I’m Tarek Shalaby, and I’m a front-end designer from Cairo, Egypt. I’ve been a freelance web designer for years now, and have never let go of the passion for designing and building creative websites. I’m a sucker for the latest CSS techniques and jQuery plugins, and cannot get enough of open-source tools out there, especially CMSs like WordPress.

More than design, I’m in love with the Internet. The idea of connecting people from all over the world, and allowing them to share information across space and time blows my mind. It is by far the best invention by humankind, and it is constantly outdoing itself and bringing us (the users) the best, for free.

The Internet is power to the people. For the first time in history, everyone has the chance to express his or her thoughts and feelings, and reach out and learn from any others. It is bigger than any government or organization can handle, and there’s no way of stopping it. I consider myself to be extremely lucky as I am from the generation that saw what it was like before the Internet, but at the same time grew up to become a vital part of it.

I’ve traveled to over 30 countries, but am nowhere near done. I love learning about the different cultures around the world, and enjoy picking up languages. One of the biggest advantages of being a freelancer, as opposed to an employee in a firm, is the ability to roam and explore the world while working. And I’ve been taking full advantage.

Finally, I’m very proud to be Egyptian and truly love my country. Traveling the world only makes me realize more and more how lucky I am to be from the City Victorious. I wish to make a difference in my country one day, and am hopeful that design could be an approach to doing so.

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Career Highlights

EDUCATION:

Initiated: August 2001, Graduated: May 2005
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Arts: Focus on Web Design and Computer Graphics
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish: Spanish Language, Culture, Literature, Arts and History

LANGUAGES:

* Arabic: Native speaker. Classical Arabic as well as spoken and colloquial – Egyptian dialect
* English: Native skills; Written and spoken – American dialect
* Spanish: Fluent; Written and spoken – Castilian dialect
* French: Pre-intermediate – completed the 8th level at the French Institute in Cairo, Egypt

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:

* Freelance Web Designer, EGYPT, SPAIN and UK, Summer 2005 – Current
Design websites and complete branding solutions for various clients from different locations. Use design and development tools to meet Web 2.0 standards. Awarded “Best Website” and “Best New Website”: Dentistry.co.uk Website Awards 2008

* IT & Communication Manager, ACE & Company, SWITZERLAND, June 2008 – February 2009
Overlooked company’s image, communication and online presence. Complete responsibility for the design and branding of the company and its affiliates, as well as designing and maintaining its websites.

* Presenter, “Connect” TV Show, OTV, EGYPT, August 2006 – February 2009
Host a TV show about IT & Technology broadcasted on one of the biggest satellite channels across the Middle East. Program deals with Hardware, Software, Internet and Games. Responsibilities also include assistance in preparation of script and content

* Web Architect & Manager, OTV, EGYPT, July 2007 – July 2008
Manage the Web department with complete responsibility of website issues including but not limited to: graphic design, web development, content maintenance and data entry, website architecture, server configuration and hosting plans, and department administration

* Graphic Designer, Link Development (LINKdotNET), EGYPT, November 2006 – July 2007
Designed prototypes using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Collaborated with the Creative team on projects for some of the largest clients in Egypt, UAE and Italy. Projects participated in include: Wind (Italy), Egypt Air and Emirates Foundation