about.md
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title: About
permalink: "/about/"
excerpt: Find out more about Brightly Colored.
layout: page
---
_Brightly Colored_ is designed and developed by me, [Tim Smith](http://ttimsmith.com), in beautiful [St. Paul, Minnesota](https://www.stpaul.gov/). This publication covers a whole range of things including, but not limited to: design, development, technology, Geek culture, and Apple.
<figure class="extendout">
{% include imgic.html src="/tim-02-16x9.jpg" alt="Tim Smith's Photo" %}
<figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://www.jaimielaurenphoto.com/">Jaimie Lauren</a>.</figcaption>
</figure>
Just as a person goes through different phases of life, so has this site. There have been periods where I write a lot about a particular topic, then move on to another. There was also a time when I wasn't the only one to write here, which you can learn more about below. The constant, however, has always been me. Most of _Brightly Colored_ is a reflection of my life, my personal growth, my successes, and my sorrows.
## Why "Brightly Colored"?
I felt the name _Brightly Colored_ matched my personality. You'll typically find me wearing bright and vibrant things like yellow shorts, bright-patterned socks, and red shoes.
## About Tim
Writing about yourself is tough, but here we go.
I live in Saint Paul, MN with my beautiful and amazing wife, Kelly. We have two cats: Izzy and Minnie. I'm very opinionated and picky about certain things, but I strive to lace kindness and empathy into everything I do.
I've messed up a lot in life, but as Yoda once said, "The greatest teacher, failure is." Some of the failures have been painful—both to me and others. I've always tried to take responsibility for it and learn.
I started my adventure into design and development in 2006 when I was fifteen. I took some community college classes, but I'm mostly self-taught. My early career was tough—no one took me seriously as soon as I told them how old I was.
Since then, I've had the chance to work with some pretty amazing people. Some of those amazing people work for companies like [Relay FM](https://www.relay.fm/), [Carbon Ads](https://carbonads.net/), [&Yet](https://andyet.com/), [Lullabot](https://www.lullabot.com/), [Crush & Lovely](http://crushlovely.com/), and The Clinton Foundation.
In 2018, I decided I no longer wanted to work as a designer and developer for the web and became the Senior Producer for [Changelog Media](https://changelog.com/). I now make audio and video things for a living, and I love it.
I originally started this site thinking I'd be the next [John Gruber](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gruber), but quickly realized I didn't actually want that (not to mention, I'm not nearly as great a writer). Ever since this fantastic place is where I write about all that interests me.
## Contact
Send me an email anytime. I love getting an email from actual people. If you have a product you'd like me to review, feel free to reach out.
- Email: [smith@ttimsmith.com](mailto:smith@ttimsmith.com?subject=[brightlycolored.org] Hey Tim!)
- Follow me on Micro.blog: [@smith](https://micro.blog/smith)
- Follow me on [Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/smithtimmytim/)
- Follow me on Twitter: [@smithtimmytim](https://twitter.com/smithtimmytim)
## How It's Made
### Hardware
- 2018 15" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
- Apple iPad Pro 10.5"
- Apple iPhone XS Max
### Software
- [Siteleaf](https://www.siteleaf.com/)
- [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/)
- [Adobe Lightroom Classic CC](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom-classic.html)
- [VSCO](https://itunes.apple.com/app/vsco-cam/id588013838?ls=1&mt=8)
### Camera
- [Sony α7 III](https://amzn.to/2QSa7GG)
### Lenses
- [Sigma 18-35mm ƒ/1.8](http://amzn.to/2DlWGYu)
- [Sony FE 24-70mm ƒ/2.8 GM](https://amzn.to/2xBLPZy)
- [Sony FE 50mm ƒ/1.8](https://amzn.to/2NCmYyP)
- [Sony FE 85mm ƒ/1.8](https://amzn.to/2I9zNLf)
The site is hosted by [Netlify](https://www.netlify.com/), and powered by [Jekyll](http://jekyllrb.com). Type is set in Whitney and Operator by [Hoefler & Co.](https://www.typography.com/)
A huge thanks to the friends who've contributed to this site: [TJ Draper](/authors/tjdraper) and [Keaton Taylor](/authors/keatontaylor). Also thanks to [Sonya Mann](https://twitter.com/sonyaellenmann) for editing a few articles here and there, making me sound much better. Of course, a huge thank you to my partner in crime, [Kelly Smith](/authors/kellysmith), who reads drafts and sometimes writes herself.
## Affiliate Links
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. When you use them, _Brightly Colored_ gets a small commission for what you buy at no cost to you. Thank you for your support of _Brightly Colored_.