Working with computers most of my life, I have been building websites, working with databases, etc. for more than 10 years. I began working with static HTML/CSS but quickly transitioned into major content management systems – WordPress, Drupal, Magento, and Joomla. Quite a bit of my knowledge about websites, databases, productivity applications, etc., comes from learning on my own initiative: I make the decision to learn something, then I find a way to do it.
When I was first starting out, I realized that employers and clients are skeptical about hiring someone with little to no experience. That’s when I decided to create my own company to build small business websites (WebVellum) so I could gain experience and increase my skills. Since then, I’ve built dozens of websites, on a number of different platforms.
I’ve also been fortunate to have the opportunity to gain other skills along my career path, including graphic and video design, SQL (Access) database management, server management (Linux and Windows), and Office productivity applications.
Web and Productivity Apps I Use
I have been building websites using WordPress for nearly 10 years – everything from single page websites to small business e-commerce platforms. I’m familiar with a wide range of plugins and themes, including:
X Theme
Impreza
Contact Form 7
WooCommerce
BuddyPress
Elementor
I’ve built several websites with Drupal 7 and 8, including e-commerce websites. At my current position, I recently managed 2 small Drupal websites – membership applications that had a signature feature.
I’ve worked with Microsoft Office applications for nearly 10 years and most on a daily basis. My current position has me working with Microsoft Access and Excel constantly – generating data sets, charts, reports, etc.
I’ve used Adobe applications for the better part of 12 years. Primarily, I work with Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere. However, I also have experience with After Effects and Adobe XD.
Skills
I have been using HTML and CSS for over 10 years. When I started out, most websites were hand-coded using a code editor. With the emergence of content management systems, dynamically-generated (Angular, React, etc.) websites along with CSS tools such as LESS, SASS, and SCSS, having a deep knowledge of how HTML and CSS work is extremely helpful for layout glitches and creating custom solutions.
While I am not a Javascript developer, I frequently customize and adapt pre-built code for projects. I’ve worked with JQuery, Ajax, JSON, and more to create solutions that would not have otherwise been possible.
My knowledge of PHP may surpass my knowledge of Javascript for the simple fact that I frequently have to manipulate code in WordPress themes at the PHP level to adjust design elements, embed custom features, etc.
During my time using Access and MYSQL databases, I have had to learn how to use SQL in creative ways. Whether it be creating queries that perform calculations in an Access query or manipulate table data in an SQL file, I’m very adept at developing solutions required for almost every situation.
I’ve created numerous tutorials and how-to guides for users and co-workers. When it comes to technical writing, I always keep in mind two things – make sure to use clear language and make no assumptions about the technical proficiency of the audience. It can be time-consuming work to create an effective tutorial, but it can be very rewarding.
Examples can be provided upon request.
Websites I've Built
Websites I have designed, built, and currently manage.
Media I Have Created
This is a short promotional video I created for my company, WebVellum.
I created this logo for the organization where I’m currently working.
A Little More About Me
When I’m not working on websites or managing databases, I enjoy reading adventure novels: the Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O’Brian and the works of Max Brooks are some of my favorites. I also enjoy watching professional baseball, frequently attending Lakeland Flying Tigers games, hiking and biking at the nearby parks, and science fiction, especially the old radio programs Dimension X and X Minus One.
Education:
B.A. – Anthropology, University of South Florida
M.A. – Communication, University of South Florida
Current and Recent Employers:
United School Employees of Pasco (job title: Communication & Technology Specialist): 2015 – current
WebVellum (owner, manager): 2011 – 2016
Zymphony (web developer): Feb. 2014 – Dec. 2014