about_me
I started my career as a freelancer after completing a degree in Media Design at SCU in 2012. I learnt how to code and build websites when I was 10 years old and have been fascinated with creative web design/development ever since.
I strive to keep my web skills on the cutting-edge and love the constant learning process that is web technology. I am always seeking new opportunities to grow and learn, and I love being in a field of work that lends itself to this sort of personal growth.
I am very inspired by creativity in all forms. I have been a musician for most of my life and am a big fan of visual art, film and comedy. When I’m not doing web stuff or playing music, I’m usually reading something, hanging with my friends and family, chasing after my dog Bear, travelling (or planning to travel!) or going to see live music.
contact_me
Vinyl Cladding Professionals
- Client Type: Vinyl Cladding Supplier/Installer
- Date: September 2018
A collaboration with:
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Geelong Screw Piles
- Client Type: Screwpile Installer Service
- Date: February 2018
A collaboration with:
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Building Approval Solutions
- Client Type: Building Approval Service
- Date: October 2017
A collaboration with:
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TM Insight
- Client Type: Industrial Property Developer/Consultant
- Date: September 2016
A collaboration with:
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Ministry Of Chocolate
- Client Type: Chocolate Manufacturer
- Date: August 2016
A collaboration with:
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Lost & Found – Ministry Of The Shepherd
- Client Type: Spirituality
- Date: May 2016
This was a project for my grandfather, who after many years wanted a place to archive and share his thoughts and writings on his philosophy and spirtuality. I am very proud that he finally did this, and that I could be a part of making it a reality for him!
Client Feedback:
"Establishing a ministry website had been an idea in my mind and heart over several years. Brendan challenged me to explore my desires and expectations for content and material, to communicate those with him and to select a design concept that was the epitome of what I wanted. Those IT books for Dummies were written for me – Brendan made it easy. His skill in building and developing the site brought an idea to reality and far exceeded my highest expectations. Feedback has been exceptionally positive. Brendan’s communication, customer service and care is exceptional. It is both a privilege and a pleasure to recommend Brendan’s work to you."
Terry Lees-Close
Think Desktop Solutions
- Client Type: Graphic Design/Desktop Publishing
- Date: April 2016
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International Consultants to Business
- Client Type: Business Consultant
- Date: April 2016
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Geelong Amateur Football Club
- Client Type: Football Club
- Date: March 2016
A collaboration with:
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Sami’s Kitchen
- Client Type: Spice Blend Manufacturer
- Date: February 2016
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Ductwest Airconditioning
- Client Type: Commercial Airconditioning
- Date: January 2016
A collaboration with:
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Upton Engineering
- Client Type: Agricultural Engineering Company
- Date: October 2015
A collaboration with:
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brendandrums
- Client Type: Musician
- Date: August 2015
Another portfolio site I made to document and promote my musical work and projects. Seeing as I had creative freedom with this one, I splurged a bit by incorporating some video elements and embedded sound samples. As usual I’ve opted for a fairly clean and minimalist layout, making sure the design remains responsive on all devices and viewports.
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Cantwell Pools
- Client Type: Recreational Construction & Planning
- Date: June 2015
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Chip The Teacup
- Client Type: Fashion Label
- Date: August 2014
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screenshot(s) / link
(no longer online)
Chip The Teacup was an independent fashion label based in Lismore, NSW. They needed an online store with a blog-like functionality and user experience that could match the aesthetics of their existing branding.
I opted to keep the overall design fairly minimal in order to not draw attention away from the products, using a responsive layout style to keep the user experience compatible and consistent across different devices. On any eCommerce site a high level of security is always paramount, so I set up SSL encryption and researched/installed appropriate backend security and authentication systems.
The end result was a simple yet modern layout, complete with a fully secure WordPress backend and intuitive WooCommerce integration.
Client Feedback:
"Brendan created a functional and sleek design for my online store and blog website. When I wanted to add more on (like pop ups or extra pages) it was never a problem. He was always super quick to respond to my emails and to get things happening on the site. Highly recommend Brendan for his design skills and excellent customer service."
Monique Hope, Chip The Teacup-Close
The Chubby Fashionista
- Client Type: Fashion Blog
- Date: June 2014
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screenshot(s) / link
(archived)
Mel Carrero is a stylist and photographer based on the North Coast of NSW and ‘The Chubby Fashionista’ was the name of her increasingly popular fashion blog at the time. Mel originally hired me to do some design work in late 2011 and I have created and worked on several different incarnations of her blog since. At this time she wanted to migrate to a different content management system with a new design that was in a similar vein to some of her fashion-blogging contemporaries.
I strived to create a blog layout that presented new and archived content quickly and effectively, while still adhering to the trends seen in most modernized ‘single-page’ type blog layouts. Visually I kept it minimal, matching the colour scheme of the logo and opting to leave lots of space. I also enhanced some of the sites pre-existing social media integration to maximize user interactivity.
