Jennifer Gryczkowski

I create designs and illustrations for numerous media. I have a natural talent for "cute" illustrations, but it's not a limitation: I can create work in many styles. I am also a programmer; I have an affinity for puzzles and problem solving. I have experimented with video editing and animation, and the finished projects have been very well-liked.

I consider one of my greatest strengths to be my ability to communicate via writing. I write for fun and I have also done professional copy editing and writing. I have experience with technical writing and writing for the web.

I am a quick learner and can adapt easily. I graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a 3.9 GPA. My instructors appreciated that, even if I already knew a lot about the subject, I put effort into learning more and improving my skills. I was passionate about my studies and never turned in a project I could not be proud of.

CrystalAcids.com — Richardson, TX
Editor, Web Designer — 2006–Present

This is a pro bono project for a non-profit web site. I edit entertainment reviews and I designed a new layout using CSS, XHTML, PHP, MySQL, Smarty, and illustrations I created in Illustrator and Photoshop. I designed the logo and continue to work on brand development.

The site consists of two areas: a news and reviews center (powered by WordPress) and a database (created using PHP and MySQL). Thus my work consists of WordPress themes and PHP template pages.

I fixed problems with the PHP code and database that were causing increased load times and time-out errors. I made navigation easier for users by reducing the amount of information in the sidebar. To ensure the site will be easier to redesign in the future, I converted the database templates from straight PHP and MySQL to Smarty.

NetHawk — Dallas, TX
Sales & Marketing Intern — 2006

I improved the company's organization by indexing their client list, hardware inventory, and promotional items inventory using Excel spreadsheets. I also acted as an administrative assistant and event coordinator during my time there.

After being hired, my writing skills were recognized and put to use. I copy edited marketing documents that used too much jargon; my documents were much easier for the average person to read and understand. My boss said I was "the best writer" there.

Bay Engraving & Design — Huntingtown, MD
Graphic Designer — 2000–2001

I worked in Adobe Illustrator on Macs. I designed T-shirts, business cards, koozies, stickers, plaques, and other business items. We used screen printing, so my shirt designs were limited to at most three colors (depending on the client's preference). Clients were varied and included family reunions, local businesses and events, and companies such as Constellation Energy.

Freelance Web Designer
1998–2004

In 1998, I designed a small site for a local limo service. In 1999, I worked for Synersys, Inc., a web design business; I designed the company site and a web site for a client (gift basket retailer). In 2004, I designed the Mid-Atlantic Racing Stables web site using XHTML and CSS; I created HTML template pages that allowed for easy data input.

• University of Texas at Dallas — 2005–2008
  ATEC (Arts and Technology) Program
  Bachelor of Arts, Focus on 2D Art and Graphic Design
• College of Southern Maryland — 2004–2005
  Fine Arts and Humanities Program
• University of Maryland, College Park — 2001–2005
  Computer Science Program

• Illustrator
• Photoshop
• PageMaker
• InDesign
• ImageReady
• Premiere
• Dreamweaver
• Flash
• DigiCel Flipbook
• Final Cut Pro
• Corel Painter
• Corel Draw
• MS Office
• MS Publisher
• HTML
• XHTML
• CSS
• PHP
• MySQL
• Flash Actionscript
• C
• C++
• Java

• Golden Key International Honour Society Member
• University of Texas at Dallas, Dean's List, Fall 2006, Spring 2007, Spring 2008
• College of Southern Maryland, Dean's List, Spring 2005
• Web site featured in Yahoo! Internet Life Magazine, September 1999

View my work and learn more about me at my portfolio:
http://www.rycz.com/