I’ve got a super terrific Flash/AS Developer at my exclusive disposal seeking a F/T job in New York City. If anyone wants to take a look at his impressive portfolio, please contact me off-forum at [email protected]
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James-JI, Flash Designer/Developer
NJ Resident | 70-80k | US Citizen
Extremely impressive portfolio provided on request
Represented by Open Source Staffing
www.open-source-staffing.com
[email protected]
SKILLS
Basic Design Skills - Expert - 6 years
• I went to the Columbus College of Art and Design which prides itself in the teachings of basic design skills such as composition, typography, and color concept.
Macromedia Flash 8 - Expert - 4 years
• I started using Flash for simple animation in version 3, and continued experimentation until version MX. Until then I felt comfortable to take on professional projects using ActionScript 1.0. Since version MX I have learned more about the extensive use of ActionScript through version 3.0 and Flash 8. I have taken advantage of the creation of global functions to use through out a web site across multiple swf files. I have also taken advantage of the new object-oriented scripting that is available in ActionScript 2.0 to streamline my coding.
ActionScript 1.0 ( AS1 ) - Expert - 3 years
• I started using ActionScript for the simple use of frame and button actions. Through experimentation I continued until I was using ActionScript for animation instead of the Flash timeline. I used ActionScript for aid in my design in order to animate and create multiple objects faster and more easily. I started using the internal functions to change the properties of objects using extensive geometry, trigonometry, and calculus in order to calculate these properties.
ActionScript 2.0 ( AS2 ) - Intermediate - 1 year
• In this version of ActionScript, I enhanced my knowledge of the rules of ActionScript in order to update coding from version 1.0 to 2.0. This is also where the use of classes were implemented, which I also experimented with. The functions from 1.0 to 2.0 also became more scripting friendly which made it more possible for me to combine the use of ActionScript with PHP/MySQL. With this experience I created a new portfolio web site using Flash 8, ActionScript 2.0, PHP, and MySQL. The PHP/MySQL controls the back end, while Flash 8 remains on the front end.
ActionScript 3.0 ( AS3 ) - Beginner - 1 year
• This version is still relatively new, and I am still within the experimentation stages of using this script.
PHP 4 - Intermediate - 1 year
• PHP Hypertext Preprocessing is my chosen open source server side script. There are many like it such as ASP, ColdFusion, etc. though I am the most comfortable in PHP. I use it to manipulate, create, and delete directories and files; to communicate with MySQL databases; to streamline a website written within HTML; and of course to create back end functionality within ActionScript .
MySQL 5 - Intermediate - 1 year
• MySQL is my preferred database program. I use phpMyAdmin to edit databases directly, and I use PHP to manipulate databases from web applications. The use of MySQL streamlines the process of editing, collecting, and sending data to visitors.
XML - Intermediate - 1 year
• XML is in essence an open script. It is entirely set up by the programmer. The reason for my experience with XML was with the use of Flash remoting. Flash can easily connect to external XML files for the use of gathering data. Since ActionScript 2.0 I have left XML behind and started using Flash to connect directly with PHP.
CSS - Expert - 4 years
• Using CSS is knowing the limitations of each browser across multiple platforms. Extensive use of CSS means that something might look different from browser to browser, but knowing how to use the code to ‘fake’ browsers into displaying the same design. The upside of using CSS is creating a universal look to HTML elements, meaning cutting a lot of HTML code, and streamlining the process of updating the look of a website.
JavaScript - Intermediate - 3 years
• I use JavaScript for the extension of HTML web sites. I have used JavaScript to connect functionality with the browser, between PHP/MySQL, and HTML. For example, URL encoding, and decoding functions, hide and display functions for HTML, alert and confirm functions for a browser, time out functions, and JavaScript animations viewed within HTML. I use JavaScript when it is needed, not for the base of the design of an entire web site.
Macromedia DreamWeaver 8 - Expert - 4 years
• I have used DreamWeaver as my HTML editing program since version 3, all the way until now at version 8. I do not use this program for design only, because it does not display correctly most of the code that I write. I simply use it as a gateway, for the ease of code editing. I also use it for the testing server functionality for local PHP/MySQL testing, and for FTP uploading to manage multiple local and remote websites.
