Description
I AM a "make it happen" kind of guy.
When folks need something designed that they're not quite sure how to pull off, I get a call. That's what I do; design things. In the beginning it was traditional art. My favorite pastime has almost always been drawing, sketching, and even using modeling clay to make creatures and such.
Then I went to The Art Institute of Dallas to study 3D Computer Animation. Honestly, I thought my career would take me into gaming and/or movies. However, in order to feed myself once out of college I started designing and building websites. It was fairly easy to pick up given my background, and paid well. The next thing I knew I was immersed in the world of web. Once I started to learn CSS and dynamic web languages like PHP and JSP I got hooked. It was really cool to see something you designed in Photoshop become a living, breathing thing on the web. Then I was introduced to Flash. It rocked my world. I got the opportunity [finally] to use my main skill learned at the AID, animation! That's when things really got interesting for me. My new favorite pastime became building intricate interfaces in flash just for fun. It's paid off so far in my career.
I'm a freelancer. That's right, I'm a contract designer. My business, Empyreal Media, is the channel through which I operate. My services include website development, print, logo design, video design, and more. Please contact me if you're interested in my work.
How I Work
When working I have to be at my best, and that's why I use the best toys in the biz. Sure, I could probably design with less, but it's way more fun this way.
Hardware
In the graphic design trade your computer can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Me, I choose very best friend, so I'm all Mac.
- Mac Pro Desktop, Dual 2.66 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processors, 12 GB DDR2 RAM, (1) ATI Radeon X1900 XT Graphics Card, (1) NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT Graphics Card, (4) 500 GB Internal Western Digital SATA Hard Drive
- 17" Macbook Pro, 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 8 GB DDR3 RAM, 500 GB Internal SATA Hard Drive
- 3.25 TB External Western Digital SATA Hard Drives
- 30" Apple Cinema Display
- 23" Apple Cinema Display
- 12x9 Wacom Tablet
Software
The computer is worthless to a designer without the right applications. I run the full gamut of Adobe, Mac, and other apps to do my job.
- Adobe Creative Suite 4 MASTER COLLECTION: Photoshop (Extended), Illustrator, Flash Pro, Dreamweaver, After Effects, Premier, Sound Booth, Encore, Fireworks, Acrobat 9 Pro, & OnLocation
- Final Cut Studio
- VMWare Fusion
- FireBug (FireFox Add-On)
- iTunes because I would go insane without music while working
- And a whole host of extensions, filters, and add-ons
Media
Before I start a website mockup, logo, video sequence, etc., I crack open my marker pad and start sketching the ideas. Preparation and planning are key to layout. Designing a site or logo without first sketching out your idea would be like building a house without a blueprint. In other words, completely stupid.
- Bienfang Graphics 360 Marker Paper
- Prismacolor Markers I typically only use Cool Grey 30% through 60%, and Black. However, the spectrum of browns look pretty cool for character sketching.
- Sharpe Black...lots of 'em
- Cartooning Pen Set...usually what I can find, but my favorites are an off-brand anime set with points 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10.
- Good Sturdy Drafting Table & Natural Light Halogen Light Source
My Faith
I'm not a religious man, I'm a man of faith. I believe Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God who came to rescue us from ourselves. Man is a sinner, and God sent Jesus to die on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for the atonement of those sins. Because Jesus took the time to step off of his throne in paradise to come to this less than worthy world, you and I have the opportunity to live forever. The best thing about it is that it's so easy to obtain salvation. It takes a step of faith, and the desire to make it to Heaven. If you have those two things, pray this prayer:
"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
If you just prayed this prayer, congratulations! You're now an official Son or Daughter of Glory! Praise the Lord! Now I encourage you to get a Holy Bible and begin to study and learn about your newfound faith in Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you on your journey of unlocking the truth. And don't forget the most important part, share your experience and faith with others! If we don't tell them, who will?