09-current
edc
freelance design
Visual communication is a powerful tool, and a well crafted message delivered via bold imagery and clever copy will set a product or brand apart from the competition. Once a brand strategy is devised, concepts are developed to appeal to a particular target audience. Projects are often a collaborative effort undertaken with copywriters, photographers and illustrators, but on smaller projects, I might assume all roles. Jobs typically begin with a design brief along with significant client contact to fully comprehend the message they wish to convey. Rough layouts are presented to refine the direction, followed by several rounds of revisions to the selected design until finalized artwork is approved. It will then need to be modified to fit the size and resolution requirements of different media. As an independent contractor, I must also land new accounts, service existing clients, and handle all admin required in a solo practice.
09-current
casa2mama
property developement/management
I purchase neglected properties in up-and-coming urban areas and rehab them into rental housing, which I manage with the support of realtors, contractors and a maintenance crew. Aspects of the job: vacant apartments are restored, current rental rates are researched, and media channels are selected to generate leads. Perspective renters are screened and leases are drafted for selected applicants. Resident’s concerns are addressed and disputes are mediated. Units are inspected regularly. Rent is collected and those who fail to pay are pursued. Profitability is achieved through a balance of care to tenants and infrastructure.
16-18
ISA
teacher
Pursuing a long held interest in teaching, I have been able to utilize my design background teaching design theory and wood-shop. I taught all subjects to lower and middle school students between the ages of 6-15, and English to high school students.
14-15
ikea of sweden
communication support
While e-commerce giants have mastered online marketing, big box retailers like ikea.com have some catching up to do. The purpose of this project was to overhaul online photo assets. This project required close coordination between creative and marketing departments, which often have divergent goals. First, the extensive product range was closely examined to determine which articles would benefit most. Next, briefs were written to insure consistency for new photos ordered. Templates were established to insure consistency in the the future when new products are added. Photo shoots were attended to oversee progress, and finally, completed images were then proofed against the original for color accuracy, The outcome is a greatly improved user experience, as products are now displayed from multiple vantage points, in order to highlight function, quality of materials, hidden benefits, as well as in a furnished room setting, alongside complementary items, to provide further inspiration.
07-09
a3 design
art direction
At this design boutique in a rapidly growing city, I worked alongside the creative director to determine the artistic approach and strategy, which would set the overall style for new projects. I mentored younger designers, while minding the budget and deadlines. I designed logos, print and web for a range of industries, including education, real estate, health, food, beer & spirits, landscaping, architecture, engineering, transportation, financial, golf, sports and oil prospecting.
02-04
lescher marketing
Lead design
Small only in terms of staff, LMG had the account list big agencies would kill for. On top of Continental and Spirit Airlines, the main focus was our demanding entertainment industry clients, including Fox, Sony, Warner Bros, Walt Disney, Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios. The film business requires a great deal of promotional materials such as posters, ads, packaging and sales sheets. I also redesigned our agency’s logo, business cards, stationary and collateral.
graphic design
In the early part of my career, I gained design skills at a variety of newspapers and magazines. The challenge with publication design is to make each issue fresh looking, while maintaining the brand’s look and feel by adhering to a design template. My responsibilities included cover concept and design, layout of editorial and events listings, retouching images, coordinating with photographers, purchasing stock photos and illustrations. I also designed self promotion, including corporate id, media kit and collateral for the many events media co-sponsors. I produced ads for coffee shops, video stores, art galleries, tattoo artists, bars, night clubs, hairdressers, record stores, independent movie houses, heath clubs, schools and vintage clothing shops.