Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
Awards
Generic
Gerrod McDaniel

Gerrod McDaniel

DeKalb,IL

Summary

Dynamic and innovative artist with extensive experience in crafting immersive landscapes that anchor characters within traditional and digital mediums. A keen eye for detail and a strong creative vision facilitate the seamless blending of colors and textures, resulting in captivating backgrounds that enhance visual storytelling. Proficient in industry-standard software including Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, with a solid foundation in digital illustration and design principles. Committed to contributing to compelling visual experiences that resonate with audiences.

Work History

Internet Sales & Marketing Lead

Hydro Shades
DeKalb, IL
01.2026 - 05.2026
  • Designed and implemented a business startup initiative to fulfill course requirements for Management 437.
  • Spearheaded brand identity development through innovative logo creation and comprehensive target market analysis.
  • Designed and produced flyers and advertisement materials utilizing Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • Facilitated collaborative brainstorming sessions to refine brand messaging.
  • Developed and nurtured customer relationships to support crowdfunding campaign objectives.

Background Artist

P1 Games
04.2025 - 08.2025
  • Created tilemaps and background assets to enhance visual storytelling in new environments.
  • Collaborated with team members to establish a cohesive atmosphere aligned with the creative vision.

Concept Artist

Avion and the Serpents
01.2025 - 08.2025
  • Collaborated with director to develop and refine worldbuilding concepts.
  • Constructed dynamic atmospheres based on script elements to captivate audiences.
  • Collaborated with artists to establish a style guide that outlines visual and thematic standards.

Food Clerk

Meijer
Fremont, MI
05.2023 - 01.2025
  • Contributed to operations of Meijer’s fourth most profitable store by size.
  • Acquired comprehensive knowledge of produce department functions to enhance team efficiency.
  • Engaged with customers to ensure they find necessary products and services.
  • Facilitated timely shipment orders by assessing and analyzing existing inventory to ensure optimal stock availability.

Freelance Illustrator

Bailey, MI
06.2023 - 12.2024
  • Produced diverse artworks utilizing acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, and graphite techniques.
  • Developed and refined design concepts through client consultations.
  • Facilitated price negotiations and established a comprehensive payment plan and work schedule.
  • Optimized time management to ensure consistent progress while executing non-commission responsibilities.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Illustration, Business Entrepreneurship

Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL
01.2027

Skills

  • Skilled in Photoshop
  • Skilled In Illustrator
  • Skilled in InDesign
  • Skilled in Krita
  • Digital and traditional illustration
  • Traditional art
  • Animation basics
  • Visual storytelling
  • Layout design
  • Environment design
  • Customer relationships
  • Collaborative teamwork

Interests

  • Related – 2D Animation, Video Editing, Audio Recording
  • Unrelated – Mountain Skiing, Golf, Gardening, Marching Band (trumpet)

Timeline

Internet Sales & Marketing Lead

Hydro Shades
01.2026 - 05.2026

Background Artist

P1 Games
04.2025 - 08.2025

Concept Artist

Avion and the Serpents
01.2025 - 08.2025

Freelance Illustrator

06.2023 - 12.2024

Food Clerk

Meijer
05.2023 - 01.2025

Bachelor of Arts - Illustration, Business Entrepreneurship

Northern Illinois University

Awards

  • 2024 1st Place Blick Art Exhibition (Freshmen & Sophomore Category), Contest for all Art Students, any type of work could be submitted
  • 2024 SuperDog Award Nominee, Nominated for excellent creativity and work ethic in Intro to 3D students

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Gerrod McDaniel