A little history
I am one of those increasingly rare beasts in the IT world; an all-rounder. I have always been interested in computers, my Dad got me a Spectrum +3 when I was young, but even before then I had played around with his old ZX81, with absolutely no idea what I was doing.
Modern day web developer
I was lucky enough to grow up just as the world was starting to discover the internet. I am sure it will be the defining factor of my generation that we still remember a world before the internet. As a result, I was able to watch and learn as it grew. I feel sorry for those just starting out, learning web development, it seems an increasingly abstract place now and without being around to watch it evolve it can only appear hopelessly so.
Like most web developers I work with a bewildering array of languages, most of which are referred to by and even more bewildering array of acronyms such as HTML, XHTML, CSS, PHP, C#, VB.Net. XML, XSLT, JQuery, JavaScript, Flash, ActionScript.
Designer
Less commonly I am also a designer and so I work with a large number of graphic design packages such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Fireworks. Less commonly still, I work in multimedia projects that require animation, audio and video editing using the likes of Adobe Flash, Adobe Premiere, Blender, Cinema 4D and Cockos Reaper.
Consultant and Manager
Having been a web developer for over 15 years I have accumulated a high level of industry, business and marketing knowledge. As Sherlock Holmes said about crime…
” …if you have all the details of a thousand at your finger ends, it is odd if you can’t unravel the thousand and first”
The same can be said of web design projects. I have frequently acted as a consultant on many aspects of internet design and development including creative marketing, graphic design, branding, interface design, social networking, social media and search engine optimisation or SEO.
Professional Resume
I have a strong background in user interaction design for web-based applications. I have extensive experience with designing and implementing commercial websites, supported by a deep knowledge of HTML/XHTML and CSS. I have a good understanding of SEO techniques, usability guidelines and semantic mark up. I am familiar with the industry standards such as the W3C proposals WAI and WCAG.
I am proficient in client side scripting, including AJAX and designing modular, object-oriented JavaScript. I am also able to develop back end applications in C#, ASP.net and PHP utilising technologies such as XML, XSLT, MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server. I have experience with designing desktop applications and user interfaces.
I have excellent communication skills and have acted as consultant to many blue-chip and government organisations including the MoD, NHS and NiACE. I am experienced with producing wire-frames and/or semi-functional prototypes prior to implementation.
I have developed considerable experience in project and team management. I have experience with Agile development practices as well as client consultancy and RAD development.
My recent roles have been Senior Technical Designer (Play.com), Commercial Design Technical Lead (Play.com), Head of Technical Design (MBL Group).
Key Skils
Web development, HTML, CSS, PHP, C#, VB.Net. XML, XSLT, JQuery, JavaScript, Flash, ActionScript, Premier, Photoshop, Fireworks, Reaper, marketing creative, graphic design, branding, interface design. WordPress, blogs, social networking, social media, design
A full CV can be made available upon request please contact me via the on-line form here.
Testimonials
“Will is an extremely knowledgable and experienced developer willing to explore and embrace innovative techniques and methods, as well as relying on his existing skillset, to deliver high quality commercial projects on-time and within budget. His skill as a designer should not be under-estimated where his artistic and design abilities allows him to be one of those few unique individuals able to work and communicate within the design and development spectrums of the new media sectors.”
January 2011
Mark Dryden, Senior Developer, ANQ
“While Will worked at ANQ Ltd he showed a real flair for design and implementation accross a range of digital technologies. Will had that rare combination of design and technical skills which allowed him to work on creative, development or combined projects. His project output was always to the highest standards and Will was always looking for his project work to stand out from the crowd.”
January, 2011
Lee Gibson, Managing Director, ANQ Ltd