Bio
I’m a designer, illustrator, editor, and all-purpose web geek living in San Diego, California. Like most digital artists, my background is varied. I have a degree in journalism from San Diego State University, with an emphasis in news/editorial writing. I later attended the Art Institute of Southern California (now the Laguna College of Art and Design), in Laguna Beach, California, where I studied illustration and design.
Design Philosophy
My design philosophy is simple: The message is the essential piece. Anything that does not serve the message is clutter. When I started as a freelancer, years ago, I chose the name Element for the definition of the word, roughly translated, “fundamental piece of a whole.” Each piece serves the whole, the theme, the message. I then shortened it to elmnt to reinforce my belief that visual communication should be reduced to its purest and simplest form.
Combining creativity with the task of goal-driven visual communication provides a constant design challenge that I enjoy and that drives me in my work on a daily basis.
Work History
I’m currently working as Creative Director for BuildingOnline, a small and friendly little web agency in Dana Point. I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients in many different fields, both with my agency, and as a freelancer. To name a few: James Hardie Building Products, Henkel, Aquatic Industries, Lasco Bathware, Grohe America, NAHB, Keller Ladder, Parkland Plastics, Penofin, Houses for Hope, Global Language Solutions, Coca Cola, Provenance Ventures, Colony Properties International, Sunset Parking Service.
Skills
I’m a Consultant, Project Manager, Information Architect, Creative Director, Designer, and very skilled front-end Developer. I spend my time analyzing and organizing client information, creating communication strategies, and designing & building technically efficient visual interface systems that serve a common theme.
In plain English: I listen to my clients. I help them define their message. I come up with fresh and creative ideas for delivering that message. I build clean, fast, technically sound interface solutions that carry their message to market. Like the tag-line says, I make Functional Eye Candy.
Technical Proficiency
Expert level in all Adobe creative applications, and delivering any design in clean, standards-compliant, content-driven, search engine optimized HTML/CSS/jQuery.
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anytime to discuss a project, or if you’d like more info.
