Joe Martin

Interactive Director

joe@telegraphicsinc.com

Joe Martin has over 14 years in the field of web design and development, with a Bachelor’s degree in Interactive Media Design from the Art Institute. An ambition towards new technologies allowed him to spend years learning languages such as HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP and MySQL through both practice and application. Simultaneously, this process would help strengthen his design skills and understanding of user-based principles. His work on the design implementation, and development, of over 100 websites over his career has helped set standards in terms of organization, website structure, user experience and search engine optimization.

He has worked full-time for large internet companies, such as Cars.com, while also bringing in large clients for his own company, with whom he is currently employed. His work for McDonald’s, Devry and a national beverage distributer, among other, can still be found in use on their sites today.

Earning his Bachelor’s degree certainly assisted in his understanding of web based principles, typography and color theory; but, it’s his desire to continually advance that has allowed him to grow as a web specialist. He has furthered his knowledge base and understanding of user-experiences through specific studies in form design, responsive web design and a content-first information architecture approach. Joe feels he has been able to achieve and understand more based on the idea that web technologies serve as more than just a way to get money. His passion and drive are reflected in his work and everyday life.

Training & Consulting

In addition to in-house development for Telegraphics, Inc., Joe also provides on-site training and consulting services, through Telegraphics, Inc. The most recent being a 9-month, on-site training & consulting package for a Des Plaines based non-profit organization. His responsibilities included:

• Reorganization of their current website platform, organization and structure with suggestions for improved information architecture, design and development.
• Develop testing and interview potential candidates for web development and web manager positions.
• Oversee and assist with all aspects of site design, development and launch.
• Restructure of an 8yr old chapter website hosting program which serves sites to over 120 chapters nationwide.
• Critique and evaluation of in-house website personnel to ensure their ability to maintain all sites independently.

Other credits include Joe’s work with his Art Institute alma mater, serving as an alumni board panelist for their web design program. He has been asked to speak on behalf of web design best practices at Illinois State University in Bloomington/Normal, IL and has also served as an instructor for classes with Chicago-based company, Dabble, providing single session classes to local business men & women.

Publishing

Recently published in Website Magazine, Joe continually engages himself in all areas of technology. Check out a couple of his articles below:

“Leave Web Design to the Real Pros” Website Magazine, 19 June 2014.

“Google Web Designer Put Animators Back to Work” Website Magazine, 23 January 2014.

“Finding the User Experience” Website Magazine, 21 November 2013.

Education

• Illinois Institute of Art
  BA , Web Design & Interactive Media
  2005 – 2009
• Elmhurst College
  Major , Computer Science
  2004 – 2005
• Triton College
  Associate’s , General Arts
  1999 – 2002

Fun Fact

Joe is a hockey player & avid Blackhawks fan