Welcome
My name is Daniel Allen and I'd like to welcome you to my personal portfolio site. I'm a Chicago area web designer who has built over 40 websites from the ground up. Here you can view sample sites, read client recommendations, and get an overall feel for the work that I do. Please have a look around!Direct Hit Solutions (read client's testimonial)
Project Details ~ DHS required a full arsenal of web and graphic design expertise. I began by rebranding the company with a new logo and worked towards surrounding the logo with clean relevant design. Much research went into competitor sites and what has worked for them. The site was built in tableless CSS in conjunction with the lead developer to add the content management system he built. The prototyping was done in Photoshop CS3, the CSS was laid out and built in Dreamweaver, the templating was built out in ASP.NET with Microsoft Visual Web Developer 08 and accents were created with Adobe Flash CS3. Project duration: 1 month.
How's the Bar? (read client's testimonial #1, #2)
Project Details ~ How's the Bar is a full featured social networking site- and I was asked to not only build the design from the ground up (including branding) but also handle information architecture and prototyping out many of the internal pages for functionality discussions. I worked closely with our lead developer as he built the site around my .NET master pages. The prototyping and graphics were created in Photoshop CS3, Flash accents were designed in Flash CS3, and the templated master pages were created in ASP.NET using Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2008. Project duration: 5 months.
Compassionate Friends (read client's testimonial)
Project Details ~ TCF was a fun project because it was my first attempt at creating a fluid layout using tabeless CSS. The result was a very flexible design that was compatible with any resolution. I worked closely with our lead developer to provide him with templates to work from while implementing the content management system he built. I worked closely with the client to come to reasonable solutions that fit within their time constraints. The initial design was built in Adobe Photoshop CS3, and was then converted to a CSS layout in Dreamweaver CS3. Finally it was taken into Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2008 and turned into a functional .NET master page. Project duration: 4 months.
Use Caps
Project Details ~ Container And Pooling Solutions was a project that required a heavy amount of design and content management. I was given an extremely detailed spec that laid out the content and images that should appear on every page and was instructed to lay it out in an appealing way. I built the initial template in Photoshop CS3 and (upon approval) designed a template using Dreamweaver CS3. The project also includes instances where javascript is used to create interactivity with images via rollovers and diagrams. Flash CS3 was used on the homepage to add interest. The finished product was somewhere around 40 full pages of content and images. Project duration: 1 month.
Copier World
Project Details ~ This was one of those projects where the instructions are left pretty vague and I have a lot more freedom with the design. Since there wasn't a lot of content on the original site, I decided to focus more on a creative visual approach that would lend credibility by quality branding. The end result was something the client was very proud of. Photoshop CS3 was used to build the initial prototypes, and Dreamweaver CS3 was used to build out a template. Project duration: 2 months.
True Renewal Oxy Powder Cleanse
Project Details ~ Oxy Powder Cleanse was a very unique challenge: How can we rebrand the website and company image while building on top of a pre-existing shopping cart that was built using archaic development principles? The solution was to carefully facelift the template css and images (including the logo), then construct a unique and eye-catching splash page that would lead visitors in to the content. The end result was something the client was ecstatic over- and has already begun producing higher conversions for her. The design was done with Photoshop CS3 and Flash CS3, and the HTML and CSS were constructed in Dreamweaver, then integrated into the shopping cart CMS. Project duration: 3 months.
McGrath Acura
Project Details ~ Doing an Acura site was extremely fun. A lot of research was done into Acura's existing branding, and an attempt was made to keep things consistent. I took advantage of the beautiful photos that were provided to me and created an eye catching Flash presentation on the homepage. The prototype work was done in Adobe Photoshop CS3 and the presentation was built in Flash CS3. The final development was done in Adobe Dreamweaver CS3. Project duration: 3 weeks.
Equity Funding
Project Details ~ The goal with Equity Funding was to not only push a strong element of elegance, but to convey exactly what the company does in a clear way. Much discourse with the client yielded a stronger understanding of his marketing angle, and led to a clear presentation of his services. He was very pleased with the final result and he has the increased conversions to match. The design was done in Photoshop CS3 and Flash CS3, and the templating was done in Dreamweaver CS3. Project duration: 1 1/2 months.
Imperial Motors Jaguar
Project Details ~ Imperial Motors Jaguar presented me with the Jaguar branding guidelines to begin with. While there was structure, I had a great amount of leeway in deciding how I wanted to present these beautiful cars. The design was merely a landing page that was geared towards bringing users into another pre-existing website, but great care was still given to ensure that the user reaction would be positive, and one that increases interest. Photoshop CS3 and Flash CS3 were used for the design, and Dreamweaver CS3 was used to construct the page. Project duration: 2 weeks.
