerce standards. In addition I have an extremely high level of skill with PC's and most general electronics and can fix anything or I will dedicate myself to the task until accomplished.

I have found I work best with people and my best compelling forces have been the support of others and the benefit of others. Most of my projects that remain unfinished are usually due to the lack of popularity or demand from the community or lack of support and dedication to the work from team members.

I would like to consider myself an excellent project leader due to my in-depth understanding of a vast variety of areas and my drive to work with people. I even use my communication skills for instructing and tutoring peers and clients at all skill levels. I would hope that coupling my tendencies to look towards maximizing efficiency, speed and performance in all aspects of life only serves to better my quality as a worker.

Thanks for visiting, and check out the updated Portfolio!
- Dean Sofer