Experience

Professional Web Designer/Developer with extensive knowledge of web page development, coding, graphic design, layout, navigation, and multimedia animation using professional tools from Adobe, Macromedia, and others in order to improve the usability of end products and systems. My technical and creative experience has ranged from a small local design firm to a Fortune 5 corporate E-business. I have played a key role in the design and development of products in a volatile environment of changing technology and have been responsible for the successful deployment of several small web sites as well as contributing to updating several corporate web sites. I am experienced working directly with cross functional teams that include business, marketing, branding and technical people. Also strong at being a team player as well as a project leader.

*Links will open in a new window.

Professional
Experience

Senior Technical Producer
April 2006 - present
Fry, Inc., Westmont, IL

Web developer responsible for translating a detailed design and/or collection of art assets into a finished browser-ready file according to customer and team specifications. Also responsible for updating customer legacy sites through page updates and/or new page creation.

• Web site development using HTML/XHTML, and CSS.
• Updates client-side code (corrections, up-dates, layout revisions) as necessary.
• Lead integration of web standards as developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) when needed and appropriate.
• Perform functionality testing on developed pages before handing off to QA.
• Work directly with cross-functional teams that included project managers, designers, and technical developers.

Technologies used: HTML, XHTML, CSS, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macromedia Homesite, Microsoft Visual Safe Source,WinCVS, IntelliJ Idea, Adobe Photoshop.

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Web Designer/Developer
September 2005 - March 2006
Cygnus Interactive, Beltsville, MD

Web designer for Cygnus Interactive, a division of Cygnus Business Media, reporting to the Creative Director. Responsible for branding, aesthetic design and function of the online presence of Cygnus Interactive and its websites.

• Web site development using HTML/XHTML, JSP, and CSS.
• Implement web standards as developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
• Perform functionality testing on developed sites.
• Perform redesign lifecycle process on existing sites in order to bring the sites up to current web standards.
• Work directly with cross-functional teams that included site managers, marketers, other designers, and technical developers.

Technologies used: X/HTML, JSP, CSS, FTP, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macromedia Fireworks, Adobe Photoshop.

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Contract Web Prototype Designer
April 2005 - May 2005
Orbitz, Chicago, IL

Contract designer for the Research and Development department for a 6 week project developing web page prototype demos that included new layout, content, and possible functionality.

• Developed web page prototype pages using Macromedia Flash and Dreamweaver using HTML, CSS, and Actionscript.
• Created and re-purposed graphical elements using Adobe Photoshop.
• Performed cross platform and cross browser compatibility of developed prototype pages.
• Participated in usability testing process in order to fine tune prototypes.

Technologies used: HTML, CSS, Actionscript, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macromedia Flash, Adobe Photoshop.

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Contract Web Designer
July 2004 - January 2005
Hewitt Associates, Lincolnshire, IL

Team member of the Creative Design and Human Factors department for a short term project converting approximately 700 web pages of a Human Resource Product from an existing version to a new design including functionality as well as look and feel.

• Extensive Dreamweaver development using CSS, JavaScript, XHTML, templates, and library items for conversion process.
• Decreased development time by implementing web standards, as developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), into the new design whenever possible.
• Worked directly with cross-functional teams that included business analysts, marketers, and technical developers.
• Performed functionality testing on developed pages.
• Designed site prototypes and mockups for client presentation.
• Used Synergy Continuus for version control of pages and assets.

Technologies used: Lotus Notes, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Synergy Continuus.

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Database Manager / Program Assistant
November 2001 - June 2004
PADS to HOPE, Inc., Palatine, IL

Team member of not-for-profit organization providing numerous services to the homeless and near homeless in the Northwest Suburban Cook County area, reporting to the Executive Director.

• Designed and deployed agency web site. Agency received the first monetary donation from the new web site within the first two weeks of deployment of the donation page.
• Maintained and updated the agency web site, including research on adding shopping cart functionality to the site in order to accept credit card donations thru the site.
• Designed and built a database in order to collect client statistical information. Reduced the time needed to annually report to the federal government by 50%.
• Refined the client database in order to incorporate new federal reporting requirements as well as attempting to reduce the need for hand counts to 0%.
• Successfully completed several training classes in order to advance my knowledge of DBMS.
• Streamlined communicating client data to 23 remote sites, increasing web-based distribution by 50%.
• Designed new, and redesigned existing agency brochures and pamphlets in order to maintain consistent branding.
• Facilitated and managed administrative volunteer program.
• Updated, maintained, and repaired office network, PC's, printers, scanners, and other equipment.
• Oversaw procurement and distribution of office equipment and agency supplies, and assisted with the intake of material donations.

