My pursuit for a creative career began in the early years. Support from my peers and winning a 4th grade cursive hand writing competition made my choice easier.
In grade school my mother found out how serious I took my future. It started when I skipped 7th grade. In high school I played many sports, joined the salsa club, student council and won 1st place multiple times in art competitions. The drive didn't stop there. Pressing on, I was accepted into the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, became a director at Art Institute Ambassadors, residential advisor, and made the president's and deans list. My passion for creativity stayed strong during those extracurricular activities while working 3 jobs. After getting an agent I was a featured designer in fashion shows, modeled and appeared in magazines.
Eventually a feeling of responsibility set over me due to my family's "tradition" for serving our country. Honoring my family, I left college and joined the Marine Corps. There, I did one tour in Afghanistan, became a Sergeant, Machine Gunner, Martial Arts Instructor, SWAN/SMART Operator, redesigned the Headquarters Battalion logo, became an S-6 Chief and briefed majors and colonels on battalion readiness. After my service, I was discharged honorably. Life after, was not without trials. I was a homeless veteran living out of my car and had little to no help but remained positive.
Later, I found my way to college and graduated from Ai Chicago. I landed an internship at the creative commune, thanks to Chuck Gniech. Then, Jim Dygas helped me land a position with commonground where I created on almost every account from Nike, Nissan, Illinois Lottery, NBC Universal, Primaloft to more. This was the springboard to agencies like Walton Isaacson and Leo Burnett. Later, I was employed Wilson Sports. It was truly an honor to work for such a corporation but now I'm the founder of BRICKS. An accomplishment I'm looking forward to developing.
Work history
Senior Art DirectorThe Marketing Store
- Freelance
Creative resource for digital, motion graphics and print retail solutions for McDonald's retail.
Senior Art DirectorGeometry Global
- Chicago, United StatesFreelance
Creative resource for Sprite campaign development.
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Skills
- 360 Branding
- Agency Strategy
- Ad Strategy
- Adobe Create Suite
- Digital Illustration
- Branding Design
- Campaign Activation
- Social Activation
- Social Advertising
- Video Advertising
Education
I
I
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design Illinois Institute of Art
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Activities and Societies: Director of Ambassadors Residential Adviser