JohnBedard.com

“We're only as loyal as our options.”

Resume

Summary

John has the knowledge and ability to solve visual design and communication problems in a variety of media, primarily web and print. In either arena he can take the project from proposal, through strategy and execution, and finishing up with, training, delivery and support. More than just a Photoshop jockey or HTML wonk, John has the expertise to develop sophisticated user-interfaces with a focus on standards-compliance, usability and accessibility. Not just limited to front-end design, John has experience using XSL to generate PDF or RTF documents from XML data. In the print design realm he can develop a comprehensive campaign with consistency in branding across many types of printed and collateral materials.

Education

Colorado State University

Montana State University

Work Experience

SSDD Web Design

When John’s position at Northrop Grumman evolved into more of a technical role (from web designer to web developer), John started his own web design business during the Spring of ‘06, with the blessing of his supervisors. The purpose of the business is to keep his web design skills sharp as well as provide a creative outlet that no longer exists at Northrop Grumman.

The projects are generally small in nature and are restricted to the private sector, specifically small local businesses and organizations. John works alone and handles all aspects of the business from proposals to finished web sites and paperwork.

During Thanksgiving weekend, 2006, John transformed his freelance business into SSDD Web Design.

Northrop Grumman Corporation

John fills an unique niche at Northrop Grumman. Part designer, part developer, he is able to assist in analyzing the goals and needs of the client, and facilitate the creation of a final product to suit those needs. Using his background in web design he can prototype web applications in semantic, standards-compliant (X)HTML, semantic markup and CSS for presentation, and interact with the client and other project team members to fine tune the prototype before any back-end code is written. He can also enhance systems that are already in progress or finished, working with other developers to fine tune the (X)HTML and CSS to render properly and validate, if validation is a requirement of the project.

Provided a well-formed XML source, he can use the three components of XSL (XSLT, XPath XSL-FO) to format the data for web, RTF and PDF output.

In 2008 John began a course of training to enhance his skills in business analysis, pursuing a certification in that career track.

John has the talent and skill to create unique graphic design solutions, including branding, learning materials, packaging, brochures, environmental graphics (signage) and advertisements. This includes the entire process from initial brainstorming, through design and production, integrating the various types of materials as necessary with the same look and finishing with press-checks and quality control. He also acts as a liaison between management and/or client and print vendors.

Computer Associates

John’s role at Computer Associates was to create custom page layouts and graphic elements for websites as well as matching graphic themes for various e-commerce modules (shopping carts, etc.). He also supported the sales staff with his graphic design abilities and attended sales meetings with the sales staff to support their efforts.

International Learning Systems (ILS)

John’s role at ILS was to create graphics for training programs (logos, page layouts, collateral material, etc.). While there he also helped revamp and he redesigned five learning-based games, which included two traditional game boards, posters, handouts, mock-newsletters, flash cards and packaging. He was also the primary contact between ILS and the printing vendor(s), participating in all press checks. He was a subject matter expert on graphic software and supported his coworkers in this regard.

MACTEC

John’s role at MACTEC primarily encompassed creating graphics for proposals in the environmental remediation industry, and performing page layout design and desktop publishing duties. He was also responsible for marketing materials and the employee newsletter.