Web skills

I am skilled in the use of:

Graphics packages: Fireworks, Freehand, Gif Builder, ImageReady, Photoshop

Web design software: Cyberstudio, Dreamweaver, PageMill, PageSpinner, SiteMill

Browsers and plug-ins: Acrobat, Distiller, DropStuff, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera, QuickTime, Real Player, Safari, Stuffit Expander, Windows Media Viewer, ZipIt

Multimedia/3D software: Bryce, Flash, Graphic Converter, Media Cleaner Pro, Toast CD-ROM Pro

Other internet packages: Color Finder, Color Picker, Communigator, Eudora Lite & Pro, Fetch, HTML Colors, Outlook Express, Shomi, Transmit

Word processing and desktop publishing: Excel, PageMaker, PowerPoint, Word

I am equally able to design a website from start to finish, build a website to the specifications of another designer, take an existing website and improve it, or take over an existing design and complete the site. With my extensive knowledge of the internet and its capabilities, I can also advise on or write content, and develop a website in close consultation with the client.

I also design, develop and teach HTML and website design workshops and in 2003 was contracted as Technical Adviser to the Open Polytechnic for a new Web Design course. I keep up to date with the latest internet developments and regularly teach myself how to use new software.

I have an expert knowledge of CSS, HTML and XHTML and have built and/or designed more than 50 pure CSS sites (in addition to the 100+ table-based websites I played a part in creating prior to 2005). Recently I have been teaching myself about JavaScript libraries such as script.aculo.us and jQuery, which I have used in a number of the websites I've built over the past year or so. I also specialise in website accessibility in relation to e-government guidelines, W3C standards and CSS techniques.

My strengths in web design/development lie in my ability to:

  • maintain brand consistency between a website and existing company graphics
  • develop logical and easy-to-navigate information architecture
  • understand and write HTML, XHTML and CSS to a high standard (W3C HTML 4.01 Transitional or Strict, XHTML 1.0 Transitional)
  • use, adapt or create dynamic visual effects and user interface elements using JavaScript libraries such as script.aculo.us and jQuery
  • prepare sites for CMS and/or database integration
  • code by hand
  • utilise a wide range of software necessary for the creation of websites and graphics
  • design, develop and build animations and sites using Flash
  • research and write or edit content
  • proof-read and maintain quality control
  • fully test sites (during the building process) for cross-browser and cross-platform compatibility - I can build pure CSS sites that are close to pixel-perfect in:
    • PC: IE5.01, IE 5.5, IE6, IE7, IE8, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera, Chrome
    • Mac: IE 5.2, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera, Safari
  • ensure that my websites reach or exceed W3C and e-government accessibility standards
  • ensure that all pages and stylesheets validate to W3C requirements
  • ensure that all pages pass accessibility and e-govt testing to the highest possible levels
  • build a set of web templates that are easy and straightforward for a programmner to integrate into a Content Management System
  • complete an error-free website within time and budgetary constraints
  • liaise closely with clients and develop very good working relationships with them.

My websites are good to look at, and easy to surf. I ensure that every page is checked and double-checked before it goes online. I have worked on many large websites, and am able to input large amounts of content quickly, within an easily accessible layout.