Meet The Team - Shaun Barrio, Front End Developer
Shaun is part of our busy development team, and also Absolute's token 'Scottish bloke' (the most commonly heard phrase in the office is 'What on earth did Shaun just say?')
He can usually be found with his headphones on (Justin Timberlake is banned from all office playlists) with a range of mobile devices on his desk for testing.
What is it about Absolute which made you want to come here?
Moving 350 miles south, there was a friendly sort of feel to Absolute that was welcoming to me and it has only got better. I also believed it was somewhere that I would be able to put my own stamp on projects and try new things.
What were you doing before you came here?
After I graduated in 2012 I spent the 18 months prior to joining Absolute working for a leading agency in Edinburgh and doing freelance work so I could try my hand at a number of different skills. This involved work for clients such as Business Gateway, The Scottish Government and Mackays.
What does an average day involve in the studio for you?
Working my way through a never ending to do list, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It keeps me out of mischief. Well... most of the time.
What has been your favourite project at Absolute so far?
I'm not sure I've got a favourite to be honest. Every one comes with different challenges and I enjoy the process of problem solving which that leads to and set out to learn or try something new each time. Perhaps my favourite project may be just around the corner though.
What's on your playlist at the minute?
All sorts. Some good, some less so. I listen to Annie Mac on Radio 1 for new music but it's no secret that JT and Alicia Keys are mainstays on my playlists. I've been listening to a fair bit of Explosions in the Sky while I work.
Best gig you've ever been to?
I've been to a couple but nothing that I could label as the best (Aberdeen and Edinburgh aren't known for their music scenes). I'll maybe have to say Arctic Monkeys for now but I'd love to see the aforementioned Mr Timberlake if he comes back to the UK on another tour.
Favourite place you've ever visited
I'm not particularly well-travelled so I’ll have to be predictable and say Old Trafford. My first visit was something I built up to from a young age and I still get the same feeling whenever I go. Although, a road trip across the USA is something I would definitely love to do.
An interesting fact..
I am “unusually flexible”. It has a name and everything - Hypermobility Syndrome for those of you who may be concerned.
Favourite TV Show at the minute? (and why)
I don't think I'm watching much at the moment. There's just far too much sport for me to watch instead. My favourite just now is probably Suits but I'm still trying to catch up with everyone else as I'm a few series behind.
Where do you go for inspiration? (Books, blogs, magazines etc)
Being part of an industry as open to sharing ideas as this one is, reading and participating in the thoughts and discussions of others can often spark something else in your mind. I would like to start attending more conferences for this reason but we’ve also got a couple of good magazine subscriptions (net and web designer) which always provide an interesting read. Chris Coyier’s blog CSS Tricks is also a personal favourite while Lea Verou's new book CSS Secrets is on it's way here as we speak.