These Design Dump original articles are written by passionate, experienced, professionals, dedicated to educating and informing others on the latest issues and trends going on in the world of graphic and web design. These fields and their respective technologies are changing so rapidly that we need to share our knowledge and keep each other in the LOOP. Please enjoy our articles.
Design Dump Writers
Todd Bertsch
Todd Bertsch, owner and president of E-volve Creative Group, is an industry leader with over 13 years experience in the web design/development field.
Award-winning web designer, author, educator and lecturer, Todd is also currently a graphic design teacher at The University of Akron and creator and publisher of DesignDump.com—a resource for graphic designers, as well as creator of Design for 24—a volunteer graphic design program to benefit non-profit organizations in the Akron, OH region. Todd is also an active member of NEOUPA (Northeast Ohio Usability Professionals), a national organization focused on usability best practices for Websites, applications, software or any other type of user interface where usability is a key to success.
Specialties include:
Check out the E-volve blog on Fresh Web Tips & Ideas
Marc Majers
Marc Majers is the Manager of Web Development at the Cleveland Institute of Art. His skill set is centered on the desire to keep learning. He is a blogger, teacher, emcee, musician and award-winning web professional. His more than ten years of digital design experience focuses on web strategy, user-centered design, usability testing and new media.
Marc recently was the recipient of the 2008 NEOSA best interview/application and the 2008 Marketing Sherpa Email Award for most dramatic test results. He is the founder of Leading Hands, a family technology blog, and has instructed Web Design at Cuyahoga Community College.
He is actively involved in several creative and technical organizations including the Cleveland Direct Marketing Association, Web Association and Northeast Ohio Usability Professionals Association.
Presentation topics include:
- Web 2.0
- User-Centered Design
- Usability Testing
- New Media - podcasting, blogging
Cathleen Zapata
Cathleen Zapata has over 14 years experience in online marketing and managing the Customer Experience, specializing in Web site usability. She is currently VP, Research & Customer Experience at Metrics Marketing Group. Her background includes a wealth of experience in usability testing, heuristic evaluations, user research and conversion enhancement strategies. Cathy has received extensive usability training from the Neilson Norman Group, and was recently quoted in MarketingSherpa's Marketing Wisdom for 2006. She is a published author, and frequently teaches on topics of Web Usability both nationally, and at local colleges and at community events. Cathy has been on the board of NEOUPA, Cleveland's local chapter of the Usability Professionals' Association, for over four years, and is currently serving as President of the chapter. She is also on the board of The Web Association. Cathy has consulted with numerous Fortune 500 clients on Web Marketing & Usability. Representative clients include: KeyBank, Medical Mutual of Ohio, National City Bank, The Cleveland Clinic, Nationwide Insurance, Safelite AutoGlass, Insurance.com, Citizens Bank, Flagstar Bank, Hallmark, Philosophy, Alltel and Coach, Inc.
David Hogan
David Hogan is the owner of GeniusWorks, A small communications company in Edmonton, Alberta. He began his career in 1993 with a small jewelry company in 1993, straight out of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). When he left that position three years later, he began teaching visual design at a small college and has remained in the field of design since as a designer and freelance artist. In 2007 his design won Best Multimedia Project 2007 for his work with the Alberta Petroleum Discovery Calendar.
In 2005, with the focus on furthering his career, David returned to school and was awarded a degree in Digital Media Production. Upon his graduation, he was hired as an instructor and has taught at NAIT and the University of Alberta.
David has remained active in the industry in Alberta with E.F.U.G. (the Edmonton Flash Users Group) and the Alberta New Media Association. In his spare time David enjoys such things as fencing, martial arts, writing and archery.
Mark Dollan
Mark Dollan is the Founder & CEO of CreativeBriefcase.com – a website providing articles, tips, and advice from some of the top experts in the industry, as well as resources to help members grow their graphic design business, find new vendors, and better serve their clients.
A multiple award–winning graphic artist, Mark’s experience has been called upon on multiple occasions to teach other graphic artists how to improve their skills, and he has been instrumental in the successful launch of many internal marketing departments over the years. Mark also founded Ixion Creative to provide companies of all sizes with the tools they need to be successful in a challenging global marketplace. His innovative yet proven marketing strategies have helped businesses nationwide achieve their goals and exceed their expectations. Mark’s intimate knowledge of the challenges faced by today’s entrepreneurs caused him to assemble a team of marketing professionals, whose expertise has resulted in many industry awards. He has also served as an official IAVA judge for both the Davey Awards and the Communicator Awards.
Alistar Thomson
Alistair Thomson is the Creative Director and founder of Fresh Digital in South Africa. After many years contracting as a senior Interaction / Visual designer in the UK (Mud Island) for a number of high level companies ranging from Microsoft to British Airways. Alistair decided to trade his umbrella for his trusty old surfboard and head back to the sunny shores of Africa. With the exchange rate as it is Fresh Digital has continued running high level Projects for the international market.
Visit their site for a broader view of what they offer.
http://www.freshdigital.co.za