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Ryan Rumsey Interview

Aug 13, 09:15 PM by Marko


Ryan Rumsey Interview


Interivew with Ryan Rumsey at shakerdesigns.com

Marko: Hello !
Ryan: Hey there Marko!

Marko: For our reader’s could you tell something about yourself? (year old and other stuff)

Ryan: I’m 32 years old and live in Los Angeles with my fiancé Sally and our two cats, Suki and Sally. (Yes, I have a cat and fiancé with the same name, but the names are just coincendental) I work full-time for E! Online and pick up freelance work with Shaker Designs in my spare time.

Marko: How are you doing these days?

Ryan: I’m very well. I’ve been quite busy at work, but it’s the good kind of busy. Sally and I are also planning our wedding in May and that’s been fun too.

Marko: When did you first encounter a keyboard or computer?

Ryan: My first encounter with a computer was with an Apple II in school. I was completely fascinated with “turtle” graphics at the time.

Marko: What is your favorite art work /website!?

Ryan: Really, I’m a fan of anyone who dedicates their life to creating art, whatever the medium may be. I’ve always loved cartoons and have had tremendous respect for cartoonists. Picking a favorite website is way too difficult. I think I have a new favorite every day!

Marko: When you launched shakerdesigns.com are you happy with the result of the site?

Ryan: When I first launched Shaker Designs, I was not happy with it at all. I found myself so busy with work that I didn’t dedicate the proper amount of time to get the site to a place I wanted it to be. After a few attempts, I finally have a site I feel comfortable with. I’m sure this will all change in a couple months and I’ll redesign the whole thing again.

Marko: What do you do in your spare time (We realize that spare time, in this context)

Ryan: I enjoy making things. Whether I’m building furniture or designing a t-shirt, I just enjoy making new things. I also love hanging out with Sally and my friends, playing poker or golf and traveling. I’m an amateur photographer as well and always have my camera with me.

Marko: Do you have a favorite drink? How much of it do you drink?

Ryan: My favorite drink has to be chocolate milk. I don’t drink it too often, but it always hits the spot.

Marko: Would you care to give us a brief overview of what a typical day is like for you ?

Ryan: My typical day starts out at 8am. I shower, shave, check email and then head out the door around 9am. It ususally takes about 20 minutes to get to the office and I spend the next 9 hours updating, maintaining, coding and developing the website. I usually leave around 6:30, then come home and relax with Sally. We’ll go out to dinner about once a week with friends, but otherwise, it’s just the two of us enjoying some quiet time.

Marko: I am always wondering how people such as yourself go about getting work? How do you do it?

Ryan: Most of my work is via word of mouth. If I’ve done a good job, people don’t mind recommending my services to someone they know. Occassionally, I’ll get work through the website too.

Marko: Who are some of your biggest influences?

Ryan: My biggest influences are my friends and family. I think my inspiration comes from watching and talking with them. Humor is also a huge influence in my life, so anyone who can laugh and make me laugh is a huge influence.

Marko: Is your background in design? What was the progression into web development and design like?

Ryan: My background is in the traditional arts, drawing/painting/sculpting. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an architect, but decided to study history in college instead. I’ve always been an avid photographer too and once I got my first copy of Photoshop, the progression into web design was natural. I’ve always been the type of person who needs to know how to do everything, so once I began to design, I wanted to know how to develop. After countless hours of practice, I found myself developing and designing on my own.

Marko: If you where not a designer/programmer what would you be?

Ryan: That’s easy. I want to be a rock star.

Marko: How do you like our site mcville.net?

Ryan: The site is great. It’s nice to find a place on the web where the voices of so many designers and developers can be heard.

Marko: If you could change something on mcville what would it be?

Ryan: Probably the logo. The floral arrangement doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the site.

Marko: What kind of music do you fancy?

Ryan: I love it all. Currently, I’m listening to Mars Volta, Queen, Sigur Ros, Beck, AC/DC, 400 Blows, Frank Sinatra and The Tenacious D. That’s just the short list.

Marko: What’s your favorite food?

Ryan: Bryer’s Mint Chocolate Chip ice Cream.

Marko: Where do you get out on Saturday’s?

Ryan: Saturday is usually my “do something fun” day. Today, I’m going to a baseball game. Last week I went to an all female Roller Derby match. Next week, an all day music festival.


some relaxing question to follow

Marko: Chinese or Thai (food)?

Ryan: That’s a tough one, but I prefer Chinese.

Marko: Coke or Pepsi?

Ryan: Definitely Coke.

Marko: HTML or CSS?

Ryan: XHTML and CSS! I have to have both.

Marko: Do you watch television? If so, do you have a favorite show?
Ryan: I watch TIVO. My favorite shows are The Office, Lost and late night cartoons on Adult Swim. Especially Futurama and The Family Guy.

Marko:What OS do you use ?

Ryan: Windows XP

Marko: What would we find in your favorites bookmarks-bar?

Ryan: Lots of design and development blogs, some work related sites and a few wacky and fun sites.

Marko: What inspires you? This doesn’t have to be design related.

Ryan: My normal, everyday conversations with people inspire me. It’s amazing what kinds of things you’ll talk about, think about or even develop, just by having every day conversation with colleagues and friends. Some of my best ideas started with a meal or beers with friends.

Marko: Thank you for having this interview m8 ,cya!

Ryan: Thanks for having me, it’s been fun!

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