PROFILE

 

Hi, I am an interractive artist and designer. Some might also use the term 'user experience' designer. I have designed, managed the design process and developed interactive strategies for Fortune 500 companies. I work independently or with teams for consultation on comprehensive marketing solutions. I am passionate about design and the design process.

As a consultant, I seek to leverage efficiencies by offering the flexibility of undertaking an array of roles given the scope of a project. I am comfortable as a manager of the design process, designer, interface developer, strategist or information architect. Having been in this industry for 12 years, I have developed an understanding of process that easily transfers to new initiatives.

"Skin has become inadequate in interfacing with reality. Technology has become the body's new membrane of existence."

-Nam June Paik

I am not sure if I can subscribe to this statement entirely, but it floats above my head each day as I work. I enjoy the provocation that this statement assumes, and the challenges it presents. Perhaps the potency of these words have diminished somewhat since first spoken, but the more that this concept has become obvious, I hold to the idea that people will continually seek to connect with something that is ultimately transcendent through information. Without getting too philosophical, I work upon the premise that the definition of interaction resides somewhere between being and doing.

I am attracted to how the image of a thing affects behavior and creates reactions. If I can design something that creates unique and positive reactions -even in a small way, I am satisfied. This is not to say that the trajectory of my work terminates in a gallery space. My satisfaction comes from a job well done and the exercise of creative thinking in every capacity.

My background is in visual art. I am a painter and sculptor. Developing an aptitude for programming -or scripting evolved from first employing simple animations to my art that eventually became relatively more sophisticated. The evolution of this process was not a career choice, but the means by which to create more engaging experiences. Getting beyond the steepness of this learning curve was like an explosion in my brain because I had never previously considered myself to be an analytical thinker.

I am a pragmatist. If a project requires 'clean and simple' to complete a desired set of user-centered objectives, great! However, if the primary objective is to evoke an emotive or sublime reaction, great -let's get to work! I haven't come to a point in my career as a designer to say that I have an agenda, style or focus. I like to keep my passionate mind loosely attached, which keeps my outlook relatively objective. Likewise for technology. I have a proficiency in ActionScripting and can throw down some Javascript, but I'm not indefinitely attached to a specific technology as a primary medium of choice.

I am also a person who experiences cycles of focused interests. I am a musician. In my spare time, I can be focused on playing or writing music, making art, running or hiking. Recently I became interested in incorporating the Arduino language and system into some ideas for sculpture or installations. If you have come to this site looking for my visual art or music, please be patient. I am slowly formulating a cohesive life/ professional/ artistic experience that can be communicated in this venue. If the end-result is not cohesion, maybe that is ok for what/who I am.

RESUME

Andrew Hamm, Interactive Artist +Designer,

I'd like to be known by my colleagues for having a good sense of humor and strong work ethic.

SKILLS

Interactive Design / Creative Direction
Flash and ActionScript
HTML/CSS/ some Javascript
All major 2D design applications
Cinema 4D and various audio and video applications

 

JANUARY 2009 TO PRESENT
INDEPENDENT INTERACTIVE ARTIST / DESIGNER

  • Designed and implemented an array of highly interactive sites, widgets and online games.
  • Worked on projects for clients such as; L'Oreal, Maybelline, MTV, Adidas, Footlocker, Zetia, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Caring for Carcinoid Foundation and Hutker Architects.
  • Lead the design process and designed sites for TJX.
  • Strategized project scope, built wireframes and managed the process of building sites for mid-sized companies.
  • Developed strategies for brand design and positioning.

 

MAY 2006 TO JANUARY 2009
INTERACTIVE ART DIRECTOR,
KG PARTNERS – PORTLAND, ME

  • Designed and implemented an array of highly interactive sites utilizing Flash ActionScript, HTML and CSS.
  • Integrated video, audio, 3D animation and 2D animation to create a variety of media-rich presentations.
  • Integrated technologies such as XML, and PHP.
  • Strategized project timelines and resources. Organized freelancers and local design teams.
  • Collaborated to establish interactive production process and interactive team identity.

 

OCTOBER 2003 TO MAY 2006
CREATIVE DIRECTOR / MULTIMEDIA COORDINATOR,
JPMA – FARMINGDALE, ME

  • Constructed web-based course delivery system for an online training company serving the state of Maine.
  • Designed the interface to work with a dynamic database of organizations utilizing XML and ActionScript.
  • Managed a team of four designers in the production process of course media.
  • Worked with VP of education to develop course layout and interactivity.
  • Designed interactive exercises to actively engage and challenge users in a 'learner-centered' environment.
  • Coordinated photo-shoots for interactive simulations.

 

2001– 2002
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MEDIA WORKS
TRAINING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

  • Developed the curriculum for an educational business program in the field of new media.

1997 – 1999
MEMBER OF MANAGEMENT TEAM
ASAP MEDIA SERVICES

  • Managed and worked on producing a variety of multimedia projects including websites, kiosks, CDs and a 3D movie