HTML - Expert - 4 years
• Hyper Text Transfer Protocol, is the basis of all web display, and where I started as a web designer. I designed my first test web pages within Notepad on windows 98. With this experience, I am able to write entire web pages without the use of a web design program.
Swift3D 3.0 - Intermediate - 1 year
• This 3D program is designed to work with Flash. It can create timeline in 3D rendered as vector art, and able to be used directly with a Flash timeline.
Macromedia Freehand MX - Expert - 6 years
• I used this vector art program extensively until it was discontinued in the new release of Macromedia Studio 8. I am very fluent in Freehand MX to manipulate vector art, but I can use it to send to a PDF then edit the vector art in another vector art program.
Macromedia Fireworks MX - Intermediate - 2 years
• Fireworks was the program I used extensively to create graphic elements to be viewed on the web, that is, until Adobe Image Ready. I still use it if requested.
Adobe Illustrator CS2 - Expert - 6 years
• Illustrator is now my preferred vector art editing and illustrating program. I can create simple to complex vector imagery, from logos to illustrations using this program.
Adobe Photoshop CS2 - Expert - 6 years
• I started using this program in version 3 to manipulate photos. Since then I have taken 4 courses for college credit honing my Photoshop skills. Now I am using Photoshop CS2 for photo manipulation, color correction, illustrations, and actual digital painting using a pen and tablet.
Adobe Image Ready CS2 - Intermediate - 2 years
• Image ready was Adobe’s answer to Macromedia’s Fireworks. I now use this program to ready the graphics I create in Photoshop to be view correctly on the web.
Adobe InDesign CS2 - Expert - 2 years
• InDesign is a new method of print layout, and it is not completely preferred by most pre-press operators. There are quite a lot of kinks needed to be worked out, though I do use it when necessary.
Quark Xpress 6.0 - Expert - 5 years
• Quark is my preferred program for print layouts. It is extremely adequate to handle most printer and print press requirements. For me it is simple to use, and is my tool to move things from design to print easily and without complications. Quark Extensions are also for me another way to work within this program even faster.
Adobe Acrobat Professional 7 - Intermediate - 3 years
• Acrobat is the universal file used in the print and print proofing processes. Acrobat reader is free from Adobe, therefore sending a proof to clients out of any design program is the preferred method to let the client see a design without any complications. I use Acrobat professional to create PDF’s from any vector program as to convert this vector art from one vector program to another. I also use it to create presentations for clients that cannot view Flash, or PowerPoint presentations. Because of the simple JavaScript functionality it can create a simple UI interface to navigate through the PDF, or to the web itself.
Microsoft Office - Expert - 3 years
• Microsoft office is not the preferred method to work with layouts by a designer, though it is required to be used by the sheer amount of people who use this program. It is considered a universal method to work with text documents, and excel worksheets, and in turn I know these programs to be more flexible.
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Jim’s Impressive Flash Portfolio (link available on request)
• This site is created entirely in Flash 8. Almost all of the animation is taken care of by ActionScript 2.0, and the back end is written in PHP 4. It is my first full window flash site, which means all the content within Flash had to be able to change accordingly with the browser window’s different sizes.
• The site connects to a PHP tracking script that determines if a visitor has visited the site. From this info, it shows the appropriate content in the Flash file, and saves the appropriate variables in ActionScript. The site uses ActionScript in a global fashion where the functions can be used across multiple swf files, and for multiple objects. I also created a customized content-loader that also gets its information from PHP 4. In essence the Flash communicates with PHP, then PHP with MySQL, direct to files, or more PHP, then it sends that information back to Flash, which can use that data directly, or use it to load more external data. For the ActionScript simulations, I studied the movements of the certain interface creatures such as Flies or Jellyfish. I created what I believed to be the most simple way to view this creature, then I calculated there movements using complex mathematical equations to change their properties randomly, but within the limitations of their simulated movements. For all of this I also made their properties universal so they could all be used as a similar working interface which the global functions I mentioned before could be applied to.
