From hand-coding in the ’90s to mentoring today, my journey has been guided by one mantra: adapt or die. Resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning have been my compass. Dive into my story to see how embracing change transforms challenges into opportunities. 🚀

Websites Aren’t Forever: Why the Digital World Demands Constant Evolution 🕒

The average lifespan of a website is just two years—a startling statistic that underscores how quickly digital platforms can become outdated. In today’s fast-paced tech environment, design trends shift, user expectations evolve, and software dependencies (like plugins or frameworks) require constant updates to remain functional and secure. For anyone who’s worked with platforms like WordPress, this reality is all too familiar: neglect a site for too long, and it can break, become vulnerable to security threats, or simply fail to meet modern standards. It’s a constant battle to keep things running smoothly.

That’s why I’m thrilled to share that this site has finally undergone a complete overhaul. It’s not just a fresh coat of paint; it’s a reinvention. The focus now is squarely on providing free, accessible educational content—a resource hub designed to empower others as I embark on this next chapter of my journey. Whether you’re here to learn, explore, or simply find inspiration, this new iteration is built to last, adapt, and grow. 🛠️

This isn’t just a website; it’s a commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering growth. And unlike the fleeting nature of so many digital projects, this one is designed to evolve, ensuring it remains relevant, functional, and valuable for years to come. Here’s to new beginnings and the endless possibilities they bring! 🚀

Embracing the Digital Revolution: My Journey Through the Transformative ’90s

My career began in the early 1990s, teaching night school classes in computer basics while figuring out my path. Back then, the World Wide Web was just gaining traction. I remember my neighbors moving to Geneva to work at CERN, where the internet was being born. It felt like the future was unfolding right before my eyes. 👀

The first time I saw HTML at an internet café, clicking “View Source” in Netscape felt like cracking open a secret code—it reminded me of the reveal codes in WordPerfect, and I understood it instantly. Around the same time, the introduction of the JPG format on September 18, 1992, revolutionized digital media, hinting at the transformative power of technology. 🎮

In 1994, I rushed out to buy Sarah McLachlan’s groundbreaking hybrid CD-ROM. She was among the first artists to blend audio, video, and interactive content into a single multimedia experience, showcasing how technology could deepen artistic expression and audience connection. It was a trailblazing moment, offering a glimpse into the immersive digital experiences we now take for granted.

I didn’t follow a traditional career path. Instead, I embraced the chaos and creativity of the digitally transformative ’90s—a decade of rapid innovation where the rules were rewritten daily. I thrived by exploring, experimenting, and teaching myself the skills I needed to keep up. From decoding HTML to witnessing the rise of JPGs and marveling at multimedia breakthroughs like McLachlan’s CD-ROM, I lived through a time when technology reshaped how we create, connect, and communicate. It wasn’t always easy, but it was mine—a journey fueled by curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to dive into the unknown. In the ’90s, the mantra was clear: adapt or die. ⚡

Building the Digital Frontier: My Multifaceted Journey in the ’90s

By the mid-to-late ’90s, I was fully immersed in the digital revolution, teaching HTML and CSS courses, designing websites for a small ISP, and working in the creative industry. It was an exhilarating time—the internet was no longer a niche curiosity but a rapidly expanding frontier, and I found myself at the intersection of education, technology, and creativity.

My role was uniquely multifaceted. On one hand, I was teaching older generations—many of whom were encountering the internet for the first time—how to navigate this new digital landscape. It was rewarding to demystify the web for them, breaking down concepts like hyperlinks, browsers, and basic coding into digestible lessons. On the other hand, I was hand-coding websites for small businesses, helping them establish their first online presence. These projects ranged from simple static pages to more dynamic designs, each requiring a blend of technical skill and creative problem-solving.

At the same time, I was deeply involved in the creative industry, taking on a variety of projects that pushed me to expand my skill set. Some clients needed branding to stand out in an increasingly crowded digital space; others required photography, content creation, writing, or blogging to tell their stories effectively. It was the era of multimedia, where text, images, audio, and video began to converge, and I thrived on the challenge of integrating these elements into cohesive, engaging experiences.

