Brad Abrahams - Web Developer - Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae

Relevant employment

• Playfire

  Front-end developer

  2009 - present

  I currently work for Playfire, which is a social networking site for gamers. We are based in Soho, London, and I am responsible for the front-end development of the site.

• Rockpool Digital

  Front-end developer

  2006 - 2009

  My role as lead front-end developer involved a number of responsibilities:

  • Front-end build

    I hand-coded the HTML, CSS and JavaScript for a number of clients, including Sky Homes and Simplifydigital. For specific examples of my work, please see the portfolio section of my CV.

  • Company planning

    As I was responsible for the front-end as a whole, it was my responsibility to keep on top of developments in the industry and decide which direction the company should take with regards to front-end development. I produced documentation for the company detailing which standards should be adhered to (doctypes, etc.), how sites should be structured and how files should be names with regards to SEO, which technologies should be used (e.g. jQuery), and a QA checklist that is completed before sending a piece of work to the client in order to ensure that the company's standards are being met.

  • Training

    I acted as a mentor to two junior front-end developers who joined the company since my arrival. I was responsible for ensuring that their coding styles match the standards that I helped put in place, answering any queries that they may have, and ensuring that we worked together effectively as a team.

Technical skill set

• HTML

  I have excellent knowledge of HTML. My code validates and fully conforms to W3C standards.

• CSS

  I use CSS to its full extent, making use of advanced selectors and techniques where appropriate. I have an organisational system in place which makes re-using components and maintaining projects much easier.

• JavaScript

  I have excellent knowledge of JavaScript and use modern unobtrusive coding techniques, keeping it out of the HTML and in its own client-side “behaviour” layer. I have written my own library of helper functions and effects from scratch. I have experience with the larger JavaScript frameworks and favour jQuery where appropriate, which I currently use on a daily basis.

• Python and Django

  I currently favour Python for back-end development with Django as the framework. This is what we use at Playfire and I love how fast concepts can be turned into working applications using this combination of technologies. I am currently working on a personal project in my spare time using Python and Django.

• ASP.NET 2.0, C# and MS-SQL

  I have created and contributed to a number of web applications written in C# on the .NET 2.0 platform, using MS-SQL Server as the database. I have an excellent practical working knowledge of .NET 2.0, especially with regards to integration with the front-end, as this is the platform that I used for the past two years with my previous employer.

• Photoshop

  I have been using Photoshop for a long time (since version 5) and know the software very well. I am especially adept at using it for the production of web graphics - slicing up visuals, optimising photographs, creating buttons, etc.

• Search Engine Optimisation

  I have knowledge of SEO - specifically, how it relates to the front-end. This affects my decisions with regards to file names, heading structure, document layout, use of tags for emphasis, etc.

• Usability and accessibility

  I make sure that everything I produce adheres to best-practice guidelines with regards to usability and accessibility - two things that I feel go hand-in-hand. This affects everything from navigational structure to link colour.

• HTML email creation

  The release of Outlook 2007 changed the way that we have to create HTML emails, as it uses a version of Word's rendering engine which is far more restrictive than even Internet Explorer's Trident engine. I have created email newsletters for Sky and order confirmation emails for Simplifydigital which have been tested as fully working in Outlook 2007, and all other major email clients.

Education

• 2003 - 2006

  BA (Hons) Design for Interactive Media (2:1)

  University of Portsmouth

• 2001 - 2003

  A-levels in Media Studies (A), English (C), and ICT (D)

  Somervale Sixth Form, Midsomer Norton

• 1996 - 2001

  GCSEs in English Language (A), English Literature (A*), Maths (A), Science Double Award (AA), Graphic Technology (A), History (B), Religious Education (A*), Art (D)

  Somervale Comprehensive School, Midsomer Norton

Other skills and interests

I have been working in the web industry for a number of years now, and understand the realities of working in a studio. I am able to work effectively as part of a team, communicating ideas and sharing knowledge; equally, I am able to work unassisted and get the work done. I always do the best job that I can, but understand the realities of tight deadlines and multiple rounds of UAT. I am fast learner and quick to pick up new skills. I like think that I approach challenges creatively, thinking of the best solution for a given problem. I am constantly looking for ways to improve my skills, both technical and personal, and read books and subscribe to industry blogs.

My job is very important to me, but I have a life outside of work. Music is a large part of my life, and I listen to everything from hip-hop to breakbeat to classical. I quite often spend my spare time DJing. I enjoy reading and am a huge fan of Jack Kerouac's work. When I get the time I like to travel, visiting cities and galleries. I also spend time outside of work on personal web projects. I feel that it is important to remember why I got into web development in the first place, and to spend time working on projects that inspire me.

© 2009 Bradley Abrahams