Heather Billings is a visual journalist who prides herself on being well-rounded. Hover over the circles below to learn more, or click "Enter Site" to see examples of her work.
I started learning HTML at age 13. Since then, I've built a dozen sites, mostly by hand. In my spare time, I'm brushing up on HTML5.
I've used libraries like Flot to create interactive charts. I also write my own simple scripts when needed.
Usually I use JavaScript in conjunction with jQuery. I used it extensively during my internship at the Washington Post.
I took a programming logic class which utilized C++. The language may be practically worthless on the Web; the logic is not.
I introduced myself to PHP through WordPress. I deleted one line at a time to see what would break. I'm more comfortable manipulating it than writing my own.
I'm not fast with Django, and I have just a basic knowledge, but after building one simple app, I am dedicated to learning more.
Python is fun. I've built a simple, ugly Twitter scraper and am looking for journalistic excuses to write Python.
I've worked with several different WordPress installations since 2007. I'm comfortable heavily customizing them.
I taught myself CSS in 2006. I can't wait until CSS3 is widely supported so I can recast the Venn diagram on this page in it.
I'm a fair hand at creating photo illustrations and Web graphics, as well as adjusting photos (ethically, of course).
I know a wee bit of ActionScript and am fairly adept with tweens, movie clips, embedded video and internal navigation.
Because I am a self-taught designer, I pick up tips from any source I can. The most valuable lesson I've learned is the power of fonts.
Illustrator is fairly new to me, but I love the design power it has. It's hard for me to work with text in anything else now.
Though the program itself is somewhat limited, I've put together decent credits and lower thirds with LiveType.
Motion ties together my interest in graphic design and video editing. In journalism, I don't have a lot of call to use it, but I can.
I've written and recorded voiceover, shot a wilderness documentary, covered breaking news, and even appeared on-camera.
My first published story was a photo essay. (I was 17.) During my college career, I've had several photos and slideshows published.
Slideshow Pro was my undergraduate paper's tool of choice. I find its interface a little less intuitive than Soundslides, but not bad.
I've used Soundslides extensively, including using a loop of silence to create a regular slideshow.
I prefer clean cuts in my editing but will use a dissolve if the mood needs one. I like creativity but nothing avant garde.
Writing is actually my first love and is what got me into journalism. I served as de facto copyeditor for my college paper.
I've filed FOIAs, learned stats from Steve Doig, dabbled with SPSS, and visualized it all. A card-carrying IRE member.