Rick Nease Design - Columbia, TN.

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Artist, illustrator and designer - February 2008 - Present (Freelance)

• Lead Book Designer/Illustrator for Read The Spirit and David Crumm Media

• Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts based on knowledge of

layout principles and esthetic design concepts for print/web/mobile.

• Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.

• Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations,

company logos, and Internet websites.

• Review final layouts and suggest improvements as needed.

 

 

Detroit Free Press - Detroit, MI

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Art director/ illustration - November 1995 - February 2014

• Develop and create illustrations, infographics and design elements through out the paper.

• Meet and coordinate with section editors/writers to develop design and illustration art,

based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.

• Prepare illustrations or rough sketches of material, discussing them with

editors and page designers and making necessary changes.

• Hire and coordinate freelance illustrators. Work as liaison between the illustrator

and the editor and/or writers, managing and staying within freelance budgets.

• Maintain an archive of images, photos, or previous work products.

• Research new software and design concepts.

 

 

The Toledo Blade - Toledo, OH

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Editorial art director - April 1986 - November 1995

• Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.

• Hire, train and direct staff members to develop graphic concepts.

• Review illustrative material to determine if it conforms to standards and specifications.

• Attend photo shoots and printing sessions to ensure that the products needed are obtained.

• Create custom illustrations or other graphic elements.

• Maintain journalistic integrity by validating all information contained

within produced informational graphics