My name is Barbarella Buchner, and people generally call me a “geek girl”. From the first days of the internet becoming openly available to the public in around 1995/6 back in the UK I have been learning about and using it on a daily basis, starting with building my first personal website in 1997.

Coming from a musical background, my creativity turned out to stretch further than just writing songs, and I soon found myself creating website backgrounds, button sets, logos and other graphics for my own and other people´s websites.

I am self-trained from books and internet courses, plus having been taught the basics of taking apart and putting back together a computer from scratch by a friend in 2001. Since then I have been keeping myself up to date with the latest developments in web design, software and new computer technologies, the latter including spyware and virus removal, installations, repairs and upgrades. Even though I have no official qualifications, I have, nevertheless, more than 15 years´ experience in my pockets – something that in “real life” counts for much more than certificates and paperwork!

My Skills

I have advanced knowledge of HTML, XHTML and CSS and also good working knowledge of Flash design, PHP and creating and working with databases (mySQL and phpMyAdmin). I am expert using Dreamweaver, Paint Shop Pro and Adobe Photoshop, as well as Adobe InDesign.  I prefer to write my own HTML code rather than letting an editor do it for me.

However, these days setting  up more dynamic websites is something I do using the WordPress CMS (content management system), with templates and graphics that I then customise to suit the customer´s taste and requirements.  Joomla is another CMS that I use when the website job requires it, and of which I have many years of experience.

On the graphic design side, I create logos, posters, flyers, brochures, menus… you name it, and I have done so for local businesses (and further afield) for more than 5 years now.   I also do small jobs for individuals who would like, for example,  a personalised and unique Christmas card, poster or photo collage done, plus I can be booked for photography sessions with kids, pets, for weddings and other special occasions. 

My working motto is: “Always be professional, but do it with a sense of humour“

For my photography skills, please visit Catnip Camera.