Objective

To apply the knowledge learned from a career in visual journalism to a position where I can focus on expanding my skill set and continue developing into a more versatile graphic artist.

Professional Experience

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.

Lead Designer
Responsible for overall visual identity of newspaper as leader of a five-person design staff. Worked with editors and designers to plan daily news and features layouts and to execute graphics and special projects. Coordinated content for Kicks! weekly entertainment guide and led efforts to redesign portions of the daily newspaper.

Web Designer
Developed interactive Flash graphics, HTML modules, and various standing features on MyrtleBeachOnline.com and TheSunNews.com. Responsible for setup and maintenance of newspaper’s weblogs.

Graphic Artist
Produced 10-15 graphics per week in addition to laying out special sections and managing multiple enterprise projects.

April 2006 — present

CHILLICOTHE, OHIO

Paginator/Graphic artist
Highly involved in planning and daily presentation of 16,000 circulation daily. Served as lead designer for combined news/copy desk and was responsible for layout of special sections. Supervised migration to Publicus web publishing system. Created visual style for launch of faith-based monthly publication, Scioto Valley Faith.

November 2004 — March 2006

MARION, INDIANA

Copy editor/Designer
Served as primary graphic artist on a five-person presentation desk. Edited wire and local copy, laid out and proofed daily news pages. Created informational graphics ranging from daily locator maps to double truck graphics and special sections.

July 2003 — November 2004

Education

ATHENS, OHIO

• Degree | Bachelor of Science, Visual Communications
• Major | Informational Graphics/ Publication Design
• Minor | Advertising

Tools

• Adobe Dreamweaver
• Adobe Flash
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Photoshop
• Cybergraphic Systems
• Macromedia Freehand
• NewsEditPro IQue
• Quark Xpress
• Strata 3D Studio CX
• Macintosh and Windows operating systems

• HTML and CSS coding
• Working knowledge of JavaScript and ActionScript
• Hand-drawn illustration and other fine art techniques
• Headline writing
• Copy editing
• Column writing

Awards

• Best Page One Layout (2005)
• Best Informational Graphic (2005)
• Best Graphic Artist (2005)

• Best Page Design (2006)
• Best Page Design (2007)
• Best Feature Page Design (2007)
• Best Illustration (2007)
• Best Special Section (2007)
• Best Information Graphics Portfolio (2008)
• Best Page Design (2008)

References

Available upon request. Please contact me at chris.mowder@gmail.com.