About Gary Mawdsley
From school, to University, to my current position, I've gained some invaluable experience and a great many web skills. To get a fuller picture of what I can do for you, please read my full CV/Resume below:
Curriculum Vitae:
Gary Mawdsley
Email:
gary [at] akaga [dot] com
Website:
Address:
Southport, Merseyside, UK
(Contact me via email above for full contact details)
Personal Statement
A self-driven, analytical problem solver, seeking a challenging position with the opportunity to both apply and further develop technical, communicative and interpersonal skills. With a mix of design and programming skills, this effective team member can bring an enthusiastic and practical approach to any working environment.
Key Skills
Front-end:
Hand coding of HTML 4.0, XHTML, and CSS2/CSS3 to W3C standards for accessibility and usability, using search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques and accounting for cross-browser / cross-platform compatibility issues.
Using Photoshop to create, edit and optimise images for the web. PDF and vector image creation with Illustrator.
Hand coding of JavaScript to facilitate the UI experience, implementing the JQuery library and associated plugins, including AJAX functionality.
Designing Flash animations and navigation, with ActionScript coding for UI.
Creating videos with audio, for integration within websites, using AVS Video Editor.
Keyword research techniques for site structuring and article creation for SEO purposes, designed to drive traffic for affiliate selling.
Back-end:
Creating simple content management systems, with ASP and databases or data stored in XML.
Customising WordPress with PHP, SQL and MySQL scripting techniques and the appropriate use of plugins.
Web analytics results analysis and reporting.
Education
1994 - 1998:
Liverpool John Moores University
Business Information Systems (BIS), BSc (Hons) Class II:I
Licentiateship in Application of BIS (City & Guilds of London Institute)
1992 - 1994:
Formby High School Sixth Form College
4 A-Levels including Maths (A)
1987 - 1992:
Formby High School
9 GCSEs (6 A's including English and Maths and 3 B's)
Employment
Jul 1998 - present:
FCS Associates, Formby, Merseyside
Web Designer, Front-End Developer & Back-End Development Support)
Role:
Responsible for design and UI concerns, for all websites developed, as well as a supporting role in the design and development of a custom in-house CMS for creating and maintaining those websites.
Achievements:
Developed a front-end html template and CSS theme system, including reusable code components/widgets.
Developed a gracefully degrading featured content animated slideshow with full playback controls in JavaScript, utilising the JQuery library and appropriate plugins.
Integrated seamlessly, both a KickApps hosted community and a WordPress powered blog, into separate affiliate driven sites.
Awarded a certificate in Flash Action scripting from Liverpool John Moores ICDC.
Examples of Work:
www.sonypspinfo.com | www.dsgameshub.com | www.wiigameshub.com
Apr 2000 - present:
Akaga Design, Southport, Merseyside
Freelance Web Designer Developer
Role:
Designing and developing websites to the clients brief, including fulfilment of future maintenance requirements.
Achievements:
Produced a custom stock management system written in ASP and using an XML data store, with image upload and integration capabilities.
Implemented an AJAX driven contact form through JQuery.
Examples of Work:
See portfolio at www.akaga.com
Aug 1996 - Aug 1997:
BETIC, Bootle, Merseyside
Database And Systems Coordinator
Role:
The design and development of informational and feedback systems, to aid in the reporting to top-level management, of progress towards targets.
Achievements:
Developed, implemented and trained appropriate staff in the use of, an Access database driven system that supported successful bids for mission critical funding.
Awarded certification in adult education for those with learning difficulties.
Examples of Work:
See portfolio at www.akaga.com
Personal Interests & Other Information
Hold a full clean driving license.
Have organised and played 5-A-Side Football on a weekly basis for the last 6 years.
Enjoy running, the gym and reading or watching films, when away from the computer.
References
References are available on request.
Bio
I'm 33 years old, have one daughter and I'm engaged to be married next year.
Born and bred in Formby, a small town near Liverpool, I'm currently living in Southport, not too far from Preston.
After graduating from a Business Information Systems (BIS) degree at Liverpool John Moores University, I began working as a Web Designer/Developer for FCS Associates.
For the last 9 years or so, I have also taken on freelance projects and between them and my full time employment, I have come to love the day to day challenges that this ever changing medium brings.
Testimonial
Atmosferik Photography have worked with Gary Mawdsley now for about 5 years. During this time Gary has helped Atmosferik develop our online presence with two very well designed websites.
The creative on both of our websites has shown imagination and real understanding of what our business needs. The sites have been totally clear and very easy to navigate. An absolute must to retaining visitors on any website!
Developing a new website can be a huge and lengthy task so it's been great working with someone who has listened to us and followed our brief really well. Gary has made life alot easier by managing the project carefully and delivering on time.
He's also very knowledgable and full of useful information, which is great for me when I phone up to ask million questions! I would have no hestitation in recommending Gary Mawdsley to anyone.
Tom Ely & Danielle Gannon
Atmosferik Photograghy.
So Why Akaga?
"Gary" became"Gaz", which became"Ga".
Hence I'm Also Known As Ga.