Portrait of James :)

James Colvard

Web Engineer

I craft intuitive and visually compelling web applications.

About

Results-driven UI/UX professional with over 20 years of experience in startup, e-commerce, higher ed, fintech, and corporate environments. Proven track record collaborating with top-tier design studios and agencies. Expertise in building web applications, implementing design systems, and driving user-centered experiences. Proficient in JavaScript, React, CSS/Sass, and front-end frameworks and development.

Experience

  • Apr 2021 — Present
    Web Engineer • Self-employed
    • Creating intuitive, responsive UI/UX design with the development of React components with Redux and JavaScript for clients including FutureProof.
    • Leveraging Next.js while using SSR principles within React applications to efficiently generate and render HTML and CSS with JavaScript.
    • Using AWS services including Lambda, EC2, and S3 to manage back-end application development.
  • Mar 2021 — Present
    Creator • Original96
    • Building a React/JavaScript passion project featuring a CRUD collection management tool, D3 data visualizations, and an item catalog.
    • Developing the web stack with AWS tools including DynamoDB, Cognito, GraphQL API with AppSync, and React with MUI X.
  • Jul 2017 — Mar 2021
    Senior UI/UX Engineer • KeyBank
    • Built the KeyBank Design System and implemented modules across multiple customer-facing apps using JavaScript, SASS/SCSS, and HTML.
    • Led cross-functional teams, including developers, designers, and project managers, through integration of UI/UX designs into production products.
  • Jun 2014 — Jul 2017
    Senior UI/UX Engineer • Morningstar
    • Served as primary engineer on the Morningstar Design System project, building the toolset almost entirely with vanilla JavaScript, SASS/SCSS, and HTML, with YAML for generating tokens.
    • Fostered relationships between Morningstar and agency partner EightShapes, to achieve MDS project objectives.
    • Built and delivered internal presentations to promote design system adoption across products.
  • Mar 2011 — Jun 2014
    UI Engineer • HelloWallet
    • Created Webby Award-winning user experiences with HTML, SASS/SCSS, and JavaScript for HelloWallet’s flagship product.
    • Assisted in developing HelloWallet’s design system and integrated components across products within GWT, Ember.js, and WordPress.
    • Designed and built HTML transactional emails for production products, ensuring consistent branding and engaging content.
  • Apr 2009 — Mar 2011
    Web Developer • Georgetown Law
    • Provided HTML, CSS, Flash, and JavaScript for internal and external Law School websites.
    • Designed and built website page templates, AJAX-driven event mini-sites, and HTML emails.
    • Acted as project manager for the law school’s site redesign, while consulting with Happy Cog.
  • Jun 2007 — Apr 2009
    Web Developer/Designer • Pixus Media
    • Partnered in a small consulting group and worked with various clients across the country.
    • Delivered visual design, UX design, information architecture, front-end development with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Flash development.
  • May 2006 — Jul 2008
    Web Developer/Designer • Art.com
    • Developed web pages within the ASP.NET framework, utilizing modern front-end best practices for all company brands, including Art.com, AllPosters, and Posters.de.
    • Designed and built HTML emails with associated website landing pages while collaborating with Creative and Marketing Departments.
  • Jan 2004 — May 2006
    Web Designer/Developer • Self-employed
    • Worked on web and print projects, including web banners, direct-mailers, brochure HTML/CSS/JavaScript websites, and multiple page manuals.
    • Clients included CNET, Coremetrics, nCircle, Success Factors, and several smaller businesses.
  • Aug 1999 — Jan 2004
    Web Designer/Developer • Wilkinson Real Estate Advisors, Inc.
    • Built and maintained the property management company’s external marketing website, showcasing residential apartments with descriptions and photo carousels of amenities.
    • Developed an effective web communication tool for office managers to interact with residents.

Education

  • 9/1/2001 — 10/1/2003
    Academy of Art University
    Bachelor of Fine Arts, Computer Art with an emphasis in New Media
    • Specialized in Computer Art with a focus on New Media.
    • Developed a strong foundation in digital design, interactive media, and creative problem-solving.
    • Explored various techniques and technologies to create visually compelling and engaging digital experiences.
  • 9/1/1995 — 7/1/1999
    University of Oregon
    Bachelor of Science, Sociology with a minor in Business Administration
    • Completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology, gaining valuable insights into social dynamics and human behavior.
    • Minored in Business Administration, obtaining fundamental knowledge in key business concepts and practices.
    • Developed strong analytical and critical thinking skills through coursework and research projects.