Howdy.
This site is the most recent iteration of my online home. It's a collection of thinking, writing, and work that expresses some of my particular way of being. This is also where I ramble on about design and all things that interest me. I am passionate about UX design, apps and software, typography, and all things well-crafted.
I’m a web, mobile, UX and product designer living in Fort Collins, Colorado. When I’m not making things with pixels, I enjoy being a husband, dad, friend, sports nut, mountain bike enthusiast, hobbyist landscaper, armchair theologian and the reader of many books.
Conversation Starters
My family, good books, good food, sports of all kinds, sports jerseys, Dallas Cowboys football, mountain biking, Apple products, historical fiction, pizza, hiking, trees, landscaping and anything well-designed or of solid craftsmanship — from software and hardware to furniture and architecture.
Deal Breakers
Know-it-alls, loud-talkers, close-talkers, micro-managers, me-monsters, sudden expertism, not doing your best, PowerPoint, fingerprints on my screen, cold weather, thyme, sage, asparagus and anything cherry-flavored.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Even though I consider myself a “self-taught” designer, I haven’t come up with an original idea yet. I’ve learned everything I know from others. I wouldn’t be the designer I am without the tremendous influence of Jeffrey Zeldman, Dan Cederholm (my design hero), Cameron Moll, Doug Bowman and Jason Fried.
But there are others. Lesser-known, everyday types of influencers we all have crossed paths with in our careers. People that are not famous, but those with whom we’ve worked side-by-side and worked with in the trenches.
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
— Isaac Newton
In the early days before I was a web designer, Steven Murray taught me how databases work and also how to work smart. Leslie Peeler is one of the smartest people I’ve ever known and championed my abilities when no one else did — not even myself. Kevin Brungardt taught me how to craft a message with precision and how to rigorously insist on excellence.
Andrew Shearer taught me more about CSS in 10 months than anyone else has in my whole career. Doug Alcorn taught me that its ok to push back and argue for what you think is right, but also how to disagree professionally. Jeremy Johnson and Travis Isaacs taught me how to creatively and effectively present and defend my design decisions. Pete Zaballos helped me rediscover something I knew, but forgot the importance of — the fact that words are important. Noah Wenz taught me how to find the humor in design complexity and linguistic redundancy. And regarding loyalty — my friend Cyrus Cords has has shown me more than he’ll ever know. Just say the word, buddy.
Saving the best for last: Cori Mallott — my greatest supporter, fan and best friend — has taught me more than anyone else in my life. She's shown me how to love learning, care for others, embrace diligence and pursue quality in how I interact with people around me, how I parent, things I make and how I work.
“I don’t really know how to succeed. I only know how to be chasing it.”
— Jake Kemp, Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket
How I Work
Holding to these values shape how I live, how I parent, how I vote, and how I work with others. They are a reflection of how I see the world, for better or worse.
People first.
Respect all humanity. Preserve our sanity. People over profits, every time.
Lead by example.
Don’t demand authority. Eagerly take responsibility. Relentlessly give credit. (hat tip: Seth Godin)
Do the work.
If you’re not hustling, you’re slacking. If you’re slacking, you’re stealing.
(hat tip: Matt Donovan)
Craftsmanship.
Don’t make something unless it is both necessary and useful. But if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful.
Strong beliefs, loosely held.
Have an opinion, but don’t hold it too tightly. It’s ok to be wrong.
Leave everyone in awe.
Above & beyond. Every time.
No matter what.