This period was marked by constant learning and experimentation. Every project demanded something new—whether it was mastering a new design tool, exploring emerging web technologies, or finding innovative ways to communicate a client’s vision. I was refining my craft, not just as a coder or designer, but as a storyteller and problem-solver. It was messy, unpredictable, and incredibly fulfilling.

Looking back, those years were foundational. They taught me the value of adaptability, the importance of lifelong learning, and the power of blending technical expertise with creative vision. It was a time when the rules were still being written, and I was grateful to be part of shaping the digital world as we know it today 🎨.

Freelancing: The Original Side Hustle 💻

In 1997, I took the leap into freelancing during the dot-com bubble—a time of wild speculation and explosive growth in internet-based companies. It was an era of boundless optimism and innovation, where the internet felt like a vast, uncharted frontier. Freelancing became my primary focus, but I balanced it with teaching night school classes—a rhythm that kept me grounded and connected to a community of learners and creators. While freelancing could be isolating at times, teaching provided a vital counterbalance, keeping me engaged with people—entrepreneurs, small business owners, and curious minds eager to learn about the ever-changing world of web design, development, and internet marketing. 🌐

My freelance work was diverse and dynamic. I designed and developed websites, built a loyal client base, and even spoke at public events to share my expertise. I offered a range of services, from web hosting and SEO to content solutions, all under the slogan: building sites. building brands. building traffic. 🚦 It was a time of experimentation and growth, where every project pushed me to learn something new and refine my craft.

But my life wasn’t just about work. Around the same time, I was producing themed mixed-media art shows, collaborating with a network of independent artists and local creatives. These projects allowed me to explore my artistic side and connect with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for creativity and self-expression. After a night of teaching, I’d often head to an indie band concert at a small venue, soaking in the energy of the local music scene.

Rejecting the traditional 9-to-5 grind, I had found a way to live life on my own terms—a blend of freelancing, teaching, and creative pursuits that felt authentic and fulfilling. It wasn’t always easy, but it was mine. Freelancing wasn’t just a job; it was a lifestyle, a way of embracing independence, creativity, and the endless possibilities of the digital age. 💻

The iPhone Era: When the Internet Went Mobile 📱

The release of the iPhone in 2007 was a seismic shift in how we interact with the internet. Overnight, the web moved from being confined to desktops to living in our pockets, fundamentally changing the way we design, build, and consume digital content. This mobile revolution forced the web development world to adapt quickly. Static websites, which once dominated the landscape, began to feel archaic as dynamic, user-friendly content management systems (CMS) like WordPress surged in popularity. WordPress, in particular, became a game-changer, democratizing website creation by allowing anyone—regardless of technical expertise—to set up a site with just a few clicks. Suddenly, the barriers to entry for owning a website were lowered, and the internet became more accessible to individuals and small businesses alike.

But this shift wasn’t just about convenience; it also ushered in a new era of design and functionality. Responsive design became a necessity, ensuring websites could adapt seamlessly to screens of all sizes, from massive desktop monitors to the compact displays of smartphones. Google Web Fonts expanded typographic possibilities, freeing designers from the limitations of system fonts and enabling richer, more expressive web experiences. These advancements made the web more dynamic and visually engaging, but they also raised the stakes for developers and designers. Staying current with the latest tools, frameworks, and best practices became essential to remain competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

WordPress may have made it easy for anyone to create a website, but it didn’t eliminate the need for technical and design skills. HTML and CSS remained the backbone of web development, critical for customization and creativity. While pre-built themes and plugins offered quick solutions, those who truly wanted to stand out had to dive into the code, tweaking and refining to create something unique. The mantra of the digital age became clear: adapt or die. ⚡

In this fast-paced environment, the ability to learn, experiment, and evolve has become the hallmark of success. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a beginner, the story of web development since 2007 is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of staying ahead of the curve. The iPhone may have changed everything, but it was just the beginning of a relentless drive toward a more connected, dynamic, and accessible web.

