Humble slave to the pixel
My core belief is that communication, in any role, is key and I appreciate constructive criticism from my peers. I enjoy creative problem solving and working in a team environment (mainly because I enjoy the company and opportunities to brainstorm together). My capability in a wide array of disciplines comes from a passion to learn and a life long dedication to refining my skillset.
After moving to Hamilton in 2011 I completed post-graduate study and established myself as a local designer. To stay sharp and on top of trends I enjoy using my design skills to help schools and non-profit organisations by creating and maintaining material such as websites, branding, posters, and other print media. I also enjoy participating in design and technology competitions, such as the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2013 in which my team received the 1st place National Award for Innovation in app design.
Personal Motivators
- Innovating
- Making ideas tangible
- Learning
- Discovering new passions
- Problem solving
Loves
- Sunsets
- Coffee
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- Stormy Nights
- Music of the strange variety
Interests
- Football
- Music
- Cosplay / Crafting
- Gaming
- Learning
Achievements
- NCEA Level 2 & 3 Endorsed with Merit
- Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design (The University of Waikato)
- Post Graduate Certificate in Computer Science
- 1st place National Innovation Award (App Design - Microsoft Imagine Cup 2013)
- 1st Place Tshirt Design (New Zealand Microsoft Imagine Cup 2013)
- 2nd Place Music Composition National Competition (Sheilah Winn Shakespeare)
- JENYSES Ambassador (Traveled to Japan as a NZ ambassador in 2014 - sponsored by the Japanese Government)
- Nancy Tiddy Scholarship (2010)
- Contribution to Music Trophy (2010)
Industry Skills
Software & Service Experience
- Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator / Photoshop / InDesign / After Effects / Flash / Premier Pro)
- Microsoft Office (Word / Excel / Powerpoint)
- Maya
- Blender
- Sibelius
- Garage Band
- Unbounce
- Trello
- Squarespace
- E-learning Platforms
Discipline Knowledge
- Image Manipulation
- 2D Animation
- Graphic Design
- Website Design
- App Design
- Print Operation
- Photography
- Video Editing
- Illustration
- Branding/Logo Development
- Marketing
Theory
- Typography
- Design Principles
- Colour Theory
- User Experience
- Information Visualization
Languages
- English (Fluent - NCEA Level 3)
- HTML / CSS (Intermediate Level)
- C# (Basic Ability)
Higher Education
Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design
Throughout my Bachelor at Waikato University I took a combination of computer graphic design papers, computing papers and electives. From this I acquired a skill set that allows me to create not only the visuals for a project but the simple coding needed behind it as well.
In the third year of my degree I had two internships for CGRD350. The first was for Cold Studios, a software development company. In this internship I worked with three others to create and app for the Microsoft Imagine Cup which gained 1st place in the National Innovation category. My second internship was for Lightwire Limited. They took me on to give me further experience in creating print material and digital material (web and app design) in a business environment.
For my final degree project I developed an android touch based game that educated children about an endangered species by putting them in the animals natural habitat, allowing them to play through a survival adventure game.
Completed papers & subjects
Post Graduate certificate in Computer Science
My final year of study gave me numerous opportunities for growth. I researched humanoid representation and psychological responses to video game environments, created a database of design algorithms and rules for a software project which generates design layouts, acted as Creative Director for a number of semester long projects with junior designers in a studio setting, experimented with information visualization and last but not least, traveled to Japan as part of a group of New Zealand ambassadors to absorb Japanese culture, technology, traditions and design trends.
