I'm a New Media Interactive Development student dedicated to crafting user-friendly web and mobile experiences. I bring together technical expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL with creative design skills to transform ideas into interactive digital projects.
View My Work About Me PageExplore My Projects
Hometown Exploration Site
This solo project was created to showcase my hometown, offering visitors insights into local attractions, culture, and events. I built the site entirely myself using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL. It includes a review feature for users to share their experiences, with database functionality set to go live after the final setup.
Web Projects
Nuro-Technology Research Website
This was one of my first complete websites, exploring the intersection of psychology and technological innovation. Built solely with HTML and CSS, the site serves as a straightforward, accessible platform to present research findings. The design emphasizes clarity and simplicity, supporting an informative and easy-to-navigate user experience.
Aerial dance Credo Page
This single-page site showcases my love for aerial silks and trapeze, designed as a dynamic and visually engaging experience. Using only HTML and CSS, I focused on creating a responsive layout that brings the excitement of aerial arts to life, adapting smoothly to different screen sizes.
Unix Tutorial Site
As part of a team, we created a tutorial website focused on UNIX concepts, complete with a database-powered quiz feature that provides users with a randomized quiz on the material. My primary roles included designing and coding the stylesheet, creating the logo, and leading all design decisions. Additionally, I developed much of the PHP functionality for forms and the review feature.
Other Code Projects/Examples
Other code examples and projects can be found at my GitHub
GitHubDesign Projects
Historical Poster
In this project, I created a historical poster represent the Onna-musha(class of female samurai). I used Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create a collage style design using open source images and artworks.
DocumentationCharacter Creation
For this design project, I created a series of character icons representing different celebrities, all crafted in Adobe Illustrator. The project allowed me to explore distinctive visual styles and practice icon design, capturing recognizable features with minimalistic detail.
View FullExpressive Type
For this project, I explored the word oppressive through type, design, and motion. I created a static composition featuring an image of constricted lungs, symbolizing the suffocating and overwhelming nature of the word. Using textures, patterns, and muted colors, I emphasized the weight and heaviness associated with oppression. To further bring the concept to life, I animated the design in After Effects, creating a GIF that intensifies the feeling of restriction and unease. The animation and design work together to convey the emotional and physical impact of the term.
View AnimationAlbum Cover
In this project, I designed an album cover for one of my favorite artists, Still Woozy, using a minimalist approach with a color palette limited to three colors, including white. This design emphasizes simplicity and creativity, capturing the essence of the music while allowing the visuals to resonate with the artist's style.
Business Redesign
For this project, we rebranded a local company by creating a new logo, letterhead, business card, and product catalog. Starting with research into the company’s mission and audience, we designed a modern logo that became the foundation for all brand materials. The letterhead and business card were crafted to be professional yet visually striking, ensuring consistency across communications. Finally, we developed a high-quality product catalog that is both engaging and easy to navigate, enhancing the company’s market presence and connection with clients.
View Full PDFAbout Me
Who am I?
Hi! My name is Dessa Shapiro, I'm currently a 2nd year New Media Interactive Development major at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). I am a born and raised, California Girl having spent most of my life living in Marin County, located in northern California. Throughout my childhood I have always held an acute interest in anything creativity; exploring theater, music, art, and dance. As my education continued I developed a interest in technology and how I could integrate my creative and technical interests. My pursuits eventually lead me to RIT, where I am able to freely build and design custom websites, interactive elements and assets. I'm excited to discover and expand upon the potential of this emerging field.
Interests and Hobbies
Once separated from a digital world, I find myself enamored with a myriad of activities that keep my mind and body in tune. Some of which include:
- Design: It has always fascinated me, that everything we see is made up of intricate pieces that most people wouldn't think twice about
- Reading: I have a deep love for literature and often find myself lost in books that inspire and challenge my thinking.
- Aerial Arts: I have been doing aerial silks and trapezes for years, and it has always been my safe space to relax and let creativity flow free.
- Swimming: When I was little, my parents would tell me I looked like a fish in its natural habitat, and I've never proved them wrong.
- Dancing: Dance is a way for me to express myself creatively and maintain a sense of rhythm and grace.
- Surfing: Growing up in Northern California, Surfing wasn't quite tropical, but I grew to love to be out among the waves and quiet of the ocean.
Looking Ahead
As I continue my studies at RIT, I am excited to explore the vast opportunities within the computing field and apply my knowledge and skills to real-world challenges. I am particularly interested in contributing to the integration of technology and design to create innovative solutions with a positive humanitarian impact.
I am currently seeking a 2025 summer co-op or internship in any New Media or technology field related to design, development, or both. My goal is to contribute to creating and implementing unique new ideas while continuing to learn and grow.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my portfolio. I look forward to connecting with you! Feel free to reach out to me through my email or LinkedIn.