Technical Skills
Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
These are the main programmes used – Indesign is ideal for large documents which need a designer’s touch to give them the ‘edge’ over any others where style sheets help to keep the pages uniform; Photoshop is great for creating masks, retouching images or deep-etching/cutouts; Illustrator is perfect for creating logos in vector format and, amongst many other features, live graphs or charts which can be updated easily if new data should be supplied.
Adobe Acrobat Pro
I use this programme to edit pdf files if the original is unavailable – pages can be added or deleted, url links or bookmarks added (unlike Adobe Acrobat Reader). I have also gained further knowledge in creating interactive pdfs which included radio buttons and form-fields, along with the read-aloud function.
Control Print
This programme (similar to Adobe Incopy) enables the client to update the files and once the copy has been approved, I take back control and restyle the file to suit – ideal if deadlines are looming and several board meetings affect the content.
Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel
Word is mainly used to import raw text into Indesign files, but I have also created documents and templates (using style sheets) where the client prefers to have access to the file for further updating or where government departments dictate Word-only files. I have intermediate knowledge of both Powerpoint and Excel where I have created various presentations in Powerpoint and used Excel to work on my own accounts. I have also created timesheets in Excel when data is required for budgeting purposes. My knowledge-base of these programmes has increased somewhat since completing the Certificate III in Business Administration in April 2020.
Adobe Premier Pro
Having started self-tutoring myself in this programme, it has enabled me to edit videos created from a recent whale-watching trip – I have found it very easy to understand and will continue to increase my knowledge-base.
Branding
Having worked on several rebranding projects, I have found this both challenging and rewarding where style sheets are a must to ensure brand guidelines are followed.
Packaging
I have worked on the packaging for the L’Oreal brand where updates were sent direct from the French headquarters and challenges were solved where space was limited.
Photography
I have a micro four-thirds mirrorless camera and particularly enjoy using my macro lens to capture insects and other close-up subjects. This is currently a hobby but I am happy to include it in any potential employment.
Adobe Lightroom
I use this programme to adjust RAW images to get the best possible result from any photography shoots I have attended.
Customer Services
In the past I have been employed in various establishments on a part-time basis which have ranged from delivering parcels for Australia Post as a Christmas Casual van driver, sales assistant in department stores, till operator in supermarkets and bar work – I have enjoyed meeting the general public and I believe this background has helped build my confidence over the years.