SWA Digital Artist: Volunteer Position Description

ISN Volunteer Position Descriptions

If you are interested in applying for any volunteer position with the nonprofit International Scleroderma Network, or if you have further questions about any position or possible openings, please email volunteers@sclero.org.

Status

We have an SWA artist, Ione Bridgman, who is creating lovely original paintings for the next SWA site makeover. We still need a digital artist who can create headings and navigation menus using these designs, as well as award graphics and awareness banners.

Title

SWA Digital Artist

Position Reports To

SWA Webmaster

Language Requirements

Candidate must be able to read and write English.

Position Summary

To design and create digital artwork for the ISN Scleroderma Webmaster's Association (SWA) website, using readily available software or artwork to create both static and animated images in JPG or GIF format, and compressed for optimum viewing.

International Scleroderma Network (ISN)

The International Scleroderma Network (ISN) is an international nonprofit 501(c)(3) agency founded in Minnesota. We provide healthcare information and support via our 2,000+ page SCLERO.ORG website in 22 languages. We publish the Voices of Scleroderma book series, and we support international research efforts for scleroderma.

Scleroderma is a rare arthritis/autoimmune disease that is popularly known as the "disease that turns people to stone" because it causes a hardening of the skin, blood vessels and/or internal organs.

Scleroderma Webmaster's Association (SWA)

The Scleroderma Webmaster's Association (SWA) is a free service of the ISN. The SWA lists and promotes member websites worldwide. SWA members carry a linked SWA logo on their website, which refers their site visitors to the SWA's popular Scleroderma Sites to Surf! program. The SWA was founded in April of 1998, and is the world's largest and most popular scleroderma web ring.

Essential Functions

1.	Recommends appropriate designs to the SWA Manager or Webmaster for approval.Projects may include: SWA animated logo; SWA buttons for website navigation; static and animated banners to publicize awareness months (such as Scleroderma Awareness Month); and annual digital awards given to SWA members.
2.	Determines the animation dimensions, colors and file size to create animations that will be appropriate and visually appealing for all platforms.
3.	Designs and creates individual images using a readily available graphics program such as Paint Shop Pro, Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw or MS Paint Shop Pro.
4.	For animations, assembles the images into a single GIF89a file with the appropriate timing for transitions such as wipes, spits, sandstorms, rasters, and tiles.Uses readily available GIF assembly and compression software such as GIF Construction Set or GIF Animator.
5.	Completely tests the animation to determine that results match expectations before submitting the file to the ISN's SWA Webmaster for display on the website.
6.	Uses personal creativity to assure that all designs or applications are original, and that they are not "borrowed" from any other website, nor in any way a violation of intellectual property laws. Uses only licensed and registered software in the creation of SWA materials.

General Requirements

1.	Ability to determine appropriate animations for website viewing.
2.	Creative design and development capabilities.
3.	Disciplined and committed in completing projects within the requested timeframe.
4.	Comfortable working in a team environment, and in doing revisions until the artwork meets all criteria for placement on the website.
5.	Ability to work within creative constraints, such as the SWA's penguin mascot and red, white and blue color scheme.

Qualifications

1.	Previous experience in designing, creating, assembling and compressing GIF image files.
2.	Excellent creative design and development capabilities.
3.	Demonstrated ability to successfully complete projects within requested timeframes.
4.	Ability to utilize own PC and appropriate software to produce the necessary graphic files.
5.	Upon approval by SWA Webmaster, this artist may also request custom artwork from ISN artists, for example, developing designs from paintings of a surfing penguin done by Ione Bridgman.