This is a short story of my first “client” in the very early days when I started designing websites. I say “client” because I didn’t really receive money from that person (and I didn’t even ask for it).
However, I received something much more valuable. It’s an inspirational story I can share with you right now that has probably influenced my entire life.
Interested? Let’s see how it all started…
The book
I was very interested in software programming (especially C++) as a teenager. That was the time when the Internet wasn’t so easily accessible (at least it wasn’t in Poland where I lived back then). So, I had to buy some books in order to broaden my computer knowledge.
One of them was a 3-part book called “Symphony in C++“. I found this book recommended by many computer science students on the programming forums.
The book was written in such clear and easy to understand language that even a 14 year old boy could learn from it. I helped me a lot to develop my programming skills and write my first simple computer programs.
I offered service for knowledge
Pretty soon after that I needed additional sources to learn even more. I found another 2-part book by the same author called “Passion in C++” which was about more advanced techniques and object-oriented programming using C++.
These kinds of books were quite expensive in Poland, so I needed to figure out a different way to get them.
In the meantime, I started exploring some web design basics and learned HTML. At first, I built some very simple websites and did a little graphics work in Photoshop.
So, the idea was simple: I could contact the author and offer to design a website in exchange for the new books.
I didn’t think about asking for money. All I needed were these books, and besides, I felt like I was asking for too much as it was.
Then, I wrote an email to the author of the books…
Who was the author?
Here you might be surprised but it was quite difficult to find anything about the author. In fact, it still is. His name is Jerzy GrÄ™bosz (George in English – before you try to pronounce his Polish name).
Jerzy appeared to be a nuclear physicist who happened to know a lot about C/C++ — enough to write a few incredibly successful books. He is also an author of a number of publications in physics.
He’s an amazingly humble man. You won’t find any “About the Author” sections in his books. He holds a Ph.D. in nuclear physics but he never titles himself like this. All you can see in the book or website is just his name.
Also, he travels around the world looking for places that are not touched by western civilization. As a result, you can find many beautiful photo galleries from different places where he lived.
After my first email, he responded and asked me to call him “Jurek” which is a less formal form of his first name. He, of course, accepted my offer and in a short time we were ready to launch his new website.
That was my first experience in doing a job for someone other than myself. It was a great feeling to work with someone like him. I’m sure such a great experience with my first client had a big impact on my entire career.
Additionally, my first client was a man who inspired me not only by what he had achieved but also by what kind of person he is.
Pay time
I didn’t have to wait too long to get my books after I finished my work on Jurek’s website. I received the 2-part “Passion in C++” book with a special dedication on the first page:
To my new friend Rafal Tomal — author of my wonderful website.
Best regards, Jurek Grębosz
I had to admit that working with Jurek was already like a big reward for me. However, I was also very happy I finally had the books!
The project
This website design may not look like any of my current designs, so don’t be surprised. I was 15 years old at that time and it was one of my first websites.
You can still find the live website under this address (it has an English version): http://www.ifj.edu.pl/~grebosz
thanks for sharing this, Rafal! i haven’t done anything of note for myself yet but i’m always in constant need of reminders that it’s not a problem to start small and with just doing what you like. still unsure of what i like somehow!
Start doing things. You may find something you like during the process. I wanted to be a developer but then I realized I like more graphic design.
i will keep this in mind, i actually enjoy dabbling in things but i’m not sure if i’m drawn to anything that warrants sacrificing time that could be used to do other things.
Such a great story! Thank you for sharing it. I find it inspiring that you learned from working with others and taught yourself what you know. There’s hope for me. 🙂
There are so many resources available in the internet now. I’m sure you won’t have a problem to taught yourself.
“Praise and appreciation are like sunlight to the human soul, we can not grow and flower with out them.” Dale Carnegie
It’s amazing what a boost it gives your confidence when someone you look up to and respect believes in you.
Philip, thanks for sharing the quote! I love it 🙂
Hi Rafal,
I am first impressed by your passion as a student to teach yourself what you liked – and to yearn for the books of your subject.
And I was mosty inspired by your belief in yourself and in finding a creative solution to pitch to yoru favourite author and ‘client’ who himself was no ordinary person.
