Jessica Roder
Owner
Wild Craft Permaculture
I have been working in the graphic design industry for nearly four decades, continuously adding to my experience and knowledge. I enjoy working directly with clients and helping them to solve their marketing and design problems.
Design – My experience as a designer has been varied and eclectic. I have a solid grasp of design principles and a knack for combining them with the client’s requirements. I have designed and implemented projects over a broad range of media, including print, web design, video/TV and multimedia. I have worked as an art director – responsible for shaping the design by directing other artists – and as a graphic artist whose goal was to implement the project as directed. I work well within a team regardless of my role but I also work well independently.
Layout – I have extensive layout experience. I have been responsible for projects encompassing a broad range of mediums including billboards and outdoor media, brochures, bus backs, business forms, catalogues, magazines, newsletters, point-of-purchase displays, product sell sheets, signage, software interfaces, stationery, tabletop/tradeshow displays, and web sites – just to name a few. I have experience using InDesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and WordPress. I am equally proficient in implementing the designs of others as I am at developing my own.
Illustration – I have created illustrations using a variety of media and tools. I usually create illustrations based on a specific style that the client has seen and wishes to emulate. I have experience with ink, graphite, coloured pencil, gouache and, of course, digital tools like Photoshop and Illustrator. In recent years I have focused primarily on using digital tools, refining my illustration skills on the computer – although the preliminary designs are usually done in pencil. My preference for digital tools is partially due to the fact that time and budget can rarely accommodate other mediums which are less forgiving when it comes to changes and edits.
Website development – I have extensive experience with HTML and CSS as well as creating digital graphics. I prefer to develop websites using the WordPress platform but I have worked on other platforms (similar to WordPress and some proprietary platforms). I can also work directly in the code (HTML and CSS) which is especially beneficial while developing a website’s theme. I have also had experience directing programmers and coders on various projects where I would create the basic layout and graphical elements and then direct the team in the final assembly of the website. I frequently provide WordPress training for clients new to managing an online presence.
Photography – I enjoy photography and have a good eye for framing a photo. I have been taking photographs since college, both using film and digital cameras. My photos have been used in Real Women Magazine as well as for various marketing materials while working at Sharpfusion, SW Design and, of course, Renaissance Monkey Design.
Interests & Hobbies
Reading – I read every day, usually science fiction or fantasy. I also enjoy comicbooks and graphic novels both for the artwork and as a distinctive and often innovative story-telling medium.
Woodworking – I enjoy woodworking immensely and when I am not in the design studio I can usually be found working in my shop. My eventual goal is to design and build custom furniture, both traditional pieces and original designs.
Other interests – I enjoy photography, art, gardening, cooking, and theatre. I was on the board of the London Fringe Theatre Festival for 5 years and was an adjudicator with the Brickenden Theatre Awards committee for 4 years.