I am a coder, not a designer
When I think about a site design, I draw it out. Then, if it needs complicated imagery I go and make those images. The actual design part is never moved any further than paper, no photoshop mocks, just a pencil sketch. I code design.
For this site, I drew out the initial idea and I went straight to textedit, photoshop comes afterwards and is only for the little things like the content highlight image. Of course, this presents a problem when dealing with clients, who would rather have many photoshop mocks than anything else. They are wrong. It takes me much less time to code 3 templates in CSS/xHTML as long as I cut out the photoshop stage. If I go through the entire, well used design process using mocks etc, then it quite easily triples the time. But the simple fact is, it makes the final product worse.
Most designers I know have a simple process: pencil sketch >> photoshop mock(s) >> xHTML/CSS design to code >> extras/revisions. To me, it’s wrong. I work like this: pencil/pen sketch >> xHTML/CSS framework >> photoshop bits (if needed) >> full site >> revisions/extras. Thats it really, a slight difference but it just seems to work better. If you start with code then you can get the layout and see the basic idea before you begin to design.
…and those are my thoughts for the day. I’ve been a little slack on posting lately, I have my GCSE’s starting in three days so it’s been all work no play 
Good luck to all those taking they’re GCSE’s too.
hmmm, well, i’m like that too.
, but i still consider myself more of a designer than a coder.. oh well, everyone has their ways.
Posted 2 years, 6 months ago3 days?
Posted 2 years, 6 months agoOuch, what’s your first exam?
French oral, then Maths a week later, then English is coming up I think.
Anyways, the sooner the better in my opinion.
Posted 2 years, 6 months agoI always sketch my designs in some form. Usually, I’ll make a quick sketch in Photoshop, picking colors, making a logo, making a few textures, but I usually have the structure of the site waiting then, with solid colors that can be replaced by images later. I did a mockup (not even a full site, just the top part) for my redesign, and ended up completely deviating from it.
Basically, if I can get the text set up, I can play with the images (last) whenever I feel.
Good luck on your exams! Mine are coming up in a little bit too (but they’re AP and finals, not crazy British exams!)
Posted 2 years, 6 months agoBest of luck with that, I’ve got my German one on Tuesday.
Posted 2 years, 6 months ago