This is not your average portfolio 'about me'. They don't tell you about the actual person, only what you want to hear. This page, is about the real me. Scary stuff!

My name is Ruth, known online as JaysGirl. I have been dabbling in web/graphic design for over 5 years now, and I can’t seem to get enough. I like anything creative. Anything that is ‘out of the box’ and unusual, but still speaks structure and perfection. Sounds lame, but you can't beat a perfectly structured, well coded, valid site. Well, I can't anyway's.

Well, i'm 20 years old and I live in Liverpool, UK. I don't have a broad scouse accent like people think, but its easy to notice [according to others]. I went to high school and college, but ended my education there. I don't believe University had anything to offer me. I knew what I wanted to do, and I was doing it well before I left college. To me, University is just a different way to create massive debts very fast. If, however, I wanted to start a new career in a new direction, I may go. Not holding my breathe though!

I'm a proud geek. I love computers, gadgets, technology, coding, everything like that. I can start up a conversation on the aspects of premature headers in regards to PHP, but obviously no one would listen. I'm not a girly girl, but I can make an effort to look pretty if pushed. You won't find any images of me online, as I am extremely camera shy.

I work with Macs, mainly because of how well they work with me. Designing on a PC is more like a chore. The software doesn't seem to flow, yet using photoshop on a mac feels as though they were made for each other. I currently own a MacBook Pro & a 24" 2.4 iMac ... my two favourite items [along with my iPod Touch :)]. You know if people ask what would you grab if your house was on fire? well, i'm the girl with the laptop and the huge screen running out of the house :)

I started designing when I was younger, making images on my Amiga 2000 using 'Deluxe Paint'. From there it progressed, my skills evolved as did the software I used. I went from designing animated gifs for forum signatures to small local web sites, and then onto the myspace designs. Being a myspace designer was never intentional. It just sort of, happened.

I knocked up a quick myspace for my boyfriends old band a few years back, and it turned out ok [now it looks rediculous] ... after that, I got more and more people asking about myspace designs. I soon found myself being the top UK myspace designer in a matter of months, probably more than likely because no one else is stupid enough to take on myspaces awful code and make it look presentable.

I believe that design is one of the most important aspects of life. You cannot be taught how to design, nor teach. Its a part of you from early life. Either you use your skills and progress them, or you let them dwindle away until design, or more importantly, art, is just a bunch of shapes and colour with no meaning.

What else, well - I have a dog, her name is Meg an she is a west highland terrier. She's an awfully jealous little dog, who hates hoovers, lawn mowers, sneezing and men in general. When she wants to go outside, she rings her own little bell we have attached to the door on a string. Its not rocket science, and she's not seriously intelligent either. She just learns fast. I love her to pieces, and she is a great little source of inspiration.

I also have the best boyfriend ever. His name, [obviously] is Jay - an we got together back in 2004. We have known each other since primary school, and went to high school and college together. People always ask what would happen to my branding/identity if me and Jay split up, and my answer? Well first, I would mention that I have a tattoo with his initial on, so the domain name is the least of my worries. But then I would also mention that Jay will always be a part of my life. He helped me make my business, so no matter what, he will always be a part of it. [End Mushy Part]

The name 'JaysGirl' was in fact a reminder to Jays nan on who's christmas card she had to send out. When I received a card off her back in 2003, it had 'Jays Girl' written in the corner. Since then, it stuck.

If you like what you read, take a look at my portfolio and then go straight to my contact page. It will be worth it.