Sarah J. Anderson

PROFILE

Self-motivated, detail-orientated Web designer of over ten years, who has worked in both agency and freelance environments, designing for the Web, print, and other media.
As a freelancer, am able to multi-task and work on all areas of development, from the early design phase and site architecture planning, to the final publishing and browser testing of the site.
Able to combine design skills with programming knowledge to create Web sites that are functional and visually appealing.
Experience with the design and implementation of e-commerce and other database-driven sites.
Can code X/HTML from scratch and integrate Style Sheets, JavaScript and PHP.
Can create table-less layouts using CSS, while using W3C compliant code.

WORK EXPERIENCE

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR - Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL
Freelance Designer/Web Programmer, January 2002 to Present

Persona Jewelry (personajewelry.com) - In charge of updating e-commerce Web site for Persona Jewelry, a Boston-based company with 6 stores nationwide. Designed online promotional graphics, as well as printed mailing materials. Created and implemented graphics to enhance the Storefront template. Added new sections to the site, including a mailing list and feedback form.
On The Rise - Worked as a freelance designer for the Massachusetts-based non-profit organization, creating various materials including brochures, letterhead, a mailing-insert, and email newsletter template.
Hanson Dodge Creative - Worked as an independent contractor to code the front end of the e-commerce site OneWorld Yellow Pages. Took PhotoShop files supplied by client to create a table-less layout for the site, incorporating JavaScript, while ensuring site looked consistent among all browsers and platforms. Added content to the site using supplied Word documents, and kept in contact with project managers and lead designer in order to make numerous changes.
Musician Web Sites (peteroyloe.com, sheilaswift.com) - Designed and programmed sites for up and coming musicians to promote their work and talent. Sites include PHP image galleries and news sections, which can be updated remotely by the clients.
Official Gavin DeGraw Fan Site (gavindegraw.us) - Currently own and maintain the official fan site for platinum-selling recording artist Gavin DeGraw. Updating of site with news, tour updates, and video appearances. The site is a direct link between the fans and Gavin DeGraw.
Orlando Bloom Web Site (orlandobloom.ws) - Currently own and maintain the top rated fan site on Yahoo and Google for actor Orlando Bloom, which receives thousands of hits per day, and has received mention in print and television media. Received numerous compliments on design of site, ease of navigation, and quickness in loading. Created various graphics, text content, message board, online games, a newsletter, feedback forms, and online merchandising section.
Versant, Inc. - Programmed numerous Web sites using X/HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Versant, Inc. - Worked on a tight deadline to block out the background of 106 portraits in Photoshop for global client, The Thomson Corporation.
Versant, Inc. - Worked on a regular basis to update bus routes and accompanying files on the Milwaukee County Transit System Web site. Followed a complex series of steps which involved the use of Quark, Excel, FrontPage, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop to create the finished HTML documents and accompanying images. Caught and fixed errors made by others during previous route updates.
Schwarz Pharma, Inc. - Constructed a 1/24 inch scale model of the Schwarz Pharma convention booth using technical diagrams and photos of the existing booth. Created a realistic look by applying Photoshop produced artwork to the model, and exceeded the client's expectations.

VERSANT, INC. - Milwaukee, WI
Interactive Designer, May 2000 to August 2001
Intern in the Interactive Department, January 2000 to May 2000

Worked closely with Project Managers and Senior Art Directors to develop creative concepts and graphic content for major Web sites, including sites for Bank Mutual and The Thomson Corporation, that met and exceeded the objectives of the project.
Converted Photoshop layouts into working Web sites using front end programming.
Helped design images and program a CD-ROM project using Director.
Reviewed and tested sites on multiple browsers and platforms prior to launch, making code adjustments as necessary.
Created banner ads, PowerPoint and Outlook backgrounds, worked on online research projects.
Wrote META tags and carried out Search Engine strategies for submitting Web sites, helping to drive in greater site traffic.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Fine Arts, May 2000
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Major: Graphic Design

Online Web Courses:
Introduction to JavaScript at eClasses.org, June 2008
Introduction to PHP and MySQL at Ed2go.com, November 2008
Introduction to Flash at Ed2go.com, November 2009

COMPUTER SKILLS

Software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Dreamweaver, basic Flash, Visio, FrontPage, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, FTP programs, scanners and printers.

Programming: HTML, XHTML, Cascading Style Sheets, JavaScript and some PHP.

Experience in the implementation and customization of: CS Cart, WordPress, Blogger, vBulletin, Invision Board, phpBB, Coppermine Photo Gallery and PHPlist.

PORTFOLIO

Online portfolio of Web and print design work located at www.sjadesign.com