I began my professional design career back in 1989,after graduating from the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver.
I didn’t pursue a particular area of specialty,but I really think that it had more to do with my deep involvement with computers,electronics and a number of other areas which the college curriculum had not yet formalized.
So,I fooled around with computer graphics,taught myself BASIC programming,and in my senior years,built electronic sculptures,learned about the Bauhaus and read the art,science and technology journal,“Leonardo”. Over four years,my grades and confidence improved as I acquired skills and found my creative voice.
Since 1989,I’ve logged over 20 years of experience in graphics and design for video,print and interactive media. As a digital designer,I’ve been drawn to the Internet and software development sectors since 1992,working primarily with small,high-tech software and hardware developers who need an all-around creative person. Ironically,being an all-around creative and design guy has become my area of expertise.
In 1999,I also began working as a Technical Writer. Gradually,I learned about document structure,information hierarchy,instructional storytelling (yes,in technical writing,there is a kind of narrative at work),and the value of doing research and getting the facts straight.
Technical writing is only one part of my daily work life. I respect those who do it on a full-time basis. Being effective in these media boils down to being a good communicator –knowing how to use a voice to reach an audience.
Reading is an intimate experience,with two voices at play:the voice of the story,which the reader hears in their head,and the reader’s own voice as they empathize,reflect and synthesize it into their experience.
If you’re interested,here’s my professional design portfolio and my resume.
