Paul M. Defrin
Creative Designer, Manager & Educator
Orlando,FL
Summary
Prolific in the events industry with a strong history of producing complex projects across various design genres for 25+ years. Well-versed in both 2D and 3D design environments, and equally talented as an artist, writer and illustrator. Has a knack for quickly understanding complex design projects, client needs, and work pipelines to implement amazing innovative solutions efficiently while being empathetic to a client's needs and pragmatic to design and production processes. Thorough experience and knowledge of production and fabrication methods, substrate materials, event design systems, industry expectations as well as key to break the mold and try new things, push boundaries and truly create something new. Deadline-driven and focused; reliable asset and team leader or independent powerhouse with a successfully history of working remote. Resourceful and hardworking expert designer, educator and enthusiast for new work methods and technologies like AR, VR, AI, iPad Apps and animation, continued learning as a digital designer, artist and Adobe guru. Much more capable than what has been done thus far.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Freelance Design
Self Via Triple Nickel Creative
Orlando, FL
03.2001 - Current
- Cherry-picked projects for 'fun'
- Consultant: Helped events rental company convert sales to a 3D configuration solution and it quadrupled their sales
- Editor: 700+ page medical journal with special formatting, die-cuts, off-set and digital printing
- Art Director: of Judaica-themed children's clothing line and education series
- Designed NFT project of generative art and clothing line
- WIP: Developing a brand of cleaning products, kids books, a car club, all with social media campaigns utilizing SEO, AI, print and online assets
Graphic Design Manager
RPM Xpo
Orlando, FL
07.2021 - 07.2023
- Managed client artwork workflow through pre-flight, edited and enhanced existing artwork and graphics in preparation and submission of files for production.
- Clearly and professionally presented ideas and designs to partners and clients using 2D proofs / 3D renderings.
- Provided design direction, workflow pipeline refinement ideas, marketing methods and introduced an online proofing system.
Structural Designer
Shepard Exposition Services
Orlando, FL
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Refined conceptual designs into detailed plans for production by adding elevations, notations and quality-controlling system-generated notations for system metal packages such as Octanorm and BeMatrix.
- Maintained quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, illustrations and documentation.
- Attended weekly team meetings to resolve technical and project issues and review project schedules.
Design Manager
Arata Expositions Inc
Orlando, FL
02.2016 - 07.2020
- Spearheaded design process to align with client specifications, branding and budget for expos, trade shows, exhibits, custom booths, and special events across all phases of design and production.
- Designed physical structures using traditional and custom build methods, AGAM extrusion and packages systems using AutoCAD and 3D renderings using 3DsMax
- Created custom graphics and marketing materials, large-format banners, POP displays, die-cut CNC designs, and production files for remote printers utilizing a variety of substrates, applications, and build methods
- Reduced redundancies and increased sales by devising a digital asset library for sales/production
Adjunct Design Professor
Valencia College
Orlando, FL
08.2014 - 06.2019
- Earned accreditation status as an Adjunct instructor for an intermediate college course in Vector Design utilizing Adobe Illustrator for the AS and BS Graphic Design track
- Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
- Mentored and taught approx. 15 students per semester in Adobe Illustrator using advanced professional industry knowledge, strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
- Curriculum included advanced knowledge of typography, color theory, and branding to produce vector illustrations, logos, book and poster layouts, and product package development using die-lines and proper printing techniques.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
Senior Designer
Freeman
Orlando, FL
02.2004 - 02.2016
- Delivered creative strategies using graphic design, illustration, and 3D rendering skills to create exhibit and trade show campaigns
- Leveraged expert knowledge in Autodesk software and Adobe Creative Suite programs to design within trade show standards and render designs with a strong integrated use of branding, color theory, and engaging graphics
- Oversaw multiple projects at once and articulated design concepts to clients, account executives, and production teams, championed R&D of AR/VR projects and presentation solutions
- Leveraged program expertise by mentoring staff transition from CorelDRAW to Adobe Illustrator
- Lead Designer on events such as NADA, NBMBA, NAB, NPE, Halloween Show, NAHB, SAP, Star Wars, Gaylord ICE!, ACE Hardware, Best Buy and other $5M+ contracts
Education
Associate of Arts - Graphic Design
Daytona Beach Community College
Daytona, FL 01.1992 - 06.2002
AIT - Photojournalism & Army Public Affairs
Defense Information School
Fort George G Meade, MD 05.1998 - 10.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies, Hospitality Mgmt-
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 06.2002 - 2006.05
Skills
Project Management
Accomplishments
Adobe Illustrator (ACE) Adobe Certified Expert
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Structural Designer
Shepard Exposition Services
01.2022 - 01.2023
Graphic Design Manager
RPM Xpo
07.2021 - 07.2023
Design Manager
Arata Expositions Inc
02.2016 - 07.2020
Adjunct Design Professor
Valencia College
08.2014 - 06.2019
Senior Designer
Freeman
02.2004 - 02.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies, Hospitality Mgmt-
University of Central Florida
06.2002 - 2006.05
Freelance Design
Self Via Triple Nickel Creative
03.2001 - Current
AIT - Photojournalism & Army Public Affairs
Defense Information School
05.1998 - 10.1998
Associate of Arts - Graphic Design
Daytona Beach Community College
01.1992 - 06.2002
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