UX Developer

May 2023 – Current

Freelance

What’s now?

Time off

February 2023 – April 2023

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After the global pandemic, like many others, I experienced a sense of fatigue resulting from reduced social engagement and adapting to a changed world. While I initially prioritized my career development and even contemplated a career change, I gradually realized the importance of enjoying life and prioritizing personal well-being over professional achievements. As a result, I made the decision to take some time off to focus on self-care, dedicate my time to activities that contribute to my overall well-being and happiness, spend quality time with my family, and embark on a new adventure.

During this period, I also made a significant move from New Zealand to Japan. Relocating to my home country allowed me to immerse myself in my own culture, embrace new and familiar experiences, and reconnect with my loved ones.

This break from my usual routine provides me with an opportunity to recharge, find balance, and create a fulfilling life that encompasses not only career achievements but also personal well-being, family connections, and embracing a new chapter of my life.

Developer

August 2021 – February 2023

@Optimal Workshop

During my time in a collaborative team that embraced the agile framework, I had the opportunity to contribute to various projects. This included handling context switching between WordPress website implementation and Ruby on Rails product development for 50/50. Working alongside intermediate and senior developers, I actively sought to expand my knowledge and skills as a developer. Additionally, I played a role in research and decision-making processes related to website migration. One of the notable challenges I encountered was transitioning my mindset from design to development, but I embraced this shift and continued to grow in my role.

• Utilized HTML, CSS, Sass, and JavaScript to develop, maintain, and deploy production code for client websites.
• Implemented and integrated various components to enhance the functionality and user experience of the websites.
• Conducted thorough quality assurance tests to ensure cross-browser compatibility and mobile responsiveness across multiple sites.
• Optimized and improved the website’s performance, with a specific focus on enhancing page load speed by addressing factors such as file compression, image optimization, code minification, and caching strategies.

Diploma of Software Development

April 2021 – July 2021

@Dev Academy

After nine years of intensive career development in design, I shifted my focus to front-end career development. Taking a break from design responsibilities, I pursued a BootCamp-style course to quickly gain web development skills. Dev Academy Aotearoa provided an immersive and supportive learning environment, where I acquired practical web development skills and developed essential human skills like empathy. This holistic approach strengthened my ability to create impactful digital experiences.

Designer

January 2015 – August 2021

@Optimal Workshop

During my tenure at the company, I actively collaborated with cross-functional teams, which presented an enriching opportunity for personal and professional growth. One aspect that particularly stood out was the continuous improvement of my communication skills with colleagues from non-design and non-tech backgrounds. This experience fostered the development of empathy and understanding towards individuals who communicate in different languages within their respective fields.

• Involved with the brand refresh from exploration to implementation of the new brand design direction, and transition from the legacy to the current
  • Collaborated with designers to build Design System for websites and products.
  • Created a comprehensive brand guideline for illustrations, ensuring consistent visual representation across various platforms and materials.
• Collaborated closely with the marketing team to successfully deliver various marketing campaigns:
  • Developed and designed landing pages to drive user engagement and conversion.
  • Created visually appealing newsletters to enhance customer communication and engagement.
  • Managed and maintained a company blog, regularly producing blog illustrations to drive website traffic and audience engagement.
  • Implemented user-centered design principles to enhance the overall user experience.
  • Involved in user research and usability testing to inform design decisions and optimizations.

Digital Creator / Life Coarch

October 2013 – January 2015

Freelance

In my personal business venture, I offered a wide range of creative design services alongside life coaching.

• Creative Design Services
  • Specialized in digital design, creating visually captivating websites and promotional materials tailored specifically for small businesses. With a keen eye for aesthetics and effective communication, I helped my clients enhance their online presence and attract their target audience.

• Life Coaching
  • Provided holistic guidance and support to individuals. Through one-on-one counseling sessions, I helped clients navigate life’s challenges and uncover their true potential.
  • Organized classes where I taught the raw food method, empowering individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
  • Utilized my expertise in aroma therapy and typology to offer personalized advice, enabling clients to find balance and well-being in their lives.

