Joe Clark

Home

2009-12-30T13:00:00.000Z

Joe is a software developer with two years of experience in the industry. He's itching to learn more, and apply his skills to new challenges and produce software he can be proud of. His experience so far as been largely research and prototype orientated, working for a small company. He's now looking to build on this experience with a new company.

This website is an extended CV, or portfolio, to try to display Joe's skills. It is not as tightly edited as the paper CV, and provides access to work Joe has produced - past and present. The online CV is an easily browsable reference, where finding specific information should be a very easy process.

A PDF copy of the paper CV is available to download using the following links:

Technical CV
Designed for computing/development applications

CVs in Microsoft Word format (.doc) are available on request.

Contact

2008-03-12T12:10:00.002Z

Contact

Email: Josephjclark@gmail.com

Address: 34 Dartmouth Crescent, Brighton, BN2 4HY

Telephone: 07812 442264

Photoshop

2008-03-12T12:09:00.000Z

I have been dabbling with image manipulation for a while now, and my skills are moving closer to a professional standard. What started out as a couple of side-projects and idle curiosity has developed into a skill which regularly comes in useful for application development.

The samples below are "just for fun" images I've produced. I should say that while all the compositions are original, some images are not.

(apologies for the poor display format, Blogger's editor is a little restrictive when it comes to image placement)

Gift Cards

The following two images are the result of hours of experimentation and colour balancing to produce gift cards for friends. They combine images from popular culture with custom text,

brand identities (Star Wars and The Walking Dead), and photographs of real people.

Album Cover

Some friends of mine enjoyed moderate local success as a two-peice rock'n'roll band called Go Johnny Go. They requested a cover and set of sleeve inlays for an album they produced. All the designs and artwork for the composition is original, and I'm very proud of the overall design.

Note - the image is optimised for print, where the colour balance is a little better

Mock-Propaganda Posters

This series represents a set of "tags" for an online war game. Each player has a unique tag that they can draw in the game at any time. Among teams of players, having consistent tags can create a good team spirit and identity. I created about ten different tags for a team of players. The style is taken from typical World War Two propaganda posters, and uses a lot of source imagery from contemporary posters.

Computing Skills

2008-03-12T12:01:00.005Z

Computing Skills

I have spent years working with computers (both professionally and as a hobby), developing a wide range of software skills:

My professional development work has seen me develop, analyse, experiment and explore a very broad number of technologies. I primarily develop in Eclipse for Java or Javascript platforms.

+java +javascript +eclipse +eclipse plugin development

I've dabbled in a variety of languages which provide higher-level functionality - such as Adobe's Flex framework and Sun's relatively recent competitor JavaFX. In a short time, I developed a good working knowledge of both platforms, although I have yet to complete an application with either technology

+Actionscript +MXML +JavaFX

I have done a broad range of Javascript development on the client side, and even some server-side Javascript development through the Phobos framework; IBM's Project Zero and Persevere application server.Working inside the browser, I have developed many Dojo widgets (Dijits), created a desktop-style "Webtop" application (OpenAjax compliant) to allow Widget-style applications to be "mashed up". The project was never completed, but I learned valuable lessons about client-side Javascript, the Widget landscape, and standards for (not to mention limitations of) browser applications

+Dojo +JQuery +Persevere +appliation servers

I've programmed for the Eclipse IDE, producing plugin applications. This has helped me understand the 3.x Eclipse generation, and given me a wealth of experience with SWT GUI development. I've learned to be aware of usability standards, user experience, and elegant UI design.

+SWT +Swing

Through university, I have developed Java skills in object orientated programming, neural networking, genetic algorithms, and imaging techniques.
+academic techniques +algorithm development +matlab

I also have experience in supporting technologies, such as UML modelling software, imaging and animation suites, and a wealth of experience in Javadoc support. I like to try my hand at something new and always look out for a new challenge or project.
+photoshop +dreamweaver +vp suite +flash +3dsm +xampp

I have a broad experience in web technologies and website development.
+html +css +php +cms (joomla, drupal, liferay, alfresco) +apache +tomcat +mysql

I have built and maintained several websites over the years, and have been involved in online communities using CMS technologies. These communities are a great opportunity for me to develop my software skills, and have been the driving force for many of my projects (see portfolio).

