About
Summary
I am an year old self-taught HTML web developer and student at Washington State University, and began studying Web Design and Development with a major in Digital Technology and Culture in August 2022.
Goals
Creating technology that is Accessible to All, Enjoyable, Easy, and Intuitive to Use, Efficient, and Fast, while remaining Visually Pleasing to the eye.
Action Plan
I've always desired to make technology more accessible by developing user interfaces that are simple to navigate and visually engaging. My studies at Washington State University in Web Design and Development and Computer Science will further my understanding of the concepts, methods, and best practices used in the industry. I approach challenges with an open mind and consistently challenge myself to learn new things, inside and outside the classroom environment. My studies will prepare me for a successful career in Web Design and Development. With that career, I plan to make using technology easier for people at all levels of access and comfort.
A bit more
In-Depth
I am Jack Graddon, a freelance Web Developer and Graphic Designer. I grew up in Lynden, Washington, a farming community about five minutes south of the Canadian Border. I enjoy designing, and making my design myself gives me a huge sense of pride and accomplishment. I am studying Digital Technology and Culture at Washington State University as a Regent Scholar and Honors Student with the goal of creating technology that is intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable to use
Getting Started
My interest in graphic design was started at my grandparents house, where my Grandpa let me have access to a computer with Microsoft Publisher. Publisher isn't exactly the staple of graphic design software, but it is what got me interested in design. This then led to various apps related to graphic design and digital art, such as Procreate and Affinity Designer, which I bought for my iPad Pro (2017) from money made mowing lawns.
Growing Up
As a child, I grew up with the need to take things apart. I did this to learn how the things I took apart worked, how they were made. And I often put them back together. Did they work after I put them back together? They worked every time, about 20% of the time. This did however lead me down a path of making things, and making them to look good - visually and aesthetically pleasing. I crave to learn more and more about ways I can make things. And I have learned how to make many different things. I've taught myself how to code websites (with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), how to use design software like Photoshop and Illustrator, and am even starting now on 3D modelling with Blender. I learn as I go, trying new stuff every project. With each new thing I try, I have to learn a new thing.
School
I took all of the design and coding classes I could possibly take at my High School. Those classes included Graphic Arts I and II, Broadcast I and II, Web Design, Javascript, and AP Computer Science. In Graphic Arts I and II, you have access to Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and InDesign to learn the basics of the programs. In Broadcast I and II you learn how to record and edit video for the school's Morning Announcements, and how to make graphics and effects for the videos you record. In Web Design, you learn the basics of HTML, where I took the top of my class fairly quickly. In JavaScript and AP Computer Science, you learn basic fundamental JavaScript to code arduino's and aid HTML. To continue my education, my studies at Washington State University in Web Design and Development and Computer Science will further my understanding of the concepts, methods, and best practices used in the industry.