I love web, code is cool and design is life.
I’m Heather, a designer, developer, builder, maker, dreamer… to sum it up I’m a creative with a knack for solving problems. I enjoy the process of building beautiful products that consider function, user experience, accessibility and tech. Feel free to reach out to discuss AI, tech, trends or projects you think I would find interesting. Leave a message below.
REGISTRARS, HOSTS & COMPUTERS OH MY
THE BUILDING BLOCKS
DESIGNER JOURNEY
1993 Built a computer, tinkered with every setting possible
1994 Built a website on geocities, modified everything
1995 Used HTML snips in myspace to customize
2004 Sought graphic design degree to combine computers and art
2006 Got a design job at a t-shirt shop as lead designer
2006 Learned how to use e-commerce CMS for t-shirt shop website
2007 HTML + CSS + PHP to customize and modify purchased themes
2009 Completed BFA in graphic design
2009 Built layouts with HTML, CSS and familiarizing with web hosts
2012 Web development internship for 3 months- learned Joomla
2013 Accepted a web dev job and learned WordPress CMS
2014 Building fully custom WordPress themes back to back
2015 Responsive WP – Bootstrap framework
2015 More HTML + CSS + PHP+ jQuery + Javascript
2015 Added ACF for intuitive UI of dashboard
2016 Utilization of Foundation Grid based theme
2017 Building UX/UI methods and implementation
2017 ACF Flexible templates and clones for drag and drop experience, experimentation with new WordPress blocks
2018 Sass (Codekit), GIT (sourcetree), Javascript
2018 Familiarizing in Terminal, docker, docker-compose (thanks Jacob Walker)
2019 Seeking next things – interested in learning more about database connections, APIs, programming languages
2020 Started answering questions on stackoverflow.com
2020 Building up git accounts, projects
2021 Starting Freelance Heather New LLC
2021 Joined A11yTalks Team
2022 Joined MERGE as a full time senior studio artist
2022 Started designing in 3D space building augmented reality spaces utilizing Dimensions and Aero
2023 Dabbling in all things AI, LLM, Chatbots, Custom API
2023 AI Council and Leading Studio/Creative team at MERGE
2024 Acquiring Certificate in User Experience Design from Loyola University Chicago
EXPERIENCE
During my career, I’ve worked with a pool of massively talented people and not only has that shaped the creative I am but the person I have become.
I enjoy working with people who love what they do. Do you need a website for your passion project?
Let’s talk, chances are I have some ideas about how we can add to your online presence or start one.
Senior STUDIO ARTIST
MERGE (2022 – NOW)
I work with a variety of digital projects while being agile across a large set of tools. My interest in technology has earned a position on the AI Council and I’m leading the Creative and Studio groups in that effort. I love pioneering and find new ways to engage with my team and provide solutions for our clients.
Senior Digital Developer
Greteman Group (2016 – 2021)
I lead, consulted and built web projects and process while operating as on site IT. Transferring highly polished creative design deliverables and ideas into fully functioning websites was my main role. My expertise was sought for best practices, usability, all things computer, as well as training and interacting with the clients.
Web Developer
Prime Concepts (2014 – 2016)
My main role was to built custom WordPress websites for a variety of clients. Creating websites and landing pages quickly and efficiently pushed my development process helping me to level up to fully customized solutions for clients.
EDUCATION
Certificate in User Experience Design Pending
Loyola University Chicago – 2024
BFA Graphic Design
Fort Hays State University – 2009
High School Diploma
Bishop Carroll High School – 2004
Lynda.com / Linkedin Learning
- For more current list see LinkedIn Profile!
- WordPress: REST API – 2/20
- WP Secure Sites – 11/19
- jQuery UI & UI Widgets – 10/19
- UX Foundation: Accessibility – 10/19
- UX Foundation: Prototyping – 10/19
- All Units HTML & CSS – 6/16
- WP: Dev Blocks w/Gutenberg – 5/19
- WordPress 5 Essentials – 12/18
- Building Themes with DW & WP – 2/18
- CSS: Animation – 7/18
- GitHub for Web Designers – 7/18
- Learning SVG – 7/18
- Version Control for Everyone – 7/18
- WP Plugins: Adv. Cus. Fields – 7/18
- Workflow Tools for Web Dev – 7/18
- Dreamweaver – Git Version – 6/18
- Git Essential Training – 6/18
- Gulp.js, Git, Browserify – 6/18
- JavaScript Essentials – 6/18
- Learning Git and GitHub – 6/18
- WP: Dev with Sass and Grunt.js – 6/18
- Illustrator for UX Design – 2/17
- UX Design: 1 Overview – 2/17
- Designing Web for Performance -1/17
- UX for Web Designers – 1/17
codeacademy.com
- Learn JavaScript Functions – 10/17
- Learn JavaScript Control Flow – 10/17
- Learn JavaScript Intro – 10/17
- Learn Sass – 10/17
- Learn Git – 6/16
- All Units HTML & CSS 6/16
TESTIMONIALS
FEEL THE LOVE
I just first want to say that your work is simply lovely. I cannot express how happy I am with what you have shown me so far. You have captured the vision that I have for the website. Kudos to you!
DR. APH
You’re an awesome artist / designer / programmer / derby girl / handyman / dog mom / coworker!
M.C.
Rock-Solid, Badass, Figure-out-anything problem solver, Hard Worker, Motivated and Cool as Hell Powerhouse.
S.G.
I probably would have never figured out web design if it weren’t for your patience and help anytime I had a question. You’re a kick ass human and always inspiring me to design my life. I know I’ll see you around but thank you for being such an amazing coworker!
M.W.
Thanks for keeping me sane everyday. Appreciate your talent, dedication and friendship.
G.W.
Heather, You Rock! You have a heart of gold, and I love working with you. You bring great ideas to the table and overall make life a lot easier!