CV
Hot Searches Gets Re-Launched
December 12th 2012
I designed version 2 of the iPad app Quack, for AOL. The app enabled users to search the web, delivering on one screen web, image, video and Twitter results along with being able to select your favourite sites to always call results from and customising the order. It also allowed users to preview a web result before going to the site and search within each result.
The iPad app was free via iTunes and Apple featured it within the App Store.
I hate Powerpoint!
Yet there's no denying the impact a well designed presentation can have. Here are some slides I designed for a presentation about Radio Northwick Park.
To see all slides in the complete presentation click here
Click on each job to read a brief description.
2010 - Present: UI Designer, AOL
Design for all AOL sites including The Huffington Post, and working on re-designs from wire frame concepts to full design. Previously I also held the position of lead UI Designer for AOL Search, spearheading teams in the development and implementation of high-quality, interactive user interface designs, including site layouts, site maps, navigation design and content inventories. I was accountable for the overall search UI, blogs, widgets, flash, mobile apps and microsites, among which I created the AOL Royal Wedding website and End Of Year Hot Searches microsite. The latter was reported on by many news organisations and earned me an internal award. I also designed an iPad app, which set out a new way for people to search the web and got featured by Apple in their App Store. I have also taken on a voluntary position within the company of Cultural Ambassador, playing an important role in the recruitment process.
2007 - 2010: Senior Web & Flash Designer, Dennis Publishing
Worked on websites for their high profile magazines including Maxim, Men's Fitness, PC Pro, and Auto Express. I designed and developed microsites, custom channels, html newsletters and flash promos (mpu's etc...). I also created full page flash animation for their e-mags, designing for companies including 20th Century Fox, Sony Computer Entertainment, Nintendo, Warner Bros, Alfa Romeo, Coke, Disney, Shell, British Airways, Canon, Volkswagon, Sony Ericsson, Fosters, Lynx, Timberland and Ford among 30 other blue chip brands.
2006 - 2007: Web Producer, AKQA
Working for digital design agency AKQA in Central London, I was part of a small team who maintained all of Microsoft's Xbox European sites. I created graphics, edited flash and designed layouts for various sections. I was also the Lead Producer for the Nike Plus website, which promoted the collaboration between the famous sports brand and Apple’s iTunes.
2001 - Present: Freelance Web Designer
I have designed, built and maintained many websites for various companies including music specialists, an architect practice and West End musicals. I have successfully set up e-commerce websites and helped companies effectively increase their revenue and secure significant contracts through their online presence. I have good SEO skills. For examples of my work see my portfolio.
2004 - 2006: Product Specialist, Sony Computer Entertainment
I offered technical advice to consumers and staff as well as monitored agents on the PlayStation® Careline to help provide a better service to their customers. I also presented new procedures and product knowledge to staff, as well as dealt with escalated queries regarding complicated technical issues or queries about the policies of Sony Computer Entertainment and their products.
2003 - 2004: Actor
I performed in various theatre and television productions including tours around England, hosted documentaries for TV and Radio and performed in adverts. I have also been involved in voice over and production work.
I am Chairman of a 40 year old charity called Radio Northwick Park. I've been a member of the organisation since 1999 and visit patients in hospital on a weekly basis, sometimes providing the only company they get, especially the elderly who are often fragile, lonely and confused by their surroundings. As a trustee I'm also in charge of the day to day running of the charity and I present a weekly show, which can be heard live online every Thursday at 8pm. For more details about my responsibilities download my CV.
Since 2000 I have helped run and I'm the Spokesman for Michael Jackson's UK Fan Club. As well as producing the website, which at its peak gained 8 million hits in a month, I regularly liaise with Sony Music and the Michael Jackson Estate. I have also written articles for magazines and as part of my regular dealings with the media I often appear on national TV and Radio, including BBC News, Sky News, CNN, ITV, BBC Radio 2, LBC, 5 Live, TalkSport and various other local radio stations around the UK. I've also given interviews to papers and magazines such as The Guardian, The Times, The Sun, London Evening Standard, OK Magazine, Now Magazine and Associated Press. In 2011 I was quoted on BBC’s popular programme 'Have I Got News For You'.
Being intrugied by the person rather than the personality, I track down interviewees who are not so well known, but their characters are. Here's a few of a them.
Nancy Cartwright
Sir Cliff Richard
Larry Kenney
Sir Bruce Forsyth
Dennis Haskins
Matt Frewer
Roy Skelton
Uri Geller
Timmy Mallett
Michael Ninn
Raised next to a farm in London (it's the truth!) and heir to the proud parents Michelle & Stephen*.
Trained as an actor at the Paul McCartney Fame School (LIPA) but soon gave up gaslights and greasepaint for the lure of the world of websites and widgets etc... and the opportunity to use my creativity to achieve fame and fortune not on the silver screen but on the computer screen with an audience of millions.
* they prefer to be called Mr & Mrs. Blank
Flatter me by filling out this form.
You could even call me on 07779 710226.
Download My CV