Cleveland Institute of Arts – Senior

Technology Integrated Media Environment (TIME) –          Digital arts & information design

Real World Skills

Oliver definitely knows the tools of his trade. Flash, Adobe Photoshop®, Adobe Illustrator®, Macromedia Dreamweaver®, Wings 3D®, and Alias Maya®, are just a few of the programs he uses regularly to create print and online designs (some of his logos are displayed in this interview.) But what Oliver is gaining in school goes beyond technical skills – he’s learning the concepts that make for professional-quality information design.

Real World Experience

As a freelancer, Oliver has put this expertise to work for a number of businesses needing media solutions. He creates graphics, animation, even full Web sites for pleased clients. And because of the quality of his work, most projects now come to him through client referrals.    

Tips for Businesses

Oliver has a few suggestions to help businesses get the most from their graphic designers:

“Have a basic layout in mind.”

Oliver recommends that you come to your designer with a vision for your document or site, including your audience, message, and plans for updates.

“Trust your designer.”

Let your designer tell you the options for the media and delivery methods, he advises. You’ll get the best results within your budget.

“Be patient.”

Oliver warns that what looks simple to non-designers may in fact require a great deal of time and effort to create. A little patience will get you the most for your money.

Long-Term Career Goals

Oliver’s long-term goal is to lead a successful media firm as its CEO. Until then, he would like to work for Fortune 1000 businesses.

To contact Oliver, visit his TechStudents.net profile:

http://www.techstudents.net/employers-findaresource-detail.asp?StudentProfilesID=1000000124

Written By Molly Froats