Russell Plows
Up-to-the-minute markup and clean, uncluttered design

Curriculum VitaeDownload in Word format

Executive Summary

Design and Implementation Skills:

I have an excellent background in web design and development complemented by over 10 years of experience in the industry. I have a successful track record of seeking out projects and providing clients with clean visuals and optimized, cross-browser, bullet-proof functionality.

Project Management:

I have worked in a number of large organizations with urgent cross-departmental requirements, bringing both diplomatic skills and a critical eye.

Software Expertise

• Hand-coded XHTML5 & CSS3 to W3C Standards
• Adobe CS5 Suite: Specialising in Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash and Dreamweaver
• DRUPAL and WORDPRESS theming
• JQUERY & MOOTOOLS
• SEO

Professional Experience

The Scout Association

Contract Web Designer (Jun 10 – Present)

Achievements

• Design, coding and development of a robust structure for the new Scout Association website.
• Extension of design across a variety of page styles utilizing new technologies.
• Ensure consistency of design of intranet, banners, html emails and related collateral.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilising Adobe Suite CS5, xhtml hand-coding and jQuery to interestingly render content.

Web Address: www.scouts.org.uk (new site not online until mid-April 2011)

Plows Graphic & Web Design

Contract and Freelance Web Design (Jan 05 – Present)

Achievements

• Set up and developed successful freelance web design company with a broad list of clientele from varying sectors.
• Development of unique design projects from client-facing inception, through to implementation in web and print.
• Full project management, including integration with in-house design teams and external sourcing.

Key Responsibilities

Web Development:

• Utilization of latest technologies to create websites which effectively convey the client's message and fulfill all their practical requirements.

Graphic Design:

• Creation of compelling graphics and branding across a range of publicity formats.

A selection of successfully designed and developed client websites and description of the brief: www.pamelhay.com – a friendly professional Wordpress site with blog for an emerging young opera singer.
www.albertibrass.com – a clean and informative Drupal-based site allowing for easy content management by each of the brass quintet's members.
www.barnettgroup.biz – friendly colours and imagery promote the personal, "extra-mile" philosophy of this recruitment company.
www.bslinterlenguas.co.uk – a committed and hardworking language school whose website reflects the latin energy of its Spanish director. The site is self-managed using Dreamweaver.
www.panksethi-photography.co.uk – a lean portfolio site which offers quick access to the full scope of the photographer's work.
A selection of graphic design elements which were key in the marketing of clients' work:

Results Fitness

Design of logo and publicity materials for new fitness company including posters, leaflets and brochures.

DJ Lee Majors

Design of modern, funky publicity materials for Lee Majors gigs in London and on tour abroad including promotional cds and packaging.

Opera Up Close

Creation of eye-catching and playful publicity for an innovative young opera company performing in unusual venues in London.

Bounty

Contract Website Designer & Developer (Jun 09 – Oct 09)

Achievements

• Design, development and migration of existing information into a bright new Drupal-based website.
• Create and inventively extend assets to be used across the Bounty brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilising Adobe Suite CS5, xhtml hand-coding, CSS, jQuery and Sifr.

Web Address: www.bounty.com

SmartLive Gaming

Website Designer & Developer (Aug 08 – Mar 09)

Achievements

• Design and development of exciting and optimized pages and graphics for a vibrant new online casino.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilising Adobe Suite CS5, hand-coding, CSS, Drupal and Wordpress.

Web Address: www.smartlivegaming.com

UKC

Graphic Designer (Aug 06 – Mar 07)

Achievements

• Production of sensitive and innovative illustrations and magazine layout to tight deadlines in collaboration with the Head of Design and Editor. The role also included the design of brochures and leaflets on a community health theme.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilising Quark, Indesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.

Education

1983-1986: Roehampton Institute (Southlands College), Wimbledon, London
Qualification: BA Hons Music/Drama 2:1
Jan – July 06: New Direction Training Centre, Edmonton, London
Qualification: OCR CLAit Level 3 Web Authoring

Other Skills

Excellent literary, keyboard and communication skills / Good French

Hobbies

Directing amateur opera
Composing, arranging and playing classical and dance music
Weight-training and fitness

References available upon request