Richard Cáceres

Professional Development

~ Methodology
~ Programming-Experience
~ Interests
~ Programming Languages
~ Tools
~ Education
~ Work


Contact:
Methodology

In form, my software creations are based on clear and elegant code. This requires thorough knowledge of design patterns, current technology, experience, and foresight.

Programming Experience

For the past two years I worked as the lead developer and systems architect for Cargo. I designed and implemented many large scale projects which leverage content caching, image uploading, ORM, a custom-built MVC framework, and many others. These projects are designed to work resiliently under heavy load and to scale horizontally.

Additionally I have worked on numerous freelance projects. As a consultant for OSK Studio, I have transformed their designs into websites with custom content management systems. I once engineered a robotic toaster, a obvious winner in the domestic space.

Perhaps, one of my greatest assets is to define an optimal solution given numerous constraints (e.g. time and resources). Often this includes reverse engineering and extending an existing architecture. My skill-set encompasses the full stack, from front-end to backend technology. With this, I produce an informed complete solution for complex projects.

I have formal training in computer science from UC Santa Cruz and UCLA, and a BA Degree in Design | Media Arts from UCLA with an emphasis on creative coding. Areas of study include interactive media, graphic design, internet-based development, and physical computing (bridging the gap between the physical and the virtual). I have been creating websites since the age of 12, and have worked as a professional developer since 2003.

Interests

Interesting and/or challenging projects. Working with intelligent and like-minded people.

Programming Languages

python, php, sql, html, css, javascript, actionscript 2 & 3, perl, bash, java, processing, arduino, quartzcomposer, chuck

Tools (in no particular order)

django, flask, phantomjs, twitter bootstrap, puppet, heroku, mvc pattern, fuelphp, symfony, linux, centos, ubuntu, iptables, apache, nginx, mysql, memcached, svn, git, textmate, vim, eclipse, ssh, sftp, webkit, jquery, backbone.js, require.js, mustache.js, sphinx, gearman, supervisord, ganglia, nagios, denyhosts, imagick, xdebug, apc, dokuwiki, midi, osc

Education

College of San Mateo, Music – In progress
UCLA, Design | Media Arts – BA 2009
UCSC, Computer Science – Not completed



