Mar 2006 — Jan 2024
Freelance Graphic Designer / Artist & Illustrator / Production Designer · Dave Gerlinger Designs
I initiated my journey in freelance art and design, collaborating with diverse companies and organizations. My expertise encompasses crafting brand identities, logotypes, illustrations, fashion design/graphics, business cards, brochures, websites, and photo restoration/retouching. I actively engage with clients to conceptualize and implement their ideas, and re-vector drawings or sketches as needed. Additionally, I offer support in sourcing printing and manufacturing services, ensuring the seamless delivery of the final product to clients. My skills extend to website design and management, social media content creation, motion graphics, and the preparation for printing and production.
Jun 2016 — Sep 2023
Art Director / Graphic Artist / Clothing Designer · Petals And Peacocks
Worked as a creative director and graphic designer, developing and designing logos, illustrations, clothing, headwear, eyewear, bags, accessories, stickers, web/print collateral, email, and social media content. Created line sheets for product collections and pre-production, including layouts, product mock-ups, white wall images, graphic sizing, Pantones, and garment selections. Closely collaborated with manufacturers and printers to create and develop samples and production runs of soft goods and hard goods. Pioneered developing the brand identity for exclusive white-label brands for big box stores.
Jan 2019 — Dec 2020
Graphic Designer / Production Designer / Printer · Zip2print
As a Graphic Designer, Production Designer, and Printer, I collaborated directly with customers to craft custom original artwork or prepare their existing artwork for production and printing. My responsibilities encompassed not only re-vectoring drawings or sketches provided by clients but also actively creating new art and graphics to meet their unique needs. I utilized digital printers, plotters, and large format printers to produce customer works, spanning print collateral, banners, car wraps, and clothing. Additionally, I contributed to sales and marketing efforts in my multifaceted role.
Jan 2014 — Mar 2016
Production Manager / In-House Designer / Clothing Designer · Breezy Excursion
Started as a freelance designer and progressed to become a full-time employee, eventually taking on the role of Production Manager. I was responsible for and worked directly with all printers and manufacturers involved in the production of goods. Other responsibilities encompassed brand identity, fashion apparel design (shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, crewnecks), accessories (hats, beanies, belts, bags/backpacks), t-shirt graphic designs, and web collateral. I was also in charge of maintaining relationships with sales representatives and handling all print and web-related needs.
May 2012 — Feb 2014
My main responsibilities involved creating compelling and dynamic designs for sustainable clothing and accessories, skateboards, and skateboard wheels. Other responsibilities included designing packaging, catalogs, flyers, hang tags, stickers, woven labels, and magazine ads. Following the company's relocation, and my transition from an in-house position, I continued to produce graphics for the company for several years.
