Michael E DuBelko
Technical Writer & Illustrator
Vancouver, Canada
Writing · Illustration · About Me · Contact
Technical Writer & Illustrator
Vancouver, Canada
Writing · Illustration · About Me · Contact
Digital - Web
A tutorial for Snapcraft, the tool for building apps in the snap package format. The challenge with this piece was creating an end-to-end lesson where the user builds fundamental skills with the tool, without delving into the deeper details and constraints of packaging with Python. The pyfiglet package was chosen as a target because it has an immediately observable result in the same terminal context as Snapcraft, and is fun for users to play with.
© Canonical Ltd.
GPL 3.0
Digital - Web
An explanation of a new interface for EMM software. This page is the introduction to a separate instance of the documentation. The new console has a modernized presentation and simplified features. It's in extended testing, and is opt-in. The product has a very large userbase with long-term support contracts, so it was critical to promote the benefits of the new console, with a visual demonstration, and that switching to it is a non-destructive and reversible action.
© Samsung
Used with permission.
Digital - 3,224 KB .pdf
Conceptual article covering the fundamentals of the computation engine of Gaffer, an open source node-based VFX tool. The client needed a ground-truth description of how the software's nodes compute data, which is essential for all users to comprehend in order for their node graphs to remain performant. The document had to perfectly follow the conceptual model without bogging readers down with implementation details.
© John Haddon
© Image Engine Design, Inc
Used with permission.
Digital - 2,443 KB .pdf
Reference article that defines the key terminology for a VFX studio's custom asset management tool. Part of a new hire package designed to help onboard intermediate-to-expert VFX artists who are already familiar with asset management concepts, but need to be oriented on the precise meanings of common terms in the client's solution.
© Image Engine Design, Inc
Used with permission.
Digital - 1,924 KB .pdf
Conceptual and procedural article describing a VFX pipeline feature with far-reaching effect throughout the client's studio. This feature determines how the business organizes its main internal deliverables (dailies), so the breakdown had to cover how to configure and use it in a way that was digestible to the whole user base.
© Image Engine Design, Inc
Used with permission.
Digital - 1,560 KB .pdf
Instructional article covering the first task that the client's staff performed every day. Since this procedure is of paramount importance for users to perform their daily duties, it was necessary to be as salient and short as possible, while also enticing them with optional actions that could improve their productivity.
© Image Engine Design, Inc
Used with permission.
Print - 7,772 KB .pdf
System startup guide for a studio's client review room. The guide had to fulfill multiple requirements on one page: speak to users of all technical abilities, distinguish between three overlapping hardware systems, and provide safety and security information per the IT department's needs.
© Image Engine Design, Inc
Used with permission.
Digital & print - 632 KB .pdf
Guide for internal CRM software for a public sector organisation. The client requested a guide that combined a user guide and reference, would be tailored for the their in-house use-case, and incorporate their users’ skill levels and training and adoption feedback.
© Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Used with permission.
Digital & print - 337 KB .pdf
Guide for operating open-source POS software and hardware for experienced salespeople. The client requested a guide that could be used as an introduction for new hires and a quick reference for current staff.
Digital & print - 264 KB .pdf
Documentation of API for database software with REST methods. Designed as a technical reference for expert users familar with APIs and API terminology.
Print - 179 KB .pdf
Ban policy for a registered BC society. Client requested a set of simple and fair rules in plain English that would protect staff, clients, and the public, which accorded with the BC Society Act and BC Human Rights Code, and which accounted for the organisation’s atypical management structure.
Digital - 987 KB .chm
Web help for password manager software. Designed as a task-based guide and manual for an intermediate user who wants to secure their passwords, but has no familiarity with password software.
Digital - 1,820 KB .pdf
UI documentation for screen capture software. Designed as a task-based guide for first-time users.
Web Video
Hybrid conceptual and interface animation that explains the operation of a spreadsheet-style processing node inside Gaffer, an open source node-based VFX tool. The behind-the-scenes flow of data, normally hidden because of implementation complexities, is visualized. By layering the visualization over the node's two established elements in the interface (the node in the graph and its editor window), new and existing users are eased into the concept.
© John Haddon
© Image Engine Design, Inc.
Used with permission.
Print - 10,142 KB .pdf
Layout diagram of the equipment in a studio's conference room. The room is mixed-use, with multiple embedded systems. Users needed a clear breakdown of the activities and attached peripherals of each respective system. Graphic was paired with a user guide.
© Image Engine Design, Inc
Used with permission.
Print - 523 KB .pdf
Swimlane flowchart describing an organization’s customer service process with anticipated response times. Client requested a document that could be made into a large-format poster or used in printed staff training material.
© Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Used with permission.
Web
Website promoting a non-profit’s yearly event. The client requested a clean, readable, mobile layout that was colour-impaired friendly and loaded quickly.
Print - 1,547 KB .png
Cover for introductory graphic design manual. Designed to effectively communicate the book’s use-case (introduction to the fundamentals of visuals) to a broad audience.
Digital - 123 KB .png
Hardware input/output diagram for a retail point-of-sale. Client requested a layout that matched the real-world location and orientation of the hardware that demonstrated the process flow of the input and output.
Print - 144 KB .pdf
Magazine advertisement for recycling company. Clients requested a simple, inviting layout that announced their partnership that conveyed an environmental theme.
Located in Vancouver, Canada, I am a technical writer, editor, and illustrator with a fervour for language and technology. I have provided technical documents and illustrations to clients in the Lower Mainland since 2012.
I hold a Certificate in Technical Writing from BCIT, and a BA in English from Simon Fraser University with an extended minor in Linguistics.
When not flipping pages, I'm cranking gears on my bike.