Mika Caldera
I’m an experienced designer and front-end developer. I’m a strong communicator who takes a systematic approach to problem solving. This is reinforced with a balance of organizational skills, tireless determination, and empathy. Through observation and analysis, I learned to create print and digital products meant to inspire and engage people. I look to cultivate an immersive humanist and thoughtful way to work or to make work. Authenticity and diversity are important to me because I believe honesty is the best way to solve problems and grow. I enjoy challenges, strengthening systems and materializing innovative solutions.
Experience
Freelance Designer & Developer
Mika Caldera
Hartford, CT 2011 - 2021
Develop concepts, interactive designs, and engaging websites for a vast variety of clients
Design identities, posters, business cards, and other printed materials
Collaborate on several branding and identity projects
Conduct independent research on multiple aspects of products and experiences
Track and prioritize tasks in order to complete projects and maintain deadlines
UX/UI Designer & Developer
Rebel Interactive Group
Southington, CT 2019 - 2021
Developed custom websites for various projects (JAMStack, WordPress, Netlify)
Focused on UI/UX and user accessibility
Created and documented team processes and standards for development team
Collaborated with teams, designers, researchers, and project managers throughout projects
Lead Designer & Developer
Miranda Creative Inc
Norwich, CT 2016 - 2018
Produced and evaluated interactive mockups that communicate product concept
Measured and optimized the usability of new and existing websites
Created full designs; sketches, wireframes, prototypes, and visual mockups
Led concept development, creative direction, and project development
Managed and retained a development team, moved them towards innovative standards
UX/UI Designer & Developer
Figmints Digital Creative Marketing
Pawtucket, RI. 2016 - 2016
Created mockups and prototypes to effectively communicate interaction and design ideas
Transformed complex tasks into intuitive, accessible, and easy to use solutions
Collaborated with teams, designers, researchers, and managers throughout projects
Participated in regular design reviews and other studio meets to develop a stronger process
Translated ideas into major media, print, visual design, copy and brand solutions
Design Intern
Alexander Isley Inc. Designers
Redding, CT. 2016 - 2016
Developed materials for design briefs that suit the client's purpose
Collaborated with designers on numerous briefs and projects
Worked creatively to produce new ideas and concepts
Photographed, created, and developed graphics and imagery for projects
Filmed, recorded, and edited studio videos
Maintained and updated social media accounts
Developer & Designer
University of Connecticut UITS Web and Mobile Services
Storrs, CT 2011 – 2015
Designed and developed custom websites for departments and centers across UConn
Created for all steps of interface design; sketches, wireframes, prototypes and mockups
Led presentations of projects to clients and teammates with visual guides and research
Collaborated with teams, designers, researchers, and managers throughout projects
Designed UConn’s mobile apps, focused on UI/UX and user accessibility
Graphic Designer & Liaison
Design Center at University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 2011 – 2012
Collaborated with designers on print materials, websites, and identities for clients
Designed engaging websites for various departments within UConn
Used Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create engaging content
Managed content and css for Fine Arts Department site
Education
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 2015
BFA, Communication Design
The Communication Design program investigates new areas of design practice within a professional context. It promotes cross-disciplinary techniques and responsible thinking.
Minor in Digital Arts
The Digital Art Minor program provides exposure to tools and techniques of digital media such as digital photography, video, animation, web development and 3D modeling.
Achievements
Accepted as Member of Design Center
Accepted for Semester Abroad
Central Saint Martins - Design and Interaction London UK 2014
Accepted into Art Exhibitions
Fine Arts Scholarship Show - University of Connecticut 2012-2014
UCUK Communication Design Show - Arena Gallery 2014
Digital Media Foundations Show - Benton Museum 2012
Manchester Community College
Manchester, CT 2011
AS, Graphic Design
The Graphic Design program provides students with a sound foundation in technical skills, digital practice, graphic design concepts, aesthetics and visual communication terminologies.
AS General Studies
The General Studies program is a concentration that is appropriate for a self-designed independent course of study. Allows for exposure in different subject areas i.e, humanities, history, languages.
Achievements
Accepted into Art Exhibition
Manchester Community College Art Show - Hans Weiss Newspace Gallery - 2012
SKILLS
Technology
Developer tools
VSCode & Github
Web
HTML5, CSS3, SASS
Platforms
WordPress, Bootstrap, SSG
Adobe Creative
InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, AfterEffects
UX/UI Tools
Sketch, Invision, Craft
Operating Systems
Macintosh & Windows
Design Methodologies
Interaction Design
User Experience [UX]
User Interface [UI]
Information Architecture
Responsive Design
Front-End Design
Usability Web Accessibility
Agile Methodology
Art
Screen Printing
Bookmaking
Watercolors
Letterpress
Photography
Typography
Languages
English Written/Verbal
Spanish Written/Verbal