Technologies used: Microsoft Access, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe PageMaker, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Windows 98.

Redesigned the following:
www.padstohope.org*

* I no longer maintain this site.

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Web Designer
April 2000 - April 2001
G.E. Financial Assurance, Schaumburg, IL

Team member of Front End Web Solutions Group of Fortune 5 Company Creative Department reporting to Creative Director.

• Worked directly with cross-functional teams that included business, marketing, branding and technical people on multiple B2C and B2B web sites.
• Designed graphical elements/layouts/updates/banner ads for numerous consumer and B2B e-commerce web sites.
• Updated monthly Feature Buy images and descriptions for Shop4.com sites.
• Project lead for Macromedia Flash and PowerPoint multimedia sales collateral and presentations for LiveSmart.com sales team.
• Designed product logo prototypes for LiveSmart.com.
• Created site redesign prototype compositions for Shop4.com and Healthcare4less.com.

Technologies used: HTML, JavaScript, Adobe Photoshop/ImageReady, Adobe ImageStyler, Adobe Illustrator, BBEdit, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macromedia Flash, Microsoft PowerPoint.

Contributed to the following:
www.legalhelpnow.com
www.shop4.com
www.homeprotect.com
www.creditprotection.com
www.autoclub.com
www.amocomotorclub.com
ge.accuweather.com/iwxpage/ge/marketplace.htm

* Some of these sites may no longer be in operation.

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Web Design Assistant
May 1999 - March 2000
Trittenhaus Design, Sycamore, IL.

Assisted the Agency owner on the design and deployment of brochure sites for existing clientele.

• Assisted with development and design of web sites for local clients using existing print materials.
• Conferred with clients, designed site navigation, graphical elements, and overall look and feel while integrating client supplied materials.
• Designed site prototypes and mockups for client approval.
• Worked with local ISP to register and launch client sites.

Technologies used: HTML, Netscape, Internet Explorer, Adobe Photoshop/ImageReady, Adobe ImageStyler, Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Dreamweaver.

Designed the following:
www.trittenhaus.com*
www.barbcitygriding.com
www.theconfectionary.com*
www.tammytadd.com**

* Redesigned since my involvement
** This site is no longer in operation - this link opens images of the site as designed for the client

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3D Environment Designer
September 1998 - January 1999
Northern Illinois University Anthropology Department, DeKalb, IL.

Assisted Anthropology department with a Java based educational virtual Egyptian archeological dig for web based learning project.

• Designed 3D images for use with the program.
• Performed browser compatibility testing.
• Researched feasibility of using virtual reality for parts of the project.

Technologies used: Adobe Photoshop, Caligari Truespace, Kinetix 3D Studio Max.

Contributed to the following:
http://dig.anthro.niu.edu/DigBuilder/design.htm

Web Designer
November 1997 - March 2000
Northern Illinois University DeKalb, IL

Web Designer for the Center for Governmental Studies, under the direction of the Director of Publications. CGS is a public service, applied research, and public policy development organization providing numerous local and state governmental bodies with various research reports and statistical documents.

• Designed, developed, and maintained the CGS web site.
• Worked directly with the Director and Assistant Director in integrating content supplied by Research Associates into the web site.
• Designed and developed sites for multiple clients including the National Institute for Metalworking Skills and the Illinois Workforce Investment Board.
• Assisted with the design and production of print publications within the Center for numerous governmental bodies including Illinois County Management Association using Adobe PageMaker.

Technologies used: HTML, Adobe Photoshop/ImageReady, Adobe ImageStyler, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe PageMaker, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Netscape Navigator.

Designed the following:
www.cgs.niu.edu*
* This site has moved and been redesigned since my involvement.

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Bachelor of Fine Arts, 1999Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois.
Emphasis - Time Arts / Electronic Media

Associate of Arts, 1997William Rainey Harper College, Palatine, Illinois.
Finalist, Student Art Show 1997