Visual Communicator, ie. Graphic Designer
Richmond, Virginia Area
- Past
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- Participant at Project M
- Freelance Designer at Charlottesville Community Design Center
- Freelance Designer at Virginia Commonwealth University - Music Department
- Freelance Designer at The University of Chicago
- Freelance Designer at Lisa P. Maxwell Advertising
- Lab Manager at VCU Graphics Lab
- Designer & Maker of weights using socks filled with sand! at Design Center
- Intern at Scout Design
- Education
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- Virginia Commonwealth University
- ECPI College of Technology
- Recommended
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3 people have recommended Marc - Connections
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37
connections
- Industry
- Graphic Design
- Websites
Marc O'Brien’s Summary
The amount of passion I have for the power of visual communication is shown through my personality and creativity. My work often tells stories and invites audience interaction, which in turn can be re-appropriated into new objects with a new purpose. I want to solve problems through effective communication while engaging with the viewer and preventing minimal waste by practicing more sustainable means.
While attending Virginia Commonwealth University, my ideas regarding the field of graphic design and my approach to living changed entirely. I was exposed to various design-centric, ethical, and environmental issues in the field of design. I have always thought of myself as a responsible and informed citizen, but in the past few years, I have considered every action I make with more of a conscience overview.
Working with more community-based organizations and non-profits, along with educating people in the importance of practicing sustainability are two factors I am trying hard to incorporate on a professional and personal level. A look at my printed portfolio will illustrate that I have worked with both factors in the past and would love to continue to do so.
Since living in Charlottesville, VA, I have experienced a community that works together to help others who are not only involved, but also passionate about improving their city and environment. I am seeing the amount of foresight and effort being put into restored and newly constructed buildings around the city, the support in local farms and agriculture, and most importantly, the overall sense that change needs to take place if we want to better our environment, both on a local and global scale. Because of this, I am immensely inspired to collaborate with like-minded individuals and put forth my creative services to communicate current issues in sustainability and environmental / social issues, all while utilizing the power and impact of visual communications.
Marc O'Brien’s Specialties:
Print, Pre-Press Production, Studio/On Site Digital Photography, Office Organization, Managerial Duties, Time/Project Management, Doin' it up!
Marc O'Brien’s Experience
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Participant
Project M
(Graphic Design industry)
June 2009 — June 2009 (1 month)
Project M South 2009:
Participated in Project M South 2009 in Greensboro, Alabama which was a month long summer intensive program run by John Bielenberg. Project M brought ten young and creative individuals together to collaborate and learn how to “think wrong” about design and how it can foster positive change in the world. As a team, we produced (blank)LAB.org and AshHoles.org. -
Freelance Designer
Charlottesville Community Design Center
(Graphic Design industry)
February 2009 — May 2009 (4 months)
I volunteered my design services for the Charlottesville Community Design Center in an exhibit called, URBAN SPACES / RURAL PLACES. Using their existing logo, I designed the posters and hang tags to be used in the exhibit along with various promotional material. I was also involved with generating ideas, concepts, and the installation of the exhibit.
I worked with City and County officials, the Piedmont Environmental Council, Charlottesville Community Design Center, local artists, and photographer Robert Llewellyn, to collaborate in a unique art exhibit that uses words, images and interactive elements to explore the relationship between urban and rural environments in Charlottesville and Albemarle. -
Freelance Designer
Virginia Commonwealth University - Music Department
(Educational Institution; Higher Education industry)
February 2009 — April 2009 (3 months)
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Freelance Designer
The University of Chicago
(Graphic Design industry)
October 2008 — December 2008 (3 months)
Designed various material for departments throughout the University. Participated in the rebranding of Chicago Graduate School of Business to Chicago Booth School of Business. Dealt with numerous projects with tight deadlines and conversed with local printers. Worked in both Publications & Creative Services and Chicago Booth School of Business Marketing & Publications departments.
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Freelance Designer
Lisa P. Maxwell Advertising
(Graphic Design industry)
September 2008 — September 2008 (1 month)
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Lab Manager
VCU Graphics Lab
(Printing industry)
August 2003 — August 2008 (5 years 1 month)
Assisted faculty and staff with their production needs.
Maintained equipment and researched printers, computers, and cameras for purchasing.
Responsible for managing projects for the School of the Arts, in-house design projects, and Lab employees. -
Designer & Maker of weights using socks filled with sand!
Design Center
(Graphic Design industry)
January 2007 — May 2008 (1 year 5 months)
This honors selective class allowed us to work with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other VCU departments.
Determined clients needs and oversaw printing production.
Responsible for ideation and designing materials for non-profit and community based organizations. -
Intern
Scout Design
(Graphic Design industry)
May 2007 — September 2007 (5 months)
Helped organized new studio space.
Designed brochures, postcards, calendars, and other collateral material.
Participated in various press checks.
Marc O'Brien’s Education
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Virginia Commonwealth University
BFA , Graphic Design , 2003 — 2008
Dean’s List
Magna Cum Laude
Outstanding Senior Award
Chosen to be a VCUarts online mentor for prospective students- Activities and Societies:
- AIGA, VCU Student Chapter
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ECPI College of Technology
AAS , Web Development , 2001 — 2002
Dean’s List
Cum Laude- Activities and Societies:
- Organization of Student Web Masters
Additional Information
Marc O'Brien’s Websites:
Marc O'Brien’s Interests:
satirical/witty comedy, reappropriating objects/giving items a second life, thrifting, photography, fixing type rags... yeah, so what!, printing/press-checks, npr, radio lab, the moving image, ie movies, ie films, my japanese butterfly tail black moor goldfish “Yarmi”, good ol’ fashion so-cal punk rock music AND styx!, cats, laser cats, tofu, running/jogging, tossing the ol’ frisbee, tossing the ol’ baseball, etc.
Marc O'Brien’s Groups:
AIGA
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Green -
AIGA | the professional association for design -
Virginia Commonwealth University Alumni -
The Designers Accord
Marc O'Brien’s Honors:
Dean’s List
Magna Cum Laude
Outstanding Senior Award
Chosen to be a VCUarts Online Mentor for Prospective Students
Marc O'Brien’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- expertise requests
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
