Principal + Creative Director at Skaaren Design
Phoenix, Arizona Area
- Current
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- Principal + Creative Director at Skaaren Design
- Past
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- Publisher + Creative Director at Kono Magazine
- Guest Art Director at ReadyMade
- Instructor at Arizona State University
- Art Director + Creative Director at Moving Pictures
- Principal + Art Director at Triage
- Senior Visual Communications Instructor at Collins College
- Education
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- MCAD, Northern Expressions School of the Arts, Collins College
- Recommended
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16 people have recommended Cory Michael - Connections
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- Industry
- Design
- Websites
Cory Michael Skaaren’s Summary
Skaaren Design is a visual communication resource specializing in all aspects of corporate communication. With headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona we provide services in brand development, identity formulation & systematization, design consultation, publication design, marketing, website design & implementation, and multimedia applications. It goes without saying that in today’s marketplace brand recognition is of paramount importance. We can help you create an appealing brand and guide you through the process of making that brand effective, in any number of formats. We’re experts at manipulating human perception—but in a benign, mutually-beneficial way. Image is important. Projecting a powerful, meaningful image to consumers boosts their confidence and generates profit and growth. In order to survive in the marketplace, you need what we can give: expertise, experience, excellence.
Cory Michael Skaaren’s Specialties:
Seven disciplines constitute our creative services: Branding, Identity Development, Print Design, Web Design, Publication Design & Production, Consulting, and Marketing. Like a prize quilt, these disciplines are distinct yet they overlap, creating a unified whole. Think of us as an integrated system addressing every one of your specific branding and visual communication needs.
Cory Michael Skaaren’s Experience
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Principal + Creative Director
Skaaren Design
(Design industry)
October 2001 — Present (8 years 2 months)
I'm an award winning design professional, industry advocate, and educator. With over thirteen years’ practical experience of visual communication problem solving using refined creative technique plus do what-it-takes production skill set, he continues to evolve. I have sustained a successful design enterprise by translating abstract concepts into profitable, commercial reality. I've given back to the industry that’s served me so well by donating my time and expertise to AIGA, serving as Phoenix Chapter’s Education Director and Executive Board Secretary. Most significantly, I'm a professional problem-solver whose solutions, created for a diverse clientele, implement virtually every effective design application. I'm a multi-faceted designer that is fluent in all contemporary production techniques. I'm proud of my award winning entrepreneurial ethos. My work ethic distinguishes me as a contemporary visual communicator motivated by strong ethical foundations and solid ideals.
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Publisher + Creative Director
Kono Magazine
(Publishing industry)
February 2006 — 2009 (3 years )
Day to Day running of the Magazine. Including: Design, layout, and organization of content for magazine. Handling from concept to completion the art direction for photo shoots, video shoots, Illustrations, website, media kits, and all print collateral in regards to Kono Magazine, including all communication with vendors. Responsible for finding, interviewing, managing and reviewing all employees and independent contractors including but not limited to: photographers, designers, videographers, web programmers, video-editors, illustrators, production artists, etc. Running and managing entire staff with budgets including but limited to: Sales, Advertising, Design, Editorial, Branding, Executive, and Marketing as well as handling the interviewing, hiring, and reviewing process. Writing, overseeing, and managing the magazine’s production schedule.
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Guest Art Director
ReadyMade
(Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Publishing industry)
October 2006 — October 2006 (1 month)
Design, layout, and organization of content for magazine. As well as handling from concept to completion the art direction for photo shoots and Illustrations. Also overseeing, and managing the magazine’s production schedule.
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Instructor
Arizona State University
(Educational Institution; 10,001 or more employees; Higher Education industry)
August 2006 — October 2006 (3 months)
For fall semester provided instruction for courses that have included: Creative Visualization and Visual Communication. Responsible for day-to-day classroom management for over 20 students. Planned and developed all-class demonstrations, presentations, and lectures, including traditional tools, multimedia, and practical everyday applications. Evaluated up to 20 student projects a week for concept, design quality, craftsmanship, following instructions, technical applications, and meeting deadlines.
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Art Director + Creative Director
Moving Pictures
(Publishing industry)
August 2004 — August 2006 (2 years 1 month)
Design, layout, and organization of content for magazine. Including handling from concept to completion the art direction for photo shoots, video shoots, Illustrations, website, media kits, and all print collateral in regards to MPM Magazine, including all communication with vendors. Also responsible for finding, interviewing, managing and reviewing photographers, designers, videographers, web programmers, video-editors, illustrators, production artists, etc. As well as running and managing a small design staff of two handling the interviewing, hiring, and reviewing process. Writing, overseeing, and managing the magazine’s production schedule.
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Principal + Art Director
Triage
(Design industry)
January 2000 — October 2001 (1 year 10 months)
Collaborated with partners establishing full service design entity servicing more than 10 local and national clients. Led creative planning and development for companies that include the printing industry, magazine publishing, entertainment, visual communications, commercial mortgage, and the health care industry. Participated in development of company new business and growth strategies. Contributed to the development and realization of a unique and uncompromising company ethic and culture founded on quality, approachability, and scrupulous attention to detail.
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Senior Visual Communications Instructor
Collins College
(Educational Institution; 51-200 employees; Higher Education industry)
October 1998 — October 2001 (3 years 1 month)
Provided undergraduate level instruction for courses that have included: Creative Visualization, Design Principles, Photoshop, Digital Pre-Press, Print Production, Typography, Visual Communication, Graphic Design Production, Visual Promotions, Humanities, and Marketing. Responsible for day-to-day classroom management for over 60 students and up to 4 different courses per quarter. Planned and developed all-class demonstrations, presentations, and lectures, including traditional tools, multimedia, and practical everyday applications. Created course curriculum for theory-based and technology-based classes and evaluated up to 60 student projects a week for concept, design quality, craftsmanship, following instructions, technical applications, and meeting deadlines.
Cory Michael Skaaren’s Education
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MCAD, Northern Expressions School of the Arts, Collins College
3 Degrees Combining Design and Illustration + Painting , Visual Communication +Illustration + Painting , 1994 — 2000
During School I performed multiple duties in the realms of Student Assistant + Teaching Assistant, and Student Mentor + Tutor.
- Activities and Societies:
- Aside from working my ass off for 6 years, I was involved with AIGA, The Comic Book Defense Fund, AMA, and I helped start the AIGA Student Chapter at Collins College
Additional Information
Cory Michael Skaaren’s Websites:
Cory Michael Skaaren’s Interests:
Design, Architecture, Branding, Comic Books, Film, Publishing, Illustration, Documentaries, Beagles, Writing, and General Fear and Loathing on the Internet.
Cory Michael Skaaren’s Groups:
AIGA, AMA, Creative Connect AZ, Refresh Phoenix, Soon to Be: Subscription Holders Only! See you all there DAMN IT!
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Phoenix Advertising and Marketing Professionals -
Social Cigar Professional's Network -
AIGA | the professional association for design -
FOLIO: MediaPRO -- Magazine & eMedia Publishing Professionals
Cory Michael Skaaren’s Honors:
2006 Maggie Award - Best Over all Magazine: Moving Pictures Magazine
2008 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence - Kono Magazine
Cory Michael Skaaren’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- new ventures
- job inquiries
- expertise requests
- business deals
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
