Donald Soward
Richmond,TX
Summary
Dynamic graphic designer with a proven track record at the George R. Brown School of Engineering, Rice University, excelling in visual storytelling and creative concept development. Award winning designer in magazine design and development. Expert in Adobe Creative Suite. Expert in task and concept driven photography. I deliver impactful branding, photography, and print solutions, while effectively collaborating with the dean's office, faculty, staff, and students to achieve project goals. Passionate about transforming ideas into compelling designs that resonate with audiences.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator
D2 Studios
05.1999 - Current
- Worked with various clients around the Houston area.
- Designed and developed identity, branding, print, websites, social media.
Senior Graphic Designer
George R. Brown School of Engineering, Rice University
06.2006 - 09.2025
- Designed, developed, and produced Rice Engineering Magazine.
- Specialized in Photography for the School of Engineering (events; lab shoots; article, magazine, and web specific photography; headshots for faculty, staff and students; mission specific, off campus photography)
- Met with faculty, staff, and students to conceptualize and develop creative design for print materials, brochures, banners, and signs.
- Managed and designed contact for various multi-media screens across campus.
- Produced museum style display cases
- Utilized Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite to develop creative designs.
- Created logos, illustrations and typography for various organizations, institutions, and faculty labs.
- Developed graphics and visual content for social media campaigns, such as ASME, SWEE, HSPE, TSPE, and more.
- Developed infographics and conceptual artwork to better communicate complex NSF proposals, white paper submissions, grant proposals, engineering concepts, etc.
- Worked with the dean's office to gather and define requirements, establish scopes, and manage project milestones.
- Developed original designs for print media, magazines and newspapers.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- American Marketing Association (Houston) Crystal Award, 2019. Magazine - Single Edition, Rice Engineering Magazine
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Communications
University of Houston
Houston, TX05-1999
Associate of Arts - Engineering
Blinn College
Brenham, TX05-1988
High School Diploma -
James E. Taylor High School
Katy, TX05-1985
Skills
- Adobe creative suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, AfterEffects, Premier, DreamWeaver)
- Digital illustration
- Photography
- Visual storytelling
- Art direction
- Creative concept development
- Layout and template design
- Print design
- Illustration
- Website graphics
- Brand conceptualization, design, and usage
- Style guide and usage creation
Timeline
Senior Graphic Designer
George R. Brown School of Engineering, Rice University
06.2006 - 09.2025
Owner/Operator
D2 Studios
05.1999 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Communications
University of Houston
Associate of Arts - Engineering
Blinn College
High School Diploma -
James E. Taylor High School