User journeys and task flows are not like ponchos (one-size fits all). I first understand the root problem; then posit how hiring our application might achieve the user's true goal. Harnessing their hypothesized behaviors to seek best fit.
user interface
The concert of user and machine takes place here. It is the collision of intention and intuition. Like the perfect dinner guest, an application must conduct just enough personality; brand. Conversation balancing wit and mystery, with the fondness of an old friend.
interaction
My aim is to guide users like a great mystic. Being careful not to instruct - but join them on their journey. Each interaction—an unraveling of the story. Constructing feedback as tiny conversations that show users right and wrong.
the developer
cast of characters: developer
pixel perfect
The virtual world is a fragmented, abundant garden. Attention must be given to that which is beneath the soil. Bad sub-pixel rendering can make a healthy glyph wither and die. From the seeds of an idea, I cultivate these graphics to make them shine.
components
With the ever changing device landscape we can no longer design screens or pages. We must talk in terms of components and component states. I build them to live anywhere in the application for use as blocks to composite the whole view.
living styleguide
A moving target that evolves in lock step with your organization. Styleguide driven development is the frugal centerpiece on which coherent communication can take place between designers, developers, and their constituencies alike.
the entrepreneur
cast of characters: entrepreneur
starting
I first started a commercial cleaning company. It was a great MBA program. I learned the basics of running a business. I had a wonderful time designing the website and marketing collateral, branding the company, and creating a strategic marketing plan. This lead to my next endeavor: a creative consulting firm.
building
I worked as Managing Director for a non-profit theatre company, where we renovated and re-opened TGA, a defunct church, and built it into a new community arts and education center for South STL. I coordinated events, booked talent, and facilitated the day-to-day.
consulting
Throughout my freelance career, I have had the pleasure of working with new business owners and advising them on promotions, corporate identity, and general business guidance. I thrive in this unstructured, chaotic environments. I am calm, candid, and decisive.
the manager
cast of characters: manager
talent
People need to spend their time doing what they do best. As the often cited quote goes 'No one ever told the world class violinist that they were bad at golf'. I find out where my people excel, and I put them to it. It's not a matter of if they do or don't want to do it… it's simply, who is the best person for the task.
resource
I set my team up for success. My main duty is to provide them with the tools they need to do the job quickly and effectively. Then, I to get out of their way. I am their steward. I run interference for them, and I knock down potential roadblocks. I make sure they are focused on what counts.
leadership
I have exceptionally high standards for myself; thus, I have high standards for my team. Excellence is the watchword, not perfection. I am the paradigm for my people. I lead by example. I also, make mistakes... I accept them, learn from them, and move on - Making a deliberate effort for improvement.
the writer
cast of characters: writer
content strategy
The web is no longer a simple html table on a webpage. It is a series of endpoints that end up on your phone, car, TV, or even refrigerator. I provide definition and structure to channel these extensible, reusable chunks thru the inter-web piping.
microcopy
Powerful copy is more than just a catchy saying. Each word evokes it's own emotion. Each letter it's own percussion. They can be woven into a rhythmic beautiful tapestry. Your voice is what defines you. It is your singularity.
social beasts
New age poems and prose. Social networks have broken the barriers wide open. 'Companies' have struggled to keep up. People seek what they are and aspire to be. I bridge the gap, and bring the personality behind the company to the forefront.
the academic
cast of characters: academic
university
I finished out my school learning with a dual of majors. In Communication, I learned to clearly convey a message. I began to observe and understand. In Philosophy, I learned to think and reason. I began to question and grow.
certification
As I became more ensconced in technology, I rediscovered my passion for puzzles and patterns and math. Thusly, I returned to learning all things numbers, and obtained my teaching certificate for Mathematics.
continued edu
Growing up with computers coupled with my natural desire to solve problems, I have immersed myself fully in programming and conversing with computers. With the help of many Online guides, I continue to teach myself and keep up to date on trends in technology.
the adventurer
cast of characters: adventurer
backpacking
Preparation is key in exploration. Expect the best, but plan for the worst. I go into the woods 'because I [wish] to live deliberately'... to learn and live. A retreat from the exacerbated pace of the world. A calming of my thoughts. A recharging of my spirit.
micro-adventures
My wife and I set out each month on mini-adventures. We become tourists in our own town. We experience the world fresh and try new things. Museums, food fairs, and walks in the park. Each tiny feat, a step towards enjoyment and fulfillment.
macro : life
The biggest adventure of all. Each day, I start anew. I accept and learn from old failures; I seek out and take on new challenges; and I strive to reach and exceed my goals. Living life on purpose. Becoming my authentic self.