alison

alison j bates

About me

check it
image

Senior Full Stack 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 front-end programming (HTML, jQuery, CSS), back-end programming (PHP and MySQL), and database design and management.

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.

Things I do

Puzzles

I have a quick eye, so the harder the better. My largest puzzle is 5,000 pieces, though I typically stick to the 1000 piece range. I also enjoy logic puzzles, which I do with my erasable pen.

Travel

You know what's amazing about my job? I can do it anywhere. In the past I've spent time in Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, and over of the US. Where to next…

Soccer

I’m a Portland Timbers season ticket holder, and I have been known to wait in line overnight for a prime seat in the Timbers Army. Don’t even ask how long I waited when we hosted the 2021 MLS Cup!

Camping

I love a good campfire, and I can start one. I camp year round, sometimes in my car but mostly in a tent. Putting me in a good hammock mid-summer is perfection.

Testimonials

Resume

look what I can do

Experience

07.2012 - Current

Principal Web Developer / Owner

/makes-magic, Portland, OR


• Design and develop custom WordPress themes and plugins for clients, ensuring compatibility with the latest HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery standards.
• Implement SEO-friendly website structures, improving organic traffic through proper HTML semantics, site schema, structured data, and on-page optimizations.
• Create cross-browser compatible and fully responsive websites, ensuring seamless user experiences across devices.
• Work with version control systems (Git, SVN) to maintain project integrity and streamline collaboration in Agile/SCRUM environments.
• Develop and integrate third-party web applications, including payment gateways, marketing automation tools, and industry-specific APIs.
• Apply Agile development methodologies, collaborating with designers, developers, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality web solutions.
• Provide WordPress CMS training and custom user guides, enabling clients to manage website content effectively.

03.2011 - 07.2012

Director of Programming and Web Development

LVD Media, LLC, Portland, OR


• Led the development team in creating custom WordPress and Drupal websites, ensuring high performance, security, and usability.
• Established company-wide digital marketing best practices, optimizing site structures for SEO and conversion rate improvements.
• Managed end-to-end project lifecycles, overseeing budgets, deadlines, and technical implementation.
• Conducted code reviews and performance optimizations, ensuring efficient and scalable codebases.
• Integrated third-party applications and APIs, streamlining website functionalities for clients

12.2006 - 07.2009

Software Engineer

General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, MI

Developed 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, MI

Provided 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

HTML

CSS

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

ClickUp

Design

Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Photoshop

Education

2003

Bachelor of Science Communications/ Photography

Grand Valley State University

2004

Graduate School of Art, Photography

Washington University in St. Louis

2006

Certificate in Digital Arts: Web Design Certificate Program

College for Creative Studies

2010

Associates in Small Business Management

Oakland Community College

Portfolio

look what I've done
Jama Software
Jama Software
Clean Bee
Clean Bee
Focus Tradeshow Exhibits
Focus Tradeshow Exhibits
SmarshCONNECT Microsite
SmarshCONNECT Microsite
Toshi Onizuka
Toshi Onizuka
Even Construction
Even Construction
Portland Housing Center
Portland Housing Center
Biokleen
Biokleen
Arts People
Arts People
CPI
CPI
Kustom Kreations
Kustom Kreations
Acme Lumber Company
Acme Lumber Company
Cascade Energy
Cascade Energy
B&B Heritage Farm
B&B Heritage Farm
Advisor Launchpad
Advisor Launchpad
Jordan Hamilton
Jordan Hamilton
Decommissioned Sites
Decommissioned Sites

Contact

get in touch

Get in Touch

Portland, OR
alison@makes-magic.com
971.270.0728
Freelance Available

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