Fill In Some Gaps
DFTW Lesson 62
Hey! Long time, no see.
Since the lessons have been less (introspective) Q & A and more technical I’ve been posting to my other blog — but hey, finally a non-technical, sort of “where you at? how do you get there?” type lesson. Thought it would be more suitable here.
What are the important things for you?
Making cool stuff with awesome talented people while making some sweet moolah.
Where are you running a little thin?
I could engage with the other students a little bit more. I could spend some more time reiterating and reflecting on the work I do. I could give a little more of an introspective look into my design process. I could be a little more honest when it comes to critiquing stuff.
Step back and get a big picture. Is it aligning with your goals? What adjustments can we make?
So far I think it’s going pretty good. Still only like 3 weeks into the course. Once I’m caught up I’d like to focus on networking, studying the job market, making a list of cool dev/design agencies, companies, etc and reaching out to awesome people from there or dribbble, behance, awwwards, etc. I need to spruce up my PE-Projects page. Although the state it’s in right now is fun, I would be hesitant to show it to a prospective employer. I think once I’m caught up I’ll have more free time to do extra work outside of PE. Maybe develop one of my initial ideas that’s on the back burner.
Where should you focus for a little tune-up?
Since I’m stuck getting caught up with the current Alpha, I think the most I can do is sharing my blog posts on Reddit, etc. Once I’m caught up I can go to town on all this big picture stuff. Right now it’s more so about retaining crucial info / skills to even be an effective dev / designer.
Have you been reflecting and writing about your experience and progress?
I think I’ve done pretty good. I write at least 1 block post a week averaging 750 words.
Can you explain what you’ve been learning?
Some things are a little tricky. Some concepts I understand but take for granted. I could use some flashcards so I can get in the habit of using proper terminology. I think the more I collaborate, the better I’ll be at communicating. That’s probably the best (and most fun) method. Otherwise it’s boring as hell.
Are you telling people what you’re up to?
Yup. Told my roommates, told my mom, told my sister. No one cares. Haha!
What do you need more practice with?
Definitely collaboration. That’s something I have yet to do actually do. This needs to get off the back burner if I plan on getting a job and being an effective designer / developer. There’s probably a little bit of fear on my end but once I get going I think it should be good.
Prompts
Dream
Set a timer. Relax on purpose. Can you even handle just sitting?
Yup.
What do you want?
To make cool stuff with awesome peeps while getting paid well. Didn’t you already ask me this?
Spend some time writing down the amazing – no holes barred future vision of you in your happiest life moment. What will it take?
I don’t really think in this way. It’s that classic thing of setting yourself up for failure by doing so. I’m more so the type of personality that enjoys not knowing what’s to come and then dealing with it, good or bad. Something I know I definitely want to do is travel the world (like everyone else). It would be cool to do it indefinitely but still be able to generate decent income while creating awesome stuff. Sounds kind of shallow but hey, you asked. To get there I need to develop skills that will make people seek me out. Like the second I don’t have work there will be a line of people waiting to work with me. So I need to make an awesome portfolio, create an online presence, and network my ass off.
Hypothesize
What might work?
Collaborating with the other students at PE. Maybe finding a low-level gig and make it not low-level.
What would be good things to try?
Uhh… isn’t this the same question as the last?
Prototype
Take a big idea and make a simple version of it to try out. It doesn’t need to be functional. Want to make an “app?”
I would love to but I got a massive stack of lessons to complete. I’m hoping to be caught up in a week, then all these “big picture” questions can be tended to.
Discuss and Share
Have you got together with the other students and just “talked” about stuff?
Not really yet. Little blurbs here and there. Again, once I’m caught it up it’s off to the races.
Have you joined the CSS Discord server?
Nope. I’m going to hold off til I’m caught up because I know it’ll be distracting in the meantime.
Measure
How can you tell if something you made is “good?” It’s not by asking people if they like it.
Showing it to people and seeing how they interact with it. Are they using it as intended? When do they lose interest? What’s the goal of the thing? This question’s a little too broad.
What projects have you made that you can measure?
The only one so far is the one for Intergalactic Plant World but it most resembles an actual site. I think I could pass that off as a real place. It’s also measurable because I’ve seen past students try to tackle the same project. Still hard to measure because it’s not “real world.” Maybe if I shared on social media to see if it catches storm. Maybe I’ll share in a few subreddits and market it as a real place. I’m worried I could get into trouble though.
Think about the GOALS of the project. Do they meet the goals?
I think so… still hard to measure since it’s not reality. There’s no data to see if the site generated sales or interest.
Organize
What can you organize delete forever?
Not much. I actually started a whole separate user profile for this course so I could have a blank canvas. This computer is set up solely for learning now.
What can you let go of? What really matters?
I dunno? I live a pretty simple life. Study web dev / design, go to the grocery store, make some good food, might go on a good hike. I rarely watch TV and socializing is sort of on the back burner while I’m learning. Also in covid times.
How is your email inbox?
Mostly spam.
Is it zeroed out?
Yup.
Are those random subscriptions taking up your time?
No.
Should you delete your Facebook account?
Only had facebook for 2 weeks back in 2010. It basically ruined my life because I became obsessed with useless information. I remember being at my computer and having to say out load, “stop!” Deleted it right after and haven’t missed it. Facebook is an extremely powerful tool but also detrimental to mental health and society.
What can you get rid of?
There’s nothing really. I got this course and put on some ambient music in the background. I rotate 3 black shirts. You want me to get rid of those?
Write a list of all of the things that you have been putting off. Select 2 of them – and forget about the rest! Just give them up. How many things are you holding on to?
Uhh.. I literally only have 2 things.
Do they really matter, or are they an excuse to avoid the things you are scared of?
A little too personal Derek.
Delegate
We don’t usually care how it gets done. Can someone else do it for you?
As of right now, no. I’m still in the early stages so right now, it’s about testing my persistence. Once I know my limit, I can delegate.
Can your mom or your friend or your child do it for you?
“Hey Mom, can you center this div and add a linear-gradient?” No.
Can you make them a deal?
Uhhh… this is why everything’s outsourced. Are you trying to make California the new rust belt?
Finalize
You could work on anything forever. Is there anything you can take and just set in stone as DONE?
Probably not. I don’t think anything is ever done. It’s more so a matter of making a version that exceeds the goals and the client is ecstatic about.
What can you consider done?
Once the goals are met, the client is stoked, and there’s been enough user-testing to ensure it’s value.
How do you just move on?
It’s pretty easy once you’ve been paid and / or stop paying you.
The Plan
Get caught up with Alpha-3
Choose / think of a cool project
Find some awesome people to collaborate with it on
Get it to a state that exceeds its goals
Share and network relentlessly
Look up some awesome agencies / companies etc
Build next project with them in mind
How I could make it interesting to them?
What’s something they haven’t done before?
Most people just pick one heading. haha. Fun read!