Hi, I’m Steve Minard, and I’ve been reading comic books and drawing my favorite super heroes and cartoon characters since I was five. From a very early age my mom and schoolteachers saw that I had a talent for picking up a crayon or pencil and drawing things that looked like what they were supposed to look like. As I grew older I learned that being a good artist was a means to get positive strokes and compliments. In high school a number of my teachers suggested that I go to art school—so, after graduation, that’s what I did.
I was honored to be accepted into the prestigious, two-year Advertising Arts program at Seattle Central Community College, where I earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Visual Communications and finished near the top of my class. After art school I did the academic college thing, and after four years of that, I started my career as a graphic designer.
With more than 30 years experience in publishing, advertising, marketing and graphic design, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a production manager and art director, and as a senior graphic designer at an advertising agency for more than 18 years. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with many local businesses as well as some national and international companies. I’ve crafted award-winning and successful marketing graphics that resonated with my clients and their target audiences. My commitment to continuous learning has led me to further my skills through courses in Adobe Creative Suite software, and I pride myself in listening well to my clients’ needs and providing them what best serves their respective goals.
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my wife, seeing new places with her, and spending time with friends. I enjoy crafting gourmet meals, I’m a big Seattle Seahawks fan, and I look forward to playing Fantasy Football every year. I still enjoy old comic books, watching super hero movies, and doing work that I’m proud of.
Thank you for visiting my site—I’m excited to share my work with you. If you like what you see, please reach out to me and let’s make your business look awesome and become much more profitable! Talk to me.
Employment History
2008–PresentSenior Graphic Designer/Art Director
Nuke Digital Advertising Agency, Kennewick, Washington
Utilized graphic and creative design skills in coordination with Nuke’s project managers and clients. Interacted with client marketing directors to create consistent brand management through many forms of marketing materials—including websites; catalogs and brochures; fleet graphics and signage; animation storyboards; and almost any form of marketing print collateral imaginable.
2007–2008Freelance Graphic Artist
Solely responsible for developing and completing small advertising campaigns. Designed promotional materials, websites and many Yellow Pages ads. Fashioned and revitalized logos and brand identities for many small- to medium-sized businesses.
1996–2007Art Director/Production Manager
Back Stage Magazine, Los Angeles, California
Responsible for layout and design of this weekly actor’s trade magazine. Instituted two complete redesigns of this Donaldson Award-winning publication. Utilized layout, design and editorial illustration skills. Managed the transitions from paste-up to direct-to-plate printing. Managed the production department with three subordinates; communicated directly with printers, management, writers, freelance artists and photographers.
Designer/Illustrator
Imperial Graphics, Pasadena, California
Helped turn this unprofitable design studio into a profitable one. Successfully created graphic corporate identities for our clients, using many forms of marketing materials. Worked directly with clients to maintain their marketing strategies and branding.
Designer/Illustrator/Production Editor
The Ambassador University Portfolio, Big Sandy, Texas
Learned proficiency in QuarkXPress, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
Successfully led production team of The Portfolio—the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association’s highest ranked college newspaper in its class in 1993. Produced award-winning News, Sports, Editorial and Feature pages for The Portfolio on a weekly basis. Utilized skills in newspaper layout design and editorial illustration using many media.
Skills
- Thorough knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Acrobat in a Macintosh environment.
- Understanding of printing and publishing processes.
- Illustration skills in many forms of media.
- Project Management: Ability to lead a small staff of graphic and production artists.
Education
BA in English, AA in Mass Communications
Ambassador University, Big Sandy, Texas
Speech Club president; Outreach officer. Course work included desktop publishing, newspaper layout and design, reporting and writing, public speaking, and upper division course work in English, Mass Communications and Theology. Covered 80 percent of college expenses through work-study programs and scholarships.
AA in Advertising Art/Visual Communications
Seattle Central Community College, Seattle, Washington
GPA: 3.5, with emphasis on illustration. Course work included layout design, editorial and advertising illustration, drawing and painting, typography, advertising theory, art history, production art, package design branding and corporate identities.
Industry Experience
Steve has worked with numerous industries and has an extensive knowledge about the needs for the following industries:
Noteworthy Clients
While working at Nuke Digital I did work for many clients. Here are a few of some of the most recognized and noteworthy ones: