Resume

  • EDUCATION
    • 2004-2008: Asheville Buncombe Tech.
      • Associates Degree
        • “Web Technologies”
  • EMPLOYMENT
    • 2000 - 2002: Homes and Land Magazine of WNC and North Georgia
      • Title
        • Production Manager
      • Software Used
        • Illustrator
        • Quark
        • H&L web interface
        • H&L image direct post scripting software.R
      • Responsibilities
        • Layout 70-100 page real estate magazine every four weeks using Quark.
        • Handle client needs through phone, email and office visits
        • Handle office computer maintenance, updates and troubleshooting
    • 2002 - present: Central 183 Graphic Design, Inc.
      • Title
        • President
      • Software Used
        • Textmate
        • Photoshop
        • Illustrator
        • InDesign
        • Flash
        • Firefox
        • Firebug
        • Web Developer ToolbarLanguages/Systems Used
        • PHP
        • Ruby
        • Actionscript
        • Javascript
        • Linux
        • OS X
        • Slicehost
        • Command Line
      • Responsibilities
        • Run a “independent contractor” business.
        • Create detailed billing for every 15 minutes worked.
        • Keep track of tax write-offs, payments and accounting
        • Contract with other design firms to finish projects efficiently.
        • Use of internet technologies like email, IM, Skype and VPN Tracker to assure firms that I am highly available

Skills

This section is for the people who know that the resume is probably a low indicator of skill in this industry. This is a more detailed section of the languages and techniques I’ve been trying to learn.

Hand coding

I’ve been hand coding since around 2003. Before then I moved into web development from the print world by using GoLive. I did this for 2 years and then one day I looked at the code that was created. I was horrified and have hand coded ever since. I primarily use TextMate to code with.

HTML / CSS

It’s kind of a no brainier, but yes I’ve been trying to code current and correct HTML / CSS every day. I very rarely make “.html” files anymore. Instead I opt to use the “.php” extension in order to reuse elements as much as possible. Things like menus, headers and footers should only be written once. It’s part of the DRY philosopy that is growing with frameworks and CMS systems.

PHP

My PHP usage has picked up a good bit since 2005 when I started learning more about it at school. It is my primary language

Ruby (Rails)

Ruby and Ruby on Rails is something I’ve tinkered with. I did a school project on it.

Perl

I have no interest in pursuing Perl at this time.

Python

I have no interest in pursuing Python at this time.

ASP

I have no interest in pursuing ASP at this time.

C+

I have no interest in pursuing C+ at this time.

Javascript, Jquery, MooTools and Prototype

Javascript and it’s various libraries are becoming a very big part of web sites. I am currently racing ahead on tutorials for Jquery and Prototype. I hope to dive into MooTools soon. I have a basic understanding on how these libraries makes it easier for a developer to communicate with Javascript.

Actionscript

I’ve worked quite a bit with Flash on and off. I’ve had some intermediate experience with actionscript 2.0. I’ve recently made the habit of coding all actionscript in external files which has made updating the swf files a breeze.

Content Management Systems

The three big systems that I want to cover are Drupal, Wordpress and Joomla. I am very fond of Wordpress for it’s simplicity of use. To date, I’ve done a good half dozen sites in WordPress. I am very comfortable shaping a custom template to fit the clients needs. I have worked with Drupal in past years which I found to be confounding complex. It’s probably time for a revisit.

Frameworks

If you are not using a CMS, then you are probably going to start developing on a framework. I’ve had introductory experience to Ruby on Rails. I am currently doing a project in CakePHP. I will be spending a great amount of time in the framework area. I’m very fond of the MVC system and DRY programming.

A new framework that I will be taking a look at is Merb which may let me enjoy working with Ruby again. :P

Creative Suite

For many years, I’ve been working with the many renditions of the Creative Suite. Currently, I have version 3. I feel very comfortable across the entire sweet. I am especially comfortable in Photoshop.

Linux

Linux has been a great compliment to my work on OS X. I have a solid confidence on the command line. I feel like I can find my way around a Linux system to edit configuration files and whatnot.

Mac OS X

I am super comfortable with OX, having worked with it most of my adult years. I consider myself a power user by making use of things like QuickSilver and custom keyboard shortcuts.

Windows

I can get around in Windows just fine, but I often stay away from it. I don’t believe in Microsoft’s business model. Let’s leave it at that.

Apache / Domains / Hosting

I’ve become fairly adept at dealing with domain DNS issues, setting up hosting and configuring Apache to work a certain way. I know how to set up virtual hosts and so on.

MySQL

I can write some SQL on the command line, but I often forget the syntax. These days, we are using things like frameworks and CMS’s so it’s hard to get practice in. I often know what I want to say and find the answer on Google quickly. I also use phpMyAdmin and NaviCat regularily to see whats going on.

IIS

See Windows above.

Knowing how to ask Google a good question.

It may be funny to list this as a skill, but I feel like there is actually a certain finese to it. There are at least 3 dozen time per day that I become stumped and need to look for an answer. I am adept at using using search engines like Google to find the information I need.