THOMAS VELA
G R A P H I C D E S I G N - P R I N T P R O D U C T I O N
A Graphic Designer with a sense of urgency.
thomasevela1019@gmail.com | 936-333-1858
PHOTOSHOP WORK
INDESIGN - EDITORIAL LAYOUT
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR WORK
BUSINESS MARKETING
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Over 20+ years Graphic Design and Print Production experience
Expert knowledge of Adobe CC: PhotoShop, Illustrator and Indesign
Expert knowledge of print production using Adobe CC software
Expert Knowledge of 4 color printing process + spot color
Expert knowledge of Apple and Windows Operating Systems
Intermediate knowledge of Web Design: Prototyping, Site Mapping and Wire Framing via Adobe XD, Webflow, Sketch, Figma and Zeplin
Intermediate knowledge of UI & UX Design: Prototyping, Site Mapping and Wire Framing via Adobe XD, Webflow, Sketch, Figma and Zeplin
Expert knowledge of PDF optimization, image compression, color conversion, image down sampling, image scanning, color correction, color levels, curves, image resolution, color mode ie. RGB vs. CMYK, outlining (clipping path), image special effects, cloning, raster vs. vector, overprint vs. knockout
Direct-to-plate (DTP) and Digital Press technology, lpi vs. dpi
Offset printing; gripper, work & turn vs. work & roll, imposition and signatures
Large format plotters, printers, vinyl cutters, channel letters, pylons, window graphics, decals and wraps.
WORK HISTORY
FastSigns | 03/2022 – 011/2022
Title: Graphic Designer
Duties: Responsible for all design requirements using Adobe Illustrator. Sign design, permit mechanicals, channel letters, cut vinyl, wraps, banners and storefront window graphics.
Title: Graphic Designer
Duties: Responsible for all design requirements using Adobe Illustrator. Sign design, permit mechanicals, channel letters, cut vinyl, wraps, banners and storefront window graphics.
Freelance Designer | 08/2020 – Ongoing
Self Promotion and Marketing, meeting and scheduling client for concepts and ideas, begin design and proofing process, finalize project, make print ready art for press. Press check and deliver multiple projects at the same time.
Self Promotion and Marketing, meeting and scheduling client for concepts and ideas, begin design and proofing process, finalize project, make print ready art for press. Press check and deliver multiple projects at the same time.
Alphagraphics | 03/2016 – 07/2020
Title: Graphic Designer, Print Production Specialist
Duties: Responsible for all design requirements from concept to final product using Adobe Creative Cloud utilizing inDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Direct customer contact about project scope and budget. Responsible for design and proper file construction, i.e., high res vs. low res images, CMYK vs. RGB, bleeds, pagination, etc. Finally prepare artwork for digital and or offset printing. Manage web content using Adobe Experience Manager (AEM).
Title: Graphic Designer, Print Production Specialist
Duties: Responsible for all design requirements from concept to final product using Adobe Creative Cloud utilizing inDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Direct customer contact about project scope and budget. Responsible for design and proper file construction, i.e., high res vs. low res images, CMYK vs. RGB, bleeds, pagination, etc. Finally prepare artwork for digital and or offset printing. Manage web content using Adobe Experience Manager (AEM).
Star Engraving | 04/2013 – 03/2016
Title: Graphic Designer, Print Production Specialist
Duties: In-house Graphic Designer, typeset and print production. Prepare and troubleshoot customer files. Run digital printing plates for offset printing; 1, 2 or 4 color process. Imposition art for printing and binding. Output film for engraving process. Digital printing via Xerox Command Workstation.
Title: Graphic Designer, Print Production Specialist
Duties: In-house Graphic Designer, typeset and print production. Prepare and troubleshoot customer files. Run digital printing plates for offset printing; 1, 2 or 4 color process. Imposition art for printing and binding. Output film for engraving process. Digital printing via Xerox Command Workstation.
Wireless Dealer Magazine | 02/2011 – 03/2013
Title: Art Director
Duties: Deadline driven environment. Responsible for Publisher’s vision of entire magazine from cover to cover using Adobe Creative Cloud (mostly inDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator). Design and coordinate client editorials from scratch. Design and coordinate client advertising. Design client ads if necessary. Imposition entire magazine, placement of ads and editorials. Prep entire magazine for printing while maintaining printing production rules and guidelines. Such as; image resolution, color mode CMYK not RGB. Correct pagination and bleed. Upload to printer for digital press proof. Correct any errors then go to press.
Title: Art Director
Duties: Deadline driven environment. Responsible for Publisher’s vision of entire magazine from cover to cover using Adobe Creative Cloud (mostly inDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator). Design and coordinate client editorials from scratch. Design and coordinate client advertising. Design client ads if necessary. Imposition entire magazine, placement of ads and editorials. Prep entire magazine for printing while maintaining printing production rules and guidelines. Such as; image resolution, color mode CMYK not RGB. Correct pagination and bleed. Upload to printer for digital press proof. Correct any errors then go to press.
Spring Graphics | 05/2009 – 02/2011
Title: Graphic Designer, Print Production Specialist
Duties: In-house Graphic Designer, interacted directly with the customer on design requirements, project scope and budget. Began design process and proofing process. Receive customer approval and prep artwork for digital or offset printing. Imposition 2-up to 12up for work and turn or work and roll. Quality check each plate for separation errors, trapping errors, knockout or overprint errors and line screen errors.
Title: Graphic Designer, Print Production Specialist
Duties: In-house Graphic Designer, interacted directly with the customer on design requirements, project scope and budget. Began design process and proofing process. Receive customer approval and prep artwork for digital or offset printing. Imposition 2-up to 12up for work and turn or work and roll. Quality check each plate for separation errors, trapping errors, knockout or overprint errors and line screen errors.
Freelance Graphic Designer | 06/2009 – Ongoing
Self Promotion and Marketing, meeting and scheduling client for concepts and ideas, begin design and proofing process, finalize project, make print ready art for press. Press check and deliver multiple projects at the same time.
Self Promotion and Marketing, meeting and scheduling client for concepts and ideas, begin design and proofing process, finalize project, make print ready art for press. Press check and deliver multiple projects at the same time.
Wrights Printing | 03/2006 – 06/2009
Title: Print Production Specialist
Duties: Preflight and imposition customer files. Preps software for imposition of 2 – 128 pages or more. Run 4 color process direct to plate for each signature. Quality check each plate for separation errors, trapping errors, knockout or overprint errors and line screen errors. Calibration maintenance on Kodak Aluminum Plate Image Setter. Regular Maintenance on Kodak Aluminum Plate Processor. When that was done, do it again and again and again…
Title: Print Production Specialist
Duties: Preflight and imposition customer files. Preps software for imposition of 2 – 128 pages or more. Run 4 color process direct to plate for each signature. Quality check each plate for separation errors, trapping errors, knockout or overprint errors and line screen errors. Calibration maintenance on Kodak Aluminum Plate Image Setter. Regular Maintenance on Kodak Aluminum Plate Processor. When that was done, do it again and again and again…
Earlier work history available on request.