Tell HN: you help me code, I'll help you design

[sgdesign]

I'm a designer (http://sachagreif/com) and entrepreneur (http://folyo.me).

I am currently working on a new project, and I'm looking for a developer to help me out. Since this is a personal project, I don't have much funds and I realize I probably won't be able to afford a great developer. So instead, I would like to offer my own skills in exchange.

So if you've got your own personal project or startup, I'll be glad to help you with its identity, visual design, and interaction design.

Things I've designed: Sharypic (http://sharypic.com), RubyMotion (http://rubymotion.com), CodeYear (http://codeyear.com), and more (http://sachagreif.com/work/)

If you're interested, there's more info here: http://sachagreif.com/help-me-build-stuff/

Looking forward to hearing from you!

[burlyman]

Hmm, bad timing. I could help you, and I would like to, your project is interesting enough and I badly need design help in other projects. But I don't have that kind of time you're asking for, won't have it until next year. Keep tweeting about it, I might be able to join at a later stage if you still need it.

[trueneverland]

This sound awful to say but I can't help you but would love to pick your brain on design anyway if you're open to it. Particularly since I have no background on the stuff you're looking for.

[sgdesign → trueneverland]

Sure, ask away!

[trueneverland → sgdesign]

I've been trying to get into design, particularly starting with photoshop... But a ton of the material are geared towards photography editing. The few tutorials I was able to find that were web related where difficult to follow. What would you suggest as a good starting point from someone who doesn't know how to use photoshop (or any other tools) at all, that would be more relevant to web design.

I did find some website tutorials online but I'm not sure they are helpful or maybe its just I'm not getting it.

[sgdesign → trueneverland]

I'd suggest downloading some design freebies (you can start here: http://sachagreif.com/the-design-freebies-list/ ) and "reverse-engineering" them in Photoshop. Also, just look at other designer's portfolios and work you can learn most of what you know simply by analysing great work.

[trueneverland → sgdesign]

The problem is I don't know how to use photoshop lol. I prefer visual tutorials but youtube vids are severely lacking. The ones I find, are very photo centric as opposed to website design centric. Alternatively a good photoshop book for web design would be nice but I haven't come by one that is specific enough on learning photoshop

[sgdesign → trueneverland]

How about http://methodandcraft.com/?

The thing is, there's no such thing as "website design centric" techniques in Photoshop, except maybe the effects palette (but you can learn 90% of that just by playing around with the options).

The effects palette aside, all you need for web design is the typographic tools, vector shapes, and rulers (to set up your grid). So you can basically learn the technical aspect of "Photoshop for web design" in 30 minutes.

[trueneverland → sgdesign]

Thanks, I'll check that site out!

[one-two]

tell us more about your project, complexity, schedule, platform.

[sgdesign → one-two]

The project is basically building a HN clone. So it should not be overly complex, although I'm not underestimating the work it'll take to build a polished product either.

As for the schedule, I'd like to start as soon as possible but I can be flexible. And the platform is up to you, although I have a strong preference for Ruby/Rails as I'm already somewhat familiar with it myself. And I'm also looking to use a JS framework on the client side, like Knockout or Ember for example.

[hcho → sgdesign]

Are you aware of the fact that HN is open source? There's also Reddit and Lamernews. You can pick one and re-skin for your purposes I suppose.

[sgdesign → hcho]

I am well aware of this, but Arc doesn't seem like a very popular language.. I could adapt Lamernews I suppose, I'll have to look into it. But in any case, the customisations I have in mind will probably require some outside coding help.

[troygoode]

Hi Sacha. I fit the profile you're looking for and this comes at an opportune time for my own project. I sent you a message via your site's Contact form. Let's chat!

[sgdesign]

Here's the link to more details about the project: http://sachagreif.com/help-me-build-stuff/

[tim_moon]

I'm interested in helping out, and sent you a message via your site's contact form. Personally, really having fun with Node.JS, Socket.IO, and MongoDB :)

[jameswyse]

I don't have the time to help but I'm a huge fan of your design work, good luck!

[sgdesign → jameswyse]

thanks!

[krmmalik]

how bad/new are you to coding? i'm not that great myself but really want to improve my design skills. coding i think i could master overtime. design however seems like a constant uphill struggle.

[sgdesign → krmmalik]

I would be glad to answer any specific questions you have regarding design, if I can help.

[krmmalik → sgdesign]

Yes please. I have put some mock screens together and would love some feedback on them. I know where the improvements are requirement but i could do with some guidance on what direction to take.

[tekknolagi]

Hi! I'd love to help you out. Left a note in your contact form.

[krmmalik]

actually. please ignore my response.my reply was premature. your post didnt load correctly on my mobile app till now. i dont have the skills to help you. sorry.

[zeet2020]

hi

i am fair developer, i am not a expert but i can code some bit and piece here and there. always interested in new projects

[orangethirty]

Why Rails? Why a JS heavy front end?

[sgdesign → orangethirty]

Rails because I'm already familiar with it, and a JS heavy front-end because it will let me take on more of the work myself and depend less on the developer.

[ChronoGawd]

Good luck man... Honestly.