Hello!
As a graphic designer my objectives are threefold. First is the functionality of the design that targets clear communication of the message. I strive for simple solutions where simple is better than complex and complex is better than complicated. The challenge is to couple simplicity with visual sophistication. At the initial stages of a project I research ideas. Then I select the best possible option and start modeling, redefining and prototyping.
The second is an aesthetic aspect where I attend to the formal elements of the design such as symmetry, balance, consistency, and overall organization making the final product pleasing to the eye.
Ultimately I believe in collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with clients. Whether I work with one person or a group, I try to reach a larger audience and stay open and flexible to their needs. I provide them with multiple options and successfully arrive at the best possible solution that fully meets and exceeds their expectations.
EDUCATION
Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA, September 2005 - June 2009
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Minor in Russian
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Nordstrom | Digital Image Specialist, Seattle, WA, October 2010 - Present
Executing high volume image post-production within a 24hr cycle to maximize selling opportunity while maintaining an optimized customer visual experience through tight image quality assurance oversight
Providing the best visual representation of items through highest quality retouching standards
Acting as Digital Asset Management liaison between Studios and Nordstrom online coordination teams and marketing, providing on-demand research, reporting, production communications and image transfers for all teams
Color verification and image fixes – mitigating returns/losses based upon customer satisfaction with item and color accuracy
Fit Adjustments – assuring accurate fit representation by digitally adjusting product to styling guidelines
Image Testing – providing production services for test projects
SignDog Media | Web and Graphic Designer/Assistant to Print Production Manager, Ellensburg, WA, December 2009 - September 2010
Designed brochures, collateral materials, logos, flyers, signage, websites, posters
Demonstrated proficiency in taking down specifications to a customer’s design, as well as providing appropriate artwork when a customer didn’t know what they wanted, incorporated any design elements customer gave in order to create a consistent piece of artwork
Communicated with clients and discussed jobs, making sure that clients had supplied correct and sufficient files in order to be able to print their artwork
Worked closely with clients, designers, art directors and in-house staff
Worked one-on-one with each customer from beginning of idea conception to a finished printed piece
Communicated with and educated customers on how to properly set up files for proper output
Converted files to proper output for print. Gave advice on the best way to get the best quality printing for the least amount of cost
Conde Nast/Women’s Wear Daily | Assistant Graphic Designer, New York, NY, June - September 2009
Collaborated and assisted Art Director in event flyers, layouts, posters, and E-blasts
Assisted Executive Director to prepare materials for event speakers
Worked with Sponsorship Coordinator to gather research materials from sponsors attending CEO Summits and teamed up with Attendee Marketing Director to organize registration forms, vendor invoices, and promotional materials
Managed on-site attendee requests
Consolidated all information from each event and created a digital archive
FREELANCE
Jonathan Bishop Photography | Photo Retoucher, Seattle, WA, January 2018
Color corrected and photo retouched real estate imagery
Alana Antique & Estate Jewelry | Graphic Designer/Photo Retoucher, Seattle, WA, September 2015 - 2016
Color corrected and photo retouched high-end jewelry
Designed magazine advertisements
Carrie Robinson | Photo Retoucher, Seattle, WA, June 2011 - 2012
Color corrected and photo retouched high end on figure fashion
Central Washington University | Graphic Designer, Ellensburg, WA, December 2009 - 2011
Designed posters for various concerts held at the CWU Department of Music
Modern Media Center | Graphic Designer, Tbilisi, Georgia, September 2009 - 2010
Designed book cover for Vol. 1 of Collected Stories by Georgian author Zurab Chachava
Designed book cover for Viva Water Polo! by Georgian author Zurab Chachava
DList Magazine | Graphic Designer, Seattle, WA, February 2009 - April 2009
Executed layout for denim fashion designer Dolores Gill
Ana Katarina Sustainable Luxury | Graphic Designer, January - June 2009
Created business card, letterhead, and website that visually expressed clients’ aesthetics and philosophical framework
Sky Movement Presents | Graphic Designer, Seattle, WA, December 2008 - 2009
Designed promotional flyers, posters, and album cover for Seattle based rap artist Clemm Rishad’s Sky Movement Tour
Consecutively published featured layouts in Seattle’s DList Magazine
Created promotional materials for MTV original pilot “Teddy T’s Mrs”
FAMU - Premiere Fashion and Music Networking Organization | Graphic Designer, Seattle, WA, December 2008 - March 2009
Designed advertisements targeting fashion and music industry professionals to promote networking and communication
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Native: English, Russian, Georgian
Working Knowledge: Spanish
TOOLS
Photoshop
Wacom Tablet
Illustrator
InDesign
Acrobat
Word/Excel/PowerPoint
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
President of Homeowners Association - Board of Directors 2018 - 2020
Vice President of Homeowners Association - Board of Directors 2017 - 2018
Treasurer of Central Washington University AIGA 2008 - 2009