Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Hello World! Joe Style

Well I finally caved. I continually told myself that I was never going to blog because I figured “What would I write about? Do I really want to put myself out there like that? Why would people care?” but here I am, writing the first blog post on my new blog Pixels and Dragons. I wish I could have come up with a better name like Digital Dragon Design or Pixels and Pandas (I do love me some alliteration) but this was the name the best described who I am... I will explain.

Pixels: I am a designer. I have done web and mobile web/app design. I actually just got promoted to lead designer at the firm where I work. This was a HUGE deal to me, in fact it still is. There is so much pressure with being the go-to person in any job. All of this self-doubt creeps up on you without you even realizing it. What if I can’t come up with a good design? Are they going to expect bigger ideas from me now? How am I going to manage people when the hire more? What if my co-workers don’t respect me? I don’t know near as much as they think I know. A barrage of these thoughts and feelings assaulted me and to be honest it was pretty overwhelming. I am still really freaked out, but I have had several crystallizing moments since the switch happened that showed me I can actually do this if I try (stories for another post). That is actually one of the reasons I started this blog, it will force me to go and try and find interesting stuff to post about in the design field thus making me more informed. I am so smrt. (Simpsons reference, bonus points if you got it)

And: Well this one kind of seems self-explanatory, but for those having trouble following along Dictionary.com can help.

Dragons: I am a huge fantasy nerd. I love games. I love books. I love sitting in poorly lit/ventilated rooms playing games with gentleman who have obviously decided that there lucky t-shirt only needs to be washed about once every couple of months. Everyday along with reading design blogs, I read gaming blogs. My main on WoW /played is currently sitting at 48 days 9 hours 2 minutes… and this is my second main. I could take my wife to Europe for a few weeks if I sold all of my Magic the Gathering cards. I have played so much Assassin’s Creed I have started to personally relate to Ezio Auditore da Firenze… you get the picture. Regardless, my nerdlyness is a huge part of my life as well and that is why I felt the necessity to write about it.

Whelp, that about sums why I decided to start this adventure in blogging. I am sure there will be a total of 3 people, including my wife and mother that read this but to that one person that I don’t know who sees this; hang in there if you like design and/or gaming because I promise to find some fun stuff to post.

Until next time, keep it nerdy.