Ian Saunders

I wish to work within the creative industry. I've recently moved from a purely technical role in IT Support to a position predominantly involving web publishing. This has offered me an opportunity to use more up to date software and to polish my design and coding skills.

I'm looking to move into a role that will allow me to develop my creative side. I have also built a number of websites in my free time which illustrate my current approach to web design. These can be viewed in my online portfolio.

• Software / Applications:
• • Microsoft Office 97, 2000 & 2007,
  • Macromedia Dreamweaver 3, 4 & 8,
  • Adobe Photoshop 4, 5, 5.5, 6 & CS2,
  • Adobe Illustrator 9, CS & CS3,
  • Adobe InDesign CS3,
  • Macromedia Flash 5 & 8, Fireworks 8, Microsoft Expression Web
• Languages:
• • HTML,
  • XHTML,
  • DHTML/CSS,
  • MSDOS Batch File Scripting,
  • SQL,
  • exposure to JavaScript, ASP with VBS, VB6 (Enterprise Edition), VB/ASP.NET, XML
• Content Management Systems:
• • Joomla (with Virtuemart), Episerver 4
• Hardware:
• • PC (familiar with internal hardware upgrades),
  • Apple Mac,
  • Scanner,
  • Printer,
  • Digital camera,
  • CDRW

• Redesigned and rebranded company brochure website, partly converting to accessible CSS based design, beyond the project specification, within a tight deadline.
• Designed and produced a selection of banner adverts.
• Various web publishing duties using both in-house and Episerver content management systems.
• Laid out, designed and published monthly internal newsletter with circulation of 200. This required on-the job learning of Adobe InDesign software without impacting publishing date.

In order to keep my skills sharp and to continue to learn, I build and maintain websites on a freelance basis. The sites are featured in my portfolio.

• Used HTML to write reports and documentation, due to the flexibility in distribution since everybody has access to a web browser.
• Assisted with the design of ASP pages as part of the development of software applications designed to run within a web-based mini-site.
• Liaised with analysts to scope, design and tighten specifications, to make amendments at very short notice, to deal with indecision, impossible requests, and even to iron out problems and support end-users.
• Supported the ePOS systems of over eight-hundred Woolworths stores. This high-pressure role involved the support of such hardware as till clients, servers and printer, and a number of in-house and external software packages.
• Produced ad hoc reports to ensure clear and effective communication throughout my department.
• Assisted with the conversion of the store estate into a Windows NT framework.

I worked for the same company for over six years, in a variety of technical roles. I attempted to incorporate my HTML/CSS skills where possible within this job. Aside from this, I learned more about software design, which I think is valuable from a design perspective as much as a technical one. It was also an integral part of my role to deal with internal and external customers, so being able to communicate with all areas and levels of the business was invaluable. I was offered a short term secondment opportunity within the Project Development team, and successfully managed the rollout of a maintenance release for the stores' ePOS software system. I was invited back to reprise my secondment following the previous year's success. This time around I was responsible for designing and implementing a complex database-driven reporting system for stock availability.

• Built ASP.Net Web pages to client specification on an intermittent basis.
• Added CSS functionality to provide a specific interface while maintaining accessibility.

My roles within the design and development team varied considerably depending on both the contract and the client. My key areas of responsibility were design and production, particulary image manipulation and optimisation. I took a role in technical support in 2001 when there was a downturn in the web-design market. I remained in contact with the MD of Novidex on a consultancy basis following my employment.

This was an opportunity to develop skills and a web portfolio through work on live commercial websites and as such is also featured in my qualifications. The sites are referenced within my portfolio. I also attained skills in the following: HTML, Dreamweaver, JavaScript, Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, Database (Microsoft Access 2000, Filemaker Pro 5), CSS, ASP with VBS.

• eCampus LTD vocational opportunity - This was an opportunity to develop skills and a web portfolio through work on live commercial websites.
• City & Guilds Web Page design.
• NVQ Level 3 in Customer Service
• 10 GCSEs including Maths, English and Science
• In-house Trainer Training Course - This was designed to hone training ability both on a one-to-one buddy basis, as well as to a group through presentation and structured discussion.

I want to work with creative people. I want the opportunity to rediscover my own creative streak. I have worked for the same firm for over 6 years now. I moved into my current job to get a foot in the door of the industry, and now I'm raring to go.

I have many years of computer experience, from hobby computing to extensive technical duties in my technical support career. I have an artistic streak and would relish the opportunity to exercise these creative skills.

I'm a big fan of Photoshop, and I've had exposure to a number of versions. I'm confident I could use any version now. Similarly for Dreamweaver. I've kept abreast of the web design industry. I'm proud of my own website, and my freelance designs - the approach to table-free and accessible designs - and I hope people can value how I've hand-coded the majority of them.

I'm now looking for work a little closer to home. I will do a hard day's work and will hang around to finish a job when it's necessary. I'm a quick and enthusiastic learner. I like to think that's what makes me a good problem solver. I work well with people, I believe that's the best way to maximise strengths and minimise weaknesses, but I've proved my ability to work under my own initiative over the last couple of years and can prioritise my own workload. I'm a good communicator and can distill complex subjects into simple ideas; I was described in recent feedback as being 'good humoured, approachable, and have very clear and concise communication', and having the 'ability to pick things up quickly and relate them to less technically gifted individuals in a clear understandable way.' It's nice to be thought of as technically gifted! I have a high standard of English, which adds a tone of professionalism to my work. I also enjoy and appreciate a wide range of music, and play the guitar and bass guitar in a band. I enjoy drawing and writing, have strong enthusiasm for learning, and appreciate the challenge of problem solving.