I am a versatile designer who creates illustrations for publication purposes whether children’s books or book covers through both traditional and digital means. My artwork contains good draftsmanship, sensitivity to color, dynamic movement, and elements of realism.  I mainly use acrylic and oil paint and am also familiar with Corel and Adobe products for digital illustrations.  All of the samples you see were created in traditional media, digital media, or a combination of the two. In addition to my professional work, I carry a history of creating murals in underprivileged neighborhoods to foster positive interaction and healthy development among the youth in Chicago’s impoverished neighborhoods such as the Lawndale Community and Humboldt Park.

I have a strong interest in forming ongoing relationships with publishing companies committed to educating the public about and resolving issues such as racism, gun violence, poverty (both local and global) as well as other injustices done to humankind.  I have a commitment to using artwork that advocates for people who are marginalized, forgotten or overlooked.  I have been involved in minority communities for many years and have heard many stories of how people have suffered unjustly.  I truly believe that artwork can be used for restorative purposes.  My interest lies mainly in creating book covers and or children’s books that cover cultural, socio-economic, and or spiritual themes.

I work to commission and I am used to deadlines.  I am equally comfortable working with art direction on specific briefs or independently creating new ideas.  Once I have the brief, I will supply a rough for approval, before proceeding to the finished artwork. I have great work ethic, I am extremely resourceful, and will execute quality design for your publication.  Feel free to contact me for your creative needs and I hope to be talking with you soon.

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Highly self-motivated and goal oriented professional committed to pursuing a long-term career in the print publication industry.

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY: 

Solid foundation in painting, drawing, and digital illustration

Strong concept development and effective ways to solve design problems

Consistent, detail oriented, and organized in execution of quality designs

Computer proficiency and ability to follow through with projects from inception 
to completion

Exceptionally well organized

Strong work ethic and willingness to work hard to 
achieve art director’s objectives

Strong interpersonal skills
 
Fluent in Spanish

EDUCATION:

Columbia College Chicago: Bachelor of the Arts
Major: Illustration Graduated Aug. 2001
Emphasis: Advertisement and Editorial Illustration

Illinois Institute of Art – Schaumberg, IL
Web Site Development Certification
Completed May 2004

COURSEWORK

Children’s Book Illustration Workshop
Illustration Methods and Media
Illustration I Projects 
Figure Illustration 
Advanced Design Applications
Advanced Design Applications
Advertising Art 
Typography & Letterforms

SOFTWARE FAMILIARITY 

Corel Painter 11
Adobe CS5
MS Office 2010

EMPLOYMENT

CASA CENTRAL AGENCY: YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED                                 2011
Chicago, IL
Art Instructor

Created and Instructed course curriculum for Mosaic Project; a cultural exploration through the creation of mosaics.  

The creative process included projecting sketches onto panels, creating textures with various found materials on panel board, as well as the use of acrylic glazes and epoxy resins for final product.
Mosaic projects were later sold to raise funds for future field trips and social events.

CASA CENTRAL AGENCY: CHICAGO MINI GRANTS                                             2010
Chicago, IL
Art Instructor: Painting Peace Mural Project

Created and instructed mural painting workshop teaching 20 youth traditional and contemporary painting techniques in acrylic on panel board. 

Spanish newspaper “Reclama” wrote an article about Y.O.U. Painting Peace Mural Project in their August issue of 2010.

Murals were later displayed in the “Everyone Matters “art exhibition located at the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, Chicago, IL. Curated by Jorge Felix.

I also Instructed at-risk Latino youth in various acrylic and dry media techniques through individual projects as well throughout this summer workshop

Anixter Center                                                                            2010
Chicago, IL
Freelance Illustrator

Was part of Team Anixter, a cluster of art professionals who recreated the brand identity of Anixter Center, an agency that provides services and supports for the disabled population.  
Created brochure illustration for Calor, a division of Anixter Center.

TEATRO JUVENIL, THEATRE GROUP                                   2007-2010
Chicago, IL 
Stage Set Designer

Designed stage sets and backdrops for various productions such as “Mirroring humanity,” “Honoring voices,” and "That Three Letter Word".

MOTLEY DANCE ACADEMY                                              2009
Chicago, IL
Freelance Illustrator

Created billboard illustration, designs for window displays, and t-shirt designs.
Photographed dance instructors. Photographed images were used for print promotion and for company website.

OMNI YOUTH SERVICES                                           2005 – 2007
Buffalo Grove, IL
Art Instructor: Summer Art Camp
      
Directed and supervised art projects for Latino youth for OMNI’s three resource centers during the six-week summer camp in 2006. 
Created hand made drums and lead drum circles for lower income youth ages eight to fourteen.

REALITY THEATRE ENSEMBLE                                                    2005 – 2007
Buffalo Grove, IL
Designer/Assistant Director

Created promotional print advertisement, as well as t-shirt designs promoting healthy life choices
Served as videographer for “Hello My Name Is” promoted in the Daily Herald.

MARKET PREMIER, REAL ESTATE COMPANY                                         2005
Buffalo Grove, IL
Freelance Illustrator                   
                            
Created company logo for local real estate company.

TRIPP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                                   2001 – 2004
Buffalo Grove, IL
After School Art Instructor
                
Ran and instructed various creative two and three dimensional 
art projects in an after-school art club for grades Kindergarten through fourth.

HORIZON MANUFACTURING INC., DISPENSER MANUFACTURER                             2001 
Buffalo Grove, IL
Freelance Illustrator                    
       
Illustrated instructions for usage of products racks and dispensers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Exhibited series of oil paintings in Art Walk Chicago 2006

Hosted a solo art show at A Ground Above Java & Juice Bar in Arlington
Heights 2003

Displayed two art pieces in the Columbia College Annual Honors
Exhibition  2000

PORTFOLIO AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST