About Me
I am a freelance web developer/designer living and working in New York City. I enjoy the independence and freedom of the freelance lifestyle, but when it comes to completing projects and making deadlines I am relentless.
My programming experience started when I was six and my father bought an Atari 800 with a tape drive. I spent days typing a "screen saver" program out of a magazine one summer, and although it never worked, from that moment on I was hooked on computers.
In the late 80's (well before the world wide web) I was routinely using the internet to play games and talk with friends and then in high school I took several programming courses, including C, and it was off to the races.
I initially intended to study computer science in college, but instead I discovered new media and a creative side to compliment my technical skills. Since then I've worked on numerous web and multimedia projects.
Today I am available for hire (a guy has to eat), to answer questions and for the occasional pro bono project for a good cause.
About This Site
Following the teachings of The Horizontal Way, this site is designed to scroll horizontally, not vertically. As a result, the minimum screen resolution required to successfully view this site is 1024x768. See Credits/Acknowledgements for more info.
Portfolio
I've been working on web sites since 1998, and in that time I've seen many fads and technologies come and go. With the advent of new technologies and paradigms like Ajax and RIA's the Internet has strengthened its standing as the single most important communication medium of our time.
My portfolio represents a selection of sites that I have worked on over the years and is divided into three major sections: Independent Projects, Sites for Binarian Studios and Sites for StreamTeam.
Independent
Jane Choi Makeup | janechoimakeup.com:
Jane is a talented makeup artist working in the film and television industry. The primary focus of the site is to showcase pictures of her work with minimal distractions. To this end, I developed a custom database driven gallery that utilizes light box style image displaying and an administrative back end that features drag and drop sorting of the images in the galleries.
Technologies Used:
- XHTML 1 & CSS
- PHP & MySQL
- Ajax, Javascript & XML
Independent
Calabrese Studios | calabresestudios.com:
As a successful commercial photographer Wayne Calabrese knows the value of image, and when he decided to overhaul his web site he wanted something special, something to really showcase his images. We decided to use flash and keep the design theme consistent with his previous site but to make the site larger and feature a single image at a time. The final flash file is six (yeah, I said six) long and consists of several thousand lines of code that connect to a the administrative back end and database allowing for instantaneous updates without a headache.
Technologies Used:
- Flash Professional
- Advanced ActionScripting
- XHTML & CSS
- PHP & MySQL
- XML
Independent
Ajax CMS | (under development):
While there are numerous Content Management System with endless features available to choose from, I frequently find that clients frequently want something less complex, so I have decided to build a CMS from the ground up using Ajax. The system features a WYSIWYG editor, drag and drop sorting of articles, gallery images and Flash like animation and the ability to choose PHP/MySQL or ASP/MS SQL or Access as the back end engine.
Technologies Used:
- XHTML & CSS
- Ajax, Javascript & JSON
- PHP & MySQL
- ASP, MS SQL & Access
- Scriptaculous & Prototype
Antonio Ponti | antonioponti.com (under development):
Antonio Ponti is a union camera assistant working in the film and television industry who's primary need is for an online resume and image gallery that is easily updateable online. The resume component features an Ajax driven input system with an auto complete feature that learns as data is entered, and his gallery will be one of the first applications for the Ajax CMS that I am currently developing.
Technologies Used:
- XHTML & CSS
- PHP & MySQL
- Ajax, Javascript & JSON
Independent
The Verdi Group | theverdigroup.com:
The Verdi Group needed an existing flash based animation to be retooled when they won an award and wanted to include the animation in an online survey. The problem was that they only had the compiled version of the file and could not get the original source document. I was able to reverse engineer and de-compile the .swf file and wrap it in a new flash file that included their survey and emailed the results to their marketing department.
Technologies Used:
- Flash
- Advanced ActionScripting
- ASP & CDO Mail
Leap Frog Interactive | leapfroginteractive.com:
Leap Frog needed a banner rotation system with built in prioritizing and reporting for the ads. Based on their server architecture at the time, Perl provided an elegant solution.
Technologies Used:
- Perl CGI
- Berkeley Database
Coup D'Etat | (site no longer live):
Coup D'Etat was Wayne Calabrese's old portfolio site and was built with extensive use of server side includes as a solution to web server restrictions. Highly functional, it served as Wayne's calling card for quite a while before the decision was made to upgrade s to newer technologies.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- Server Side Includes
Independent
XM Corporation | (site no longer live):
Specializing in the creation of stereoscopic images for use in their patented viewer, XM Corporation needed a site that served as both a marketing tool and an eCommerce gateway. They also needed an internal intranet, email server and file sharing system. The solution was a custom eCommerce web site for the world to see and an eSmith server in the back office.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- PHP & MySQL
- Flash
- eSmith Open Source Small Business Server
World Wide Lacrosse | (site no longer live):
How does a lacrosse retailer in Rochester, NY sell equipment to kids and teams in San Pedro, CA? Simple, eCommerce. The World Wide Lacrosse store was a heavily modified version of ClickCart providing secure online payment processing, order tracking and a robust but easy to use administrative back end that could synchronize stock quantities with the physical warehouse's point of sale and inventory control system. The result was a booming business that shipped 300+ orders a day during the busy seasons. World Wide Lacrosse has since been purchased by another national retailer in no small part due to its booming web business.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & MS SQL
- World Pay Credit Card Processor
Independent
Andrews University:
Department of Administration, Computer Science Department, College of Technology and Information Technology Services | (sites no longer live):
During my tenure at Andrews University as a student, student worker and later staff member, I worked extensively on many of the schools internal and external web sites. Since then both Andrews and I have moved on in our lives and web development, but it is where it all started for me.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- PHP & MySQL
- Perl CGI & Berkeley Databases
- Oracle
- Apache
For Binarian Studios
Empire Justice | empirejustice.org:
Empire Justice is a nonprofit organization servicing the legal needs of people who cannot afford civil legal representation otherwise. Additionally, they provide access to a huge library of government forms, legal findings and articles on their site. A clear case for content management, the development process was primarily based on modifying the CMS for some of their specific needs and devising a way to import the thousands of static pages from their old site. Now they have a highly functional site that is easy to navigate and administer including the automatic generation of mailing lists based on event attendance and a WYSIWYG editor for content generation.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & MS SQL
- ASPEmail
For Binarian Studios
Crystal Icing | crystalicing.com:
Specializing in the "blinging" of everything from iPods and phones to mace and computer monitors, Crystal Icing is an eCommerce company through and through. I've been working with Gena, the owner, since the inception of the site and have made numerous modifications and additions to the shopping cart software in addition to adding a newsletter and CMS functionality to the system. As a result, Crystal Icing is one of the top "blinging" companies in the world providing glitz and glamour to teenie boppers, celebrities and international companies alike.
Technologies Used:
- HTML, XHTML, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & MS SQL
- Flash
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
- USPS, UPS & FedEx SDK's
- Payment Processing Gateways
- Google Analytics
For Binarian Studios
H2O Pilots | h2opilots.com:
As a place for pilots of sea planes to come, share and get information h2opilots.com serves as a community bulletin board in many ways. A simple custom CMS system serves the needs of the site well and keeps things simple while allowing for a high level of interactivity.
Technologies Used:
- XHTML, CSS & Javascript
- Flash
- ASP & Access
For Binarian Studios
Jessi Hamilton | jessihamilton.com:
As an up and coming singer/songwriter, Jessi needed a site both to market herself as well as keep her fans informed. A light weight CMS, gallery and newsletter allow her to administer the site through an administrative back end without requiring her to be a computer guru.
Technologies Used:
- HTML, CSS & Javascript
- Flash
- ASP & Access
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
For Binarian Studios
Jackie Rogers | jackierogers.com:
Jackie Rogers is about high design, not difficult to use and administer web sites. The custom CMS and gallery implemented for her site are in keeping with her minimalist aesthetic and get the job done.
