Qualifications
The Quantifiable and
the not so Quantifiable
In Addition to the Artwork
There are several examples of my skills as an artist/designer and their relation to marketing posted throughout the Fingerprint Designs Graphic Design Studio website, however just by looking at a sampling of my work it is likely difficult to truly quantify my capabilities and qualifications. Therefore I added this page within the Fingerprint Designs Studio site to specifically address any concerns regarding: my education, design skills, the computer platforms I have am familiar with, my software expertise, my unique perspective of marketing as well as design, and any previous work experience
In the creation of this page regarding my "qualifications" it has somewhat reminded me of being asked: so, tell me what can you do? We've all been there put straight on the spot, but as this is a page about my qualifications, it seems there could be no better place to discuss "what I can do." Simply put, like many people I can "do" a lot, but in life I choose to focus on the following: what I do well, what I enjoy doing, what I'd like to do better, and what I'd like to do but have either not been successful or have not had the opportunity.
Education
Methodist University, Fayetteville, North Carolina – May 2008
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing
3.2 GPA in major fields of study, and 3.0 GPA overall
Wake Technical Community College, Raleigh, North Carolina – 2009-2011
Additional coursework, Advertising and Graphic Design
Approximate 3.5 GPA
Design Skills
What it means to be a Graphic Designer...Literally
A Version of the Fingerprint Designs Logo Considered
For those who are unaware, there are wide variety of skills which fall under the title(s) of: Graphic Design, Visual Designer, Illustrator, and so on. As a result, it is paramount that a designer specify where his/her skills and knowledge reside. The old business clichè "time is money" is a more accurate statement now than ever before, and it doesn't do to waste the time of either party by hiring the wrong designer for the job.
General Design Skills
I have a sharp eye for basic spatial reasoning. I'll own up to the fact that I am one of those individuals who enjoy it when a box says: "some assembly is required" in my mind the more assembly the better. If I need the instructions its only to be sure to go in the correct order, as it is indeed an odd day if all the pieces do not immediately make sense. All designers possess this skill to some extent, it serves me well often while I work on designs. There is also the basic artistic talent needed to be an effective designer, I carry a sketchbook eveywhere I go...and continually am working to improve this skill which one never masters. Just like spatial reasoning, I also am hyper-aware of colors and am quick to notice instances of dis-unity as well as harmony. These aspects are likely not only behind my design skill, but also are probably the reasons I find myself so drawn to graphic design work.
Computer Expertise
Technical expertise is of course in some ways just as important as a designer's illustration skills, understanding of design concepts, and how to execute those concepts effectively. Unfortunately as some tend overlook the other aspects of a designer aside from their technical knowhow, but that is the direct result of how important these technical skills have become in the computer age.
I am familiar with both the Mac and Windows PC format. For economic reasons I currently work off of a PC, but have had plenty of time and opportunity to develop a familiarity with the Mac system format. As a result of Adobe no longer creating a completely opposite "Mac Format" and a "PC Format," and the general broadening of operating systems it is not difficult to adapt to one system from the other. The following are lists of the software which I am experienced with:
Microsoft Office
- Excel
- Outlook
- Powerpoint
- Word
Adobe Creative Suite 4:
"Design Premium"
- Acrobat Pro 9
- Bridge CS4
- Dreamweaver CS4
- InDesign CS4
- Illustrator CS4
- Photoshop CS4
Adobe Creative Suite 5:
"Design Premium"
- Bridge & Camera Raw CS5
- Dreamweaver CS5
- Knowledgeable of HTML and CSS
- Build and upload with FTP networking
- Fireworks CS5
- InDesign CS5
- Illustrator CS5
- Photoshop CS5
What I did not Include Here and Why
Microsoft Access was not included in the "MS Office" list as it is a program with a very specific purpose which is rarely needed in positions which require my particular skill set. While I'm not very practiced, I am familiar with the concepts of Access/building a database, and using queries to organize, then pull, specific pieces of information. Adobe Flash and CAD (Computer Automated Drafting) were also not included on the lists: I am currently in the process of learning Flash, and once had experience enough with CAD to have aced the industry standards test, that was a few years ago. I pick-up the use of most software pretty quickly, particularly design software or other programs with which I have some previous experience so don't count me out, however I would not consider myself to have "mastered" Access, Flash, or "CAD."
Marketing and Design
The Unique Perspective I Offer
Marketing and Design, it's put together so often...but really we're talking about two completely different schools here right? I'd say yes and no, because as skill sets go in no way shape or form did I learn any of my design skills in the Reeves School of Business, and vice-versa regarding my knowledge regarding marketing and business strategies; but every good marketer needs to have to at least have a creative mode if not a bit of a designer's eye, and every good designer has to have a marketing mode that will allow them to translate what the business side wants into a successful design.
I offer a unique package as someone with a vast understanding and appreciation of marketing while also having the skills, knowledge, and intuition of a designer. This combination of interests and skills allow me to communicate more effectively as both a marketer and a designer, particularly when it comes to a situation regarding expectations for a final product. This special perspective involves having a more in-depth understanding about the reasoning behind the business/marketing intended goals for a design, as well as the ability to re-frame and potentially adjust a situation from the design perpective for the most effective graphical approach to a business problem. It is rare that I have the problem of a design losing track of its intended purpose as I am very deliberate about maintaining a goal driven design brain.
Experience
Fingerprint Designs – Free Lance Graphic Designer 2010-Present
Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina
Captured with a Canon DSLR Camera as a part of a Photography Course lesson in the technique in obtaining the unique characteristics of night-time photography.
Completed a diverse variety of projects from various business original logo/collateral package designs, and informational packets. In addition to designing and developing/managing this site, where using the navigation to the left, you may view a detailed view of my design process as well as assorted portfolio pieces. Regardless of employment status, to improve my skills as an artist and a designer, I am constantly in the process of working on one "major" design project while also idependently continuing my education both in skill and empirical knowledge.
Paid Internships and Part-Time Work as a Result of Participation within the PGA Affiliated Methodist University Professional Golf Management Program
(Terminated participation due to complications associated with hip injury)
Dick's Sporting Goods Fayetteville, North Carolina
Oyster Reef Golf Club Hilton Head, South Carolina
Blue Bell Country Club Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Bentwinds Golf & Country Club Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
References
Personal, Educational, and Professional References available upon request
