Dive into a world where art meets technology with Mel Lau, a solo wizard in web and graphic design for over 20 years. Specializing in creating unique, open-minded, and tailored designs for small businesses, Mel blends advanced CSS, PHP, and JavaScript with an intuitive WordPress touch to elevate your digital presence. It’s not just design; it’s a digital transformation tailored just for you.
As a versatile Web and Graphic Designer with over 20 years of experience, she specializes in delivering dynamic, user-centric websites and digital assets that enhance brand engagement. Working as a Freelance Designer/Developer over a decade encompasses both design and marketing, with a strong emphasis on web development. Leveraging skills in Advanced CSS, PHP and JavaScript, Mel has also successfully transformed client websites, enhancing user engagement through an intuitive WordPress design. These experiences underline a deep-seated dedication to blending art with technology to elevate customer experiences.
Experience
Merchandising Execution Associate
The Home Depot | 2017 – Present
- Project Planning · Technical Support · Customer Support
- Project Management · Team Building · Customer Service
- Project · Supervisory Skills · Project Delivery · Project Coordination
Designer & Web Developer
Freelance | 2001 – Present
- Improved software proficiency for {100} users by conducting {20} Adobe Photoshop training sessions
- Design, create and host sites for customers
Web Engineer
AdMax Local | 2015 – 2017
- Improved user engagement by {15%} on landing pages and website by redesigning and maintaining site features
- PHP, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Mustache, XML
Mobile Services Manager
MoFuse | 2012 – 2013
- Created and built custom mobile sites matched to existing desktop versions using WordPress framework and company API.
- Developed and designed new library templates and ‘dynamic’ CSS applicable to any site, regardless of content type.
- Utilized advanced skills in CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, and MUSTACHE to enhance site functionality.
- Implemented and maintained quick onboarding solutions, allowing partners to create mobile sites efficiently.
Web Specialist II
Web Specialist II | 2006 – 2012
- Designed and constructed Flash/XHTML/CSS-based dealership websites, updating clients to ActionScript 3 to enhance interactive features.
- Led a team to produce and manage video tours for various vehicle models, collaborating with OEMs and third parties for accurate data integration.
- Supervised a creative team, overseeing scriptwriting, voiceovers, and design to ensure high-quality video content for web and email use.
- Spearheaded coordination with developers to continuously update and improve video tour products, maintaining a master list of vehicle data.
- Worked closely with clients and managers to align digital creative projects with client vision, ensuring timely delivery under tight deadlines.
- Designed client logos and graphics across multiple platforms, assisting with coding and design issues, and writing ActionScript 3 plugins.
- Became the go-to designer in R&D, resolving complex design challenges and facilitating seamless project execution.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Northern Michigan University | 2001 – 2005
- The Electronic Imaging major, computer art, provides broad competencies in the various digital technologies involved with computer graphics production.
- This includes aspects of web design, multimedia design (primarily for DVD), digital illustration and photo manipulation, pre-press production, 3D modeling, animation and special effects, and a general integration with other art and design fields.
High School Diploma
High School Diploma | 1998 – 2001
- Computer and Math Team
- National Honor Society
- Foreign Language Honor Society (Italian)
Volunteer
Designer
K9 Connection | 2013 – 2024
- Helped to maintain their Website, keeping it up-to-date weekly.
- Provided hosting for their Website.
Web Consultant
Pawtucket Slaterettes | 2009 – 2015
- Designed the new look for the Pawtucket Slaterettes web site.
- Responsible for updating and maintaining the site on a monthly basis.
- Moved site to WordPress to utilize the CMS tool
Web & Graphic Designer
Vested Interest in K9’s | 2012 – 2013
- Worked with existing Webmaster (Christine Bearse) and the President of the organization (Sandy Marcal) on various projects for the website
- This included but not limited to SEO optimization, and new plugin development.
Skills, Languages & Techniques:
- WordPress
- CSS
- PHP
- Usability Testing
- JavaScript
- HTML
- Project Management
- Customer Support
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Merchandising
- Project Planning
- Front End Development
- Technical Support
