Ralph Hermens — Art Director at Backstory Magazine
Ralph Hermens
Art Director
Tustin | United States
Skills
No information
Interests
Fitness
Charity work
Outdoors
Movies
Good food & spirits
Work experience
Backstory Magazine
Art Director | 07/2013 - Current
• Backstory is an iPad-based film & entertainment magazine that can also be viewed online bi-monthly
• Responsible for the creative direction/interactivity of the digital layouts and the illustrative artwork done by outside creatives included in articles
• Hire creative contractors based on production or creative need
• Work with editor-in-chief collaboratively to establish direction of cover art
• Compile and preflight all files for final publication of each issue
Bonnier Motorcycle Group
Creative Director | 09/2017 - 01/2019
• Led in-house art directors and photographers for three print magazines based around the motorcycle lifestyle
• Worked closely with editors-in-chief to create a visual story for each article with the use of photoshoots, illustrations, and archival photography
• Curated creative contributors; coordinated, conceptualized, and executed photo shoots
• Frequently reviewed each title for new content ideas
• Worked with sales to create advertising/marketing and maintain brand quality standards
• Spearheaded redesign of Cycle World as a quarterly in late 2017 to create a more specialized and lasting experience for the reader
Bonnier Motorcycle Group
Art Director | 02/2017 - 09/2017
• Responsible for creating six issues per year for two magazines, Motorcyclist and Sport Rider
• Curated, conceptualized, and designed all departments and features for each issue with input gathered from editors
• Coordinated and executed photo shoots
• Created web graphics, marketing materials, and advertising campaigns for events
• Redesigned Motorcyclist creating a more clean, high-end aesthetic with beautiful original photography(2017)
Surefire Institute/Firearms Training Associates
Art Director/Marketing Manager | 03/2014 - 05/2015
• Managed marketing for SFI and FTA, firearm training companies working with everyone from new shooters to high-level military personnel
• Elevated brand recognition for both companies
• Generated print media, email blasts, and social media on a regular weekly schedule
• Analyzed data trends weekly or monthly
• Attended classes/events to create content with photos and video
• Designed new website but was not implemented due to budget constraints and layoffs
Road & Track Magazine
Assistant Art Director | 02/2011 - 10/2012
• Responsible for designing a monthly print/digital magazine with additional interactive content
• Worked with editorial staff to create compelling content
• Directed a global group of freelance photographers, illustrators, and photo editors
• Assisted in the launch of an app that focuses on world-class automotive photography
PacSun
Graphic Designer | 01/2011 - 01/2011
• Responsible for creating the internal manual for product placement in retail stores
• Generated illustrations and graphics
• Regularly edited photos
Surterre Properties
Senior Designer | 04/2006 - 11/2009
• Created an award-winning in-house studio for upstart company in 2006
• Helped grow company from 12 agents to more than 200+ in three years
• Responsible for creating/conceptualizing various online graphics, direct marketing, and advertising campaigns for all branches of the company
• Directed permanent staff and freelance artists
• Responsible for brand management and quality control
Coldwell Banker
Senior Designer | 04/2004 - 05/2007
• Created marketing and advertising print campaigns
• Directed 13 artists
• Proofed all materials for design
• Managed production workflow and hired staff
