Hard working, motivated and thorough, with the ability to work to tight deadlines. Qualified, with over six years combined experience in web design, development, content management, marketing and graphic design.
Excellent communication skills and a meticulous eye for detail. Hilariously funny and witty, with a passion for minimalistic, user-focused flat design.
Designer/Web Publishing Specialist
Distrelec
July 2017 - Current
My primary responsibility at Distrelec is to support the campaign management team by producing a range of online and offline marketing material, including: online product promotions, landing pages, microsites, banners and manuals.
As part of the company’s new Enterprise Hub, I was pivotal in establishing their new marketing department. This included being part of the discussions regarding their collaborative processes, workflow tools, resource requirements, and founding their design asset library.
Going-forward I will be an important part of building the company’s new online style and brand guidelines.
Digital Designer
Venn Digital
June 2016 - June 2017
Working at a busy digital agency, my role encompassed both web design and frontend development.
I was responsible for turning briefs into design concepts, and then into interactive websites. The clients were varied, from food and drink, and hospitality companies, to recruitment agencies, and mobile app developers.
Collaboration and strong communication is important; as I worked closely within a team of Project Managers, Designers and Backend Developers.
My role also involved liaising Project Managers regarding multiple projects on a weekly basis.
Faculty Web Officer
Manchester Metropolitan University
July 2015 - April 2016
I worked within an award-winning team providing expertise in online marketing and communications across Manchester Metropolitan University.
As Science and Engineering Faculty Web Officer, I was the primary digital marketing expert for the faculty, responsible for the management and enhancement of a broad portfolio of websites, whilst implementing digital marketing campaigns and techniques to enhance the faculty’s recognition and visibility in key markets. I worked collaboratively with teaching, research and technical staff to ensure that their outputs are presented effectively to key audiences.
I provided a crucial role in ensuring that the university's brand, reputation and strengths were promoted correctly internally and externally.
I worked closely with the Faculty Marketing Officer, developing the faculty’s portfolio of digital marketing materials, initiating and delivering digital campaigns to support a number of key projects and activities within the faculty. These included recruitment marketing, high profile events, launches and engagement events.
Website Manager
R.O.EYE Ltd
January 2014 - June 2015
I built innovative company and client websites; from planning, design and development, to testing, delivery and support. I was solely responsible for the company's portfolio of websites, including their development, content management, and maintenance, as well as creating email marketing campaigns and producing detailed analytical reports.
Another aspect of my role involved graphic design; such as creating logos, pitch documents, user guides and animated web banners.
My responsibilities included:
Web & Graphic Designer
Gladiator Computers Ltd
Fixed term 2 month contract to create an ambitious new website, which allowed customers to build a PC tailored to their needs. Having no previous website to take inspiration from, I planned, designed, and developed the entire website and brand from scratch.
This role involved working closely with a back end developer to ensure that the website could be maintained after my contract expired.
September 2013 - October 2013 / Fixed-term contract
Artworker & Online Executive
HSS Hire Ltd
I was solely responsible for designing all printed marketing material, clothing, stationery, signage and billboards. I managed hundreds of products through the company's online portal, as well as creating microsites and web banners. My role also involved managing e-commerce email campaigns; from design to analytical reporting.
June 2008 - August 2010
Web Content & Marketing Executive
Nimans Ltd
March 2006 - June 2008 / Promotion
I managed the Nimans online product catalogue. I assisted in the development of the company website and created a series of dual branded microsites, which involved collaborating with Sony, Siemens, Panasonic and Ericsson.
BSc (Hons) Web Design
Southampton Solent University
September 2010 - June 2013 / High 2:1
This course maintained a strong practical focus. We were taught web design and development though projects, collaborating with other students and local industries with focus on databases, UX/UI design, interactive multimedia and e-commerce services.
We studied web design concepts, visual trends, graphical communication, design aesthetics, media on the web, accessibility, usability and user experience.
We were taught programming languages, such as HTML, JavaScript, SQL and PHP, as well as the creative skills necessary to design for a range of devices, including desktop browsers, smart phones and tablets.
Modules included:
Visual Basic .Net Level 2
The Manchester College
September 2005 - March 2006
This course taught the basic principles of computer programming and software development using Visual Basic .NET. It included an introduction to object-oriented technology, database management and software testing.
HNC Digital Media
The Manchester College
September 2002 - June 2003 / Distinction
This course provided the knowledge and skills required for a career in the creative media industry. It covered such subjects as artwork preparation, graphic design, digital retouching and animation.
BTEC Art & Design
The Oldham College
September 2001 - May 2002
This course covered graphics, illustration, textiles, fashion, ceramics, 3D design, photography, fine art, visual studies and contextual studies.
During the course we visited several galleries and exhibitions as part of our development in art and design; live briefs and competitions often formed part of the course.
BTEC Information Technology
The Oldham College
September 2000 - August 2001
This course helped me develop the practical skills, knowledge and understanding to prepare me for a career in the information technology industry. It covered Microsoft Office, computer networks, digital media, software design and development, e-commerce, and programming.
GCSE
Failsworth School
September 1994 - May 1999
Achieved 7 GCSEs in:
Over the years my role has involved a wide range of responsibilies.
When I worked as a Graphic Designer I created artwork for all kinds of printed marketing material. From the usual: brochures, catelogues, clothing, magazine adverts, editorials, banners and signage. To the more unusual: phone boxes, blimps, buses, football hoardings and billboards.
Whilst working at HSS Hire Ltd I was solely responsible for all their printed marketing material. That's means if you visited one of the 302 branches throughout the UK and ROI between 2008 and 2010 you probably would've seen several pieces of my work.
I’m trained to use a wide range of software, CMS and front-end frameworks.
All my code is handwritten and beautifully formatted.
HTML5 is awesome! I use it every day. New tags like <header>, <footer> and <nav> make it easier for screen readers determine my content; making my websites more accessible, as well as keeping my markup clean (yay!) and extra semantic.
The simplified doctype no longer requires a series of mind-boggling attributes, and it even works in older browsers like the dreaded IE6.
HTML5 came with some useful new input attributes, such as date, time, and calendar, as well as some impressive built-in client-side form validation, both of which have made my life easier.
Flash and third party media players are slowly being phased out (hurrah!) by the introduction of the new easy-to-use <video> and <audio> tags. Speaking of Flash, <canvas> comes with most (if not more) interactive and animated options to help me create feature-rich interactive elements. This is area I don’t have much experience in, but hopefully that’ll change with your help.
Aaron may not have super strength, the ability to fly, or x-ray vision, but what he lacks in super powers he more than makes up for with his web design talents. His unweaving mission for perfection is a symbol of hope for us all.
Clark Kent
When Aaron isn't helping me fight crime, or testing new elaborate gadgets, he's a fantastic Front End Developer. He remembers all my favourite colours: #000000, #333333, #555555 and #999999 - basically shades of black.
Bruce Wayne
As one of the lesser known members of the Justice League I was out of work for years. That's until Aaron's incredible graphic design skills helped me put together a PR campaign. Now I have a small part in a blockbuster film!
Diana Prince
Being the fastest man alive means when I ask for work I want it done yesterday. When I asked Aaron to create me a website I didn't expect him to be so methodical. If you want a rush job then I recommend going elsewhere.
Barry Allen