Tabernacle Baptist Church
(read client's testimonial)
Project Details ~ Tabernacle was an excersize in delivering a user experience in line with the reference sites provided by the client. A Flash slideshow was used on the homepage to give added substance, and around 20 pages of content and images were laid out. The design was done in Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Flash CS3, the dropdown navigation was created using Photoshop CS3 and Fireworks CS3 and the structure was created in Adobe Dreamweaver CS3. Project duration: 2 months.
Price Benefits
Project Details ~ When I spoke with Steve Price- the owner of Price Benefits, I knew that he wanted something that would add credibility and strength to his business. We worked closely together on a new logo design, and then the website design. The final product is exactly what he wanted to convey to his potential clients. The initial designs were done in Photoshop CS3 and Flash CS3, and the templating was done in Dreamweaver CS3. Project duration: 2 months.
Village of Monee
Project Details ~ I did a lot of research into other village websites to see what was working and what wasn't. Monee wanted to appeal to families and business owners- so the site was designed with them in mind. They were very pleased with the final product. The designs were built in Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Flash CS3, the templating was done in Dreamweaver CS3, and the drop down navigation was created using a combination of Photoshop CS3 and Fireworks CS3. Project duration: 3 months.
Qualifications
My qualifications as a web and graphic designer are well rounded. Please select any of the following four areas to learn more:Software Proficiencies ~ A rundown of the programs I use
Skillsets ~ An overview of my skills
Work Experience ~ The most previous relevant jobs I've had
Schooling ~ Classes I've taken that relate to my field
Software Proficiencies
The following is a list of programs I am experienced working with. Programs with 1 star (*) mean I am somewhat familiar with it, programs with 2 stars (**) mean I am comfortable working with it, and programs with 3 stars (***) mean I am extremely proficient with the program.Adobe Photoshop CS3***
Adobe InDesign CS3***
Adobe Dreamweaver CS3***
Adobe Premiere Pro***
Adobe Flash CS3**
Adobe Audition**
Adobe Illustrator**
Adobe Fireworks*
Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2008*
Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, and Word 2008**
Adobe InDesign CS3***
Adobe Dreamweaver CS3***
Adobe Premiere Pro***
Adobe Flash CS3**
Adobe Audition**
Adobe Illustrator**
Adobe Fireworks*
Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2008*
Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, and Word 2008**
Languages
XHTML***
CSS***
XML*
Javascript*
PHP*
ASP.NET*
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Skillsets
This section is geared towards elaborating on industry related skills that I posess:Search Engine Optimization ~ I am experienced in keyword research and doing on-page optimization for static XHTML websites. This includes keyword targeting, keyword density, code to content ratio, meta tags, alt tags, bolded terms, headers, page names, and image names. I worked for Chicago's #1 ranked SEO company for 10 months and picked up a lot of tricks to improve search engine exposure. When I build websites, I build them with SEO in mind- being careful to structure my files, images, and pages in a way that is most easily indexed by search engines.
Traditional Art ~ As an artist, I am able to bridge the gap between form and function that many developers and designers lack. I use a Wacom Tablet while I work to not only speed up my workflow- but to create interesting and artistically sound graphics to accompany my work.
Copy Writing ~ I have had a number of English and Speech classes in High School and College which has prepared me for inevitably having to write content for ads and sometimes websites. Although it is not my desire to spend a lot of time writing content, it is something I can do if the need arises.
Viral Marketing ~ I am daily immersed in the world of social networking- and I am very familiar with the techniques viral marketers use to achieve incredible results.
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Work History
Lead Designer ~ Direct Hit Solutions (Dec. 2007-Aug. 2008) ~ During my time as lead designer at DHS, I rebranded the company and introduced a new website in February of 2008. I spearheaded branching off into web development and recruited the current lead developer. Working together with the lead developer we were able to build some amazing websites- including a fully functional social networking site with mobile web capability and text messaging alerts. We also developed and implemented a content management system that was then used on future web projects. I launched our improved and upgraded company website during the summer which had a great impact on business. As lead designer at Direct Hit Solutions, my responsibilities included: Web design, graphic design, logo design, information architecture, business development, interviewing and hiring new developers, copywriting, and SEO.