My skills also extend to hardware and system support. I have worked in technical support, maintained, repaired and constructed a number of home computers and networks
+hardware +techsupport +networking

Interests

2008-03-12T11:54:00.001Z

Interests

Writing has long been a love of mine, and I like to keep my mind sharp and active by working on various writing projects.

I have a passion for computer games – particularly PC games, which tend to be sophisticated technically and intellectually. I take a great interest in the environments and fictions which games can present, and enjoy the interactive medium of storytelling.

I enjoy creating my own fictions, creating engaging levels for games such as Half-Life, and designing games of my own – designs which I would like one day to realise I am a member of various online communities, which allow me to develop my knowledge of the internet, web design, and keep me aware of technology changes; as well as testing skills in a variety of software packages.

I have a keen interest in walking and exploring the countryside. It is always nice to find new places – whether on foot or by car – and discover some of the hidden charms of local areas. I recently spent a week camping and hiking in the Lake District, and plan to travel the world (when I get some money together)

Music is a great joy of mine. I'm currently learning to play guitar, but my real love lies in watching live music performance.

Experience

2008-03-12T11:51:00.003Z

Previous Experience

AkaCode Technologies (formerly Da Conti Europe Ltd)
+java +javascript +database applications
March 2008-present

I was fortunate to spend almost two years with a small software development company. I have been one of two developers for the company, researching and prototyping technologies for a new project. Technical difficulties and financial pressures eventually forced the project to be abandoned - but I learned a wealth of knowledge about different areas of software development, and gained a better understanding of my own skills and weaknesses.

AIG Life
+admin +processing +teamwork
October 2007-February 2008

My duties with AIG were been varied, focusing on administration duties. Letter writing, filing, data entry and processing were my core duties. I worked in a small office in a temporary capacity, helping out with a backlog of work. The office was quite disorganised, thus AIG frequently asked questions of my problem solving skills. I regularly had to think on my feet and use my own initiative in an environment where textbook processing rarely applied, and broker/customer correspondence constantly introduced new difficulties, demands and queries.

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC
+customer service +call centre
June - August 2007

For several months I have been a customer service advisor at Lloyds TSB. In this role I have dealt with customers over the telephone, discussing customers finances with discretion and humility, and explaining larger bank strategies. Specifically, I worked on a temporary helpline to help set up a new credit card. A high pressure call centre which often dealt with sensitive issues, Lloyds frequently called on my initiative and investigative skills to help deal with difficult or obscure problems. It also frequently required me to take responsibility for ongoing issues and customer concerns.

Futuremedia
+technical support +call centre
March - August 2006

I spent a valuable amount of time in a technical support call centre, providing assistance and support primarily to novice home users. This was a great opportunity for me to develop my own computer skills, and work in a challenging, problem-solving environment. The nature of computers means that most problems have an unknown element: requiring quick-thinking, improvisation, and rapid research skills to complete calls successfully.

Vacation Work
+warehouse

Throughout school holidays and university breaks, I have regularly worked in several warehouses and restaurants. I am not, and have never been, adverse to hard work, and I have always worked hard to earn my wage. Holiday work like this has been valuable character building exercise for me.

General Skills

2008-03-12T11:50:00.002Z

General Skills

I have a wide range of computer skills in image manipulation, web development, Office applications, data analysis, hardware repair & maintenance, development and online activities.

I have been described as an 'out of the box' thinker by my teachers, an ability which I believe makes me respected among my peers. This is something I am particularly proud of. I frequently approach problems from angles which other people do not think of, and can adapt my thought to consider fresh perspectives on problems. Using this ability, I can be a great asset when working with a group of people.

I have developed the skills of taking initiative, leading and organising myself when the situation calls for it, and finding good uses for my time. A particular skill of warehouse work.

I consider myself to be a good communicator, and can comfortably work in a group of people. I can show leadership qualities through initiative when required, or work to a set task.

