richard barlund

Art Director • Graphic Artist • Ice Sculptor • CNC Programmer

CAREER

                                       A graphic artist and designer, with both contemporary and traditional training and six years of experience, proficient in a broad spectrum of creative and innovative mediums. Classic print work, catalogs, branding, and packaging provides a stable foundation and when accompanied by hands-on skills and techniques; this makes for a well-rounded, inventive creator of inspiring art.    

• Refined the run-time of the CAM programs used to increase production capabilities by up to 120%.

                                       • Streamlined the way information moved through the company, making it web-based, to maximize efficiency and the level of service provided to clients.

                                       • Developed and implemented a company-wide best-practice of using a standardized proof sheet to accurately provide top quality service to clients.

SKILLS

                                       • Easily adaptable and a quick learner, able to translate knowledge into a usable skill.

                                       • Hard-working and organized self-starter with the ability to prioritize and multi-task.

                                       • Problem solver and logical thinker, ability to work well with tight deadlines.

                                       • Dedication to getting the job done right, whether alone or as part of a team.

SOFTWARE

                                       • Design Applications: Adobe CS3, Quark, Cinema 4D

                                       • CNC Programming Applications: ArtCAM

                                       • Office Applications: Microsoft Office

                                       • Operating Systems: Windows and Mac Platforms, Thermwood Supercontrol

EXPERIENCE

            2007 – 2008        Lead Artist – Carving Ice / Aqua Reign. Anaheim, California

                                       Carving Ice is the premiere ice sculpting company on the West Coast, providing personalized and branded sculptures and ice bars for film and television, weddings, parties, corporate events and hospitality providers. Aqua Reign is the North-American distributor of Aquasermo, a cascading water curtain that displays personalized images and text. 

                                       Led the art department where the creation and design of exciting, personalized sculptures made from ice, snow, and sand were conceived, sketched, and made into full-color computer renderings. Using ArtCAM, these renderings were transformed from flat two-dimensional drawings, to amazing 3-D pieces of ice. Put images and text in motion along the 16-foot Aquasermo while coordinating them with lights and sound. Additional responsibilities included operating the CNC machines and designing all flyers, postcards, advertisements, and holiday specials.

                                       • Developed new structural designs that resulted in a more functional piece of ice while minimizing raw material use and allowing for more elaborate designs.

                                       • Created a signature item that resulted in an increase in sales and profits as well as a reduced production costs.

            2005 – 2007        Graphic Designer – ACE Products. Anaheim, California

                                       ACE Products is a promotional product distribution company providing suppliers with top-quality branded merchandise.

                                       Re-created logos in vector-format, created line art of products for proof sheets, printed films to create printing plates, provided customer service, and maintained the website. Created holiday and sale flyers, the company catalog, and e-mail marketing campaigns.

                                       • Created a systematic calendar and communication system to maintain an accurate and up-to-date flow of information from one department to another.

            2006 – 2006        Graphic Designer – Pro-Mart. Irvine, California

                                       Having headquarters located in the USA and Hong Kong, Pro-Mart Industries, Inc. is leading the industry standard for quality and are superior manufacturers of innovative, high-quality home and commercial organizational and laundry care products.

                                       Designing product packaging and inserts in keeping with the visual identity essential for promoting, maintaining, and protecting the equity and value of the company brand. Preparing files for the printers along with photo editing and re-touching.

            2003 – 2005        Web Designer • Production Assistant – Gold Pictures. Universal City, California

                                       Gold Pictures is a full-scale production company based out of Universal Studios.

                                       Assisted the Producer with various aspects of post production film making. Logged tapes, captured footage, minor assistance with the editing. Helped to setup and break down various equipment, lighting, cameras, decks and computers. As well as help in the design of several one sheets, web site updates, business cards and flyer designs.

PERSONAL

                                       Volunteer Work

                                       Savanna High School Football Boosters - Designed weekly programs for games, including new cover art each week, and updated stats and pictures. Made flyers for events and edited a one-hour end of the season highlight video.

                                       Girl Scouts – Helped to keep the parents informed and involved with a fun and colorful weekly newsletter.

                                       Achievements

                                       Carving Ice – Iceman of the Month- December, 2007

EDUCATION

                       2002        Associate of Science - Graphic Design – Westwood College of Technology. Anaheim, California

                                       GPA: 3.8. Formal classroom training in combination with completed internship.