
Co-Owner / Graphic and Web Designer, Riddle Brothers Web Design and Development, LLC
Washington D.C. Metro Area

Co-Owner / Graphic and Web Designer, Riddle Brothers Web Design and Development, LLC
Washington D.C. Metro Area
8+ years experienced art director, graphic / Web designer and illustrator. Highly skilled in concept development, communication through visual image (print and Web), visual branding, job production, coordination, pre-press preparation and Web site planning, design and implementation.
Extensive knowledge of design theory in print and Web. Advanced knowledge of print production including: pre-press preparation, ink and paper stock selection, direct mail rules and regulations, printing and mailing specifications. Development of marketing campaigns for various organizations utilizing both print and Web media communication methods. Designing front and back end concepts for small to large scale Web sites, and working with Web developers to implement them correctly.
(Educational Institution; 201-500 employees; Higher Education industry)
May 2007 — Present (1 year 3 months)
Manager of the print and Web team responsible for creating media to communicate the College's visions and goals. Supervises full- and part-time employees including the webmaster, in-house print production unit and graphic design team. Reviews all publication and Web site designs for clarity and adherence to the College's visual identity standards. Designs major publications (annual reports, direct mail) and Web site templates playing a major role in the various marketing plans of the College. Serves as main point of contact for all printing, photography and external vendors. Works in conjunction with the public relations and fund-raising teams to meet the goals and uphold the values of the College.
(Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Online Media industry)
June 2006 — Present (2 years 2 months)
Currently co-own and operate a Web design and development business offering the following services to businesses and organizations: custom, professional and clean Web site designs; complete front and back-end development and coding; content management systems (CMS); accessibility requirements; hosting; domain registration; maintenance; search engine submission and more.
(Educational Institution; 201-500 employees; Higher Education industry)
May 2005 — May 2007 (2 years 1 month)
Responsibilities included: management, coordination and design of all publication and graphic design requests (100+ page college catalogs, color/bw ads, direct mail, monthly college newsletter, annual reports and more). Created and managed the College’s visual standards manual. Reviewed and approved all externally designed requests for visual standards. Requested various estimates from state-approved vendors and awarded jobs based on budget analysis. Collaborated with various printers on stock selection, file preparation and scheduling. Assigned and coordinated photography assignments for several public and private events. Served as Web designer and reserve Webmaster of the College Web site and Intranet.
(Self-Employed; Myself Only; Graphic Design industry)
June 2000 — August 2006 (6 years 3 months)
Owned and operated an affordable and reliable freelance service from my home office. Employed across the country for graphic, Web design, illustration and consulting services for a variety of organizations including software developers, real estate firms, board game companies, authors, small business owners and more.
(Privately Held; 1001-5000 employees; Graphic Design industry)
July 2002 — May 2005 (2 years 11 months)
Responsibilities included: design and production of a variety of direct mail and marketing publications (40+ page full color brochures, color/bw ads, direct mail, monthly full color newspaper, etc.). Collaboration with various printers on stock selection, file preparation and scheduling. Regular computer maintenance/ troubleshooting/installation for ten-plus Macintosh computers. Analysis of marketing results (Boston and Michigan areas) to determine success of designed publications and advertisements. Photo shoot scheduling and coordination with various photographers and campus employees to capture aspiring photos of active Erickson Community residents.
Bachelors of Arts, Graphic Design, 1998 — 2002
Achieved a Bachelors of Arts while attending under presidential and fine art scholarships. Achieved Dean’s List multiple semesters graduating cum laude with a GPA of 3.72.
Professional Cartoonist: Currently illustrate a daily comic strip for all-ages entitled “AFORD” which appears in dozens of daily, weekly and monthly newspapers, newsletters and publications across the country. Appears on the Web at http://www.afordturtle.com.