About me

Currently I am working as a Web Designer/Developer for a Web Design and Marketing Company. For the design process I use Photoshop and create the websites in Dreamweaver using HTML and CSS (hand coding). To make sure the websites are created correctly I use w3c validation and help our clients with their online marketing using SEO. I liaise with clients to discuss their wants and needs from a website and to update them with my progression throughout the project.

I have worked within the NHS - Education Support Unit creating eLearning packages for departments. My degree as well as my job experience has allowed me to research the new trends within the IT sector. During my 3 years at DeMontfort University I had many opportunities to work on small and large projects, which enhanced my design and programming skills. To make my projects interactive and unique I would research all possibilities of design and animation and use an idea that may not have been used before.

The research I carry before starting a project is partly from the influence of design around me and majority of my own initiative, I am very enthusiastic when starting a project as I aim to ‘wow' my customers or users. The programs I use on a daily basis are:

Photoshop CS4 - to design my website ideas and plan where all the content goes, to create templates, to generally make a start on any design work

Illustrator CS4 - to create crisp design images, such as poster, business cards, logos, buttons etc

Flash CS4 AS3 - to make animations, have a project that is interactive etc

Dreamweaver CS4 - to create the web sites and to ensure they are within the W3C rules

After Effects CS4 - to create video animations for any of my marketing projects

PHP & MySQL - for setting up databases, email and security

My job role within the NHS was a Multimedia Designer creating design prints, web designing, content developing, eLearning modules (Flash) for frontline staff and online/print marketing. Part of my role I had to take photographs/video and record voice over's for the modules and the marketing design. Within the NHS I communicated with a large network of doctors and nurses with whom I would liaise with and use my marking, information/interactive designs and assessments for their individual needs. I would initially meet up with the heads of departments and go through their design, marketing and assessment needs and give them a date for when the project would be completed.

During the creation process I would personally liaise with the head of departments (our customers) to ensure they are happy with the design and also to make sure the content is correct. When the project is finalised and after I tested the project was working up to my standards, I would ensure the project was online and launched in time. I would take ownership of each challenge/project, as it was my responsibility to ensure the content was correct and created in time, I would also handle more then one project at a time. Some of the projects I created were aimed directly at a certain department for all the staff to learn any new policies and procedures. These eLearning projects would be created for online use, to ensure all the staff have taken the eLearning modules, understood all the content and a scored assessment would need to be completed, which was recorded.

I also helped create a website where all the staff would log onto, to access their content/projects and also a touch screen interactive project for staff to learn more about eLearning in their library.

In my spare time I am working as a freelance web designer in my spare time, I understand the importance of design therefore when creating any projects I make sure they are unique, interactive and interesting. The websites that I create are aimed to be user friendly and users will be able to view them on all browsers. I am improving my skills further in PHP and MySQL, this is through literature and video tutorials. My understanding of PHP and MySQL is ever growing alongside my interest for it. Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Illustrator are my main applications I use to create my PHP web sites; currently I am using tutorials to expand my knowledge further.

I have a wide range of graphic design and print design projects within my portfolio that will be available upon request.

I am highly motivated, eager to learn and develop quick rapport with those with whom I work with. I am able to use my own initiative to come up with creative and design ideas. I am extremely organised, work well within a team and also as an individual has helped me motivate others and myself.