Having worked as a graphic and web designer for over fifteen years, Rena  Cugelman has produced websites and award winning designs for numerous  clients, including well know non-profit organizations and global  corporations.

Profile

• 15 years of experience in Interactive web and print design
• Self-motivated conceptual thinker with diverse creative solutions to design challenges
• Artistic abilities: drawing, painting (traditional and digital), photography and jewellery making
• Able to produce results both independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
• Good communication skills

Work Experience

Co-owner/Interactive Web and Print Designer, AlterSpark Consulting

(Aug 2005 – present)
With AlterSpark, Rena helps clients realize their design concepts, then to deliver promotional materials in a variety of media, including website designs, print products, and a variety of digital materials. Clients include:Telus, LEAF, CIVICUS, The Death of Alice Blue and more. Learn more about AlterSpark, www.alterspark.com.

Interactive Web Designer, ChumTV Interactive

(Jan 2001 – July 2005)
Collaborated with website Producers and Content Coordinators to translate on-air programs into engaging micro-site designs; worked with the sale team to conceptualize, design and develop appealing and effective designs for micro-sites, contests, promotions and ad campaigns for well known brands such as Glow by Jlo, Fuji, Pepsi, K-Swiss, 20th Century Fox, Kellogg’s Canada, Shiseido and more.

Graphic Design & Prepress, Maud Street Printing Services

(1994 – 1996 & 1999)
Designed and formatted business cards, letterheads, envelopes, forms, postcards, brochures, logos, etc. Developed web site for Youth Challenge International. Finalized artwork on computer and outputting to film. Light bindery work included collating, folding, numbering and stitching booklets.

Skills

Design

• Visual design and illustration for web, print, mobile devises, blogs, social media profiles, online promotional materials, and graphics
• User interface design
• Usability best practices
• Online advertising design
• Wireframing and prototyping
• Typography
• Brand strategy

Technical

• Expert knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Dreamweaver
• Proficient in coding standard compliant (X)HTML and CSS
• Experienced with CMS: WordPress, Joomla, Drupal
• Custom WordPress template design and development
• Working knowledge of PHP, ASP, JavaScript, jQuery, Ajax, XML and Flash
• Cross browser and cross platform coding practices

Education

Website Design Certificate (1997 – 1998)

Digital Media Studios, Toronto

Graphic Design Diploma (1992 – 1995)

George Brown College, Toronto)

Awards

Promax/BDA – Bronze Promax award (2005)

Website design and development for Battlestar Gallactica Website, Chum Interactive, Spacecast.com

Applied Arts Magazine, Print Award (2000)

Illustration in a promotional calendar