This last version of the blog integrated a clean and intuitive interface with a modern sensibility and functionality, all built upon a rock-solid WordPress backend.
Client Feedback:
"Brendan developed both of my blog sites as my needs changed and also came up with my logo for branding. I didn't really give him much in what I wanted but he came up with a result which was somehow exactly what I wanted!"
Mel Carrero-Close
Sarah J Hudson
- Client Type: Flowers & Styling
- Date: January 2014
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screenshot(s) / link
(no longer online)
Sarah Hudson is a floral designer and stylist based on the mid-North Coast of NSW. Sarah needed a website that could promote her business and showcase her design/styling aesthetics in an individual and personal way.
I aimed to create a clean and simple layout that matched Sarah’s existing branding and design concepts, utilizing a simple navigation system that also served to centralize and enhance the content in a functional and accessible way.
The result of our collaboration was a website that is sleek, simple and full of personality.
Client Feedback:
"Brendan assisted with development of my branding and delivered a website that was everything that I had envisaged. Communication was always easy and he made the whole process incredibly straight forward. I came to the project with strong ideas of what wanted - Brendan had a knack for understanding what I was after and translated it into something that represents my business perfectly. I highly recommend Brendan for any web development and design projects! "
Sarah, Sarah J Hudson flowers & styling -Close
Mel Carrero
- Client Type: Stylist/Photographer
- Date: January 2014
Mel Carrero is a stylist and fashion photographer based on the North Coast of NSW. Mel needed an online portfolio that could showcase her work in a simple and concise manner, while also matching her existing branding.
I aimed to create a simple interactive slider-based interface that would make her work the focal point of the design, with the option to add further detail/description to each photo if needed. I also worked with a responsive layout so the site could translate with and remain functional across all device types.
The finished product is a sharp and minimalist design with a sturdy WordPress backend.
Client Feedback:
"For my portfolio site I just wanted something simple and Brendan found a great look that really showed off my imagery in a clean, classy and interesting way!"
Mel Carrero-Close
Totum
- Client Type: Band
- Date: September 2013
Totum is a musical duo based on the North Coast of NSW. They had their own artwork, typography and concept for a website together but needed someone to translate their ideas to the web.
I applied their concept and layout ideas to a simple single-page CSS3 slider template, making sure the design would translate across all devices. I also converted their existing artwork and visual designs into a more web-friendly format.
The finished product is a unique and quirky website that is also functional and interactive in its design.
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Northmost
- Client Type: My Old Band
- Date: May 2012
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screenshot(s) / link
(no longer online - archived)
Northmost was a band that existed from 2011 – 2013. I played drums in the band and was also put in charge of most of our media content, which resulted in me putting together this site (and directing/editing/producing this video).
We wanted a site that had all of the stuff that most bands need to have online, but delivered in a way that stood out. It also needed to match pre-existing visual concepts we had, in an effort to communicate imagery that could effectively coincide with our music.
I was particularly interested in learning and exploring the possibilities of CSS3 at the time, which is predominantly what this slide-based layout relies on. For that reason alone, working on this website was a huge turning point for me in terms of the development of my skills as a designer/developer.
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Andrea Roper Photography
- Client Type: Photographer
- Date: October 2011
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screenshot(s) / link
(no longer online)
Andrea is a photographer based on the North Coast of NSW. Andrea needed an online portfolio that could showcase her photos and promote her services in a unique way.
I opted to create a website that utilized a full-screen background gallery to make Andreas photos the focal point of the design. I coupled this with a simple sliding navigation system that provided easy access to content without interfering with the image on display.
The end result is a visually engaging and interactive website with a truly unique user experience.
Client Feedback:
"Brendan was incredibly easy to communicate with throughout the entire working process. Even with a fairly vague idea of what I wanted, he was able to create a page that represented my style and added sophistication to my brand."
Andrea Roper-Close
Combustion Advertising
- Client Type: Work Placement/Internship
- Date: May 2011
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screenshot(s) / link
(no longer online)
Combustion Advertising is an ad agency based on the North Coast of NSW. As one of the top ad agencies in the area, I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to do some professional placement there. My task at the time was to create a new website design for the agency that integrated with their new branding.
After an initial period of experimentation, it was decided that I would be updating the site using the original layout as a template. This involved transferring the design from an older (and problematic) frame based layout to a safer and more stable alternative. I then applied the new branding colour scheme and visuals with some jQuery interactivity to give the site a more modern user experience. I also integrated some safer media-accessibility functions and queries to aid in communicating a consistent design across all devices.
My design has recently been replaced, but I wanted to include it here because for me this was another pivotal moment in time where my knowledge and professional experience as a web designer grew immensely. I came out of this experience greatly inspired and with a new outlook on design that still serves me to this day.
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