Web 2.0: Jobs Landed

I design for web and print. I strive to create usable websites that are emotionally driven and inspired.

My role as an Interactive Marketer at Inner Circle Media involves translating clients' brand and marketing requirements into actionable online initiatives. Develop training materials and conduct training sessions on web-based tools and online marketing tactics for clients. Develop content for internal and client social media outreach. Use data analysis to implement website optimization techniques and pay per click campaigns.

I work at a small software and web development company in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. I create beautiful, usable websites and software for clients ranging from local companies to the federal government. My job is to make sure the design is reflective of the client's mission and goals, and to seamlessly integrate other software systems and social media. I work on everything from the visual and interaction design, to the coding and search engine optimization. Being a part of such a small, vibrant company has given me the opportunity to discover many other local businesses that make this area a truly unique place to be.

As a user experience designer I begin a project by understanding the client and their goals and the goals of their customers and users.  I interview, ask questions, create diagrams and workflows - all in an effort to understand these users so that I can better design the system (or website) to create an interface that is intuitive and fun. From there, I create architectural documents that outline the information and it's interaction on the page.  A successful project is often defined by its simplicity, creativity and attention to detail.

Web Ascender is a Michigan-based website design, development and internet marketing firm. Our philosophy is to work side-by-side with clients, enabling them to leverage Web Ascender's talents and skills as their own. With a plethora of experience in IT software consulting, we see the big picture for each project and help clients integrate their website into their business as an effective sales and marketing tool that works 24 hours a day.

With our headquarters in the East Lansing/Okemos area, I’m in the process of creating a presence for us in the Detroit market.  We have provided solutions for municipalities, financial institutions, retail outlets, legal firms, medical and dental offices as well as movie production companies.  I’m starting to gain traction as more and more people find out how Web Ascender can improve their presence on the web.

My job is great because I’m helping businesses either discover a completely new resource or teaching them how to better utilize one that they already have.  The variety of clients and vast array of requests keep each day unique, so I always have to be on my toes!  I learned a lot working for Palace Sports & Entertainment and I’m trying to apply some of those practices and strategies to what we do, which is definitely challenging.   

Since all of us at Web Ascender grew up in Michigan, we feel it’s important to give back to the community.  In Lansing, we sponsor the Give Camp, which is a weekend-long event where software developers, designers, and database administrators donate their time to create custom software for non-profit organizations. This custom software could be a new website for the nonprofit organization, a small data-collection application to keep track of members, or a application for the Red Cross that automatically emails a blood donor three months after they’ve donated blood to remind them that they are now eligible to donate again. The only limitation is that the project should be scoped to be able to be completed in a weekend.

I will be spearheading similar efforts in the Detroit area and started it by sponsoring a recreational basketball team in Troy.  I’m definitely looking forward to giving even more back to the Metro-Detroit area! 

I develop applications, systems, and websites for major advertising firms.

As a freelance designer and strategist, I work closely with clients to develop their online presence by making the most of new media technologies. Though website design and development is a large part of establishing yourself and/or your organization online, it is also important to leverage social media and other tools to fully utilize your online space. Many of my clients are from the nonprofit, government, and political sectors who are anxious to make a difference -- on a budget.

Prior to establishing my own business, Jjo Media (www.jjomedia.com), I served as Design Manager for the Obama presidential campaign.  Now that I'm back in Michigan, I'm looking to work with local clients to craft high-level, meaningful solutions that will help push our state forward.