|
Growing up, I was a decent artist and even placed in a few local art contests. But throughout high school and as I entered college, my interests became focused on things other than art. Nutrition and physical fitness were important factors in my life and I began my college career studying Nutritional Sciences. After two years of study, I realized that this knowledge was something that would benefit me personally, but I really didn't want to make it my career.
I then switched my focus towards Marketing and Communication Sciences. In my senior year, I enrolled in an "Intro to Computer Design" course and it sparked my interest in art once again. After finishing the course, I began teaching myself web design and programming applications. I ended up graduating with a Communication Sciences degree, but realized that I still had a knack for design and wanted to pursue that further.
My first professional job after college was with a consulting firm that focused on CRM (Customer Relationship Management). They had an ongoing email campaign that delivered text-only electronic newsletters. I was hired to help launch an HTML-based version of that campaign.
I worked there for quite a while as a Web Developer. After some time, the Creative Director took notice of the graphical work I was doing and I was soon asked to make the transition from the Web Team to being part of the Art Department. This job involved me working with 2 other designers and focused more on print rather than web design. To help familiarize myself even further, I took an "Into to Print Production" course at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan.
Shortly thereafter, the firm fell upon difficult times and I found myself on the lookout for a new job. At nights I waited tables at a restaurant and during the day I searched for full-time employment while picking up freelance web jobs whenever possible.
I eventually found a full-time position at the ad agency I am currently with. This job has developed my print skills even more and exposed me to all aspects of the printing process. It also helped me become very familiar with the in's-and-out's of developing highly conceptual direct marketing collateral - primarily of the pharmaceutical nature. I've also been actively involved with the Interactive Department, in order to maintain and utilize my online skills as well.
On a personal note, I pride myself in having a very strong work ethic. I paid my own way through college by being a member of the Army Reserves. I've also worked a second job as a waiter in a number of different restaurants, both during and after college. Years of hard work and enjoying what I do has brought me to where I am now.
|
CONTACTME
