Mark Newell

Why Drupal:

“I have worked with big, clunky proprietary CMSs before, and when I first started using Drupal, I was surprised at how easy it was. It’s the most well-supported thing I’ve ever seen -- any issues are just a quick search away.

“As a designer, I can set up an entire site myself with views/blocks/panels, and it’s easy to do custom stuff too -- Drupal makes it insanely easy.”

“I also had a blast a Drupalcon San Fransisco in 2010, which helps!”

Experience:

“I worked with the Open Publishing Lab at RIT and they were looking for a CMS for their Innovation News project -- putting out multiple editions of a print paper in one day with a website supporting it. I suggested Drupal, and now that’s primarily what they work in. I’m glad that I guessed right!

“At my previous job, as we started to do more custom projects with our small team, I went from being “design guy” to ‘design/themeing/building views and blocks/troubleshooting/light development guy.’ I wear many hats, and I like it that way.”

What Drives Me:

“I really enjoy explaining to a client how much easier their lives will be when working with Drupal, and showing clients how easy it is to use. Putting something on the web shouldn’t just be delegated to technical people. I like being able to make improvements that empower people and see their positive reactions.”

What Inspires Me:

“Simplicity. Things that just make sense.

“My tastes in music and film tend to lean toward simpler experiences that bring out a certain emotion, and I try to bring that philosophy to my work. To me, a ‘beautiful’ site is not truly beautiful if it chooses aesthetics over usability."

Background:

Mark graduated with a BS in Media Arts and Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2008, and has a rich background of working with Drupal, particularly for publishing concerns.

When he’s not building themes and bridging the gap between design and development, he’s working on his own site, Bloody Good Horror, devoted to all things horror.

Mark also speaks on Drupal topics. You can review hIs latest presentation for DrupalCamp Chicago 2011, speaking to how designers and developers can work better together: 10 Things I Hate About You.