Web Design and Development

About

I am a web designer/ front-end developer that thoroughly enjoy my occupation. I specialize in XHTML, CSS and have done so as a freelancer over the past four years. I started off in the field designing with Adobe Flash. However, times are changing and I tend to use Flash sparingly these days. I’ve discovered a new love in the form of JQuery (from the Javascript library). JQuery is lightweight and my go to tool for minor animations and web enhancements.

My introduction to XHTML, CSS and W3 validations began at UVU (Utah Valley University). I started off as a law major and for some odd reason, found myself taking extra courses in graphic design and eventually web development. In due time, I changed my major to digital media and have not looked back since.

I do have a creative background to an extent. Growing up in NYC exposed me to various art forms that I've practiced off and on for many years.

Prior to attending UVU, I was a "WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) - Pro" that “built” websites with tables (quite embarrassing to admit). However, those days are far behind. My tools of preference are Komodo Edit 6 and WeBuilder 2008. Prior to that, I used Macromedia Dreamweaver 8. Dreamweaver is a fantastic tool that is loaded with features. Many of these features I have very little use for. Komodo Edit 6 provides support for CSS3, HTML5 and happens to be one of my favorite text editors. WeBuilder 2008 is a lightweight text editor, which does and amazing job with code hinting, previewing, (easy) project management and a host of other features. It's my go to tool for XHTML and CSS.

When I am not planted in front of my system writing markup, css, code or just reading various blogs, I’m either watching a basketball game with my sons or teaching my daughters how to kick butt (lol). I also enjoy teaching my children how to use Photoshop and Illustrator. My sons think Flash is coolest thing they have ever seen. However, their interest seems to vary since they are 7 and 8 years old.

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Skills

XHTML & CSS

I am an XHTML & CSS geek that loves developing tableless hand coded layouts that are aesthetically pleasing and valid.

WORDPRESS

I develop custom themes, and can convert an existing HTML layouts into a Wordpress themes. This platform is a scalable multidimensional CMS (content management system) that is much more than a blogging tool.

JQuery

I implement JQuery for web enhancements, which translates to a variety of functions ranging from photo galleries (slide shows), navigation menus, and minor animations to form validations.

Adobe Flash

I have over four years of experience with Flash. I design and develop web portals, photo & video galleries along with banners

Adobe Photoshop

99% of all my designs begin in Photoshop. After cultivating the idea in my head for a specific design, I usually lay it out in Photoshop first. From there I slice and optimize my graphics for the web before developing the web application.

Adobe Illustrator

Illustrator is the tool of preference, when designing logos, illustration characters and contents for Adobe Flash. I was actually taught how to use Illustrator before Photoshop. However, I seem to gravitate towards the latter of the two. Photoshop seems to be the all purpose tool for designers in general.

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