This website was initially developed for UBC’s technical writing course. The idea was to design a website where I could reflect on the course material. Technical writing is precise; words are used thoughtfully, and sparingly. In contrast, reflection involves a ‘restrained free-flow of words’, of a sort. Recently, I realized that my website would evolve into the highly anticipated web folio.

I reconsidered my website’s design. I love the photo of the flowering almond tree against the clean, blue sky backdrop. It’s colorful, uplifting, and evokes feelings of renewal. It was a great centerpiece for reflecting on my writing. But, now with the approaching completion of the web folio, I wondered if it represents where I am going, professionally. I checked out several examples of web folios online, and tried out a few other WordPress templates.

I love getting rapt up in creative projects. In my work life, I have had many opportunities to craft compelling content that is also visually appealing. However, my experiences have taught me that it’s very easy to get caught up in the small things. For me, the small things are often the visual components.

The web folio is the endgame of this technical communications course; a tremendous effort has gone into writing technical definitions, peer reviews, proposals, formal reports, letters and memos, and an application package. Although I revised my work along the way, now that I am approaching the course conclusion, I feel that there was still so much more to review. Plus, my natural writing style tends to be quite “wordy”; so, self-editing is imperative. I decided that polished content is my prime objective; any time I have leftover can be dedicated to design.

Plus, I really do like my flowering almond tree.