Spicy Web Designer Interview with Safwan Ahmedmia

Safwan Ahmedmia is a web designer from Leicester in the UK. He has been involved in freelance web design for a little over a year and has won two Adobe Site of the Day awards. He built his first website when he was 16 using Microsoft Paint and Word and putting together HTML pages. After working with some of the candidates from the TV show “The Apprentice” he decided to start taking freelance web design more seriously and he is focused on producing quality web design work.

1. When did you first start building websites?

I started building websites a long time ago; I must have been around 16. I remember creating basic designs/graphics using Microsoft Paint/Word, getting bits of code from my brother and putting them together to form HTML web pages. Looking back I think they were absolutely awful, but you have to start somewhere .

I continued creating websites as a hobby at a basic level but got into it more seriously in 2006 during my final year at university when creating my online flash portfolio. Combining 3D Animation, Video and Flash with PHP, XHTML and CSS made me realize the limitless possibilities of web design. Now it’s pretty much all I do .

2. How long have you been freelancing your web design skills?

It’s been just over year, I began freelancing shortly after graduating. It happened by chance really, I wasn’t actually intending to get into freelancing. I was fortunate enough to have my flash portfolio noticed by many potential clients, some of which were high profile (candidates from the TV show The Apprentice), and I started getting a lot of web design requests. I then thought that getting paid for something I love doing can’t be that bad .

3. Do you currently do freelance web design as a full time job?

I am currently employed full-time as a Multimedia Designer within a university web team and do freelance web design during my spare time. I still want to expand my knowledge and skills in the field some more before becoming a full-time freelancer.

4. How do you usually price your web design projects?

I usually price projects depending on the work involved and how much time I have to dedicate to them. I think it’s extremely difficult to have set prices as each project can be very different, especially when it comes to Flash projects. Depending on the project, I sometimes also take into account other factors such as future business, time scales and recognition.

5. Do you do a lot of Flash web design in the projects that you do?

Yes, almost all the projects I work on these days involve some form of Flash, whether it be just elements to enhance a website or full Flash based websites. Flash is such a great tool (I don’t know what I would do without it) and if used effectively, it can really enhance even the most basic website.

6. How does SEO factor into the web design that you currently do for your clients?

SEO is an essential part in the web design I currently do. When building websites, I ensure that I include as much on-site SEO as possible and advise clients on optimizing their content. Sometimes a project plan can change immensely depending on SEO, for instance many clients initially request a full Flash website, however due to the SEO limitations of Flash, they usually opt for a having Flash elements within an XHTML based website.

7. What do you like to do in your spare time outside of learning new web technologies and being around the computer?

When I’m not in front of a computer (which is very rare :-p), I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going out to eat, watching my favorite TV shows, traveling and photography. I’m also a regular at the gym and occasionally do some boxing, it’s a great way to remain active and get some time away from the screen (it also helps burn off some of the extra pounds from all the junk food I eat ). I still want to learn how to play the guitar and do some more photography, but currently just don’t have enough spare time .