The Apple Lisa
I have been using the Macintosh operating system since the Apple Lisa debuted. At that time I 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! I quickly became a Mac addict and evangelist (though I never had the street cred Kawasaki does!).
Desktop Publishing
When the first Macintosh arrived, I was disappointed by its lack of a hard drive, etc., but waited excitedly for better to come. I moved on from, and did other things, before returning to the Macintosh platform several years later, just as the desktop publishing revolution began. I co-created and taught the first commercial multi-platform desktop publishing in London, working with a dear friend, Peter, who, at the time, was digitizing Tibetan prayer books before they disappeared. He created the first digital Tibetan typeface for the purpose. At that time we were using Aldus PageMaker, MacDraw, Ventura Publisher, Microsoft Word and 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 is wonderful and such fun to behold. Kids live in them all the time, but adults are more afraid to look silly and so don’t risk as much.
Her Own Business
As the revolution grew, I burned out on teaching and started my own business as a systems consultant for design firms that wanted to invest in the new desktop technology. I helped, either integrate Macs into existing mini computer environments, or begin to build entirely new systems. That was fun, because designers are basically big kids and I got loads of “Oh wow!!!! moments. I did a few articles for MacWeek, et. al. about new programs, and upgrades.
The Internet
When I got involved with the Internet in the 1970’s there wasn't that much there, but what was there was super cool! Remember HyperCard? That was exciting for awhile and I did a lot of application-building with that before getting into Omnis, FileMaker and other databases.
Back to the States and nonprofit work
I came back 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, working with firms like CompuMentor to provide pro bono consulting where it was needed.
Summary
I've worked with computers for nearly thirty years as a designer, technical support manager, trainer and consultant, and my experience includes graphic design and production, illustration, creation and maintenance of database and web site solutions, as well as applications training. When I take on a project, my goal is to collaboratively produce clear, clean written and graphic information. I enthusiastically analyze, troubleshoot and problem-solve.
That’s some of my story. I can’t wait to hear yours! It’s amazing all the stuff I've done. Where did all that time go? Please have a look at the rest of the site for ideas about the work I've done. I look forward to hearing from you about your next project.
Another passion is the 4Rs: recycling, reuse, reduction and rot: lessening our environmental footprint and having fun while doing it. I'm in love with personal development (reading, exercise, thinking), non-violent communication, writing, bike riding, hiking, gardening, cats (we live with three at the moment) and other animals.
Endorsements
“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