The Apple
Lisa
JB has been using the Apple Macintosh operating system since
the Apple Lisa.
At that time she worked in an artificial intelligence (AI) lab in London
(England) and which had one of the first Lisas sold in that country.
It was fascinating. One could actually draw something
without writing a program! JB quickly became a devout Mac addict.
Desktop Publishing
Later,
when the first Macintosh arrived, JB was disappointed by its lack of a hard
drive, etc., but still excitedly waited for better to come. Later, she
moved on from and did other things before returning to the Macintosh
platform several years later, just as the desktop
publishing revolution began. JB co-created
and taught the first commercial multi-platform desktop
publishing in London. At that time we were using Aldus PageMaker (1.0!), MacDraw,
Ventura
Publisher, Microsoft Word, (1.0) Microsoft Write, and Microsoft
Paint. Programs like FileMaker, PhotoShop and DreamWeaver weren’t
even a gleam in anyone’s eye. We worked with
floppy disks, small hard drive capacity and even smaller amounts of
RAM. Ah! Those were the days!
It
was an exciting time because everybody was eager to learn the new technology,
but, as adults, we were afraid to make mistakes and look stupid. However,
whenever we managed to learn something with the software…when the first publication or layout was completed…the
look of joy and accomplishment on our faces was beautiful! The “AHA!
Oh wow!!!!” moment, as JB calls it, was wonderful and such
fun to behold. Kids have them all the time, but adults are too afraid
to look silly and so don’t risk as much.
Her Own Business
As the
revolution grew, JB got burned out on teaching and started her own business
as a systems consultant for design firms that wanted to invest in
the new desktop technology. JB helped to, either integrate Macs into
their existing mini computer environments, or begin to build entirely
new systems. That was fun, because designers are
basically big kids and JB got loads of “Oh wow!!!!
moments. JB also did some articles for MacWeek, et. al. about new programs,
and upgrades.
The Internet
JB got involved
with the Internet in the 1970’s
when it was calendar, among other things. Remember HyperCard?
That was exciting for awhile with it’s concept of hyperlinks and
JB did a lot of application-building with that before getting into Omnis,
FileMaker and
other databases.
Back to the States
and non profit work
JB
returned to the United States, from London, in 1990, worked with non
profits and began creating web sites with relation to the FileMaker,
creating database-to-web
applications. JB worked with firms like CompuMentor to provide
pro bono consulting where it was needed.
Summary
JB
has worked with computers for nearly thirty years as a designer, technical
support manager, trainer and consultant. Her experience includes
graphic design and production, illustration, creation and maintenance
of database and web site solutions, as well as applications training.
JB collaboratively produces clear, clean written and graphic information,
and is enthusiastic in analysis, troubleshooting and problem solving.
JB’s work with Pre-Paid
Legal Services, Inc. has sharpened her
skills in public speaking and relationship building, organizing and
networking within different communities. JB also organizes and
plans both educational and business events.
That’s
what JB is doing now, but wants more page/site design
rather than the database end of it. A new passion is telling
folks about the 4Rs:
recycling, reuse,
reduction and rot:
lessening our environmental footprint and having fun while
doing it. I'm
also interested in personal development (reading, exercise, thinking),
non-violent communication, writing, bike riding, hiking, gardening,
cats (JB
lives with three of them) and other animals, plus environmental issues.
“JB
is trustworthy, competent and efficient. Her help in integrating my work with
her team was instrumental in a quick and satisfactory end to a shared project.
Bravo!” ~ Andrew Snyder,
Founder/CEO, birdDog
digital
“I
have worked with JB for several years on projects for the Sustainable Business
Alliance. As an all-volunteer organization, we rely on members who are self-starting,
good communicators, and most of all responsible for delivering on the commitments
that they make. JB is one of the hardest-working and talented members we
have. I highly recommend her as a very professional businessperson. ” ~ Terry
O'Keefe, Former Executive Director, Sustainable
Business Alliance
"JB has given me countless
hours with her very reasonable sliding scales rates for her outstanding services.
JB’s computer support
and design skills, her aesthetic eye and hard work can only be matched by her
generosity, patience, and boundless kindness. I cannot imagine another computer
expert of higher abilities and willingness to put her skills in the service
of her clients as JB does day in day out. I recommend JB without
any reservation." ~ Marion Gerlind, Ph.D., Director, Gerlind
Institute for Cultural Studies
"DRAGA design revamped our web site and made it
look professional. JB uses color in an attractive way, makes the viewer's trip
through the web site easy and organizes information. She balances each page
with photos and copy so that it appeals to the eye. And she worked quickly.
I would use DRAGA design again." ~ Melon Dash, President, Transpersonal
Swimming Institute
PARTIAL CLIENT LIST