Answers are the things we create because we are afraid of the mysteries. A thousand cults are born for one thousand answers, and originality and truth are sacrificial.
Steven Cavins
Overview
Hi, my name is Steven. I'm an artist, web designer, and writer of sorts. This site is an attempt to bring these elements together in one cozy little spot. When I'm not at the office, I'm probably playing with shapes, colors, and words.
I also enjoy publishing essays for the group blog After School Club, managing my exuberant reading library over at Goodreads, or serving up a spicy vegetarian curry. In other words, there's plenty of time when you don't have cable.
Words
I did like it. I wouldn't say I loved it. Maybe I really liked it. Maybe I kind of really liked it. Maybe I liked it a little more than I should have. I've liked things like this before, but I'd hesitate to call it love.
I cannot say that I know precisely what the holidays really mean to me. My wife and I are pretty sure that the Santa Claus factor will not be introduced to the household. The simple fact is this: Christmas will be really weird for my children.
Web & Design
Web Standards is a large part of how I create a site.
Separating design from content allows for the maximum compatibility across browsers and platforms, makes the content more “findable” on popular search engines, and is easier—and faster—to redesign.
Here's a few of my favorite sites for education & inspiration...
Skills
The following represents a selection of languages and web technologies used throughout selected web projects:
Platforms
- Expression Engine
- Wordpress
- MySQL
- Basecamp
Languages
- PHP
- CSS
- XHTML
- Javascript
Software
- Photoshop
- Dreamweaver
- Flash
Selected Web Projects
Indiana Farmers' Network
Seeks to connect the farmers of Indiana with each other, the agriculture community and the resources they need to be sustainable. I was responsible for graphic design, XHTML/CSS markup, PHP and Expression Engine customization and implementation.
Client
Local Growers Guild & Southern Indiana Rural Development Project Inc.
Press
Skills
Barcoden
Currently in development. An online inventory system designed for the college work environment, utilizing the Ruby on Rails framework.
Client
Independent
Skills
Rob Schmidt Reporting
A video portfolio of the reporting works of Rob Schmidt. I was responsible for graphic design and PHP/CSS and Javascript markup.
Client
Rob Schmidt
Press
Skills
Steven Cavins
The preceding portfolio of yours truly. Responsible for all.
Client
Steven Cavins
Skills
Mighty Fine Media
Serves as the hub for Mighty Fine Media, which uses still photography, video, audio and web design to create distinct and compelling stories. I was responsible for graphic design, and CSS/XHTML markup. Includes a tiny content management feature.
Client
Mighty Fine Media
Skills
BG File
The BG File website presents stories and information focused on the people, places, activities and businesses that contribute to the vitality of the Bowling Green area. I was responsible for graphic design and XHTML/CSS markup, implementing a custom content management system using PHP/MySQL, and implementing video, Flash, Javascript, and other technologies.
Client
Sea Lion Studio
Press
Skills
Galapagos
A custom in-house content management system that organizes staff, rolodex, inventory, important announcements, and other data related to the day-to-day tasks of a non-profit production studio. I was responsible for graphic design, XHTML/CSS markup, PHP/MySQL, and usability testing.
Client
Sea Lion Studio
Skills
The Heartlands
The site delivers raw statistical data on Southern Indiana’s social and economic factors, parsed and presented into a friendly and accessible graphical format. I was responsible for all graphic design and illustrations on the site.
Client
Southern Indiana Rural Development Project Inc.
Skills
BG Dentistry
Provides information on the dental practice of Phipps Levin Hebeka, including current staff, office features, technologies used, and general tips to promote oral health. I was responsible for all graphic design, XHTML/CSS markup, and PHP/MySQL. Back-end includes an administration area for staff to manage various content features on the site.
Client
Sea Lion Studio & Phipps Levin Hebeka
Skills
Talbot Services
Talbot Services has been a drug-intervention program provider for the Toledo, Ohio area for over 20 years. The website serves as an accessible and easy way for users to learn about the programs and register online. I was responsible for all graphic design and XHTML/CSS markup, creating a registration system, including e-commerce features, using PHP/MySQL for users to register and purchase products online. Backend includes an administration area for staff to manage products, schedules, and registered users.
Client
Sea Lion Studio & Talbot Services
Skills
For Fun
Clerk Comics
Back when I was a video store clerk, we vented much of our frustrations by making comics on scraps of paper behind the counter. This site collects those comics in all their annoying glory.
Idiot Reviews
An exercise in futility: creating fake but funny reviews for products on Amazon.com. Much of them were removed, but this site saves them.
