In Summary
I'm currently working as an in-house web designer with multiple responsibilities. My primary experience is in graphic design for the internet, designing and implementing CSS layouts for dynamic and static websites. I am a skilled visual communicator and have broad web programming experience.
Most Recent Employment
My primary role is website interface designer. In my last job I was responsible for:
- consultations with clients to determine their internet needs
- development of website structure
- creative design
- leading the programming team
- organisation of accounts relating to ongoing services
- website maintenence
- troubleshooting
I have been lead designer on mySQL catalogue sites as well as many PHP based sites and static html sites. I also produce animated flash advertising pages.
In addition to my work as a web designer I was regularly tasked with creative design problems - solving visual communication problems is what I enjoy most of all. Minor responsibilities included setting supplied artwork up for our large-format, transfer and digital laser printers, and the handling of all sublimation printing jobs. The latter involved the selling, design and manufacture of small aluminium facias, signs and namebadges.
Knowledge & Experience
I primarily use Apple Macintosh computers, but I have a good working knowledge of Windows PCs.
The applications I use every day are:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- BBEdit (text editor)
- Microsoft Office
Other important applications I use:
- WordPress
- Adobe InDesign
- Macromedia Flash
The coding I do consists of:
- HTML
- PHP
- CSS
- mySQL (limited experience)
My continuing interests include:
- Web Standards
- Usability Design
- Interface Design
- Visual Communication
Employment History
- Yorkshire Housing (2008 - Present)
In-house web designer for a large housing association - Freelance Graphic & Web Designer (2006 - 2008)
Working directly for clients, and providing professional services to design agencies - P&N Corporate Media Ltd (2001 - 2006)
Employed as a Graphic & Web Designer - Self-Employed Graphic Designer (2000 - 2001)
Training funded by Business Link for setting up as a sole trader - During and Between Full Time Education (1995 - 2000)
On the books of many Employment Agencies, I worked on construction sites, in food-processing plants, recycling centres, small offices and large call centres
Formal Qualifications
- BA Hons Visual Communication (2:2)
Leeds College of Art & Design (1997 - 2000) - Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Merit)
Doncaster College of Art & Design (1996 -1997) - A Level: Art (A), General Studies (A), Biology (C), Geography (D)
Hall Cross School, Doncaster (1993 -1995) - G.C.S.E: Maths (B), English (CC), 10 in total (all A-C)
Edlington School, Doncaster (1991 -1993)
Statement
Although I may come across on paper as quite technically oriented, I am interested in technology as a means to communicate with audiences. The internet is a fantastic medium that is rapidly expanding in content, users and access methods, and as a visual communicator I readily embrace this new and exciting paradigm.
I read widely on the communicative role of the internet in business and amongst consumers, keeping abreast of new developments so as to improve my own skills and therefore offer the best possible service for my clients.
Visual communication is still the most vital aspect of my interest and knowledge. I revel in the rich visual culture we inhabit today, constantly deconstructing and analysing the huge number of messages we see around us. This supports and informs the work I do, and I really enjoy it.
Other Interests
Energy Efficiency, Mountain Biking, Music, Visual Culture, Technology, Digital Culture
References
Mr Robert Shotton
Business Mentor
Mr Adrian McGuigan
Creative Director
Referee contact details available on request