I have always maintained a professional attitude to my work, and complete my tasks to the highest level that time and my ability will allow. I do not believe on compromising on quality I am articulate in both face-to-face and written communication, able to think on my feet and work well under pressure.

I have a good telephone manner and range of experience with customers over the phone I pride myself on patience and good manners, vital skills for both colleagues and customers.

Education

2008-03-12T11:48:00.002Z

Education

Graduate of the University of Sussex in July 2007.

A Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence at 2(ii) standard.

I have developed a range of skills on the degree programme, including:

Programming and software development: in a variety of languages included Java and Matlab.

Artificial Intelligence techniques: methodologies and practical applications in neural networks, genetic algorithms, symbolic & non-symbolicAI, generative creativity.

Technical communication skills: I can to clearly communicate complex ideas through written technical documentation, verbal communication and presentation.

Studies in ethics/professional attitudes: these have impressed upon me the importance of a professional, considerate and methodical approach to software engineering and system design.

Cognitive Sciences: the less technical, more philosophical courses encourage my ability to think and argue clearly, consider different perspectives, and keep an open mind.

Qualifications

A Level June '03

English Literature A

History B

Physics C

AS Level June '02

Maths C

GCSE June '01

10 subjects A* - C

General CV

2008-02-12T18:50:00.001Z

Education

Graduate of the University of Sussex in July 2007

A Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence at 2(ii) standard.

I have developed a range of skills on the degree programme, including:

Programming and software development: in a variety of languages included Java and Matlab.

Technical communication skills: I can to clearly communicate complex ideas through written technical documentation, verbal communication and presentation.

Studies in ethics/professional attitudes: these have impressed upon me the importance of a professional, considerate and methodical approach to software engineering and system design.

Cognitive Sciences: the less technical, more philosophical courses encourage my ability to think and argue clearly, consider different perspectives, and keep an open mind.

Qualifications

A Level June '03

English Literature A

History B

Physics C

AS Level June '02

Maths C

GCSE June '01

10 subjects A* - C

Skills

I have a wide range of computer skills in typing, Office applications, data analysis, repair, maintenance, development and online activities.

I have a good telephone manner and range of experience with customers over the phone I pride myself on patience and good manners, vital skills for both colleagues and customers.

I have been described as an 'out of the box' thinker by my teachers, an ability which I believe makes me respected among my peers. This is something I am particularly proud of. I frequently approach problems from angles which other people do not think of, and can adapt my thought to consider fresh perspectives on problems. Using this ability, I can be a great asset when working with a group of people.

I have developed the skills of taking initiative, leading and organising myself when the situation calls for it, and finding good uses for my time. A particular skill of warehouse work.

I consider myself to be a good communicator, and can comfortably work in a group of people. I can show leadership qualities through initiative when required, or work to a set task.

I have always maintained a professional attitude to my work, and complete my tasks to the highest level that time and my ability will allow. I do not believe on compromising on quality I am articulate in both face-to-face and written communication, able to think on my feet and work well under pressure.

Previous Experience

AIG Life
+admin +processing +teamwork

My duties with AIG were been varied, focusing on administration duties. Letter writing, filing, data entry and processing were my core duties. I worked in a small office in a temporary capacity, helping out with a backlog of work. The office was quite disorganised, thus AIG frequently asked questions of my problem solving skills. I regularly had to think on my feet and use my own initiative in an environment where textbook processing rarely applied, and broker/customer correspondence constantly introduced new difficulties, demands and queries.

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC
+customer service +call centre

For several months I have been a customer service advisor at Lloyds TSB. In this role I have dealt with customers over the telephone, discussing customers finances with discretion and humility, and explaining larger bank strategies. Specifically, I worked on a temporary helpline to help set up a new credit card. A high pressure call centre which often dealt with sensitive issues, Lloyds frequently called on my initiative and investigative skills to help deal with difficult or obscure problems. It also frequently required me to take responsibility for ongoing issues and customer concerns.

