How I Do It
With an office in Chicago, a home office in Evanston and mobile machines that allow me to work on-site, I'm able to provide my services in any environment. Up-to date equipment, the newest software and a full library of fonts allow me to work on any project without compatibility or version issues.
Many designers have preferences as to software, platforms and production methods. Being fluent in Adobe InDesign and (even in the venerable Quark xPress) allows me to adapt to most print projects. Although I prefer to write compliant HTML and CSS myself, I am comfortable with most WYSIWYG Web design applications if the project requires it.
Software Capabilities
- Adobe Photoshop Years of experience using this digital imaging application have given me expert skills in image manipulation, color balancing and retouching.
- Adobe InDesign This layout application has gained favor in design and print shops for its innovative features and integration with other Adobe applications. Many years of producing everything from business cards to annual reports to textbooks to trade show displays have taught me how to use this application to its fullest, with maximum efficiency.
- Adobe Illustrator While I am not an illustrator, I use Illustrator in many aspects of my work, and am more than proficient with it.
- Adobe Acrobat Pro More and more projects are requiring a complete knowledge of this document exchange and output application, not only for world wide compatibility, but for its full range of proofing, publishing and interactive features.
- Microsoft Powerpoint This standard for on-screen presentations is on every corporate desktop, but years of producing slides for persuasive sales presentations, effective training, and even exciting intros to corporate meetings have taught me the skills to make presentations that don't look like Powerpoint.
- Apple Keynote A sleek alternative to Powerpoint, gaining favor in many design shops.
- BBEdit My HTML, CSS and javascript editor of choice. Working directly in mark-up and script has allowed me to gain extensive knowledge of cross-browser and platform issues, quirks and rendering differences, which is important for keeping things on schedule on and budget when the testing and debugging stages are reached.
- Adobe Dreamweaver For projects that require collaboration with other developers using this powerful Web design environment.
Although my skills are varied, I do know my limitations, and know when to bring in an expert for a specific skill that should be done by a specialist. Writing, editing, marketing, database connectivity, Flash, 3D rendering, video production are all aspects I've been involved in on many projects, but I leave those skills to professionals with years of experience in those areas. Fortunately I've had long professional relationships with many of these specialists and bring their expertise in when projects require them.