• Twenty-four years of experience in the field of graphic design, communications and related technologies
• Design, manage, maintain, and update web sites, web server and applications related to the server and web sites
• Manage special projects related to web based applications and administrative application tools
• Project coordination for all aspects of design, production, and distribution of course related promotional materials
• Creation of logos, graphics and illustrations with Adobe Creative Suite applications
• Evaluation and implementation of new policy procedures related to communication aspects within the department
• Instrumental in reducing costs related to communication and promotional materials
• Experience with many software programs related to graphics, images, and web-based applications
• Computer and software support for both Mac and PC based platforms

Experience

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1999 to Present

Communication Specialist II
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Department of Rehabilitation and Sciences and Technology
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheeled Mobility
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheelchair Transportation Safety
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Tele-Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Spinal Cord Injury

Responsibilities include:

• Graphic Design
• Multiple web site creation and updating
• Managed, maintained, and updated web server and application related to the server
• Computer and software support
• Computer generated artwork
• Project coordination
• Project quoting
• Printing specifications
• Cost projection
• Illustration
• Preparation of artwork
• Production of artwork
• Liaison to printers
• Prepress production

My responsibilities as the Communications Specialist for the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Technology include creating, managing and updating the department's web sites and web server. My responsibilities also include designing and producing a variety of internal and external promotional pieces for the department. Along with my web site and graphic design responsibilities, I also act as computer and software support for the Rehabilitation Sciences and Technology staff.

UPMC Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1996 to 1999

Communication Liaison
Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences

Responsibilities included:

• Graphic Design
• Web site creation and updating
• Special project coordination
• Computer generated artwork
• Project coordination
• Project quoting
• Printing specifications
• Cost projection
• Client consultation
• Illustration
• Preparation of artwork
• Production of artwork
• Liaison to printers and supplies
• Pre-press production

Prepared a variety of internal and external promotional pieces for conferences and education programs that the center coordinated. In addition, I prepared a variety of internal promotional pieces to promote the center’s education and conference services.

Joseph Ruffing Designs, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1993 to 1996

Owner/Designer 

Responsibilities included:

• Graphic Design
• Computer generated artwork
• Project coordination
• Project quoting
• Printing specifications
• Cost projection
• Client consultation
• Illustration
• Preparation of artwork
• Production of artwork
• Liaison to printers
• Pre-Press production
•  

JR Designs had a number of different clients they include:

• Docherty Modeling Agency
• Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Institute
• HealthAmerica
• RPS
• Duquesne Club
• KFC U.S.A
• Allegheny Valley Hospital
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society

In addition to these services, I have provided basic Macintosh and software training for my customers and other design professionals.

Superior Litho Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1988 to 1993

Designer/Production artist

Responsibilities include:

• Graphic Design
• Prepared layout
• Type specification
• Computer generated artwork
• Project coordination
• Project quoting
• Printing specifications
• Cost projection
• Client consultation
• Preparation of artwork
• Production of artwork
• Illustration

In addition, responsibilities included coordination of art department related artwork processed through pre-press, production, striping and pressroom areas.

Mercy Hospital Health Systems, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1985 to 1988

Designer/Production artist
Corporate Communication

Responsibilities include:

• Graphic Design
• Prepared layouts
• Type specification
• Project coordination
• Project quoting
• Printing specifications
• Cost projection
• Client consultation
• Preparation of artwork
• Production of artwork
• Liaison to printers
• Illustration

Prepared a variety of internal and external promotional communication pieces for the hospital.

Awards

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Western PA
  Recognition of services for communications of special events (1993 / 1994 / 1995 / 1996)
• The Western PA Printing Industry Show
  Honorable Mention (1987 / 1989 / 1990 / 1991 / 1992)
• Aspen International Design Conference Poster design competition
  Poster selected to represent the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in National competition. My poster design placed third nationally out of 140 finalist. (1984)
• U.S. Small Business Administration poster design competition
  Two poster designs selected to represent the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in National competition in Washington, D.C. (1983)
• Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Department
  Arm Patch design competition, design was selected as winning arm patch design. (1982)

Education

Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1983 to 1985
Associate Degree in Specialized Technology, Majoring in Visual Communication

Studies included:

• Graphic Design
• Advertising Art
• Applied Design
• Computer Generated Design
• Illustration
• Product Illustration
• Air Brush
• Drawing and Painting
• Photography

Special Training / Continuing Education

Microsoft Exchange Level One
UPMC Health System
January 6, 1997 

Microsoft Exchange Level Two
UPMC Health System
March 10, 1997

Introduction to Microsoft Front Page
UPMC Health System
July 12, 1997

Desktop & Digital Pre- Press Workshop
Graphic Arts Technical Foundation
Contact hours (2.4 CEU's)
October 20, 1997 to October 22, 1997 

Creating Web Pages with HTML
University of Pittsburgh, College of General Studies, Computer Learning Center
Contact hours (0.8 CEU's)
March 3, 1998

Microsoft PowerPoint Level One
University of Pittsburgh, College of General Studies, Computer Learning Center
Contact hours (0.8 CEU's)
March 5, 1998

Update in Postal Requirement and Specification for Nonprofit and Commercial Mailing
United States Postal Services
Contact hours (0.8 CEU's)
March 19, 1998

Trouble Shooting the Macintosh
CompuMaster
Contact hours (1.2 CEU's)
July 30, 1998 to July 31, 1998

PowerPoint for Presentations
University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System
Contact hours (0.4 CEU's)
December 2, 1998

Search Engines on the WWW
University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System
Contact hours (0.4 CEU's)
December 11, 1998 

Adobe Go Live 4.0 Level One
The New Media Group, Training division
Contact hours (0.8 CEU's)
November 18, 1999

Web Site Development and Design
CompuMaster
Contact hours (0.8 CEU's)
June 30, 2000

Adobe Go Live 5.0
The New Media Group, Training division
Contact hours (0.8 CEU's)
March 15, 2001

Adobe PhotoShop 6.0
The New Media Group, Training division
Contact hours (1.2 CEU's)
April 16-17, 2001

Total Training For Adobe Go Live CS2
DVD self-training
7 Hours, Contact hours (0.7 CEU's)
June 30, 2006 to July 11, 2006