Technologies Used:
- XHTML, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
For Binarian Studios
R Drugs Etc. | rdrugsetc.com:
As an independent pharmacy, R Drugs Etc. needed a site that not only provides them with an online identity, but also provides their customers with access to valuable medical resources. The result is the R Drugs Etc. site which features a custom prescription refill/transfer form and newsletter, but the center piece of the site revolves around a syndicated content feed from a third party on the net. The tricky part was that while R Drugs Etc. wanted the content they did not want one of the canned sites offered by the feed supplier, and the feed supplier had no mechanism in place for allowing custom designs. The solution was to use ASPTear to "read" the feed, parse the information, strip formatting and style properties, make adjustments to relative URL's in the feed, apply the proper rdrugsetc.com styles and finally display the syndicated content as a seamless part of the site.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- ASPTear
- ASPEmail
For Binarian Studios
Park Avenue Realtors | parkavenuerealtors.com:
With booming business and swelling ranks of agents, Park Avenue Realtors is one of the busiest realtors in Rochester, NY. When it came to their web site the question was how to streamline the process for the realtors as much as possible while providing customers with an easy to use site that allows them to browse listings online, calculate mortgages, get answers to questions and contact agents. The site pulls together many technologies and information from disparate sources ranging from a custom CMS and gallery system to property listing feeds and mortgage information, serving the needs of both the customer and the office.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP, MS SQL & Access
- ASPJpeg & ASPEmail
For Binarian Studios
Calvary Automation Systems | calvauto.com:
As a leader in cutting edge automation technologies, Calvary needed a site to provide information to potential customers about their products. They also wanted an password protected section that would allow them to share files and information between geographically separated areas easily. The site features a custom CMS for managing information and a custom file and information sharing system in the password protected section.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP, MS SQL & Access
- ASPJpeg & ASPEmail
For Binarian Studios
Home Business | homebusiness.com:
Starting a home business isn't easy, hombeusiness.com can help. Featuring articles about operating a successful home business, information about home business opportunities and a news letter, the site serves as a great resource for home based entrepreneurs.
Technologies Used:
- XHTML, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- ASPEmail
For Binarian Studios
Nightingale Nurses | nightingalenurses.net:
When Nightingale Nurses' application form started getting slammed by spammers and sending thousands of emails a day they had little choice except to implement some kind of form validation and security, but they didn't want to go straight to CAPTCHA system. I was able to implement a filtering system that stopped the spam without requiring users to enter a security string from an image.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- PHP & Flat Files
- Injection and Spoofing Detection
For Binarian Studios
Travel Nurses | travelnursesnow.com:
A sister site to Nightingale Nurses, when Travel Nurses' application form started getting slammed by spammers and sending thousands of emails a day they came to me and asked me to implement the same filtering system that stopped the spam at Nightingale Nurses.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- PHP & Flat Files
- Injection and Spoofing Detection
For Binarian Studios
Working Smart | workingsmart.us:
Marketing a highly successful career development system and library required a site featuring an eCommerce shop as well as a custom CMS for online article management.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- eCommerce with Online Payment Processor
For Binarian Studios
Resun | resuncorp.com:
As a leader in the field of turnkey, modular building solutions, Resun needed a site that showcased their buildings and service for various industries. The solution was an elegant part HTML, part Flash system that allowed rapid deployment and updating of the site. Based on directory structure and file names the pseudo-CMS was simple to learn and easy to use. (NOTE: The current version of the site is not the one I worked on.)
Technologies Used:
- XHTML & CSS
- Extensive Advanced Javascript
- ASP
StyleWiz | stylewiz.com:
As a lifestyle e-zine, StyleWiz needed a solid CMS to allow easy updating of the site anytime, day or night. (NOTE: The current version of the site is not the one I worked on.)
Technologies Use:
- XHTML, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & MS SQL
- ASPEmail
For StreamTeam.com
StreamTeam.com | streamteam.com:
As a web development, hosting and streaming media company StreamTeam.com had numerous development needs itself. Projects I completed for StreamTeam.com included a CMS for the web site, a web based streaming log management system, helpdesk and trouble ticket software, and a streaming media connection dashboard.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, XHTML & CSS
- Javascript
- ASP, Access, MS SQL & MySQL
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
For StreamTeam.com
Gramma's Cutters | grammascutters.com:
Providing an inventory of cookie cutters and cookie baking supplies as well as recipes, stories and a newsletter, Gramma's Cutters incorporates eCommerce, a custom CMS and a mailing list feature. Along with the items for sale, the frequently updated content and feeling of community the site provides, keep business booming and customers coming back for more.
