who am i?

My name is Michelle Pakron. I am a designer located in New Orleans specializing in web design and web application interface design. I am also an experienced and trained print designer. I have worked on a corporate intranet since 2001 in a multi-faceted role, from writing functional requirements, to creating structural documents, information architecture, all the way through to graphic design and primary web production.

I completed the graphic design program at the University of New Orleans. Though the program was firmly rooted in traditional print design, I also completed courses in computer graphics, illustration, painting, drawing and photography as well as received a minor in psychology.

Though I am not a programmer, I work with very talented web programmers capable of taking my creative visions and applying them to complex, database-driven websites. I understand enough about programming to intelligently design applications that are actually possible to code and I work with programmers, rather than against them.

I also run a blog, SharePoint for Designers, that focuses on branding and customization issues for SharePoint.

philosophy

I believe that design is the visual organization of information. Design solves communication problems. Superflous graphics and the pointless use of technology are not design. My clients have clear goals that their design pieces have to attain. My job is to make sure their goals are reached while creating a usable and aesthetic design.

why hire me?

I am not just a designer who specializes in new media. I also study the many skills that go into creating an effective site—color theory, usability, user interface design, site architecture, effective use of technology. I know that a successful site requires much more than just a pretty face. I know what colors and fonts translate well on screen and which ones tire eyes and are hard to read. I know why people hate spining animations and why Flash can be great and why it can be awful. I also know how to handle projects from concept, creation, production, testing, and launch. I know how to handle a team and get the job done.