ZACHARY RUEF
zinistercreations@gmail.com
708.945.7198
BRAADEN
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
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As the lead industrial designer for Braaden, a customizable watch company, I crafted the watch design, interchangeable parts, material finishes and colors of the watches. I created a library of vector illustrations for the case and dial. The watch lets the end user import their own graphics and illustrations. I created the graphics for the 3D interface for the web site, which allows one to build ones unique watch and instantly view it in each stage. I have been working closely with engineers overseas, ensuring high manufacturing and tooling quality, leading to final approval for production.
ANIMATION
BABY PEAS
DipDive.com came to me for animating and concepting characters for a webisode called Baby Peas featuring the Grammy award winning music group The Black Eyed Peas. I created toddler versions of the group members which were used for the series. My artistic contribution included story boarding, set design, character animation and creating dynamic transitions.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
MOJO MOBILITY
Mojo Mobility is a startup based in Sunnyvale. They specialize in portable wireless recharging devices. Mojo came to me with the circuit board for their new product and asked me to create a sleek industrial design. By placing their thin microchip sticker on any rechargeable battery (such as in cell phones, laptops, cameras, etc.), one is able to place the device on top of a magnetic circle to charge ones devices. My design was chosen to move forward for production because of its manufacturing capabilities. The side design is made for adapting accessories through magnetic parallel power chains and USB relays. In addition to the design, I added male/female sides, making the device modular and diverse for the end user. http://www.mojomobility.com/
ANIMATION
WELLCORE
Wellcore is a device that detects falls and tracks activity for caregivers of the elderly. The accelerometer in the device can detect the difference between a fall to the ground versus hopping onto a sofa or chair. Wellcore can also monitor the wearer’s activity or inactivity throughout the day and tracks patterns using the product. I was contracted to come up with an animation that told the story of how the device works. I used colors and imagery that would communicate to a specific audience. I used different animation styles to tell the story for a device that touches on a serious subject in a light manner.
The project was given to me with an aggressive three week turn-around and I was able to complete the animation while working over the Holidays. Wellcore was impressed by my quality of work and contracted me again for a product demo animation.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
B.Y.O.S.
B.Y.O.S (BringYour Own Speakers) is a digital to analog audio converter for a home speaker system to enhance the quality of sound. B.Y.O.S. came to me asking for the industrial design for the product. I came up with three unique mocks and this design was chosen for its classic design, shape, line illustration, and overall ease in manufacturing. The converter is currently in production for manufacturing and I continue to work closely with the engineers for the final product.
ANIMATION
ONE SEED
ANIMATION
ONE SEED
One Seed is an animation I created for my Master’s Thesis. I wrote, produced, storyboarded, character & set designed, modeled and composed the animation from concept to full production. The project took approximately a year to produce. The concept for the story illustrates the cycle of life through Mother Nature’s eyes.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
MBIO DIAGNOSTICS
MBio is a medical device that analyses protein in a blood sample for diseases and conditions. I created the industrial design for the mQ system, case, rack and disposable testing cartridges. The mQ design was chosen for its sleek compact size and usability for hospital and clinical settings. I also produced an animation sequence to show how the testing device works.
ANIMATION
MBIO DIAGNOSTICS
GRAPHIC DESIGN
M25
Monster Diesel’s M25 is an additive to increase fuel’s efficiency. I created the logo and label design for the product. I also created a series of images depicting the chemical reactions and engine animations which are being used for PowerPoint presentations and other collateral.
VIDEO PRODUCTION
THE WHITEROOM INTERVIEWS
The White Room Interviews is a online philosophical/conversational talk show. I art directed, created the logo, edited, and assisted in filming for the 8 part series.
ANIMATION
FORENSIC & SCHOLACTIC
For use in the courtroom, I created 3D reenactments for two capital murder trials. Graphics depicted the layout of the crime scene and series of events. Based solely on facts, I used crime scene photos, blueprints and police reports to generate the animations with no artistic interpretation.
Produced animations for an online curriculum for Scottish public schools, depicting the moons’ gravitational pull on the oceans.
WEB DESIGN & ANIMATION
The creators of Zebek came to me for an animation and web design that would help businesses understand their powerful product. Zebek is a search engine optimizer that helps users connect to more relevant information. The animation is a play on Zebek’s logo and how people gather information with and without the power of their search engine optimization.
http://www.zebek.com
Rosales Web Development complete corporate branding; logo, web design, letterhead, presentation templates, mailing documents, and business cards. The web site offers a interactive and 3D experience providing content through a series of connected spheres.
ILLUSTRATION
Portrait 2005
VECTOR
Logo design and branding for a pilates studio. Logo is being used on the website and other printed collateral. http://pilatessilhouette.com
ILLUSTRATION
LIFE DRAWING & COMIC
30 seconds - 1 minute gesture drawings in watercolor and charcoal.
Character design and comic illustration
3D MODELING
OBJECT & CHARACTER DESIGN
3D representation of Violin and Palette by Georges Braque (1910), Oil on canvas
Sir William, Character concept and 3d design of a three-legged butler.
http://zacharyruef.myfolio.com zinistercreations@gmail.com 708.945.7198