In a Nut Shell
Design has been my passion for over two decades and I’ve built a career on creating compelling visuals for print, marketing and web. Whether it’s mastering the Adobe Creative Suite or crafting custom WordPress sites, I’m always looking for ways to push creative boundaries. My focus has always been on building strong client relationships and delivering adaptable design solutions that exceed expectations.
Strengths
Adaptability
I flex to meet diverse client needs and project goals, and make sure I deliver high-quality work, every time.
Collaboration
I work with a variety of clients and teams, sharing goals and making them happen.
Project Management
I take projects from idea to done, making sure they’re delivered smoothly and on schedule.
SKILLS
Adobe Creative Suite
- PhotoShop
- InDesign
- Illustrator
- Acrobat
- Animate
WordPress
Elementor
HTML5 • CSS
Sublime Text
Asana
Canva
Experience
DESIGN DIRECTOR/WEB DESIGNER | DEMOTRAC
West Hollywood, CA | 2014 — Present
DESIGN DIRECTOR/
WEB DESIGNER | DEMOTRAC
West Hollywood, CA | 2014 — Present
Currently, my freelance remote work at Demotrac involves a dynamic mix of WordPress development and multi-channel design, always keeping client goals at the forefront. Whether building websites or crafting marketing materials, my focus is on delivering solutions that precisely meet their needs. Facilitating design reviews and integrating feedback are integral to my process, ensuring a strong and consistent brand presence for clients like Alturi.org and JackRutbergFineArts.com.
DESIGN DIRECTOR | ADLHOCH CREATIVE
Los Angeles, CA | 2018 — 2024
DESIGN DIRECTOR
ADLHOCH CREATIVE
Los Angeles, CA | 2018 — 2024
During my time as Design Director at Adlhoch Creative, I led comprehensive visual campaigns, notably for The Original Farmers Market, where I managed all production and brand integrity. I also delivered client-aligned design solutions for diverse clients, including Banc of California, MyNHD and Cocoa Parlour. For Cocoa Parlour, this included presenting full rebranding options, from logo redesign to chocolate bar packaging, ensuring a cohesive and elevated brand presence.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER | MARK RAKOW DESIGN
Los Angeles, CA | 2004 — 2013
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
MARK RAKOW DESIGN
Los Angeles, CA | 2004 — 2013
My freelance work involved the full lifecycle of graphic design projects, from initial concept to final execution, across both digital (web, email) and print (direct mail, packaging) mediums. I managed a diverse portfolio of clients, consistently delivering high-quality designs within strict deadlines and budget parameters. This often included coordinating with external service providers to ensure seamless project completion.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER | LA FAMILY MAGAZINE
Tarzana, CA | 2002 — 2004
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
LA FAMILY MAGAZINE
Tarzana, CA | 2002 — 2004
I’ve had the pleasure of bringing stories to life through engaging layouts for a monthly lifestyle publication, where I collaborated closely with editors and advertisers to really elevate the aesthetic. On the flip side, I’ve also focused on driving tangible results by creating optimized marketing materials for Pali Summer Camp. Whether it’s digital or print, my goal is always to create materials that not only look great but also drive user engagement and conversions.
ART DIRECTOR/
PRODUCTION MANAGER | FRONTIERS NEWSMAGAZINE
West Hollywood, CA | 1992 — 2002
ART DIRECTOR/
PRODUCTION MANAGER
FRONTIERS NEWSMAGAZINE
West Hollywood, CA | 1992 — 2002
I’ve always been keen on streamlining processes and fostering teamwork, and that really came into play when I managed the full visual production of a bi-weekly newsmagazine. By collaborating closely with editors and ad managers, we were able to significantly improve team coordination and reduce project turnaround time. Beyond that, I also had the opportunity to lead and develop a talented art and production team. I focused on not only supervising their work but also implementing practical solutions, like a digital advertiser archive, to support sales and marketing efforts.
PUBLICATIONS SPECIALIST | LISSER AND ASSOCIATES
Santa Monica, CA | 1990 — 1992
PUBLICATIONS SPECIALIST
LISSER AND ASSOCIATES
Santa Monica, CA | 1990 — 1992
My move to Los Angeles led to a Publications Specialist position where I was responsible for designing and producing a range of materials for the automotive industry. This included in-depth auto maintenance manuals, targeted direct mail, and effective packaging solutions for clients like Izusu and Mazda, utilizing CorelDraw and PageMaker. A secondary aspect of my role involved training office staff on computer systems and supporting office administration.
GRAPHIC SPECIALIST | FREDDIE MAC
Reston, VA | 1989 — 1990
GRAPHIC SPECIALIST
FREDDIE MAC
Reston, VA | 1989 — 1990
In 1989, I had the opportunity to fill a temporary role that encompassed the design and production of a diverse range of materials, including brochures, training booklets, and employee communications like payroll stuffers. A particularly interesting project during this time was my involvement in the Freddie Mac Employee Annual Report. This temporary assignment allowed me to apply my skills across various formats and contribute to both internal and external-facing communications for a well-known organization.
TYPESETTER/VISUALIZER | EDDINS, MADISON & SPITZ
Alexandria, VA | 1989
TYPESETTER/VISUALIZER
EDDINS, MADISON & SPITZ
Alexandria, VA | 1998
At this dynamic, seven-person design shop in Alexandria, I had the opportunity to contribute in several key ways. While managing typesetting on Compugraphic equipment and handling studio logistics were part of my responsibilities, one of the more creative aspects of my role was assisting the design team by producing marker illustrations for their client presentations. It was exciting to see these visuals play a part in winning over clients like MCI and Time-Life Books and Music. This experience really sparked my passion for visual storytelling and the power of effective design communication.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER/PROJECT LEADER | EROL’S, INC.
Springfield, VA | 1984 — 1989
GRAPHIC DESIGNER/
PROJECT LEADER
EROL’S, INC.
Springfield, VA | 1984 — 1989
My early professional experience began at Erol’s Inc. in Springfield, VA, a prominent video club during the 80s. Working in their art department, I became quite adept at the technical side of bringing creative ideas to life. This included mastering the intricacies of AgfaGavaert stat cameras to produce halftones and line art for our various publications. I also took on the responsibility of training and supervising the typesetting team, working with Varityper systems to ensure the accurate and timely setting of copy for everything from retail ads to the company’s monthly magazine. It was a role that allowed me to blend artistic vision with a strong understanding of the production process.
Education
GRAPHIC DESIGN/ILLUSTRATION
CLEVELAND ART ACADEMY | Cleveland, OH | 1982 — 1984
GRAPHIC DESIGN/ILLUSTRATION
CLEVELAND ART ACADEMY
Cleveland, OH | 1982 — 1984
ILLUSTRATION
COOPER SCHOOL OF ART | Cleveland, OH | 1980 — 1982
ILLUSTRATION
COOPER SCHOOL OF ART
Cleveland, OH | 1980 — 1982