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