Lead Designer ~ Tech Services (Sept. 2007-Dec. 2007) ~ I was responsible for rebuilding the company branding as well as their sister company FAS-TRAK. I built a number of corporate websites including one for the Village of Monee.
Web Designer ~ Vision Friendly (Jan 2007-Sept. 2007) ~ My responsibilities focused mainly on prototype and template creation for static local websites. I produced a large volume of prototypes while working at Vision Friendly, and cut my teeth in the corporate side of web design.
Freelance Web Designer (2004-Jan. 2007) ~ My time as a freelancer was spent primarily doing smaller websites for friends or family at night and working other jobs during the day. Some of the things I've done to pay the bills include: Walmart, selling insurance and Hollywood Video.
Classes Taken
Pensacola Christian College 2000-2004 ~ The following is a list of classes I've taken that is relevant to my field:
Ad Design
Advanced Drawing
Copywriting
Design Fundamentals I & II
Drawing I & II
E-Business
Graphic Design I & II
History of Art
Intro to Printing Technology
Intro to Programming
Lettering and Typography
Modern Publications
Painting I & II
Photography
Web Programming
Recommendations
Click on one of the following client names to read their reaction to my work:Matthew Black - Tabernacle Baptist Church
Ben Lalisan - Cutwater
Rusty Rantz - Alpha Dog Entertainment
Randy Rantz - Alpha Dog Entertainment
Shaun Moynihan - Moxel Creative
Brian Reiff - Direct Hit SolutionsBen Lalisan - Cutwater
Rusty Rantz - Alpha Dog Entertainment
Randy Rantz - Alpha Dog Entertainment
Shaun Moynihan - Moxel Creative
Lisa Knight - Container And Pooling Solutions
Jenine Cohoon - True Renewal
Mike Wyrostek - Value in Valuables
John Allen - Optic Wave
"Daniel Allen is a visionary web designer that has the intangible creative gifts to know what looks great, but also the technical knowledge and diligence to make the web site function practically and efficiently."
-Matthew Black
Pastor, Tabernacle Baptist Church
Pastor, Tabernacle Baptist Church
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"Dan is a fast learner. His eye for design has only become more and more 'dialed-in.' His skill in web is commendable. I enjoy his ability to create balance in his work to accommodate client needs while creating top-notch work that adds value to his portfolio."
-Ben Lalisan
Graphic Designer, Cutwater
Graphic Designer, Cutwater
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"Daniel Allen has done a great job with the web design for a project we're working on. Not only did he create what we were looking for but he can come up with great ideas to make it better."
-Rusty Rantz
Owner, Alpha Dog Entertainment
Owner, Alpha Dog Entertainment
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"Daniel has exceded our requirements we set forth in developing our website. With his creativeness, he has taken our project to the next level and we look forward to working with him on it more in the future. We would highly recommend Daniel to other companies in the market for a professional website."
-Randy Rantz
CEO, Alpha Dog Entertainment
CEO, Alpha Dog Entertainment
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"Daniel Allen is an efficient and outgoing designer. He is constantly pursuing better ways to get the job done. The quality of his work is not to be overlooked and has never failed to impress."
-Shaun Moynihan
Owner, Moxel Creative
Owner, Moxel Creative
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"Excellent design and communication skills. Handles objectives in a very timely manner."
-Brian Reiff
CEO, Direct Hit Solutions
CEO, Direct Hit Solutions
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"Dan’s creativity, knowledge and enthusiasm, combined with his cutting edge concepts, enabled him to deliver a design beyond our expectations. Additionally, the time he took to understand the goals we had for our website made a significant impact. Dan is very responsive, full of ideas and dedicated to his work. We would definitely recommend him!"
- Lisa Knight
Marketing Manager, Container and Pooling Solutions
Marketing Manager, Container and Pooling Solutions
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Beautiful design, well laid out, and very eye catching. We are very happy with the design and how what was once cumbersome and unorganized information (prior to design) is now clearly laid out in a very easy to use way. Our customers love it too!
-Jenine Cohoon
Owner, True Renewal
Owner, True Renewal
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"Daniel Allen did a great job setting up my website value in valuables."
-Mike Wyrostek
Owner, Value in Valuables
Owner, Value in Valuables
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"Daniel Allen has extensive web design knowledge and is very skilled in his profession."
-John Allen
Graphic Designer, Optic Wave
Graphic Designer, Optic Wave
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Contact
Please feel free to call me with any interest in my work.Daniel Allen: 815.608.2998
I can also be reached at:
dan@danieldavidallen.com.com
And make sure to visit my LinkedIn page!
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