Biography of Dan Marx |
 |
Hello and welcome. Here is information about me and my qualifications. My profession is a graphic designer by trade. Design is what I do. I love to design, and discovered I had a real gift for it when I was high school. To me, design is simply a visual picture of an expression that instantly transmits a message.
The Internet has opened many doors. It has enhanced my creativity and opportunity to apply more grahic design solutions in interesting, unique and productive ways. |
|
I started my career working in the printing field. That's where I earned my degree. Typesetting and color separations were part of the production process in those early days. My education in the graphics world quickly included hands-on printing, print prouction and working with associates in the type and color environments.
After working on the floor for a large printer, I purchased my own printing company. That's where I expanded my hands-on experience in the film, plate and small press room. I supervised and trained a small staff.
I offered my services exclusively in the local area. I'd meet with my client to get the details and preferences before I began the design project. I'd prepare file, burn plates, select paper, check press sheets as they came off the press, make adjustments and deliver proofs to clients. Once complete, printed sheets would move to the bindery for trimming, die-cutting, scoring, folding and embossing as needed.
My background and early start spec'ing type and preparing camera-ready artwork gave me a hands-on education that no other designer has. Because of this experience, I know how to prepare files today that printers love... and this reduces the preparation time and saves money for my clients.
It also means printers want to work with me because they have less hassle on press. This connection has turned into a money-saving business relationship.
Today, I specialize in brochure design and that takes in a whole realm of printed marketing communications from full-size brochures, tri-fold brohures to post cards, posters and so much more. The Internet offered me a tremendous opportunity to expand my deliverables. From tri-fold brochures, sales sheets, door hangers and post cards to brochures that can be emailed or downloaded as PDFs, web landing pages and designing entire websites, I now design for both print and the web.
I went into business in 1995 while continuing my employment. I accepted several temporary assignments and this expanded my knowledge even more. Here are some of the excellent companies I worked with.
Chase Paymentech, Brinker International, Video Plus/success Media, Briar Patch/Life with Dogs, Kentucky Association of Radon Professionals (KARP), Compliance Insight, RISE Real estate Investment Boot Camp, Visual Impact, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, HSA Design, JCPenney, Levinson/Hill, Giltspur-Dallas, GE Capital, AlphaGraphics, Blanford/Akins, Museum Arts, Fedele & Flowers, The People’s Network, Larkin Meador Schwiedel, JWG Associates and Brown Productions.
Temporary assignments earned me a surprising education. I learned how diifferent companies market, as well as the process they use. It's investigative marketing you just can't get in school. The on-the-job assignments earned me inhouse knowledge and first-hand experience I apply to a design marketing solution for current projects. These opportunities have allowed me to take the creativity of my graphic design and infuse the layout with salesmanship.
Projects I have accepted from start to finish include catalogs for multi-retail products, as well as jewelry catalogs. I managing all phases of project life cycle from needs assessment through implementation.
Since I have years of experience running my own printing company, I have up-close, personal, hands-on knowledge of how to design for the press today. My knowledge saves time and money, as the output files are flawless, which avoids delays, errors and over charges. Because I know printing, I know how to write detailed specifications in order to get the best bid from printers.
A specialty I employ is using the entire press sheet, which means I spec small projects on the unused press sheet to basically get two projects printed for the price of one. This also helps the environment as there is little to no waste. This has proven to save clients hundreds of dollars.
My print knowledge forms a rock solid foundation for the web. I easily adopt my graphic design skills for web products, which means I choose colors, scale and optimze images for light, fast transmission.
Owning my own web business gives me a keen insight on sales and marketing. I associate the Internet with selling no matter what the project involves. As such, for Internet projects, such as email campaigns, PDF flyers and brochures, ads, web banners and email newsletters, I apply design techniques to lead prospects through the copy to the call to action. |
 |
Summary of Qualifications
Creative professional who performs well in marketing communications environment. Adept at managing all phases of project life cycle from needs assessment through implementation. Combines knowledge of art direction with strong team and project management. Highly skilled at graphic design, art and photo direction, concept and copy editing, print production, quality control and cost containment. |
| Core Competencies |
• Creative Innovation
• Planning and Execution
• Art and Photo Direction
|
• Graphic Design and Print Production
• Leadership, Training & Team Building
• Copy Editing & Web |
|
Key Accomplishments
• Improved customer service
• Trained permanent and freelance staff on quality-based creative
• Earned 7 creative awards
• Adapted quickly to different design styles and preferences
• Delivered all projects on time
Technical Skills
Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, QuarkXpress, PowerPoint and FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Office, and Dreamweaver.
Adept with creative direction, concepts and artwork for client projects. Dan directs photo shoots, casts models, hires makeup artists and stylists, selects wardrobe and props for advertising, as well as, graphic design, web design and writing/editing copy.
Dan has 20 years in the graphic arts industry serving as art director, copy editor, photo director, graphic designer and creative director. He provides print production and printing experience. He received recognition for his writing abilities, designs and photo imaging.
His creative vision, copywriting and marketing knowledge have resulted in spectacular designs and healthy ROI. For five years, his work was acknowledged for creative excellence with Platinum and Gold Awards for marketing communications.
In addition to copy and design, Marx specs printing, reviews estimates and conducts press checks. Now, that printers are located nationwide (in addition to local printing companies) Dan has received many comments claiming him as one of the best designers to work with due to his expert skill preparing files for the press.
Personal
In his spare time, Dan reads fiction books, golf books and magazines, several newspapers and design journals. Dan plays golf, gardens and watches sporting events. Dan enjoys grilling, landscape design, rock n roll music, sci-fi movies, outdoor events, family gatherings, friends, good hotels and cars. Dan has a talent for come-back jokes and thought he might make a success at standup comedy with a good straight man to feed him the right lines. He believes he has the best dogs ever. |
|
|
|
