Bridging the Gap between Internet Technology and Business

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Kenn Lucas

About Kenn Lucas

Summary

Self-motivated and accomplished Web project manager with account management and design expertise. Architects and streamlines processes to save time and improve quality. Analyzes client needs to improve Web sites and related back-end processes. Knowledgeable of current and emerging technology, and offers training to internal and external clients. Recognized among peers, superiors and mentors for innovative ideas and solutions. Well-organized with attention to detail.

Skill set includes HTML/CSS coding, wireframes and outlines, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop/Dreamweaver), content management tools, and Microsoft Business Suite.

Employment History

Brand Manager, King of Prussia, PA

2009-present

Responsible for all public-facing identity of company to include brand, marketing, and Web presence. Assess, create and design online interface for management of custom digital printed magazine. Install process plans, wireframes, and user controls of Web account management system. Partner with team of developers and programmers to facilitate vision and create working product with ease of use and effective functionality for end-users. Redesign company Web presence along with several micro-sites for various areas of focus. Assist in redesign and project management of new logo/identity initiative. Help drive and implement branding guides and consistency of brand.

  • Assess previous user account manager interface and design structured yet flexible interface, expandable to new platforms, branded applications, and for future markets.
  • Build with HTML, CSS, and jQuery, the improved front-end components of upgraded user interface. JQuery implementation to include tabbed pages, show/hide features, lightbox displays, tool tips, custom drop-menus, and more.
  • Set direction of company identity, branding guide, and consistent delivery of information and identity.
  • Plan, design, create, and create updated company Web presence and various micro-sites.
  • Manage and create all graphic design elements and production artwork for account manager interface and for redesign/build of company Web site and various micro-sites.
  • Create organizational structure and manage collaboration between self and programming team to meet goals and achieve new ideas.
  • Implement best practices, consistent look and feel and set and maintain Web standards throughout product lifecycle.

Self Employed

2008-present

Create, design and launch Web sites for a variety of clients. Provide consultation services including process analysis and improvements, technology integration, software training and related services.

  • Designed and produced logo, branding, and Web site for App Vineyard.
  • Designed and produced Web site for TapSlide Inc.
  • Provided usability and design of demo for SiteGen Content Management System

Creative Director, Byte Technology, Denver, CO

2008

Managed client Web projects from inception to completion including; discovery process, mockups, design and project support. Provided internal training and mentoring in CSS development. Managed design and creative direction for all projects. Leveraged knowledge of best practices to train clients to manage their own site content. Organized and managed subcontractors.

  • Streamlined Web development and maintenance cycles
  • Increased project capacity through efficient project management
  • Improved quality of internal and client Web sites by leveraging expert knowledge of usability and design principles

Graphic Designer, Avanquest Software, Denver, CO

2006-2007

Created artwork and rendered mobile phone and interface design for international software company. Contributed design and usability in software development. Created trade show banners and peripheral booth artwork. Wrote HTML/CSS, and created graphics for, Motorola (Mobile) Phone Tools, NETGEAR router installers, and other related software.

  • Reduced development lifecycle by simplifying, organizing and improving consistency of product artwork creation methods
  • Improved efficiency of internal product development process by creating a documentation and training manual and peripheral material
  • Improved quality of product by leveraging expert knowledge of usability and design principles

Web Development Specialist, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

2002-2006

Built and maintained standards-compliant Web sites for university schools and departments. Implemented solutions and managed Web development projects. Provided usability expertise to ensure efficiency of Web sites. Communicated with project stakeholders to clarify expectations and ensure project success. Created site maps and content structure of large Web projects. Hand-coded HTML/CSS Web designs from provided Photoshop art.

  • Improved department efficiency by creating documentation and instructional information for clients to maintain their own Web presence
  • Significantly improved functionality and student use of University Web sites by integrating usability best practices and effective design
  • Shortened intern on-boarding process by organizing, training and mentoring interns

Front-End Web Developer, Aquent Partners, Pittsburgh, PA

2000-2002

Performed site development and graphic design services for numerous clients as agency subcontractor. Teamed with programmers and software production managers to achieve project successes. Trained clients in use of Web techniques, best practices, graphic design, and production of Web content.

  • Established long-term brand imagery for Web-based software project
  • Provided assistance to creative director by developing graphics and layout of sites, optimized images, embedded Flash files, and editing open-source CGI scripts
  • Provided team support and enhanced team performance by training coworkers in proper development strategies, file usage, and Web best practices.

Content Developer and Team Lead, MSHOW.com, Denver, CO

2000

Created and converted PowerPoint presentations to online Web conferences. Created online conferences through proprietary software using Photoshop, HTML and JavaScript. Recorded, created playback animation for, and edited conferences to match automated conference playback with recorded audio. Provided first-line support for client, product and playback/broadcast issues.

  • Developed and optimized graphics and layout of screens for visual appeal and usability
  • Interpreted client needs and provided proactive solutions that added value to product

Education

Visual Communications courses
Oakbridge Academy of Art, Pittsburgh PA
Fine Arts courses
Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh PA

Ongoing self-education through printed material, networking with peers, blogs, self-study, research, seminars and other professional resources.

Kenn Lucas photo

I am an experienced Web graphic designer and usability professional solving business problems through the use of effective design practices, on-time development cycles, and seamless deployment of custom-built Web sites.

Whether it be creating intuitive layouts and Web graphics or writing wireframes and site outlines, with an exceptional work ethic I am a proven team player, yet able to work with little supervision. I am technically adept and able to pick up new applications and programming skills easily.

I have a passion for attention to detail and a desire to provide the best possible and efficient solutions. From a design standpoint, I live for white space, color theory, typography, and consistency.

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Skill Set

  • Purpose driven proactive project management style
  • Client focused approach to discovery
  • Strategic planning, site mapping and structure based on the user experience
  • Asset planning and cost management
  • Detail oriented and organized
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Web standards and compliancy
  • Vendor, partner, sub-contractor, and resource management
  • Sensitive to branding and style guidelines
  • Special attention to quality control and consistency
  • Advanced Photoshop, HTML/CSS and Dreamweaver skills
  • Content management, focused on writing and proper content formatting
  • Enjoys mentoring and training

Work Ethic

I was born and raised in a blue-collar town of steel mills and tradition. My work ethic is very strong as is my loyalty. I am an excellent project manager and an organizational professional. Being an aggressive straight-shooter who finds little time for gray areas, attention to detail is paramount and seldom overlooked.

Personal

Just what kind of person am I? I try to keep things simple. I consider himself a "striving minimalist". It is an ongoing effort to eliminate clutter and unnecessary things from life. I don't think this will achieve any type of "Zen" for myself, I just don't care for extras and I try to find room to value the things that matter most.

Hobbies & Interests

Again keeping it simple, I am a movie buff, hobbyist photographer and a huge football fan who enjoys a good game of racquetball now and then. Road trips, food & cooking, and travel are among my favorite activities along with pub trivia or dinner and drinks with good company. Lately I have been a bit of a sushi fanatic.