About.

NEVER STOP LEARNING.

My name is Dan. I am a visual communicator with over 8 years of experience in both print and web. I make it my goal to learn something everyday – whether it be a program shortcut, a new technique or a process improvement.

I am blessed to have had the opportunities for a very diverse career path in the field of visual communications. I have worked for several great organizations, as well as had a number of freelance opportunities. My range of experience includes designing corporate stationery, catalogs, vehicle wraps, websites, packaging, logos and branding guides.

My first real-world opportunity began as a hands-on intern at Fisher-Price. My role was to assist the Sr. Graphic Designers with packaging layouts – some in which I eventually saw on retail store shelves.

Upon graduation from Buffalo State College, I started my official career in traditional print media at a small publisher, Niagara Frontier Publications. From there, I moved on to Hanes Supply, Inc. – a construction and industrial supplier and a national leader in heavy lifting solutions for cranes.

At HSI, my responsibilities shifted to include both print and web. Here, I was responsible for leading branding efforts for HSI and its four sister companies. This entailed creating official style guides, website overhauls and a variety of print and web media to serve as sales tools.

After three years at HSI, I was promoted to Marketing Communications Manager. While continuing to design, additional responsibilities included hiring new associates and overseeing the art direction and project management of HSI’s marketing communications.

My most recent opportunity has been to return to Fisher-Price as a Senior Packaging Graphic Designer. Over the past year, I have had the incredible opportunity to assist in the rebrand of Thomas & Friends toy packaging. Here, I was faced with a unique set of challenges that have made me a stronger visual communicator. These include working through structural and graphic challenges to conform to requirements from major retailers such as Walmart, Target and Amazon as well as overcome language barriers on international packaging.

My philosophy is to never stop learning. I am constantly analyzing the industry for the latest design trends and techniques. I am truly passionate about what I do and push myself to grow through new challenges.

Work.

PROJECTS I TAKE PRIDE IN.

Experience & Expertise.

While my top-level of expertise resides in traditional media, my pursuit of web design/development has run parallel with my print design career. This versatility allows for a seamless transition of print to web and web to print, resulting in consistent branding and identity while executing design strategies.

01. GRAPHIC DESIGN.

Mastery skill set in branding/identity, logo design, and layout design. A broad variety of project experience including flyers, brochures, catalogs, packaging, signage and web mockups.

02. WEB DESIGN.

Experience in front-end design and development. Projects have included directing third-party party developers and integrators (domestic and overseas), blog setup and complete web mockups (e-commerce and informational sites). Extensive experience in WordPress, intermediate experience in Magento.

03. MARKETING.

Experience developing and implementing marketing strategies including branding campaigns and content marketing (blogs, social media and email marketing). Intermediate experience in copywriting and SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

Skills & Talents.

SELF-DRIVEN, TEAM FOCUSED.

I take pride in my versatility. In order collaborate effectively and achieve the common goal of a superior end-result, I strive to continually hone my skill sets. Not just in design, but in all related channels that come together to make an effective communications project.

Testimonials.

GOOD DESIGN MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

Contact.

GIVE ME A SHOUT.

Whether you’re looking to team up or just need some help with a project, I’d love to hear from you.