Technologies Used:
- HTML, CSS & Javascript
- ASP, MS SQL & Access
- ASPEmail
For StreamTeam.com
One Shop Rock | oneshoprock.com:
Nostalgic for the days of Emerson, Lake and Palmer? No sweat, drop by One Shop Rock and place an order for autographed memorabilia from ELP and several other bands. The site is a heavily modified eCommerce system and features an extremely advanced bookkeeping system that tracks every aspect of every order to make sure each band gets what's theirs while staving off the metal apocalypse.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP, MS SQL & Access
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
For StreamTeam.com
Flower City Tissue Mills | flowercitytissue.com:
As a wholesaler of wrapping papers and tissues, Flower City Tissue Mills needed an online catalog to help streamline their ordering and delivery system. It was a straightforward process to setup a modified eCommerce site and integrate a custom CMS and newsletter system.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & MS SQL
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
For StreamTeam.com
SpaceArc | spacearc.com:
SpaceArc is a nonprofit organization that specializes in sending time capsules into space. In preparation for their second launch a completely custom site was designed to facilitate traditional paper based participation as well as online participation and hybrid participation using dynamic PDF creation. The site features a custom CMS, image gallery and includes a sample of the entries from the last launch as well as video footage provided by launch partner Lockheed Martin.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP, MS SQL & Access
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
- Dynamic PDF Creation
For StreamTeam.com
Greg Lake | greglake.com:
As rock star Greg Lake's official site, this project features a message board, gallery, video theater, jukebox, download area and FAQ in addition to a custom CMS.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- Flash
- ASP, MS SQL & Access
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
For StreamTeam.com
Hawk's Nest | hawks-nest.com:
Thinking about taking a trip to the Bahamas? The Hawk's Nest site provides a library of information ranging from temperatures and water conditions to room prices and flight information via a custom CMS.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
For StreamTeam.com
Coastal View | coastalview.us:
Currently serving as a marketing tool for a lakeside housing development the site features an image gallery and dynamic site map and is slated to become the communities online bulletin board when the development is finished.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- ASPEmail
For StreamTeam.com
Car Buyer's Edge | carbuyersedge.com:
As a 20-year veteran of the automotive sales industry, Jeff Clark decided to start Car Buyer's Edge as a way to help people get better deals on cars and avoid getting scammed. The site features both free and fee based areas as well as a custom CMS and integrated payment processing.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- ASPEmail
For StreamTeam.com
Mahany Welding Supply | mahanyweld.com:
With a booming welding supply business, Mahany's goal wasn't to create an online sales presence, instead they wanted a place to promote their welding classes and community events. With a custom CMS and image gallery the site allows Mahany to easily update the information they want, when they want.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
For StreamTeam.com
New York Concrete Promotion Council | nyconcrete.com:
The New York Concrete Promotional Council serves both the public and the construction industry by providing information about concrete and the state of the art applications for concrete. Featuring an image gallery and a custom CMS the site makes a large amount of data available in an easy to navigate site.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
For StreamTeam.com
NECSA | necementshippers.com:
After seeing the nyconcrete.com, the Northeastern Cement Shippers Association, an industry funded nonprofit promotional company, decided a similar solution would be ideal for their site. Featuring an image gallery and a custom CMS the site makes a large amount of data available in an easy to navigate site.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
For StreamTeam.com
International Eight Metre Association | 8mr.org:
Designed to be an information outlet for the IEMA, the site featured a custom CMS, image gallery and newsletter. (NOTE: The current version of the site is not the one I worked on.)
Technologies Used:
- HTML, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- Streaming Video
Preferred Mortgage Corp. | preferredmortgagecorp.com:
As the e-presence of the company, the site provided secure forms allowing customers to apply online. (NOTE: The current version of the site is not the one I worked on.)
Technologies Used:
- XHTML, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & MS SQL
- ASPEmail
Schantz Homes | schantzhomes.com:
As a showcase for the various building projects and housing communities the company was involved in, the site featured a custom CMS and gallery.(NOTE: The current version of the site is not the one I worked on.)
Technologies Used:
- XHTML, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & MS SQL
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
For StreamTeam.com
Xpress Attorney Services | (site no longer live):
Featuring a custom CSM and Flash animation, the site served primarily as an online business card for the company.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- Flash
- ASP & Access
- ASPEmail
Upstate Cats | (site no longer live):
Serving as a marketing and P. R. tool for this small recording label, the site featured a custom CMS and image gallery.
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- ASPEmail & ASPJpeg
Factor's Walk | (site no longer live):
Serving first as a sales tool and then later as a community web bulletin board, the site featured a custom CMS and image gallery
Technologies Used:
- HTML 4, CSS & Javascript
- ASP & Access
- ASPEmail
Skills
Web Development:
- Dynamic content generation using multiple server environments and programming languages.
- Site security and combating injection, form submission and other attacks.
- Use of relational databases and storage structures for online applications.
