My Story
Where I Came From
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I began my career at Rudinec & Associates, a small business in Youngstown, Ohio. This is where I discovered my love for web development and design. Starting as an office assistant in high school, I assisted wherever I could. I continued to work here through college and took on larger and more impactful projects while expanding my role. I worked directly with staff at The US Navy Art Collection, The US Marine Corps Art Collection, The White House Historical Society, and over 30 other museums throughout the country.
My first web-based projects involved database entries. From simple data entries, I learned to upload databases and edit the websites they were on. From here, I started to build WordPress sites. As my skills diversified, I managed all the company's in-house websites used to promote their brands. With this newfound role I became the client facing lead of the team, creating websites, and driving up revenues. While working on a Shopify e-commerce cart in 2018, I realized this was the career path for me and I wanted to learn more. This day is when I began learning HTML and CSS, starting my dedicated journey to becoming a web developer and designer.
My first web-based projects involved database entries. From simple data entries, I learned to upload databases and edit the websites they were on. From here, I started to build WordPress sites. As my skills diversified, I managed all the company's in-house websites used to promote their brands. With this newfound role I became the client facing lead of the team, creating websites, and driving up revenues. While working on a Shopify e-commerce cart in 2018, I realized this was the career path for me and I wanted to learn more. This day is when I began learning HTML and CSS, starting my dedicated journey to becoming a web developer and designer.
Where I Am
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Once I decided to dedicate my career to web development and design, I started taking on freelance clients outside of Rudinec's. Between freelance projects completed and Rudinec projects, I was able to accept my current job as a Web Designer at Electronic Merchant Systems. EMS was entering a partnership with COXNext while I was onboarding. This partnership strained the Web Design team with requests to rebuild over 50 of their client’s websites, while maintaining regular merchant websites.
After three months on the job, I was recognized as the lead designer of the team. I rebuilt a majority of the COXNext websites that could not be migrated with WordPress. While completing over 20 COXNext websites, I was also taking on merchant websites and keeping regular contact with these clients.
Working side-by-side with my manager we created a review system for the department. The system checks each website on multiple browsers, operating systems, screen sizes, and individual devices. Before this was put in place, the department had no official review system. The quality of work has greatly improved since implementing this process.
In the ladder half of my first year, I began working on projects that are traditionally reserved for higher-level managers. These projects included Coach Sam's Scholars (community outreach), Max Weiland Racing (a personal project for the owner of EMS), and EMS Race Team (corporate racing site). I worked closely with the marketing coordinator to make regular edits to these higher-profile websites.
Approaching my first year anniversary, my manager gave me the opportunity to be a part of the hiring team, assisting in finding new web designers to add to the team. I assisted in determining what skills our candidates should have and which would be beneficial to the department. I reviewed candidates' resumes and portfolios, contributing my thoughts on their skill sets and potential fit within the department.
Within my first year, I completed over 80 websites. These 80 websites consist of exact clone rebuilds, redesigns, e-commerce sites, and new small business websites to gain online presence. EMS has contributed to my growth as a designer and has provide me with numerous learning experiences and opportunities.
After three months on the job, I was recognized as the lead designer of the team. I rebuilt a majority of the COXNext websites that could not be migrated with WordPress. While completing over 20 COXNext websites, I was also taking on merchant websites and keeping regular contact with these clients.
Working side-by-side with my manager we created a review system for the department. The system checks each website on multiple browsers, operating systems, screen sizes, and individual devices. Before this was put in place, the department had no official review system. The quality of work has greatly improved since implementing this process.
In the ladder half of my first year, I began working on projects that are traditionally reserved for higher-level managers. These projects included Coach Sam's Scholars (community outreach), Max Weiland Racing (a personal project for the owner of EMS), and EMS Race Team (corporate racing site). I worked closely with the marketing coordinator to make regular edits to these higher-profile websites.
Approaching my first year anniversary, my manager gave me the opportunity to be a part of the hiring team, assisting in finding new web designers to add to the team. I assisted in determining what skills our candidates should have and which would be beneficial to the department. I reviewed candidates' resumes and portfolios, contributing my thoughts on their skill sets and potential fit within the department.
Within my first year, I completed over 80 websites. These 80 websites consist of exact clone rebuilds, redesigns, e-commerce sites, and new small business websites to gain online presence. EMS has contributed to my growth as a designer and has provide me with numerous learning experiences and opportunities.
Where I Want To Go
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My future goals revolve around solidifying my skills as a front-end developer/designer. This will include learning React, becoming fluent in programs like Adobe XD and Figma to help my UI designs, and learning proper UX design. These skills will help me be an asset to any team and fill roles as needed.
I am also planning on expanding my skills into graphic design. I want to become well-rounded in this field for professional and personal projects. I will be improving my skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. A few disciplines that interest me are poster, logo, and merchandise design.
I pride myself on continued education being a focused and passionate way to promote excitement and interest. By learning these skill sets, I will always be able to work on something without becoming bored or complacent.
I am also planning on expanding my skills into graphic design. I want to become well-rounded in this field for professional and personal projects. I will be improving my skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. A few disciplines that interest me are poster, logo, and merchandise design.
I pride myself on continued education being a focused and passionate way to promote excitement and interest. By learning these skill sets, I will always be able to work on something without becoming bored or complacent.
