Oh Hello.

Welcome to my official online portfolio. In the "Stuff about me" section, you will find my background information and learn how I got to this point in my career. You will also be able to read thrilling testimonials from former employers and colleagues. In the "Creative Output" section there is a select sampling of my portfolio work that includes corporate, digital, logos, self promo, screen prints and even a case study.

SPACE TALKIES

A Brief History Of Me

 

Personally Speaking

Three paragraphs to summarize almost two decades of work

After being rebuked by my parents for wanting to attend art school, I left home at 18 in search of a creative career. I spent years working factory jobs, while saving money to take a few design classes at a local college. I would stay in school until the money ran out and then back to work in the factory until I could afford a few more classes. During this time, I started getting freelance jobs designing promotional materials for local bands and clubs. I took out my first loan from a bank.

It was a car loan, so of course I bought a computer.

In order to learn the latest software packages, I enrolled in classes at a local college. After two semesters, the college offered me a job teaching graphic design classes, which I did for four years. At the same time, I took various design positions for various advertising and design shops to begin working my way through the ranks and up the “corporate ladder”. 

Throughout my almost 20 years in the field of graphic design, I have worked in just about every aspect of this career path—from junior designer to creative director—but one thing has remained a constant: my desire to produce quality work that is a direct reflection of me and a result of my hard work and dedication.


My Design Philosophy

These are the design truths that I hold to be self-evident

Graphic design is not always about breaking the rules. Truly memorable design comes from a need to create new rules and new ways to effectively communicate a concept through visual method. In addition, a successful design does not rely on the designer’s ability to “think outside of the box” every time, but is often dependent on the designer’s skill to find a solution using the parameters found within the box.

While it should go without saying that designers strive to communicate though visuals that make an emotional connection with the target audience, that connection will never reach it’s full potential if there is not solid thinking behind the solid execution.

Design without concept ultimately becomes disposable and easily forgotten. In this age, many designers try to be a Jack-of-all-trades and in doing so often are masters of none. I prefer to be a jack-of-all-trades but a master of one. 

I pride myself in being a conceptual designer. Truly great design is also not dependent on one particular method of deployment, such as print or web. Great design comes from great concepts and a strong concept can be reworked to have its message effectively resonate across multiple channels.

I like the challenge of finding the best ways to pull a single message through various mediums to create a holistic and encompassing brand experience. With today’s ever changing digital landscape, this is a continuing and rewarding challenge for designers.

Good design can sell a bottle of perfume but great design can start a revolution.

I want to do revolutionary work. 


The Road So Far

In my design career, have been fortunate to have worked in various challenging and rewarding roles.  Working individually or as part of a team, I have had the chance to experience the personal satisfaction of creating successful designs as well as the skill strengthening frustration of failure.

Each one of these stops on my career path has given me a great insight to understanding and cultivating a profound respect for my chosen field of work.info graphic

Due to my years of experience I am comfortable working with and presenting to clients. I have the ability to think strategically and design conceptually. 

I can formulate the big ideas as well as the methods in which they can be deployed over various channels. I am team oriented but also a strong leader who strives to inspire and teach.

 

A Few Words From Our Sponsors

Here are a few unsolicited quotes from my former bosses and colleagues

"I will say that Keith has every ingredient we look for in a great creative - constant curiosity, relentless passion, ridiculous work ethic and a wonderful ability to listen and turn what he hears into amazing ideas.

Add to the stats above the fact that he intimately understands the interactive space and you have the makings of a creative power player.

I’ve only had the good fortune to work with Keith for a short time but it’s easy to see what makes him tick…intelligently conceived, awesomely crafted design. He lives for it and delivers it in any category and with any client. Plus he has an easy-going presentation style that puts clients at ease and allows them not only to appreciate the work but also the thinking behind it.

If you have the chance to meet him I’d encourage you to “act now” (as we say in this business). Keith is a great thinker, a remarkable designer and quite a creative catch and I’ve gotta feeling his availability might be a “limited time offer”. In other words, any shop would be better with Keith, so snap him up while you have the chance.

And if you’d like a bit more gushing, please give me a call. Be glad to chat up many more reasons to bring on Keith.”

Steve Red President, CEO, Red Tettemer

“Keith is a truly remarkable Art Director and Designer. His passion for the design process is second to none and his ability to translate strategy into memorable and stunning creative work is what truly sets him apart. Keith also proves to be an incredible teacher and mentor. I’ve watched him work with several budding designers and the improvement is marked and immediate. I hope to have the opportunity to work with Keith again in the near future.”

Patrick Walsh VP Creative Director, Bridgeline Digital

“Keith is one of the most progressive designers I know. His skill set isn’t limited to just design; he also wields a powerful illustrative arsenal as well and combines them for uniquely intelligent creative solutions. Keith also has a great sense of humor, which you can find, reflected in much of his work.

I appreciate his passion for creating captivating art and I couldn’t recommend him more for your creative needs.” 

Von Glitschka Illustrative Designer and Author, Glitschka Studios

“He never stole anything.” 

Jeff Derstine Former manager of Bi-Lo Grocery (I worked there during high school)