Maintaining an active professional practice is essential for staying current with the evolving trends and methodologies in animation and graphic design.

With over two decades of professional experience, my career has spanned diverse roles, from prepress work in print shops to art direction in agencies, creative leadership on in-house teams, and freelance engagements. In 2019, following an eight-year tenure as an in-house Creative Director, my wife and I established Ildis, a design studio that collaborates with clients on local, regional, national, and international levels. Our clientele ranges from small, family-owned businesses to large multinational corporations, allowing me to develop nuanced communication skills and adapt to diverse professional environments.

My extensive professional background has afforded me the opportunity to produce a wide variety of creative work while building lasting industry relationships. My practice encompasses the development of comprehensive branding systems, the design of marketing collateral across multiple sectors, the creation of social media strategies, and the execution of traditional and digital advertising campaigns. I have also engaged in web design and development, animation, the production of explainer videos, the design of key art for video games, illustration of icons, and the creation of executive summaries and annual reports. Each project is approached with careful attention to budget constraints and the evolving scope of work, necessitating critical thinking and problem-solving within given parameters.

The constraints of budget and scope have driven me to cultivate creative solutions that align with clients’ objectives while optimizing resources. This approach has involved navigating unique challenges for each client and project, where effective communication and collaborative planning are essential for establishing successful partnerships. The resulting design solutions are tailored to meet specific needs and ensure the intended messages are conveyed with clarity and impact.

In managing Ildis, I prioritize the development of relationships with both new and existing clients, fostering an open dialogue that encourages growth and long-term collaboration. Many of our current clients were initially freelance collaborators before our transition to a full-time agency, reflecting the importance of sustained industry relationships. These connections often originate from former employers, vendors, professional organizations, and conferences where I have actively participated. Networking within professional circles has proven invaluable, leading to word-of-mouth referrals and ongoing business opportunities.

My engagement with the design community extends beyond client work; I have emceed, spoken, and moderated panels at various events, including Creative South, Weapons of Mass Creation Fest, the University and College Designers Association (UCDA), DesignXL, the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), and Design Week Tallahassee. Additionally, I have delivered guest lectures at the University of South Alabama and Spring Hill College, sharing insights from my professional experiences and fostering a dialogue between industry practices and academic contexts.