Tom Laura
Irvine,CA
Summary
After a successful career as an artist and design professional, I am uniquely qualified to, and would love to pass on my knowledge and skill as a professional artist. In my professional capacity, I have been successful at selling my art, am adept at transforming concepts into visual narratives, I spearheaded the design team at Drive Industries Design Group, earning numerous packaging awards. My expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and proven mentorship skills have fortified long-term partnerships with giants like Disney and Quiksilver. My strategic approach to branding and identity significantly enhances project engagement and outcomes.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Graphic Designer
Self Employed Illustrator & Designer
03.2020 - Current
- Developed creative design for products and marketing materials,
- Created engaging social media graphics that drove user engagement and increased online visibility.
- Conceptualized creative designs for products and marketing campaigns
- Created digital image files for use in digital and traditional printing methods.
Art Show Curator
Self Employed Producer
03.2008 - Current
- Curated artshows with up to hundreds of artists.
- Worked closely with Event and Gallery owner colleagues on interdisciplinary projects that combined art into cohesive exhibitions.
- Managed artists and other institutions for diverse and enriching exhibitions, attracting a wider audience.
- Networked at creative events to identify new talent and artistic works in local areas.
- Managed opening reception events with sponsored refreshments and professional entertainment.
- Maintained art exhibition collection records and helped manage accounting.
Graphic Designer, Illustrator
MMS and Hybrid Merchandizing
08.2013 - 03.2020
- Developed creative design for products for clients such as Disney, Marvel, Universal Studios, Zumiez, Urban Outfitters, Many different Rock bands.
- Created Graphic design and illustration for apparel for Young Mens, Boys in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
- Conceptualized creative designs for print materials, banners, and signs.
Professional Fine Artist
Self Employed
01.2008 - Current
- Enhanced gallery sales by creating captivating and innovative artwork that attracted a diverse audience.
- Effectively negotiated contracts with galleries and clients for optimal financial gain and artistic control over exhibited works.
- Managed personal studio space efficiently, maintaining an organized environment conducive to creative productivity.
- Consistently met deadlines for commissioned works, demonstrating reliability and dedication to client satisfaction.
- Produced a book of my work with a professional publisher, Working Class Publishing in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
- Organized successful solo exhibitions showcasing personal portfolio, resulting in increased visibility within the local art scene.
- Mentored aspiring artists in technique development and creative processes, encouraging their growth within the field.
- Collaborated with fellow artists on joint projects, leading to unique and thought-provoking exhibitions.
- Participated in art exhibitions and shows worldwide, to showcase work.
Creative Director
Drive Instrustries Design Group, Inc
01.1998 - 04.2007
- Directed and oversaw the design team for a full service graphic design agency that specializes in international line direction and the “tough jobs” that require a special combination of market trend knowledge and technical savvy. Our clients included Rusty, Split, Quiksilver, Burton, Maui and Sons, Giant Merchandising, Hobie Apparel, Redsand, Ocean Pacific, Razor U.S.A., Sideout, Apparel Ventures, and others. Our work garnered numerous packaging awards.
- Monitored industry trends to keep creative materials fresh and engaging.
- Built strong relationships with clients, leading to long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities.
- Mentored and trained junior designers to help enhance skills and capabilities.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and seamless execution.
- Developed strategic communication and marketing plans.
Creative Director
Maui and Sons Surfwear
08.1995 - 09.1998
- Responsible for creative direction of soft and hardgoods product development and marketing for a leading action-sports company licensed in over 50 international markets. Also created “The Legend of Sharkman,” a successful entertainment property for the company.
- Built strong relationships with clients, leading to long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities.
- Mentored and trained junior designers to help enhance skills and capabilities.
- Monitored industry trends to keep creative materials fresh and engaging.
- Designed innovative creative strategies to raise brand awareness and engagement for organization.
- Enhanced brand recognition by developing innovative marketing campaigns and visually compelling designs.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA1990
Skills
- Mentoring, Teaching and Training
- Graphic Design
- Logo design
- Social Media Design
- Logo creation
- Image Editing
- Print design
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Digital design
- Visual design
- Illustration
- Branding and Identity
Timeline
Graphic Designer
Self Employed Illustrator & Designer
03.2020 - Current
Graphic Designer, Illustrator
MMS and Hybrid Merchandizing
08.2013 - 03.2020
Art Show Curator
Self Employed Producer
03.2008 - Current
Professional Fine Artist
Self Employed
01.2008 - Current
Creative Director
Drive Instrustries Design Group, Inc
01.1998 - 04.2007
Creative Director
Maui and Sons Surfwear
08.1995 - 09.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
California State University - Long Beach
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