Teaching Through Change: Bootcamps and Beyond 🎓

In 2012, Vancouver’s oldest independent photography school, where I had been teaching for years, closed its doors. It was a bittersweet moment—a place that had nurtured creativity and learning for decades was suddenly gone. Two years later, in 2014, the local school board shut down its long-running continuing education program, a 106-year-old institution where I had also been teaching. This wasn’t just any program; it was over a century old, a cornerstone of community education that had adapted to generations of learners. Its closure, along with the photography school’s, marked the end of two meaningful chapters in my teaching journey, each of which had played a significant role in my life and career. Teaching had been a passion and a side job for me for two decades; it wasn’t just something I did—it was a part of who I was.

The closures were a stark reminder of how quickly the educational landscape was changing. Traditional models of learning were being disrupted, and new formats were emerging to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world. During this time, bootcamps were all the rage, offering intensive, hands-on training in tech skills like coding and web development. I jumped into this new wave, teaching HTML and CSS at a bootcamp. It was a different experience from my previous teaching roles—fast-paced, focused, and tailored to students looking to quickly gain practical skills for the job market.

Around the same period, I also began teaching in a graphic design program at a local university. This role allowed me to help students bridge the gap between design and code, a skill set that was becoming increasingly essential in the digital age. It was rewarding to guide them through the creative and technical challenges of building visually compelling, functional websites and digital experiences.

These new opportunities allowed me to continue sharing my knowledge and passion, even as the landscape of education shifted around me. Teaching had always been more than just a job—it was a way to connect with others, to inspire and be inspired, and to contribute to the growth of a community. Whether in a photography school, a century-old continuing education program, a bootcamp, or a university classroom, the core of my teaching remained the same: empowering others to learn, create, and adapt in a world that never stops changing. 🖌️

COVID-19: The Great Digital Pivot 🦠➡️💻

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, it brought unprecedented uncertainty and brought the world to a standstill. Overnight, routines were disrupted, and the way we worked, learned, and connected transformed dramatically. For me, this seismic shift felt like a natural progression—a culmination of decades spent embracing digital tools and adapting to change. It reinforced, once again, that resilience and flexibility are not just skills but essential survival strategies.

As an early adopter and pioneer of the digital revolution, I enthusiastically embraced tools like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams for communication, while platforms like GitHub became indispensable for collaborating on coding projects remotely. Scheduling tools like Calendly and Microsoft Bookings streamlined virtual meetings, making it easier to connect with students, colleagues, and clients across time zones. This wasn’t just about keeping up; it was an opportunity to leverage my experience and adaptability to help others navigate the new virtual landscape. Whether it was guiding teams through remote collaboration, teaching online to students as far-reaching as the Yukon Territory, or supporting learners hand-coding their portfolio websites, I found purpose in empowering others to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The pandemic underscored the importance of being prepared for the unexpected and highlighted the power of technology to connect us even in isolation. Tools like GitHub allowed me to fix HTML and CSS errors or implement best practices practically in real time, ensuring projects stayed on track and learners gained hands-on experience. It was a reminder that change, while often challenging, can also be a catalyst for growth and innovation. As we move forward, the lessons of this digital pivot will continue to shape how we work, learn, and connect—proving that even in crisis, there is opportunity to evolve and flourish. 🌍

2025: Legacy Mode Activated 🏁

Now, in 2025, my fourth decade in the field, I find myself in a season of reflection and purpose. It’s a time to look back on the twists and turns of my career, celebrate the milestones, and give back to future generations. Each decade, from 1995 to today, has marked a distinct phase of my professional journey—each one filled with growth, reinvention, and the relentless need to adapt. As a Gen Xer, I’ve witnessed and lived through transformative moments: the rise of the internet, the burst of the dot-com bubble, the advent of smartphones, and the explosion of social media. These experiences have shaped me into a futurist at heart—someone always looking ahead, imagining possibilities, and striving to create a better world, improve the standards of living for everyone, and foster human flourishing. Let’s build a moon base to harness helium-3 for next-gen energy on Earth. Let’s mine near-Earth asteroids for critical minerals to advance innovation and human potential. I aim to leave a legacy not just through my work, but by inspiring future-thinking ideas that push boundaries and spark transformation. 🚀

