contact
design
- Interface design
I have a BFA from the Communication Arts and Design department at VCU with an emphasis in Electronic Media. I have been solving usability issues in interactive design since 1992, involved in the software development life cycle since 1993 and involved in web-based design since 1994. My specialty is creating user interfaces for applications that require an immediate inherent understanding by the user.
- Semantic HTML
Ideally, HTML should mark up content by it's meaning, not by it's layout and display. This creates HTML that can be repurposed and not modified with minimal impact to back-end code. This method also minimizes unnecessary complications for maintaining application code later on.
- CSS
I'm a firm believer in separating content from presentation. I know I've done it right when I don't have to change existing html code in order to change the layout/display of the same information. I have a strong knowledge of CSS.
- Prototyping
Worked into the development process in the right way, a good prototype can save you money, time, frustration, morale and users. A bad one can cost you each of these things. For me, the process of creating prototypes is an opportunity to use all of my various skills to quickly and efficiently produce a mockup of what the final product is expected to look like. I've worked on many; very large (600 screens) and very small and I understand the process very well. I've created rough draft prototypes that are simply proof-of-concepts and I've created high fidelity versions that are used as specifications to develop from and test against.
- Coding Tools
I understand basic SQL and I've written a few perl CGIs from scratch. More importantly, I know how to use CPAN. I've installed and ran mySQL, created a few simple tables and written/retrieved data to it from perl. I can read javascript, but can't really write it. Most of my javascripting comes in the form of using libraries like jquery (see this document). I have basic familiarity with svn and cvs from the command-line. I know how to write a decent regular expression.
- Information Architecture
For me, this is the practice of organizing content and functions in a way that makes sense to people. Programs, functions and operations should be organized by the most efficient means for a computer. However, tasks and navigation should be organized by the means that make the most sense to people. To do this, you need to understand people and code enough to help bridge the gap. My process includes creating wireframes and user flows in Visio, html or pencil & paper. I also have experience with writing use cases and functional requirements.
- Wikis
I have extensive experience in installing, maintaining, editing, customizing functional pieces as well as the interface for wiki software such as tiwki and SocialText.
- 3D Modeling
There is a sculptor trapped in this body and he can't use a ruler. Lucky for him, computers are much better at taking measurements. I have created a few three dimensional models. What can I say, it's fun and you don't have to use sharp tools.
- Animation
Most of my animations are simple flourishes to draw attention to the content. It's good to be able to know when you really need animation, and how to pull it off in an effective way. Also, I can see a subliminal blip in one frame of a 30fps video from 20 feet.
- Sound Editing
I've done some. Of course, with "Garage Band" on every Mac now, many people can say that. I've played musical instruments and have a fairly keen ear. Like "animation" listed above, I mostly learned it as a skill so that when I needed to implement it on a project I was able to without hesitation.
- Operating Systems
I've used Macs for years. Years. I've worked on a locked down Windows environment for a couple. I've installed my own Debian build from scratch and I've wandered my way through the BSD Unix to be confortable. On UNIX, I understand enough to compile code, install software, modify configurations and do general troubleshooting. I know how to look something up in 'man' and I know how to use 'vi'. I won't win any awards for being a superuser, but my eyes won't glaze over when you talk about ssh, bash, env, etc.
- Jobs
Please refer to this LinkedIn page to review my previous work experience.
art
- Oil Painting
I keep an online gallery of all my completed oil paintings here on flickr. Sign up for my mailing list to see where I'll be displaying paintings next.
- Literature
Here's a peak into my library. I'm more than happy to lend out any books you find interesting, at least while it's still legal to do such. If the book industry turns the way of the music industry (or NFL), we won't be able to mention their titles without paying royalties.
- Photography
I have picked out some of my favorite digital photos and placed them on flickr. I have many images that are film-based, but can't be placed online. I like taking pictures with any kind of camera. I particularly enjoy finding old cameras and experimenting with images they produce.
- Collecting
Collecting things is an extension of my desire to organize. I enjoy finding something that interests me and collecting items that are similar. Some would say it's a part of human nature to collect. I like old cameras and accessories, telephones, comics, some trading cards, model MINI coopers, art supplies (it might as well be a collection since I certainly don't use them all), typewriters (this one hasn't taken off yet, but I'm trying) and other old electronics.