Futuremedia
+technical support +call centre

I spent a valuable amount of time in a technical support call centre, providing assistance and support primarily to novice home users. This was a great opportunity for me to develop my own computer skills, and work in a challenging, problem-solving environment. The nature of computers means that most problems have an unknown element: requiring quick-thinking, improvisation, and rapid research skills to complete calls successfully.

Vacation Work
+warehouse

Throughout school holidays and university breaks, I have regularly worked in several warehouses and restaurants. I am not, and have never been, adverse to hard work, and I have always worked hard to earn my wage. Holiday work like this has been valuable character building exercise for me.

Interests

Technical CV

2008-02-12T13:27:00.000Z

Computing Skills

I have spent years working with computers, developing a wide range of software skills:

Through university, I have developed Java skills in object orientated programming, neural networking, genetic algorithms, and some basic imaging techniques.
+java (eclipse, bluej) +matlab

I also have experience in supporting technologies, such as UML modelling software, imaging and animation suites, and a wealth of experience in Javadoc support. I like to try my hand at something new and always look out for a new challenge or project.
+photoshop +dreamweaver +vp suite +flash +3dsm

I have a broad experience in web technologies.
+html +css +blogger +web 2.0 +cms (joomla, droopal)

I have built and maintained several websites over the years, and have been involved in countless online communities using CMS technologies. These communities are a great opportunity for me to develop my software skils, and have been the driving force for many of my projects.

General Skills

I have a wide range of computer skills in data entry, Office applications, data analysis, repair, maintenance, development and online activities.

I have been described as an 'out of the box' thinker by my teachers, an ability which I believe makes me respected among my peers. This is something I am particularly proud of. I frequently approach problems from angles which other people do not think of, and can adapt my thought to consider fresh perspectives on problems. Using this ability, I can be a great asset when working with a group of people.

I have developed the skills of taking initiative, leading and organising myself when the situation calls for it, and finding good uses for my time. A particular skill of warehouse work.

I consider myself to be a good communicator, and can comfortably work in a group of people. I can show leadership qualities through initiative when required, or work to a set task.

I have always maintained a professional attitude to my work, and complete my tasks to the highest level that time and my ability will allow. I do not believe on compromising on quality I am articulate in both face-to-face and written communication, able to think on my feet and work well under pressure.

Education

Graduate of the University of Sussex in July 2007

A Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence at 2(ii) standard.

I have developed a range of skills on the degree programme, including:

Programming and software development: in a variety of languages, including Java and Matlab.

Technical communication skills: I can to clearly communicate complex ideas through written technical documentation, verbal communication and presentation.

Studies in ethics/professional attitudes: these have impressed upon me the importance of a professional, considerate and methodical approach to software engineering and system design.

Cognitive Sciences: the less technical, more philosophical courses encourage my ability to think and argue clearly, consider different perspectives, and keep an open mind.

My final year project, an experiment in neural network learning techniques, is available online.

Qualifications

A Level June '03

English Literature A

History B

Physics C

AS Level June '02

Maths C

GCSE June '01

10 subjects A* - C

Previous Experience

Lloyds TSB Bank PLC
+customer service +call centre

For several months I have been a customer service advisor at Lloyds TSB. In this role I have dealt with customers over the telephone, discussing customers finances with discretion and humility, and explaining larger bank strategies. Specifically, I worked on a temporary helpline to help set up a new credit card. A high pressure call centre which often dealt with sensitive issues, Lloyds frequently called on my initiative and investigative skills to help deal with difficult or obscure problems. It also frequently required me to take responsibility for ongoing issues and customer concerns.

Futuremedia
+technical support +call centre

I spent a valuable amount of time in a technical support call centre, providing assistance and support primarily to novice home users. This was a great opportunity for me to develop my own computer skills, and work in a challenging, problem-solving environment. The nature of computers means that most problems have an unknown element: requiring quick-thinking, improvisation, and rapid research skills to complete calls successfully.

Vacation Work
+warehouse

Throughout school holidays and university breaks, I have regularly worked in several warehouses and restaurants. I am not, and have never been, adverse to hard work, and I have always worked hard to earn my wage. Holiday work like this has been valuable character building exercise for me.

Interests