Ray J. Lonsdale

Email: echo-bravo@blueyonderinteractive.com
website: www.blueyonderinteractive.com
LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/raylonsdale

JOB OBJECTIVE
A full-time position that integrates design and illustration disciplines with game design, print and new media technologies.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
18+ years in creative direction, design for print, multimedia (CD & Kiosk, digital video production and game design) and Internet. Excellent understanding of advertising and marketing. Outstanding communication and organizational skills. Expert level interface design, usability and information architecture.

SKILLSETS
Expert level Graphic Design, Illustration, 3D modeling, Interface Design, Animation, HTML, Creative Direction, Copywriting (technical & creative) and voiceover narration, Intermediate level Flash ActionScript and Software Training.

Software proficiencies:
Expert level Adobe Photoshop, ImageReady, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects, Particle Illusion, iMovie, Streamline, Acrobat, Director, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, DAZ Bryce; Carrara, Quark XPress; MicroSoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel. Intermediate level Maya and 3D Studio Max.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ELECTRONIC ARTS – TIBRUON STUDIO
UI Designer, Madden 09 - Graphic Designer, Concept Art Department
Maitland, FL – 02-08 – 03/09
For the first 6-month term of my contract with Electronic Arts I worked as a UI Designer on Madden 09 (Xbox 360 and PS3 platforms). This work included the creation of original game asset imagery, static and animated mocks for game functionality, original game logo typography and the graphic treatment of all NFL team logos to simulate a holographic appearance in-game. Additionally, I was tasked with the creation of in-house print collaterals (banners, badge passes, posters) for the yearly Madden wrap celebration. I also worked briefly on Madden 2010 pre-visualization mocks and storyboards for game FMVs (Full Motion Videos) prior to my transfer to the Concept Art Department.

My second 6-month term was for the Concept Art Team, designing/creating mocks for Tiburon game titles as well as marketing and studio-specific design projects. During this time I created 3 sets of 5-panel wall murals depicting EA game titles, produced concept mocks for the modification/revision of the EA Sports “coin”, designed signage for EA Tiburon’s Human Resources department, designed award plaques for the Central Creative staff at both Tiburon and EA Canada studios, created static and animated mocks for Madden NFL 2010 and Tiger Woods PGA games and created original UV “mural” texture maps that will be used for Madden and NCAA “Newsroom” 3D scenes created in Maya.

UNIVERSAL SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY, INC. (UNITECH)
Graphic Artist - Multimedia Developer 2
Winter Park, FL – 03/06 – 02/08
During my initial 6-month tenure at Unitech (As a contractor) I worked primarily on a large series of e-learning modules for the United States Navy. My task was to take a detailed storyboard and adapt it creatively as lesson content using a variety of software tools. While the majority of the imagery was assembled using Adobe Photoshop, additional motion graphics were added to the presentation using Adobe Premiere and After Effects, as well as Particle Illusion. These graphical treatments were then incorporated into Adobe Flash, combined with dialog and assembled into the complete lesson shell.

Another exciting aspect to my job was UI Design. Two of the Navy Training Modules, Hull Technician and Machinery Repair were assigned to me for the creation of a new and unique UI. In keeping with the environment that the students (Navy Sailors) are familiar with, I designed both of the interface treatments using actual photo-imagery from the Naval Training Station that will be putting these lessons to work. The officer in charge was extremely pleased with the result.

In the time I was with Unitech I had also been involved with a number of projects for the company itself. I created a series of logo redesign treatments, created posters for the booth at I/ITSEC 2006 & 2007 and was the primary designer for the new unitech1.com corporate website. From December of 2006 to February of 2008I was brought on as a full-time employee with Unitech.