INVISION Design / Dancor Inc. Printing, Columbus, Ohio - May, 2003 - August, 2006
Graphic Designer
• Worked with demanding clients such as: The Limited Brands, Express, Victoria’s Secret, Zaner-Bloser, Nationwide Insurance, Germain, Pepsi, etc.
• Examples of my experience are as follows: corporate identity and logo design, marketing and direct mail, packaging, catalogs, brochures, newsletters, publications, web design, and illustration.
• For print design I managed the project from concept, through production, to delivery. This means working directly with the client to convey ideas, then providing them with options, and vendors, and pre-press preparation for my designs to be finally produced after a press check or two.
• I designed the web portfolio site for INVISION, and continually assisted Dancor Inc.'s web-server and online developer. For the INVISION website I worked with Flash MX and ActionScript 1.0 to create an aesthetically pleasing site for a design firm’s potential clients. I combined the use of keyframe animation with ActionScript simulation to create the user interface, while loading the files and content externally using text files and jpeg images. I used Adobe Photoshop 7 for the use of its automated actions to edit these multiple images fast and easily. Later in my experience I started experimenting with the use of PHP 4 and MySQL data-basing. I worked with Dancor Inc. developer to create ideas and work out how to move Dancor Inc.'s online ordering system to another host, and move the gateway to the internal Dancor server.
Studio Mana, Columbus, Ohio - October, 2004 - February, 2005
Web Site Designer / Developer
• I conceived, designed, and developed new websites, and also maintained these sites as well as sites already in existence.
• I created a simple PHP 4 slide show script for the ease of simple uploading images to a directory on a server then use the PHP script to automatically view these images within a slideshow.
Project: Tilt Amusements (link available on request)
• I designed and built their web site with in Flash MX.
• I used Adobe Illustrator CS to create the initial look of the web site and then imported the elements into Flash to animate and get ready for use in ActionScript 1.0.
• I integrated to use of external text files, and external jpeg images for the ease of updating the site, similar to the INVISION site.
• I created a user interface that was also supported by the presence of these external files. Also, for a little user amusement,
• I added an ActionScript game based of the classic game Space Invaders to intrigue the site’s visitors. This game was entered by simply ‘catching’ the aliens on the opening interface.
Project: Unlimited Audio Accessories (link available on request)
• I designed the HTLM site interface. I set up the HTML template using CSS, JavaScript, and Flash MX ActionScript animation.
• I worked with a PHP/MySQL developer to create a gallery of images, and used the open source code provided by OSCommerce for an online store.
Wilson’s Printing and Graphics, London, Ohio - May, 2002 - August, 2002
Production Designer
• For this small town printing company, I interned as production artist on Mac and PC systems. I learned to meet very tight deadlines on local brochures, posters, t-shirts, and newsletters while having extensive interaction with clients to help in conceptualizing ideas. The in-house printing department also gave me real-world knowledge of the requirements in the pre-press and printing processes.
EDUCATION
August, 1999 - June, 2000
Columbus State Community College
Post Secondary Option Program
Columbus, Ohio, United States
August, 2000 - May, 2004
Columbus College of Art and Design (C.C.A.D.)
BFA - Visual Communications
Columbus, Ohio, United States
AWARDS
• President’s Scholarship for C.C.A.D.
• Wolfe Associates Scholarship for Graphic Design Excellence
• President’s List for five semesters
• The Dean’s list the remaining semesters
• Graduated with honors - Suma Cum Laude
ABOUT ME
I enjoy everything that people would consider “art” which includes: painting and drawing - figures and landscapes, sculpture, illustration, photography, animation, video, and music (guitar). I enjoy people very much. Meeting someone new is common for me, and it wouldn’t be unusual for me to have a long conversation with you without knowing your name. Basically, I love what I do, which is a lot more than what most people can say, and I am very thankful for that, everyday.
REFERENCES UPON REQUEST