Web / Graphic Designer

September 2011 – December 2014

@Total Assist

During my time at Total Assist, I primarily focused on website development using WordPress, with a specific emphasis on creating responsive designs. My role involved overseeing the entire design-to-development process for multiple projects.

• Created custom themes at Total Assist to streamline project delivery and enhance efficiency. These themes were designed to expedite the shipment of projects and improve overall productivity.
• Handled website maintenance tasks and troubleshooted any issues that arose. This involved regularly monitoring and updating websites, as well as diagnosing and resolving any technical problems to ensure smooth functioning and optimal performance.

Web Director

July 2008 – July 2011

@Bethesda Softworks

My role primarily focused on communication with individuals at the headquarters. I ensured the promotional materials were culturally appropriate, visually appealing, and conveyed the intended messaging to engage and attract the local audience.

• Strategized and executed Japanese web campaigns to boost user engagement and facilitate viral promotion.
• Worked on localizing promotional materials, which involved adapting and customizing various marketing assets such as product packages, posters, brochures, advertisements, and digital content to target the Japanese market effectively.

Web Designer / Director

September 2004 – March 2008

@BigBeat

In the early stages of my tenure at Bigbeat, my role primarily involved executing various tasks and assignments. I actively contributed to the implementation and delivery of projects, ensuring they were completed successfully and aligned with the clients’ objectives.

As I gained experience and demonstrated proficiency, my responsibilities gradually shifted towards directing creative projects. This transition involved taking a more strategic and leadership-oriented approach.

• Handled website design and created promotional materials in both digital and print formats.
• Provided guidance to team members, and ensured that projects were executed in line with the clients’ vision and expectations.

Web / Graphic Designer

November 2003 – July 2004

@Spikefin Ltd

I gained valuable experience in client communication and handling their requirements, both fair and unfair. This role allowed me to develop strong interpersonal skills and effectively manage client expectations. I worked on various design projects, including interaction design, web design, and creating promotional marketing materials.

This multifaceted experience helped me refine my design skills and adapt to different project requirements, while also enhancing my understanding of the importance of effective communication and client satisfaction in the design process.

Talent Acquisition Specialist

January 2002 – October 2003

@Access Technology

After graduating from design school, I faced challenges in finding a design job, which led me to take a detour and explore opportunities to gain non-design skills while keeping my options open. During this period, I worked for a recruitment agency, where I had the chance to develop my telecommunication skills by engaging with numerous potential candidates seeking career advancement. I dedicated several months to this experience, broadening my skill set while continuing to search for the right design job opportunity.

Bachelor of Computer Graphics Design

February 2001 – November 2002

@Wanganui School of Design

One of the most enriching experiences I had during my time in design school was the opportunity to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, each possessing unique design talents. This exposure expanded my perspective as a designer, as I discovered how one’s upbringing and surroundings shape their creative perception. It was fascinating to witness how different perspectives could contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of design.

Another memorable aspect was the remarkable work ethic exhibited by the majority of students. It was common to find fellow students in the design lab even past midnight. While the workload and numerous assignments certainly played a role, I believe it stemmed from a collective drive to excel and a genuine passion for the field. The shared dedication to hard work created a supportive and motivating environment, fostering collaboration and pushing us to achieve our best.

These experiences of cultural diversity and shared determination not only enriched my design education but also forged lasting connections and a sense of camaraderie among fellow students.

Diploma of Digital Design

April 1998 – March 2000

@ECC Computer Collage

During the time when internet surfing became more widespread among the general public, websites were primarily coded using table tags, and large files often required multiple floppy discs for storage.

It was during this period that I embarked on my journey of learning various Adobe design software tools to excel in design assignments. Additionally, I delved into the basics of HTML and CSS to construct my very first website. This marked the beginning of my exploration and growth in the realm of web design and development.