I am currently employed, however I recently found myself in the unenviable position of being "between careers". Faced with a common problem of the "new economy", I decided to take pieces from my past technical experiences (Architectural Drafting, Mechanical Drafting CAD/CAM, Forestry, and Offset Printing) and combine them with my creative experiences to form a new career directive -- Graphic Design.

But I didn't start in this direction on a whim, I had some pretty solid ideas on what Graphic Design was about, and I knew that it wouldn't be easy. Even before I began working in the printing industry I had, like many, toyed with various programs geared towards "Desktop Publishing" and I knew that I had a real interest.

"Desktop Publishing" and "Graphic Design" aren't the same thing, and if you try to imply that they are you'll get a dirty look from your Graphic Designer.

Desktop Publishing (DTP) has a bad reputation with Designers. These days, just about anyone can buy a prepackaged drag-and-drop program that will let you combine text, clipart, and scanned images into a satisfactory format for most of your "Garage Sale"-type publications, but it is not really DTP.

In the "Design World", a Desktop Publisher is basically a grunt that does all the technical things required to ensure that a Designer's file will print properly, text revisions, and smaller publications that the Designer doesn't have time to do. Now, a Graphic Designer is 'an egotistical artiste who uses a computer to create advertising masterpieces misunderstood by the masses', to quote a Designer friend of mine. A Designer does a lot more than just draw pretty pictures and combine them with some snappy text, a Designer creates!

What am I? I'm a bit of both, and I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty to ensure that what I have in mind can get onto the paper. Heck, I'll even run a press and print it if I have to, but don't quote me on that...

My current employer has given me the title of "Production Artist," however I do more than just Production -- My skills cover many subjects including; Scanner Operator, Photoshop work, Illustrator drawings, Production using QuarkXpress, small design decisions, and even basic office duties. Although I'm not an expert in any one aspect, I know enough about each that I can accomplish a variety of tasks simultaneously.

Having said all that, lets move on to something more interesting -- like my portfolio!

I am currently gainfully employed and not seeking any long-term assignments, however I am willing to discuss some short-term or one-time contracts.

In the future, I would like to expand on my experience base and branch off into design for the World Wide Web using HTML and other Internet tools. In order to accomplish this, I will be taking additional night courses in the various HTML applications as soon as I am able.

• I work equally well independently, or in team situations.
• I am adaptable to changing situations or job requirements -- I can pick up new skills on the fly.
• I am knowledgeable of the Printing process -- From electronic file to ink on paper to finishing & bindery.
• I am creative and can accomplish innovative designs for print or the World Wide Web.

Software & Hardware Knowledge:

I have a solid understanding of the following applications;

• Adobe Photoshop (versions 4, 5, 5.5)
• Adobe Illustrator (versions 6, 7, 8)
• QuarkXPress (versions 4.01, 4.11)
• Textures Mathset (extension for Quark)
• PS MathGraph
• Corel WordPerfect 9
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• PageMill 2.0, 3.0
• Dreamweaver 2.0, 3.0
• HTML 4.0

I also have a solid understanding of;

• Macintosh Computers using OS 8
• PC Computers using Windows 98 (Second Edition)
• Scanner Operation (Eversmart Scan Pro)
• CD Burners

• Graphic Design
  Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology
  Graduated March 1999

• Forestry Technician
  Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
  Graduated April 1992

• Mechanical Engineering-Tech Drafting Design (CAD/CAM)
  George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Production Artist (Jan 00 - Present)
  Pronk&Associates
  • Primarily various production-related tasks using QuarkXpress, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc., including;
    • Formatting of client's manuscripts into electronic files.
    • Corrections and changes to electronic files based upon the client's editorial markup.
    • Creation of technical art, tables, charts, and graphs using the client's specifications and data.
  • Small design decisions on the fly.
  • Scanner Operator (Eversmart Pro Scanner).
  • General office duties as required.

• Production Artist (July 99- Jan 00) -- Freelance
  Pronk&Associates
  • Primarily various production-related tasks using QuarkXpress, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc., including;
    • Formatting of client's manuscripts into electronic files.
    • Corrections and changes to electronic files based upon the client's editorial markup.
    • Creation of technical art, tables, charts, and graphs using the client's specifications and data.
  • Small design decisions on the fly.
  • Secondary Scanner Operator
     (Eversmart Pro Scanner).

• Pressman (June 95 - Jan 96)
  Breezeway Graphics & Printing
  • Operating an AB Dick 385, an AB Dick 360 (2 colour) sheet-fed offset press, and a Heidelberg Letterpress.
  • Mixing custom ink colours.
  • Bindery and Finishing work - including running a Baum continuous-feed folder with right-angle attachment, and trimming with a Polaris programmable guillotine cutter.
  • Inventory Control.
  • Shipping & Receiving.

• Assistant Pressman (March 93 - March 94)
  Breezeway Graphics & Printing
  • Primarily Bindery and Finishing work - including running a Baum continuous- feed folder with right-angle attachment, and trimming with a Polaris programmable guillotine cutter.
  • Occasionally operating an AB Dick 385, an AB Dick 360 (2 colour) sheet-fed offset press, and a Heidelberg Letterpress.
  • Mixing custom ink colours.
  • Inventory Control.
  • Shipping & Receiving.

Additional information, a copy of my resume, and references are available upon request in either electronic form (ASCII, RTF or PDF), by fax, or in person as required.

Please contact me.