This is
www.ito-design.co.uk
Also known as Amanda Thomson
Designer of web based solutions using HTML, CSS, PHP and SQL (Alas, now retired)
Also known as Amanda Thomson
Designer of web based solutions using HTML, CSS, PHP and SQL (Alas, now retired)
Ito-design specialised in helping small to medium businesses develop a web presence. There were no limits, no boundaries and the quirkier the job the better. During its life, Ito designed for hypnotherapy studios, online magazines, a music studio and a multinational travel company.
Static sites (like this one) and larger, content managed sites were both developed. Using custom designed and built relational databases and a PHP front end, pretty much every customer request could be catered for, including ecommerce!
TGR Events
A website advertising TGR Events booking company, built as a custom theme in wordpress, using custom short codes.
Truck monkey overland
A content managed website advertising an overland travel company. Site includes, flier design, monthly email design and Logo.
Esotera records
Advertising designs for a standalone record label.
Frock on vintage
A paper print flier designed for a one off pop up shop in Birmingham specialising in urban clothing.
Laser form
A simple HTML/CSS point of presence for a new laser cutting business.
Domo kun
Taking over the world...
Ito design
A simple HTML/CSS point of presence.
Tribal Turtle
Album cover artwork for the Tribal Turtle band.
This is artwork?
The story continues...
Speaking of journeys,
Keep going.
Simple web design that will validate. Clean, well commented code that can be followed.
Problem solving isn't always about sitting in an office talking about the way things should be done. I have a strong background in design which allows me to think on my feet and act upon it.
My unique skills & experience allow me to come up with creative solutions that form perfect harmonies between form and function while maintaining the highest levels of aesthetic standard.
From the ground up point of presence to top end ecommerce and content managed systems.
It takes talent, knowledge, hard work, and dedication to make great ideas come to life. I've been helping make great ideas happen a long time and am not afraid of a challenge.
New technologies get me excited and I love jumping right in and getting things done. I'm passionate for untangling problems and learning the lessons that unfold at each and every project.
Custom themes, short codes and plug-in's using this beast of a CMS.
The key to creating great wordpress products and experiences comes through understanding of the client and user needs, among other things. The crucial stages of concept development, research and planning are at the heart of any successful WP project.
I take great care in ensuring all the necessary steps are taken to produce perfect results every time
Design should never say, “Look at me.” It should always say, “Look at this.”
I’m Amanda Thomson and I was a full time designer and developer of websites and content management systems. I’m not any more though.
I got my diploma a few years ago in Java programming (not the script kind) and relational database theory and design - Taught by the most amazing Hugh Darwin, an absolute database / SQL guru.
My stock tools are HTML, CSS, PHP, SQL and Javascript. Since I could already code in PHP and had a fondness for databases, content management systems came as a natural progression from stand alone web pages.
However, with the advent of HTML5 and CSS3 on its way, I’m leaning back towards the non CMS flavour of the web just to see what I can do.
Ito Design was moderately successful.
I specialised in dealing with smaller companies but also did some outsourcing to a local company who needed someone to head up their Wordpress section. Most of my income and work load came from site overhauls, updates and SEO, but I also taught web programming for a while and did a few graphic and print works.
This site is live simply to keep a record of some of the things I did during my freelance time.
Some of images are screen caps from sites I developed; some of them are banners, logos and simple commissions. The computer I used to develop on got trashed though so most of the work I did was lost and all I have is what I could salvage from my old site.
photoshop
css / html
javascript
php
sql
A prawn
Because I can
Ito Design was a real labour of love. I'd been playing with the internet and web coding since the days when scrolling news and marquees were cool, when the online world was built with tables and CSS was a wonderful dream.
After completing my diploma I decided I'd go down the route of creating my own business (it's the only way to design the way you really want to) and got help with the plan and funding through the princes trust. Finally the business came to life and word of mouth spread.
Eventually I branched off into teaching web coding and loved it. One to one tuition was something I thrived on, and I had a great time guiding my handful of students from complete novices to accomplished designers in their own right.
But all good things come to an end and the recession hit hard. I found my personal circumstances changed and I could no longer dedicate my time to design in the way I had. Clients would expect more for less and making ends meet became harder and harder. After a long few months of struggling, Ito studio finally closed and I embarked on a new career. One day I hope to rub the rust off and return to the design world, but I still like to potter and play, whenever I can.
Every journey has an end.
Normally you would contact me here, but not anymore, sorry. If your really desperate, there is a twitter link on here somewhere....
The studio is no longer accepting work and is no longer trading, the site remain live for my own reasons and sandpit.
Hope you enjoyed the journey. Made with love www.ito-design.co.uk © 2012