SUMMARY
An innovative and hardworking graphic designer who works closely with clients to identify and understand needs.  Delivers results to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.  An agile designer that exceeds expectations and meets deadlines.  Draws upon an expansive knowledge base and vast array of resources to provide design solutions for a variety of clientele.  A visionary producer who forges strong customer relations and secures the lasting success of an organization.

 

Art Direction      Promotional Flyers           Logo Design        Proof Making     Concept Development

Typesetting        Print Advertisements       Layouts                Pre-Flighting       Company Branding

 

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EXPERIENCE

Prepress Technician, Lion Circle,  Chicago, IL 2013

Preflight and troubleshoot client files to validate production requirements.  Build and prepare print files for offset plate output or digital printing.  Implement type, color and layout adjustments and corrections as needed. Check traps to ensure proper registration. Create proof files for customer review and approval prior to printing. Develop artwork, die lines and production method for custom products.  Collaborate with sales reps to determine customer needs and time frames.  Multitask between printing, plate making, making custom dies, creating virtual proofs and dealing with the pressmen to ensure quality control.  Archive files for future use and reference. 

 

Production Designer, Bucketfeet, Chicago, IL 2012-Present
Prepare and manipulate all artwork to ensure it meets the manufacturers requirements. Vectorize bitmapped artwork for supreme print quality and color manipulation. Assign Pantone colors per direction of the art director. Create virtual mockups to be used for final product selection. Work closely with the creative director to ensure quality control, cohesive style and solve any graphical issues. Archive files for quality control and future use.   

Production Artist, SportCo, Naperville, IL  (Nov-Dec) 2012
Laid out and designed virtual mockups of various sport’s apparel for screen print and embroidery using stock designs from templates.  Responsible for color comps of art approval forms to be viewed by sale reps and customers.  Vectorize any necessary artwork for production.  Archive files for quality control and future use.

                           

Graphic Designer, Freelance, Chicago, IL 2001-Present
Design and produce graphics for logos, event fliers, business cards, music CD layouts, t-shirts and marketing material.  Consult with clients and conduct quality assurance on files, formats, and colors to ensure professional print and web quality. Archive client files for future reference.



Graphic Designer, The Blue Island Forum Newspaper, Blue Island, IL  2011-2012
Design print ready advertisements through the use of graphics, pictures, and typesetting for a bi-monthly publication.  Touch up, crop and color correct photos for print and web.  Assist in page and text layout for a comprehensive flow.  Photograph images to be published for a accompanying article.  Archive files for future publishing.  Work closely with the editor to solve any graphical issues.



Teaching Artist, Yollocalli Arts Reach, Chicago, IL  (Feb) 2012  

Taught a course on graphic design and all its elements to young students as part of an afterschool program.  Developed and implemented class curriculum.  Created and enforced weekly lesson plan.  Communicated with program coordinators for direction and feedback.  Maintained student records, attendance and artwork.  Built up student moral by positive re-enforcement.



Graphic Designer, Archer Printing, Chicago, IL 2008-2009
Designed and prepared all business-related material for print, including business cards, flyers, and menus.  Built and maintained strong working relationships with clients to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.  Prepared text for vinyl cutter.  Managed quality control and ensured proper layout, design, spelling, and updates to final products.  Greeted walk-in clients and answered questions for potential projects.  Archived client files for future reference.



Graphic Designer, Global Exposition Services, Chicago, IL 2000-2001                                                                    
Printed large-scale graphics for exhibitor booths at a variety of exposition shows, including Worldwide Food Expo, Motivation, Collectors Festival, Rubber Expo, Chicago Auto Show, North Coast Dental, and ASI.  Verified print size and quality.   Maintained and archived client images/files for future reference.  Cleaned, fixed and oversaw the use of eight Encad printers to ensure quality and performance.  Recreated low-resolution graphics to proper format for professional printing.  Designed graphics and selected fonts for general booth exhibits.

OTHER EXPERIENCES
Production Assistant.  Assist in the production of commercials, company videos, short films, and music videos for companies such as Getty Images, Fiber Films, Flannel Films, Bill Youlmen Productions, and Diamond City Productions.  Manage inventory control, account  for all rented materials and film equipment prior to shoot and ensure timely return of equipment.  Facilitate camera, audio, props, rigging, lighting, and craft services.