I recently had the pleasure of having a nice email conversation with Alen Grakalic of the very popular web development website, CSSGlobe.com. Alen has published a lot of really popular articles and techniques on his website, and has been a positive influence on the industry for quite awhile. So without further adue, enjoy Alen’s thoughts and ideas!

1. So, how long have you been involved in designing/developing websites and writing?

Hi, thanks for having me and nice big hug (ok, a handshake if you’re having problem receiving hugs from tall, skinny male :)) to your readers.
I’ve first started designing in a small local print shop doing DTP work, but I soon transfered to web. It happened in the year 2001. As for writing I really started writing this January but at the moment I am not writing much. I enjoy it a lot but I just don’t have the time. My life atm is not organized that way.

2. When did you start CSSGlobe.com? What was your motivation behind the website?

It was 2 years ago and I first intended to create a local web professionals database where they could post news and their blog updates. While developing I decided to go global. I didn’t have any hidden motivations, I still don’t. I just wanted to provide a place for people to share links, news, blog posts etc.

3. Looking back, what single event or item has contributed the most to the extreme success of CSSGlobe.com?

I am not sure if I would call it extreme success the site is doing ok. I don’t think that it was a single event, it was more of a process. The site slowly got where it is now, and I hope it will continue to grow.

4. How and where did you learn all the skills you possess relating to web development?

From friends and internet. Funny enough, I read very few books on the subject, it is all practical knowledge. But I spent countless hours learning. In the early days learning new stuff 10 hours per day was not a problem for me.

5. I love the design of CSSGlobe, is this a reflection of your daily life (coffee, newspaper etc)?

Thanks! Idea behind Css Globe is to be a daily stop for web developers. My desire it that people include reading this site in their daily rituals, similar to (perhaps a bit stereotypical) reading newspapers and having a cup of coffee in the morning. I will have to disappoint you though, the design will soon change so will the shape of CSSG.

6. How many other websites are you involved with or run?

At the moment I am preparing 2 new projects, so please ask this question in 2 or 3 months

7. What are some of your biggest strengths and weaknesses when it comes to design and development?

I’d say that my strength is being able to look at the projects from all aspects from design, backend development even promotion or conversion. Weakness? Not knowing PHP well enough

8. How do you feel about the future of web design? Are you optimistic?

Good question! I can’t say that I look forward to all the changes that most will certainly happen to this industry. Our profession didn’t exist 10-15 years ago at least not in a way that it exists now. So who knows what will happen to web as we know it. I am not worried about the future of web design, but I am a bit worried about the future of web designers

9. Frameworks seem to be very popular right now, do you a favorite framework you like to work with?

I am hooked on jQuery. I can’t be thankful enough for it! I don’t use any other frameworks or libraries.

10. Where do you get inspiration for your blog posts? Any advice on how to become inspired when going through a bad moment of writers block?

Most of the blog posts topics came from real work and real life situations. I often find my self in a middle of a problem, and while trying to solve it I think to myself “This would make a good blog post”. And it’s not just the technical topics. If you’re having hard time coming up with new topics, try to think of situations you had before and maybe you’ll find the topic to write about.

11. Do you have any words of advice that you would give to someone starting out in the world of freelancing and design/development?

Build a solid client base or have some other backup plan when it comes to finance. Freelancing is not predictable, sometimes you have lots of work and money sometimes you don’t. Prepare yourself for the time when your business will be slow.

12. What are some of your favorite websites to visit when you have the time?

Since I am into Ironman triathlon and endurance sports in general I enjoy Ironman related sites. I also read Css Globe members submissions regularly and that keeps me occupied. When I am bored or just want to take a break I am clicking the Stumble button, I find that very interesting!

13. Lastly, what are your tips for creating a quality blog post, what process do you use to achieve this?

I am not an expert writer, but I guess the blog posts should cover the topic entirely. So be thorough, try to look at the topic from more than one aspect. If you’re writing a tutorial, write like you’re addressing to the people that have minimum knowledge of the subject. Also, pay extra attentions to titles. Good titles help!

Drew: Thanks so much for your time again Alen, I am a huge fan of CSSGlobe and hope you all the continued success.

Alen:Thanks for having me

Visit CSSGlobe!

Again, I want to extend my thanks to Alan for taking the time to do this interview with me and allowing it to publish it for all to view. You can read the latest web development articles at CSSGlobe, I encourage you all to check it out if your not already a regular!

Editor’s Note

My apologies for misspelling Alen’s name, whoopsy!