In this chapter of my life, I’ve shifted my focus to mentoring younger students, particularly in HTML and CSS, and teaching these foundational skills to young creatives and graphic designers. It’s remarkable to see how far CSS has come—tools like Flexbox have revolutionized web design, making layouts more intuitive and efficient than ever before. It’s a reminder that times change, technology evolves, and careers are constantly being reinvented. This cyclical nature of progress excites me, and I’m committed to helping others navigate these shifts with confidence and creativity. 🔄

But beyond technical skills, I hope to impart something deeper to the next generation of web designers and developers: empathy for one another. Design and development are two sides of the same coin, working together to create seamless, user-friendly experiences—though not always without friction. Learning HTML and CSS is a process of continuous problem-solving. You solve one problem, only to discover another, in an iterative cycle that demands patience, persistence, and collaboration. My hope is that my blog posts and resources are not only educational and helpful but also insightful, encouraging readers to approach challenges with curiosity and empathy.

I want my work to inspire others to learn more, to dig deeper, and to see the connections between design, development, and the human experience. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned professional looking to refine your craft, I hope my journey serves as a reminder that growth is a lifelong process—one that’s as much about solving problems as it is about understanding the people behind them. 🌱

The Website: A Resource for Designers 🎮

The latest version of my personal website is a hub of free educational content, offering insights on web design, HTML and CSS techniques, and emerging trends. It features deep dives into Web Development History, profiles of HTML & CSS Pioneers, and explorations of Web Design Innovators. For those looking to master their craft, there’s CSS Mastery, Web Layout & Positioning, and CSS Best Practices & Techniques. Beginners can start with HTML Fundamentals, while seasoned developers will find value in Web Development Tips & Tricks. I also reflect on Web Design History & Trends and recommend Books for Designers to inspire the next generation.

My goal is to provide additional evergreen resources to my students—content that remains relevant and valuable no matter how the industry evolves. I’ll continue adding to this repository as time permits, tailoring it based on questions and feedback from students. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, stay ahead of trends, or simply find inspiration, this site is designed to grow with you. 📚

The Big Takeaway: Adapt or Die 🚨

Looking back, my career has been a series of reinventions—each one shaped by the times, the technology, and my own determination to keep learning. From hand-coding websites in the ’90s to mentoring the next generation of web designers today, I’ve lived through the rise of the internet, the fall of the dot-com bubble, and the seismic shifts brought by smartphones and social media. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: change is the only constant. As a Gen Xer, I’ve learned to embrace it—not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary. Adapt or die.

But adaptation isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving. It’s about seeing change as an opportunity to grow, to innovate, and to create something meaningful. Resilience has been my anchor through every twist and turn—whether it was navigating the collapse of traditional education models, pivoting during the pandemic, or reinventing my skills to stay relevant in a fast-changing industry. Adaptability has been my compass, guiding me through the chaos of the dot-com bubble, the mobile revolution, and the rise of AI and automation. And lifelong learning has been my fuel, powering my curiosity and driving me to constantly explore new tools, techniques, and ideas.

These themes—resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning—have shaped not just my career, but who I am. They’ve taught me that setbacks are just setups for comebacks, that the unknown is where the magic happens, and that the willingness to learn is the ultimate superpower.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this post, it’s this: don’t fear change—embrace it. Dive into the unknown, experiment with new tools, and never stop learning. And if you’re looking for a place to start, I invite you to explore the resources on my website. From HTML fundamentals to advanced CSS techniques, from web design history to emerging trends, it’s all there to help you on your journey.

Here’s to the next chapter, whatever it may bring. May it be filled with curiosity, creativity, and the courage to adapt. 🥂