Work
╭ 2012 ╮
  • Cargo Collective, Inc.
    January 2010 - September 2012
    Technologies: linux apache mysql php jquery css html memcache sphinx gearman mvc +more
    For two years I worked as the lead developer for Cargo along with the CTO, Josh Pangell. I designed and implemented many large scale projects such as content caching, image uploading, ORM, a custom-built MVC framework, and many more.
╭ 2011 ╮
  • Facebook F8, 2011
    Technologies: quartz composer, mac os x, projection
    For this project I created a dynamic image visualizer that instantly displayed images taken at photo kiosks placed throughout the Facebook F8, 2011 event.
  • Consulting Department of the 4th Dimension for Sephora
    Technologies: quartz composer, processing, arduino
    My role in this project was a consultant who gave guidance on what the best options were for using hardware sensors to detect sniffs, and also how best use that sensor data to trigger interactive visuals. This involved brainstorming and creating example applications to illustrate several points.
  • Psychic City for Rene Daalder, Megan Daalder
    Technologies: php, mysql, javascript, gps, mobile
    Brought into the project by Rene Daalder to provide some guidance and development help late into the cycle. After having a meeting with Rene and the current development team, I came up with a plan of execution that was feasible considering the time and resources available. I also contributed web development assistance.
  • Arts and Sciences via OSK Studio
    Technologies: php mysql html css javascript flash wiredrive
    Development of Arts And Sciences website. Design by OSK Studio. The video content is integrated through the Wiredrive API and fed into a customized content management system. I also developed a custom video player that was integrated with the frontend through javascript to create a "dimming the lights" effect when videos are played.
  • Consulting and Tutoring
    Technologies: processing, camera vision, digital sound synthesis
    Over a period of several months I engaged in personal tutoring with Adrianne Adar, a photographer learning interactive art. I helped her implement an interactive project while also learning how to use Processing.
  • Little Minx via OSK Studio
    Technologies: php mysql html5 css javascript blueprint-css mobile
    Development of Little Minx website. Design by Osk Studio. Created a custom content management system for adding and maintaining several directors. Each directory has their own video and photo content as well as bio information. The frontend employeed a unique panoramic structure that is especially suited for mobile and table touch screen browsing.
  • Malik Sayeed via OSK Studio
    Technologies: php mysql html css javascript flash
    Implemented a custom content management system that allowed uploading of photos and videos. Implemented the frontend which was designed by Osk Studio. It also included a custom video player.
╭ 2010 ╮
  • Instant Cinema
    Technologies: php, mysql, html, css, javascript, ffmpeg, gearman, sphinx
    I worked with the Cargo Collective, Inc. team to create Instant Cinema as a branch from the main Cargo Collective codebase. I implemented a video uploading and thumbnail extracting solution using gearman and ffmpeg. I also implemented a commenting feature that was built out of the open source Vanilla forum application. Finally, I also implemented a site search feature using Sphinx.
  • "Non Projections" for Non Projects, LLC
    Technologies: quartz composer, projection, midi, performance
    I was asked to perform live visuals at two performances by artists on the Non Projects record label. For the occasion, I created a custom-built VJ application in Quartz Composer that allowed me to play and mix videos while controlling parameters with a usb-midi controller. For the second performance, I modified the program to have a a live video feed that can be blended and controller along side the other videos. The application I built is open source and available at https://github.com/rcaceres/nonprojector.
  • Tiffany Sum's "Chimerical Toast"
    Technologies: arduino, a motor, proximity sensors, a toaster
    I worked with media-artist Tiffany Sum to fabricate a robotic toaster. This required reverse-engineering a off-the-shelf toaster to respond to proximity sensors and automatically heat and dispense toast. I also took extra care to make sure the software prevented any potential faults that could cause overheating or destruction of the mechanism. ¶ From the artist: "Chimerical Toast" reverses a domestic object and activity into a bodily regiment with a basic food item. Your physical presence, your diligence of gesture, your commitment to transformation, will conform a piece of grain into the charming and fanciful impression.
  • Noche Flamenca
    Technologies: php, html, css, javascript, photoshop, mail chimp
    A friend passed this project onto me, after the webserver crashed and the site needed some rebuilding. After getting the site back into working order, maintained the site and added new features on occasion such as creating a Spanish language version of the site. My responsibilities also included designing and sending email blasts through a Mailchimp account.
  • Snowblink
    Technologies: php, mysql, html, css, javascript
    A friend passed this project onto me, and I fixed some bugs and added new features to the Snow Blink website.
  • Smog Studio
    Technologies: php, symfony mvc, cms, html, javascript, css
    Working with the just-starting Swedish architecture firm, Smog Studio, under a very tight budget, I implemented their site. They created the design comps and I implemented the site with an intuitive content management system, that allows them to dynamically update content.
╭ 2009 ╮
  • UCLA WPA 2.0
    Technologies: indexhibit php html css photoshop javascript
    Implemented a custom indexhibit site for UCLA Architecture WPA 2.0 competition website. I also designed and implemented a gallery for select design proposals. It has a custom javascript slideshow and search functionality.
  • Backyard Homes Project
    Technologies: wordpress, html, css, photoshop
    Designed and implemented a custom wordpress theme for UCLA cityLAB’s Backyard Homes Project website.
  • UCLA cityLAB
    Technologies: html css photoshop javascript
    Worked as the in-house webmaster for UCLA cityLAB.
  • UCLA Design | Media Arts Video Site
    Technologies: php mysql html css symfony
    Programmed the new UCLA Design Media Arts video site. I also designed the site in collaboration with Brandon Chau. This website serves videos lectures and performances that have taken place at the UCLA EDA (Experimental Digital Arts) venue throughout the years. For this project I taught myself how to use the php MVC framework Symfony.
  • UCLA Design | Media Arts
    Technologies: php mysql html css
    Worked as as webmaster for UCLA Design | Media Arts department. Led a team through refactoring the code to be more modular and easier to maintain.
╭ 2006 ╮
  • Palabras Tranquilas with Professor Sharon Daniel
    2005-2006
    Technologies: flash, actionscript 2.0, html, photoshop
    As a freshman in I worked as research assistant for Professor Sharon Daniel. I did interface design and flash development for her Palabras Tranquilas project, which is a social platform for younger communities to share videos they film using inexpensive video cameras.
╭ 2005 ╮
  • UCSC Cmps 60E Tuturing Winter 2005
    Technologies: c++
    After my first semester at UCSC I was asked to be a tutor for the class Beginning Programming for Social Science students. This involved attending class labs and assisting students with their assignments.
╭ 2003 ╮
  • San Bruno Teen Advisory Board
    Technologies: photoshop, html, css
    This was the first professional web development project. It was done as volunteer work. I designed and implemented the teen section of the San Bruno public library website. I was a teen at the time. ☺
  • Richard-C.com
    My personal website started.