- Use of XML and JSON to exchange information between browser and server.
- Dynamic, database driven Flash.
- Flash and Flash-like animation.
- Search Engine Optimization for search engine submission and cataloging.
- Encryption schemes and algorithms for data storage and transmission.
Web Design:
- Graphical User Interface design using HTML/XHTML & CSS.
- Advanced navigation system design.
- Flash animation.
- Image optimization.
- Cross browser, standards compliant code.
- Use of meaningful markup
- Separation of design and content
Skills
Programming Languages/Models:
- D/HTML 4.01 & DHTML
- XHTML 1.0/1.1 & DXHTML
- CSS 2
- Javascript
- Ajax
- JSON
- XML
- PHP
- ASP
- Perl
- MySQL, MS SQL & Access
- ActionScript
- Lingo
- VB Script
- Limited:
- C/C++
- Java
- C#
- VB
- .NET
- Python
Applications:
- Flash Professional
- Photoshop
- Dreamweaver
- Coda
- Illustrator
- Freehand
- InDesign
- Fireworks
- Quark Xpress
- Director
- After Effects
- Acrobat Professional
- Final Cut Pro
- Motion
- Compressor
- Avid Xpress/Composer
- Premiere Pro
- QuickTime Pro
- Microsoft Office
- Open Office
Skills
Operating Systems:
- Mac OS 8/9/X
- Mac Server OS 9/X
- Windows Server NT-2003
- Windows 95 - XP
- RedHat Linux
- Debian Linux
- Suse Linux
- Sun Solaris
- BeOS
- Remote System Administration
Other:
- Physical Networking
- Routers and Switches
- Hardware Tech Support/Repair
- Software Tech Support/Repair
Resume
Download:
PDF File (36 KB)
FlashPaper (64 KB)
Experience:
Freelance Web Developer/Designer and Server Administrator 1998 - Present
- Conceptualize and code custom web applications base on client needs.
- Install and customize open source and purchased web solutions for clients.
- Setup and support web server software including Apache and IIS.
- Setup and support database servers including MySQL and MS SQL.
- Setup and support email servers including MDaemon, Sendmail and eSmith.
- Setup and support web programming environments including PHP and ColdFusion.
- Setup and support FTP servers including WS-FTP Server, Windows FTP and Linux FTP.
- Administer access privileges for other developers and file permissions for sites.
- Research and evaluate new technologies for application in client projects.
- Recommend solutions based on client needs.
- Generate graphics and other media required for sites.
- Encode and embed audio and video for sites.
Resume
Experience Continued:
Network Manager / Web Developer 2001 - 2002
World Wide Lacrosse, Rochester, NY
- Installed and managed physical network.
- Developed and supported eCommerce and intranet sites.
- Made hardware/software recommendations and purchases.
- Implemented new technologies.
Network Computing Consultant 2001
St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY
- Planned, installed and supported physical cat. 5e and fiber optic networks.
- Installed and managed Cisco routes and switches.
- Created and distributed system images based on user specified needs.
- Performed hardware/software technical support for 150+ PC workstations.
College of Technology Technical Director 2000 - 2001
Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI
- Supervised 2 lab managers, 5 tech support and 20 lab workers.
- Oversaw daily maintenance and upgrades of servers and workstations running Mac OS, Windows, Linux, Unix and Sun Solaris.
- Researched, recommended, purchased and implemented new computing technologies.
- Met with faculty and users to determine computing needs.
Unix Server Support / PC Technician 1998 - 2000
Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI
- Installed and maintained Unix, Linux and Windows Servers and Workstations.
- Installed and maintained physical networks.
- Provided technical support for 100+ PC workstations and 50+ Unix terminals.
- Recommenced new technology purchases.
Resume
Education:
BFA, Film and Animation 2006
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY
- High Honors
- Concentration: Cinematography
- Minor: French
- GPA: 3.75
- Dean's List
Technical Certificate 2006
The Photographic Workshops
Rockport, ME
- 35mm/16mm/HD Camera Assistant Course
AA, New Media 2001
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI
- Minors: Photography and Computer Science
- GPA: 3.75
Skills:
References:
Available upon request.
Contact
Credits / Acknowledgements:
The image "The Phone" was downloaded from the flickr profile salendron and modified using Photoshop CS3 under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
The layout of this site was inspired by sites and information found at The Horizontal Way.
