alison j bates
I am a Web Developer, and I like it.
Senior Web Developer
specializing in front end development
About me
look at me
Senior Web Developer @ /makes-magic
As a programmer, I have over 20 years of experience specializing in website development. My particular expertise is in WordPress CMS customization, theme development, and custom plugin development. I have an extensive background in server side programming (PHP and MySQL), database design and management, and front end programming (HTML, jQuery, CSS/CSS3).
I focus on the user experience, website architecture and organization, ease of content management, and the role of the website in the overall marketing plan. My goal is to provide real-life programming solutions using the latest Web standards and practices.
I have worked with clientele with varying Website needs, including small start-ups needing beautiful brochure websites, established retailers operating e-commerce shops, fully realized marketing departments, and non-profits seeking pro-bono support in various Web endeavors. Although technically-minded, I pride myself on my ability to communicate easily, regardless of the technical levels of my clients. I enjoy opportunities to dive into website projects with zeal, leaving my clients with great satisfaction in the website development and on-going support experience.
- e-mail alison@makes-magic.com
- phone 971.270.0728
- website alisonjbates.info
- living Portland, OR
- LinkedIn /alisonjbates/
- Freelance Totally
Things I do
Puzzles
I have a quick eye, so the harder the better. My current puzzle is 5,000 pieces. Yes, 5,000. 40”x60”. I also enjoy logic puzzles, which I do with an erasable pen.
Travel
You know what's amazing about my job? I can do it anywhere. Unfortunately, that isn't possible right now. However, in the past I've spent time in Spain and France, and I hope to get to Italy and Portugal soon.
Soccer
I'll wait in line overnight for a Timber's match wrist band. #RCTID I have season tickets for the Thorns and Timbers. I'll watch LaLiga and Premier League at 5am. That's a photo of me at PDX, going to ATL for the 2018 MLS Cup!
Archery
I shoot targets, not animals. I love my recurve bow and can often be found at the outdoor range. I'm no Katniss, Legolas, or Hawkeye, but I'm getting stronger!
Testimonials
"I have worked with Alison on major projects with several different corporations over the last several years, and it is always such a pleasure. She is a wildly intuitive developer. She is amazing at anticipating client needs--making sure everything from initial project scoping through execution have every use case in mind. She communicates clearly, works efficiently, and has the innate ability to translate client concepts into functional products. Alison is who I go to for the projects I care about, because working with her is a smooth, seamless experience every time."
"Alison is one of the top people on my list of "Best Developers to work with ever". When LinkedIn gave me a list of things to check of about Alison's positive characteristics... I could check them all with confidence she fit the bill! Alison has done excellent works on projects we collaborated with, and every time we catch up and chat about other projects, she impresses me with some other project she is tackling. I highly recommend Alison. Her innovation, drive, and talent make her one of the most competent web developers I know of to date."
"I worked with Alison at LVD Media and she is spectacular! Not only does she have amazing skill as a programmer that produces great results, but she is fun to work with and very responsive. Alison can explain programming to both clients and staff in a manner the average person can understand, and she is very willing to help everyone learn about why and how she does what she does. Alison's communication is what I appreciate the most. She responds quickly, always keeps in contact with the staff about project progress, and makes sure clients and employees alike are happy with the results."
Resume
look what I can do
Experience
07.2012 - Current
Senior Web Developer, Owner
/makes-magic, Portland, ORSenior Web Developer specializing in WordPress CMS customization, theme development, and custom plugin development for Digital Marketing strategies. Work with design firms, advertising agencies, and direct clients. Integrate third party web applications including payment gateways, e-commerce, and CRM providers. Apply basic SEO, integrate Google Analytics and social media accounts, implement security measures. Provide training and documentation. Consult on UX and UI.
03.2011 - 07.2012
Director of Programming and Web Development
LVD Media, LLC, Portland, ORCollaborated with Graphic Designers and Creative Director/ Principal to create WordPress based Websites as part of digital marketing strategies for a variety of clients. Created custom WordPress themes and templates using CSS/ HTML/ PHP/ jQuery and a variety of third party WordPress plugins. Integrated third party web applications including payment gateways and industry specific solutions. Applied clean SEO to all Websites, and integrate Google Analytics and social media accounts. Worked with fellow developers to theme and add content to Drupal based Websites.
Worked with clients to define scope and parameters of project, make recommendations for technologies and marketing approaches, and wireframe website architectures. Determined best approach for organizing cataloging, inventory, and pricing products for e-commerce Websites. Assisted copywriters and clients with organization of data and copy clarity. Trained clients on management of the website and social media, including producing robust, custom WordPress Guides and detailed Tech Briefs. Provided ongoing support for clients.
Created process oriented materials to assist in evaluation of the clients' goals and the company's recommendations for digital marketing. As part of project management, communicate with contractors and employees on budgets, deadlines, tasks, and effective methods of approach. Implemented the use of project management tools to maintain communication, assign tasks, set deadlines, record time sheets, share files, and collaborate with clients and contractors. Verify and process contractor and employee time sheets and invoices for payment. Generate metrics to evaluate accuracy of the estimation process. Established company digital marketing standards and practices.
12.2006 - 07.2009
Software Engineer
General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, MIDeveloped and maintained intranet and Internet based Web tools and databases to facilitate corporate processes and CMMI Level 5. Planned, proposed, demonstrated, and implemented internal, customer specific Web applications, including several survey tools, employee skill tracking tools, project problem reporting tools, and peer review tools. Each application contained Excel report download capability, PDF options, graphs, network security, and various access levels. Provided testing, user training, and written documentation. Version control performed in team development environment.
06.2005 - 12.2010
Photographer, Owner
bates photographic, LLC, Metro-Detroit, MIProvided photographic services for wedding, portrait, event, and commercial clients. Including digital and film photography, album design, order fulfillment, and Website/ Blog implementation. Responsible for day-to-day business operations, customer service, studio coordination, intern supervision, contractor relations, and Web system customization and maintenance. Photography services discontinued due to relocation. Existing client services still maintained.
Web Developement
WordPress
Squarespace
Shopify
HTML/ HTML5
CSS/ CSS3
PHP
jQuery
JavaScript
MySQL
Google Apps
cPanel/ phpMyAdmin
MAMP/ Sequel Pro
Tortoise SVN (Subversion)
GitHub/ Beanstalk
Pardot/ Salesforce
Marketo
Project Management
Wrike
JIRA
Basecamp/ Freedcamp
Dropbox/ Box
Slack
Microsft Teams
Design
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
Languages
English
Spanish
Education
2003
Bachelor of Science Communications/ Photography
Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI2004
Graduate School of Art, Photography
Washington University in St. Louis, MO2006
Certificate in Digital Arts: Web Design Certificate Program
College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI2010
Associates in Small Business Management
Oakland Community College, Royal Oak, MIPortfolio
look what I've done
Contact
get in touch
Get in Touch
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