Dreamweaver Testing:
Take One

Today I went to my agency and took the testing for Macromedia Dreamweaver, sorta’. After about ten minutes of reviewing the test materials I told my new agent that I was done, and that I would be happy to take the test at a later date.
OK, here’s the deal: Even though I’ve been dabbling in web technology for the past few years, I’ve always known that I have significant holes in my knowledge. I wanted this test to help me see those gaps so I can concentrate on those problem areas and get myself on par with my competition. Now I’m resolved to mastering the web. I’ll be studying up and then returning to complete what I started today.
Even though I am the first one in the Seattle office to use this particular test, it did seem like a good test of practical knowledge, unlike those multiple choice test I get from time to time. One point of concern, however, is that this testing is very focused on page layout. It didn’t even begin to address many of the common functions of the program itself, some of which would seem crucial to overall workflow. In fact, the test itself stated that it could be applied to Dreamweaver, Adobe GoLive, and JavaScript. I’m guessing that I’ll have to find another source for testing to make sure that I actually have applicable knowledge.
After deciding to forego the testing, I had a long and pleasant conversation with Paula, my new agent. She came on board with the agency about a month ago, when Catherine returned to Boston. She was very quick to share how her strengths as an aggressive sales person will help her in placing her talent pool, and further clarified that this would be quite different in comparison to the approach employed by Catherine. She was very confident, friendly, personable, and direct. (I don’t doubt that she is a go-getter’.)
As I showed her my book we talked about the industry and the current economic conditions. (I can tell that I’ve relaxed a lot on the whole interview subject, as I kept finding myself just talking like a normal person, rather than like someone that is seriously looking of work. Oh, well.) It sounds like a lot of people have moved out of the area due to the economy and lack of work. She shared that the Tokyo office is booming, as is Portland, but clarified that these are the exceptions. She also reiterated earlier statements, siting the company sending her to the California offices for a week of direct-hire and placement training as clear indication that there is going to be an increase in that direction. She seems quite confident that things are starting to “pop” in the industry, and that things are looking up, despite Washington’s recent increase in unemployment to 7%.
I gave her my schpiel about being a designer and told her about my hopes and aspirations. During this time I told her my desire to teach Photoshop. She was very impressed with the idea of Mary and I doing training. She even shared a story of another designer in her client pool that has been successfully training people on her own time to take up slack between assignments. (This is a great idea, and should be perused!)
Anyway, the ball’s back over in my court. For now, I’ve got to finish up with my InDesign training so I’ll have the free time to work on code and Dreamweaver. Considering that I’ve spent the past few days locked in my room with my King James, Science & Health and a highlighter, it will be interesting to see how the next step unfolds.