Silverlight Assessment Website
University End of Module Assessment (Networked Multimedia)
Task: Create a website relating to a chosen research topic incorporating various Silverlight elements
Technologies: Silverlight (XAML & C#), HTML, CSS, Javascript, Expression Web, Expression Encoder, Expression Blend, Photoshop
Date: April 2012
Group Silverlight project. Focused on Audio Streaming Technologies.
Includes Silverlight animation, embedded videos and interactive Silverlight display object.
Also features CSS rollovers and Javascript image selection.
Flash Assessment Project
University End of Module Assessment (Interactive Multimedia)
Task: Create a Flash application demonstrating various functionalities
Technologies: Flash, Actionscript 3, HTML/CSS, Photoshop
Date: April 2012
To assess our learning during the Interactive Multimedia module we were tasked with creating a full Flash application. I chose to create an educational package relating to recycling.
The program is split into 3 sections: information, quiz and game.
The information section is just a series of pages/slides, which the user navigates through linearly (using button clicks). It also includes embedded Flash videos.
The quiz section is similar to the information one, however the user must answer a series of questions (again using button clicks) before they can navigate to the next page. A response message is dynamically displayed depending on whether their answer was correct or not. A cumulative score is tracked through the quiz and a message is displayed at the end showing their total and some text which depends on in which range the score falls.
The game is a drag and drop game, where the user must drag images of various objects into the correct recycling bin. The object images are each displayed randomly from a set of 9 (3 objects of 3 different categories) – this was done by generating 2 random numbers (one for the category and one for the object) and dynamically loading the corresponding image into an empty movieclip object. The game has a timer of 60 seconds to add an element of challenge and immediacy. Again, a score is tracked through the game and displayed with an appropriate text message at the end of the game.
The visual elements of the application are quite basic as the focus was on functionality. However, now that the framework is built the graphic objects can easily be replaced with some more attractive ones.
There are a few bugs, but these are easily fixed.
I have embedded the application in a basic HTML page for online viewing (available here), however it was exported as a Flash application as well.
HTML/CSS/Javascript Assessment Website
University End of Module Assessment (Web Programming)
Task: Create a website to promote a Web Programming course
Technologies: XHTML, CSS, Javascript, Expression Web, Photoshop
Date: December 2011
This was the final assessment exercise for my Web Programming class. The brief was to create a site advertising the module as a short summer course – using as many examples of HTML, CSS and Javascript as possible.
I incorporated Javascript slideshows, rollovers and form validation. I also included an HTML image map (combined with a rollover feature).
The styling is simple and fairly neutral so as to appeal to a wide audience.
The full site can be browsed here: http://alexjcurrie.heliohost.org/webprogramming.
Rise Against Poster
Client: Rise Against (through Creative Allies)
Task: Design a poster to commemorate Rise Against’s ‘Endgame’ album
Technologies: Photoshop
Date: April 2012
This was created for a design competition on CreativeAllies.com. The brief was to create a poster which captured the ideas within the Endgame album- specifically revolution, endings and rebirth.
I was particularly struck by the lyrics used here and wanted to represent this, hence the burning Earth. The flame effect was created by building up several layers of different textures and filter effects and then blending them onto the Earth image.
I created 2 versions. The second displayed the message of rebirth a bit more, but despite the concept in my head, the finished version was not exactly as planned. In the end I think less was more.
Version 2
Rose Falcon Logo
Client: Rose Falcon (through Creative Allies)
Task: Design a logo for Rose Falcon (to be used on a new website and other publicity material)
Technologies: Illustrator
Date: April 2012
Up The Villa Website and Header
Client: Up the Villa
Task: Style the existing WordPress-based website.
Technologies: HTML, CSS, Photoshop
Date: August 2011 – March 2012
This was another job for David Grimble, Up the Villa is his main website.
This job began in August 2011 but has been ongoing since then, including most recently when the underlying WordPress theme was changed leading to a complete re-skinning.
The initial task was to style the existing site to make it more recognizable as an Aston Villa fan site. I changed the colour scheme to match the team’s strips (claret, sky blue and yellow). I created a background image incorporating the chequered pattern found on the team’s shorts. I also made a header image, which includes the club crest and the existing UTV logo; to this I added an image of Aston Villa fans, which I altered with some Photoshop filters.
I also added in some widgets (such as a Twitter feed) and generally made the site more appealing.
At the start of 2012, David wanted to change the site’s base theme for something more compatible with PPC ads (in line with their business strategy). I did this, installing a new ad-optimised theme (HeatMap). I then modified the theme skin to roughly match what the site looked like before. Again, I used the same header and background images. I also modified the link colours and made a few adjustments to the site spacing and layout.
Below are screenshots of the site(s):
Previous Version
Latest Version
Daily Football Quiz Logo and Header
Client: Daily Football Quiz
Task: Design a logo and header for upcoming football quiz website
Technologies: Photoshop
Date: July 2011
This job was off the back of a previous one (designing a logo for a poker site). This is a sister site to Poker Profiles.
The brief was simple, create a logo which could could be used for a football quiz site. The specification was to keep it simple. I immediately thought of a ball with lettering on it. After a couple of drafts I produced this logo. It is simple yet, with the bright colour for the letters, memorable. I used a bold font, with a thick border to replicate those commonly connected to sports.
The ball and background were stock images, I added the “wind” effect to give the impression of movement.
Once the initial logo was created I altered the letters so that it could be used for a weekly football quiz (either on a separate site or a section within the main site). I also incorporated the logo into a header banner for the site.
The site is currently undergoing some redesign, but should be back in operation soon.
Poker Profiles Logo
Client: Poker Profiles
Task: Design a logo for upcoming poker website
Technologies: Photoshop/GIMP
Date: June 2011
This was the first of several jobs for David Grimble (brought together under the umbrella business of WeLoveBeards).
The brief was to create a logo which would could be used for a poker site. There was no real specification. The idea of the double P and incorporating the card suit symbols was immediate. How to lay those out took some refining.
The initial draft was the double P, with a heart and a diamond, over a background of poker chips. This version also had a gradient on the letters to give a cylindrical 3D effect. Despite liking this concept I was not happy with the final result, hence a redesign.
The version above is the final version. I went with having the letters on the back of some cards, as it was simple yet clearly conveyed the message of what the website is. I left the letters matte black for boldness, but left some shading on the symbols to add a bit of visual interest. The P’s are a modification of a custom font, which I wanted as the sharp angle on the top left slightly resembles a shark’s fin (as in card shark). This is a subtle idea, but one I was keen to include.
Below are a couple of other versions of the logo.
Version 2 (with gradient)
Version 2.1 (with unaltered custom font)
