Kansas born I am (not on a farm, thank you very much) which I mention by way of explaining why the inadvertent "yes'mam" or "fix'in" slips into my speech (I picked up the latter when I lived in Dallas). A KU grad (back when Kansas schools taught evolution), I spent my last school year designing t-shirts using the then sexy Mac II + Illustrator 88 combo (no joke... it had a whole meg of RAM, too) and tutoring math for the college athletic department (quite possibly the most enjoyable job I've had).   I'm the basic type "A" geek : weened on science fiction (Star Trek, the original, and 50's paperbacks -- Harry Harrison, Keith Laumer, et al), loved math, science, physics, terrible at sports. Throw into this mix a heavy artistic bent (sketching, sculpture, Pla-Doh, you name it) plus a jigger of toolhead and it's me.   I eased into computer programming so gradually I didn't recognize the signs at first. But a few years back while instructing an introduction to relational databases class it struck me full in the face: I'm a geek.      I now merge my interests in db design & programming with my enjoyment of less vector-headed pursuits (i.e. graphics and film) by working in web development, illustration and design, and motion graphics and film projects. I will freely admit here that my design strength is appreciating good design, then ripping it off. Execute this well and no one ever questions you.