In this workshop, we learnt all things WordPress with Robert Skinn, a multi-disiplinary designer focused on website design in ‘A Fine Studio.’ As this was the first time meeting Robert, he gave us a brief show of some of his work, as well as a few tips and tricks he felt were good to share. One of which that I thought was good to note was that of Robert’s ‘Tool Kit Must Have’s!’
Tool Kit Must Have’s
Digital Ocean
Described as a ‘hosting’ sight, meaning something in which allows us to host our own servers for various websites (such as the NUA websites), this platform is a cheap and comprehensive way of securing ones own server, inclusive of its own security and maintenance.
Microsoft Visual Code
Whilst I have never looked too much into code, it would not be something I would be against trying – and so I was very glad when Robert mentioned a system in which could be used by beginners to create and develop their own code, helping learning in the process.
Free to use and supported on all platforms, MSVC allows for 36 different languages, all with a debugger, making it one of the few platforms allowing for nearly all coding languages.
The Affinity Group
Built very similarly to the Adobe suit, the Affinity Group apps allow for the same outcomes at a lower price, much more affordable for designers within their own freelance work, at a one time payment, as opposed to Adobe’s monthly bill. Affinity offers Photo, Designer and Publisher.
Playing with WordPress
We began by looking at different plugins, and a few different things that Robert thought of as important to the world of WordPress, such as security, image size reducers and different themes.
We had a play around with different blocks and the way that they move, as well as looking at a little bit of code behind the blocks, suggesting how they work.