octoberland — About Craig Coffman
Craig Coffman
My name is Craig Coffman and I am an interactive developer with strong skills in Flash actionscript, xHTML, css, UI and IA looking for freelance or contract work. I have been working professionally in this field since 1999. I also have a solid understanding of Typography, print design and Photography.
Prior to starting my Freelance career, I was Creative Director of Web Services at Bozell, where I had worked since 2001. Before working with Bozell, I was employed as an Interactive Art Director with circle.com in San Francisco. Further, I have taught at Columbia College in Chicago which gave me a grounding in how to interact with a variety of personalities. Being a CD, AD and a College Instructor, I am used to working with others and am very good with mentoring and teaching, as well as working with an idea to move it towards a stronger completed piece as opposed to dictating and mandating look / feel. I am extremely well versed in User Interface design and Information Architecture, merging both to achieve a well-balanced final product.
I have been working in the field of interactive design since 1999, when I first began using Flash 3. Since then, I have been deeply immersed in actionscript, and even became certified by Fig Leaf in 2001. Prior to working in the field as a professional, I learned HTML in 1994. Since becoming a professional, I have been studying the many of the intricacies of CSS since 2001. I am also proficient with ASP / PHP / MSSQL and MySQL. I have built Websites, Intranets, CD-ROM, Interstitials, Games, Quizzes, Banners and Email Campaigns. These have been both static and dynamic Content Management (CMS), xHTML / CSS and Flash.
I am extremely comfortable with the Adobe Creative Suite. I prefer to hand-write my code with SKEdit or CSSEdit. Since I hand code my work, as opposed to cutting and pasting, I find these two tools easier and less cumbersome than Dreamweaver. I frequently use Photoshop, Illustrator and some InDesign. I have created Logos, Flyers, Posters, Print Ads and Invitations.
Beyond the Web, I am a photographer, painter and print designer with a love of Typography. I have had numerous showings of my photography in Omaha, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Typography has been a lifelong interest, starting with album covers in the late 70's, which I pursued in Post-Bac studies at the Art Institute of Chicago. I have a diverse taste in music, having been a deejay in San Francisco, and a love of Football (Soccer). When I have free time, I enjoy reading and playing with my son.
I hold a BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University (1995).
I have taken Post-Bac studies in the Art Institute of Chicago (1999).