Freelance Writer/Designer for Hire.

Two years ago, I finished the "Communication Planning and Information Design" Master's program at Carnegie Mellon University. It was a tremendous experience—well worth the sweat, tears, and student loans. But now it's payback time, and I'm looking for some supplemental income so I can hang on to what I loved about graduate school (the friends, the memories, the top-notch education), and get rid of what I didn't love (American Education Services, ACS Education, and AccessGroup). :)

From 2005–2006, I worked as a designer at ThoughtForm, Inc. (formerly known as Agnew Moyer Smith). ThoughtForm is an exceptional company with smart processes and even smarter people. The time there was invaluable to continuing my design education. I worked with nationally-known companies, like AARP and GlaxoSmithKline. I designed Web sites, informational booklets, and product guides. I advocated user research and user-centered design, and worked with Don Moyer to develop a map of useful research methods. Most importantly, I paid close attention to the work of my colleagues, learning everything I could from their expertise.

In the fall of 2006, I had the opportunity to join the Office of Technology for Education (OTE) at Carnegie Mellon, working as an "Academic Technology Research Analyst." In that capacity, I gather information and resources about the use of technology in the higher-education classroom, and integrate what I find into the OTE's policies, services, and strategies, as well as our communications with faculty. The work is challenging and rewarding, and matches my interests perfectly.

Although I'm not currently looking for full-time work, I would love to contribute to your projects on a part-time basis. If you have design or writing projects and need freelance help, please email me at ashley@tidylittlepackage.com, or call 412.512.5791.