George Ramirez 700 Russel Road, Apt. 3 | Westfield, MA 01085
Specially Prepared for
e. Geonitya@gmail.com | t. (413) 262-3190
Mind and Life Institute
w. nityagraphics.com linkedin.com/in/georgenityaramirez/
Mind and Life Institute 4 Bay Road Hadley, MA 01035
Dear Program, Operations, and Administrative Staff, Thank you for taking the time to read this statement of interest. When I first read the job posting on Idealist.org, I was struck with how perfectly my skillset matched the position for Mind and Life Institute. My birth name is George Ramirez, but friends and family have adapted to calling me by my spiritual name, Nitya. I have been working as a Graphic Designer for many years abroad and in New York, but settled back in the Western Massachusetts region after time spent living at the Sivananda Ashrams in India and the United States. I am committed to my craft, but also possess a fierce love for self-reflection and exploration. Currently I am working as a Graphic Designer at Westfield State University. At Westfield, my primary duties include: • • • • • • •
Timely completion of assigned projects Layout and Production Color Correction Illustration Photo Direction (at times) Presentations (Boards, Signage, and Digital) Maintaining Style Guides and Identity
•P rint and Web newsletters (HTML, Constant Contact) • Scheduling and pricing •C lient communications and customer service •A ssisting in Content Management Systems (CMS), and updating web material.
Some of my related proficiencies are: •B achelor’s degree in Fine Arts, with a concentration in Graphic Design. (Internship at the Kent Institute of Art and Design in Maidstone, England) •D aily hands-on knowledge of industry standard software (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Flash, Microsoft Office and PowerPoint.)
•L ogo Design, Collateral, and 3D modeling • File Prepping (Preflighting) •C reative thinker with a range of industry disciplines • Attention to detail •D edication to creative expression and artistic technique
If I am permitted a bit of candor, I have written this letter numerous times for different audiences before. They all had intention, but this statement is truly of interest because it combines two of my worlds. Without reservation, I believe wholeheartedly that I would prosper at the Mind and Life Institute. Please feel free to email or call (413) 262-3190 with any questions. I am eager to meet and present my portfolio in person. Sincerely, George Ramirez
Education
Master in Public Administration, 2014 Concentration: Non-profit Management Graduate Credits, Ethnic and Gender Studies Westfield State University; Westfield, MA
Qualifications
Fifteen years experience in print/web communication and graphic design in a variety of public and private sectors. Specialties in: n n n n n n n
Prepress Print Production (Publication Best Practices) Flash Animation and Action Scripting Photo-Manipulation Print and Digital (Prezi/PowerPoint) Presentations Vector Illustration Web Content Management/Design Print Vendor Specification and Contact
B.A. Art /Graphic Design, 1998 Westfield State University, Westfield, MA Abroad: Canterbury Christ Church University (97-98) Kent Institute of Art and Design (Internship)
n n n n n n n
Desktop Video Production (iMovie, Adobe Premiere) Strategic Planning 3D Vertex Model Composition Student and Diversity Programming Higher Education dynamics Social Media implementation and analytics Photo editing and Shoot Direction
Proficient knowledge of industry standard software such as: Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Premiere); 3D modeling software such as Carrara, 3DMax, Poser, ZBrush, and Hexagon; digital photography and video software; managing web content through Wordpress, Drupal, or basic update to HTML/DHTML pages; Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience
Graphic Designer (Temp to Perm) Marketing Department, Westfield State University, Westfield, MA
November 2010 to Present
Responsibilities: n n n n
n n
Establish brand and graphic content for the University and Graduate division. Produce all digital and print graphic projects assigned by the Director. Supervise student interns. Execute major marketing campaigns including conceptualization, pricing, production, and quality assessment for academic and administrative departments. Produce banner, table top, and exalt presentations for campus clients. Completing Web projects as needed within a fast-paced professional Marketing department.
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PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION | 1
Resident/Instructor Sivananda Yoga Center and Yoga Farm, New York, NY
Through 2009
Responsibilities: n
Work alongside Swami and residents to teach Hatha Yoga, Meditation, and Philosophy.
Lead/Senior Graphic Designer Alan Barnett Design, New York, NY
June 2002 to July 2008
Responsibilities: n n n n n
Work alongside Graphic Design mentor and President of Alan Barnett Design. Conceptualize, price, and produce all assigned print material from start to finish. Track, update, and archive all assigned projects. Communicate and request estimates with print vendors. Complete projects relating to logo design, package design, annual reports, catalogs, mailers, invitations, book jacket covers, workbooks, and all other assigned projects.
Senior Graphic Designer Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York
November 1999 to June 2002
Responsibilities: n n
n
Maintain all deadlines for print, web, and office projects. Organize templates, lock ups, color correction, photo manipulation, prepress, vendor communication, choosing stock, press checks, and supervision for student workers. Other duties include: photography, studio set-up, hiring freelance workers, trouble-shooting computers, and staff training.
Visiting Professor Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York
September 2001 to June 2002
Responsibilities: n
I ntroduce the digital design process at the second level, using current design software applications such as: Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator.
Junior Graphic Designer Springfield College, Springfield, MA
November 1998 to 1999
Responsibilities: n
Work directly or indirectly with college students, staff, and administrators for assigned projects.
2 | GEORGE RAMIREZ
Branding
Layout, Production, Logo Conception, Illustrations.
PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION | 3
Branding
4 | GEORGE RAMIREZ
Layout, Production, Art Direction, Photoshoot Direction, and Illustrations.
Posters/Banners
Layout, Production, Art Direction, and Illustrations.
PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION | 5
Logos and Illustrations
6 | GEORGE RAMIREZ
Publications
Layout, Production, Art Direction, and Illustrations.
PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION | 7
Board Presentations
Layout, Production, Art Direction.
8 | GEORGE RAMIREZ
Signage (Trailway)
Layout, Production, Art Direction. Contact and bidding with fabricators. Project ongoing.
PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION | 9
More samples available at Nityagraphics.com Downloadable PDF’s also available.