About Me
I Design: Web, Graphic, Print
Who is iCandyDZine? It’s a one woman empire devoted to quality, eye-catching design with professional appearance at practical prices. My name is Candy Loewen. I’m a single mom with 10 years of web and graphic experience. In July 2004, I decided to take my talents for creativity and turn it into a side job. I designed some sites and made some extra money while still working part time as an office manager.
When nerve damage caused me to lose the use of my leg in October of 2004 (during the delivery of my first child) I knew I was going to have to do something to provide for us, as I couldn’t go back to work without help. So I turned on my computer and decided to market my talents full time. A Year later, I had completed over six sites and several print media design projects.
In the summer of 2007, shortly after receiving a proper wheelchair from Alberta Aids to Daily Living, I went back to work full time as an administrative assistant and am currently designing on a case by case basis in my spare time.
Candy’s Bag of Tricks
I use Adobe Photoshop for graphic design. Up until the summer of 2006 I was using Tables to pixel-perfect my designs, either by hand coding or using editors such as Front Page and Dreamweaver. I have since been using CSS and XHTML to neatly seperate code from content and it’s going well. This new method (new to me, anways) really helps for search engine optimization.
For content-rich websites requiring independant updating and maintenance I will setup a Content Managment System (CMS), and my preferred tool is Joomla. Joomla is an open source, free, content managment system with unlimited possibilities. After selecting a template I will customize the site to your needs. Or, if you prefer, for a larger investment a template can be constructed from scratch. I am also familiar with WordPress and implement it as required. I prefer Open Source solutions with strong standards-compliant ethics.
My tool of choice for Print Media is Adobe InDesign, with graphics created in Photoshop. It is as professional as it gets and I have had great results so far. I have developed some realtionships with great printing companies to bring you fantastic deals on printed media.
Where Am I?
My location is ideal for providing Calgary Web Design and Calgary Graphic Design. iCandyDZine is based out of my home office in Chestermere, just minutes from Calgary city limits. I am open to doing designs for people all over the world through e-mail and telephone communication. For local customers, meetings can be arranged for in-person consultation just about anywhere in the city (that’s wheelchair accessible).
For my printing clients, your order will be delivered right to your home or business.