His humility seems to be legendary.
Thanks for sharing this story – it is awesome!
Hugs from the UAE 🙂
Thanks Farrukh!
What makes me like this story is what makes me role my eyes at so much internet marketing these days. Instead of focusing on “How do I monetize this?”, a question I am so sick of hearing, you focused on providing value. Certainly, you had your own needs in mind but you put more attention on how to serve your “customer.” This is what is missing from this age of the Internet gold rush. Thanks for sharing. I am going to spread this post.
When I think about that time, I remember how much time I spent learning new things and doing many crazy projects I came up with.
I didn’t consider it as a work back then. I enjoyed doing it. It’s all about our attitude 😉
Hi Rafal
Love the story and thanks for sharing.
Books and videos are great sources of learning.
I’ve always been a reader of “how to” books and I’ve taught myself lots of things, but never C++ LOL
When you find good resources, nothing seems to be too difficult to learn 🙂
That was a kind of beautiful story. You both have a beautiful way to reward each other. Salute for what you have done Rafal.
Hey, he visited Wamena, cool! It is part of Indonesia, although the residence looks more like Papua New Guinea.
Hi Rafal
Thanks for this awesome article. I am in the same position now. Originally started building websites so that my karate instructor could get more students. No money, just wanted to see the class grow in size. We a now one of the biggest in our town. My only regret is that I did not take up building websites at a younger age but with that regret comes feriosity to learn and build at a pace that will catch up those years.
Do you have any advice for someone else that has stumbled upon this world of building websites and wants to take it to the professional level? I was thinking of reading the books you linked but would they be too ‘computer programming’ and not so much ‘website building’?
Thanks again 🙂
The best way to start today is first learn HTML/CSS. Then, play with WordPress and try to customize themes. Next, you can learn PHP, so you can do more advanced theme customizations, write your own plugins, build your own themes from scratch, etc.
Hey Rafal. First, I like that you value quality over quality in your posts. Each one of your posts, no matter how brief has at least 10x the substance of most blogs on the web. Second, have you considered doing a redesign for him? Maybe something minimalist like the Minimum theme to represent his humble personality? It’d be neat to see the comparison, a representation of how far you’ve come.
Hi Gabe,
Thanks! That’s an idea 🙂 I sent him an email and I’m waiting for the response. Next, I’ll offer a redesign.
Don’t you just love going back to your roots on the internet? When I wanted to learn WP I offered to build 10 themes for $10 each, I don’t know if any of them live out there anymore any of them which are still clients I have long since re-designed on StudioPress!
10$/theme sounds like a good deal 🙂
When I was 15, I didn’t have internet connection since my house is in remote area. It was not until 18 that I had my very first internet connection. I was addicted to Game and News, so for the past 3 years. I didn’t do anything but playing. I wish I could be like you. Eager to learn and earn 🙂
I had my first computer when I was 5 or 6 and I was addicted to games until I was 13-14. Then I got bored with playing and wanted to create my own games 😉
That is a beautiful story. I appreciate the help I can get from forums and support to help me learn how to ‘tinker’ with my work. I didn’t get to be on the internet at all until a very mature age, but saw immediately that this is something I can do. Every day brings me out of bed looking for something to change, even though my skill level is still tentative. I love doing it every day and sometimes forget to charge people!
Wow! Awesome and impressive story. Thanks for share with us. And don’t worry for the old style website. The time pass so fast in internet and 15 years are to many years. The important thing in my opinion is this project was your starting point in your career. And is impressive how many stuff did you learn.
Nice work (the current work). Best regards Rafal.
I like the design of your blog/talk site. I’m starting one for our creative writing class, and need a new design, and your layout is easy read and see.
Hi Rafal,
Thanks for sharing your story with us! It was very inspirational to read. The important takeaway here, I think, is to start doing. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll end up doing.
The pleasure is in the journey itself. As Danish author H.C. Andersen says: “To travel is to live”.
Here’s to a wonderful journey that lies ahead!
Cheers,
Olle
Great story,
It actually makes me really happy to read it! 🙂
Good read, I like how you are able to portray your passion in this post. Working for things other than financial payment can be particularly rewarding.
Great story. I love this so much. Thanks for sharing.