Here, you can find information about me and my web design skills.
If you are looking for a web developer, then send me an email using the attached contact form, with some details of what you are looking for. I am always interested to hear from potential clients, and will endeavour to reply to your email within a couple of days.
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About Me
So, what can I say about myself?
Well, I'm a twenty-something year-old computer geek with a passion for web development. Although I enjoy playing computer games now and then, IT isn't the only thing in my life.
I've been playing the acoustic guitar since the beginning of 2011, and am thus far entirely self-taught. I also enjoy scuba diving, and am a qualified PADI Open Water diver. In addition to all that, I like to make the occasional batch of home brew - so far, I've made beer, cider, wine and mead, and (almost) all of it has been delicious.
I studied a sandwich degree in Business Information Systems at Portsmouth University between 2007 and 2011. As part of my degree I undertook a placement year in industry, which I was lucky enough to spend at ESRI(UK).
My interest in web design began back in sixth form, after a workshop given by a lecturer from BCUC. I was impressed at what could be created in an afternoon using just a text editor, so I started designing sites on my laptop for fun.
My first year of University back in 2007 included a web design unit that introduced me to XHTML, CSS and the concept of web standards. For that unit, I created an XHTML 1.0 strict portfolio site that has since evolved into this website.
I then continued to enhance my knowledge through optional units and online resources. In 2008, the first hosted version of this site went live, and I had my first encounters with PHP and SQL.
Whilst on placement, I worked with the ESRI JavaScript mapping API. This work was my first real experience in using JavaScript, and formed the basis of my current knowledge of the scripting language.
In my final year of University, I undertook another web design-based unit, this time with a focus on accessibility and usability. It was in this unit that I began designing mobile-oriented sites, and had my first encounter with jQuery, which I now use extensively.
Skills Portfolio
HTML
I have considerable experience in HTML and CSS programming. I write all my code 'by hand' rather than using an editor, and where possible try to ensure that it is valid by W3C standards.
PHP
I have some experience with PHP programming, and have constructed a simple site search utilising an SQL database.
SQL
I have some experience of programming with SQL. I have primarily used an Oracle interface to do this, but I also have experience using MySQL, as it can be used in conjunction with PHP.
Python
Python was the first non-web-based programming language that I learnt. During my python unit during my first year of university, I was able to construct a fairly advanced program that output patterned on a grid based upon user inputs.
Java
My learning of Java was a result of a follow on unit to Python. The unit took an Object-Oriented approach to the language, and I used a program called BlueJ to construct a simple film and game rental system.
Microsoft Visual Basic
I have some basic knowledge of programming in Visual Basic. I have, thus far constructed one program, which was an avatar designer.
SolidWorks
I have experience with using Solidworks 2007 and 2008. During the summer of 2008, I re-created a mechanical part from a faulty AutoCAD drawing that will be manufactured and sold across the globe.
Autodesk 3DS Max
During my second year of university, I studied a unit called 3D Computer Graphics and Modelling Methods. For the coursework, I had to model a real world object; I chose to model my digital camera.
Google Sketchup
Google Sketchup was the first piece of 3D modelling software I ever used, and I am fairly proficient in its use. I mainly use it for developing prototypes for any mechanical-based ideas that I have, as I find that it is the simplest piece of software to use in these purposes.
Microsoft Office
I have a lot of experience with Microsoft Office; mainly with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher and Frontpage, in both the 2003 and 2007 versions. I also have some experience with using Open Office, the open source alternative to Microsoft Office.
ESRI ArcGIS
I worked for ESRI (UK) for my placement year, and as such I have conserable experience with using the ArcGIS software suite.
Links
Web Design Projects
Watch this space...
Useful
W3C Schools - The website that taught me most of my HTML skills.
stock.xchng - A royalty-free image website I have found useful for both university work and this website.