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January 2009 - Present
Graphic Design/Advertising role, Trends Kitchens
This year I've taken on my highest responsibility role to date. Hired as a full time graphic designer to build a web site and create a range of printed materials to support the company's kitchen showrooms, my role quickly grew.
In addition to regular design tasks, I now take care of search engine optimization, creating pathways for clients to reach the company online, reshaping the brand image, showroom photography, vehicle signage, and advising on advertising strategy, with an eye toward maintaining high market exposure during an economic recession. This is a challenging position that has pushed me to grow above and beyond being just a graphic designer.
January 2008 - December 2008
Natcoll Graphic Design Tutor
Perhaps coming full circle, I returned to the place of my training to pass the torch to other aspiring young graphic designers, pulling double duty as both Graphic Design and Photography tutor. I loved the work, had a great bunch of students and colleagues to hang out with, and really felt like I was flexing my creative muscles. Few things are more satisfying than feeling like someone walked out of your classroom somewhat enriched by the experience. Left after one year contract.
June 2007 - December 2007
Self Employed Freelance Graphic Designer
& Private Tutor
I made the decision to strike out on my own to pursue a career as a freelance graphic designer. I continued to do some photo restoration and editing work for my previous employer, as well as various other clients, like posters, merchandise and CD cover artwork for local musical acts. Also during this period I've undertaken some ongoing work as a private Photoshop tutor for high school age design students.
October 2003 - June 2007
Photo & Video International Digital Artist
With almost five years of experience in a busy photo lab / retail camera store, I was the administrator of one of New Zealand's most popular photographic web sites, the online face of the retail store Photo & Video International. Through Photo & Video I also did photo editing and restoration for clients ranging from professional photographers to the general public.
I met with my customers face to face whenever possible to ensure that any changes to their photos meet their requirements. Other duties include the design of in-store advertising, print ads for magazines and newspapers, technical support for both staff, customers, printing on a digital photo lab and sole charge of the shop after hours. During this period I also did a handful of web design jobs for professional photographers, helping them set up galleries, designing attractive interfaces, etc.
Mid 2003
Alasandro Animator
I was contracted to create a "proof of concept" for what would be New Zealand's first interactive children’s television character. My jobs included 3D modeling of human characters to broadcast quality, concept design of characters and 3D animation. As far as I know, the project is at a standstill due to lack of funding.
Early 2003
Cynosure
While studying for my Multimedia Diploma I did work experience at Cynosure, a web and print design studio. Jobs entrusted to me included Flash for web sites, creating JavaScript functions, layout of web pages, including templates and css style sheets, making changes to existing web sites as per the clients requests, and before leaving there, I was learning to integrate PHP code to web sites. The company was restructured during this period, and unfortunately they had no long-term place for me, but the experience was valuable none the less.
Mid 2002
Edutech KM
For some time during my Graphic Design Diploma I did work experience for Edutech KM, an educational software company. It was my job to design various stationary and some elements of their web site. The items I designed for them were very well received and have gone into print in New Zealand and Australia for the company. I learned a great deal about corporate identity and working face to face with clients.
I am a qualified Graphic Designer with experience in both print and web design. Advanced user of both the PC and Apple Mac operating systems, in all recent versions. Confident with hardware & network administration. Capable in various programming and scripting languages. Skilled and passionate illustrator. Advanced knowledge and enthusiasm for digital photography. Strong grasp of advertising, marketing and design. Confident in face to face client interactions. Proficient and confident at teaching others.
I'm more or less a geek. That's a term that has an almost universally negative connotations, but it's a badge I wear proudly. I like movies, sci-fi, fantasy, comics, video games. That doesn't mean I'm not a social or healthy person, it just means I embrace pulp culture and new media, with the fervor than someone traditionally would a football team, or their favorite tv show.
I've met all sorts of awesome people online and I keep up with trends in technology.
I guess I just choose to take advantage of all the cool stuff that this age offers us, rather than be scared or intimidated by it, or have any sort of "uncool" social stigma about it. To be honest, I think participating in geek culture is a valuable part of keeping my knowledge of technology and design relevant.
I love going out to see live music, play social basketball, drawing, painting, writing, and hanging out with my friends. I'm a laid back, non confrontational person, and I like to let my work speak for me.