ELECTRONIC ARTS – TIBRUON STUDIO
Associate Art Director - Senior Graphic Designer
Maitland, FL – 07/03 – 02/06
As Associate Art Director for the Central Art Department, I was part of a team assigned to the creation of a unified “line look” for all 2005 EA Sports titles. This process involved my group working closely with EA Canada and the branding people at Redwood Shores to establish a consistent look and feel across the entire EA Sports product line. As part of my creative role, I was responsible for creating original graphic content for many components of the online game experience. This process involved designing mockups for UI, iconography, load screens and 3D game trophies that were used for online game-play in many EA Sports titles. As a Senior Designer for the Tiburon Studio, I was tasked with the creation and implementation of a new logo/corporate identity for Tiburon. I illustrated the new shark logomark and created all subsequent print materials for the studio (i.e. business cards, letterhead, etc.) and all banner graphics for the company intranet. Because of my extensive print background, I was tasked with many other publications for the studio, including the single-page ad that ran in Game Developer Magazine, announcing EA’s creation of the new SUPERMAN RETURNS game and a complete package of recruiting materials for Human Resources.

For the last 4 months I had moved to the prestigious Concept Art group and worked on creating signage for billboards and ads throughout the fictional city of Metropolis and created mocks for the design of Nintendo DS UI, both for Superman. I also mocked up several concept ideas for an EA Superman intro that will appear at the beginning of the game.

I was responsible for the design and creation of all EA apparel and swag (for Tiburon, Madden, NCAA, NASCAR, NFL Street and Superman) that was available for sale in the company store or awarded to the teams as a way to commemorate their work on the games.

PINPOINT MARKETING ENTERPRISES, INC.
Senior Graphic Designer
Altamonte Springs, FL – 03/03 – 07/03
Responsible for all client and in-house design from concept to completion. Clients include the Monte Cristo Club and the Holler and Classic car dealerships of Central Florida, as well as the creation of a new brand-name clothing line (including website, print collateral and all related products).

WILDCARD SYSTEMS, INC.
Creative Lead - Internet Designer / Developer
WildCard Systems Inc. - Maitland, FL - 04/00 – 01/03
Completed full-cycle web projects for A-list clients such as Visa, Ebay, AAA, Citi Bank and Bank of America. Managed successful projects from a creative direction and development level, constructed interactive presentations for company/clients using Flash and Director, as well as financial and e-commerce website design. Direct experience in user interface design and information architecture. Continual client-facing from beginning of project to launch.

DYNAMIC GRAPHICS, INC.
Manager, Creative Director
Dynamic Graphics’ New Media Studio - Peoria, IL - 5/93 - 3/00
In 1993, co-founded a new department/division within Dynamic Graphics, responsible for the creation of a monthly interactive magazine published on CD-ROM. Idea Source, during a five-year timeline, covered all aspects of creative design for print & screen, from prepress issues to 3D modeling, digital video f/x and animation. In 1996, the Studio was expanded to a seven-person team and produced CD-based client projects for a wide range of venues. I served as both Senior Editor of Idea Source and Creative Director for the Studio during this time.

Assistant Manager, Computer Graphics Division
Dynamic Graphics, Inc., Computer Graphics Division - Peoria, IL - 1/91 - 5/93
Assistant Manager of computer graphics, responsible for art concepting and selection, production and quality assurance and mastering of Designer’s Club, Electronic Clipper and Electronic Print Media Service products. Representation of company products at MacWorld and Seybold trade show events. Additional responsibilities included the creation of original multimedia trade show presentations and marketing collaterals.

Product Manager, Designer’s Club electronic art service
Dynamic Graphics, Inc., Computer Graphics Division - Peoria, IL - 5/88 - 1/91
Planned and produced first electronic art service published by Dynamic Graphics. Responsible for art selection, scanning, touch-up, production and mastering of monthly installments. Provided phone technical support for Illustrator, Freehand, PageMaker and XPress users integrating Designer’s Club EPS art into their projects. Representation and sales of company products at MacWorld and Seybold trade show events.

MICROAGE COMPUTERS
Technical Support Manager, Desktop Publishing Specialist
MicroAge Computers - Peoria, IL - 1/84 - 5/88
Apple Macintosh computer sales and support. Responsible for training advertising agency artists/designers to use Illustrator, FreeHand, PageMaker and XPress.

EDUCATION
Illinois Central College • East Peoria, Illinois
Concentration in Graphic Design, Radio & Television Broadcasting


RELOCATION, SALARY REQUIREMENTS & AVAILABILITY:
Willing to relocate. Salary requirements are negotiable. Would require a 2-week notice with my current employer.

REFERENCES & LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
Letters of recommendation are available upon request. I have included several recommendations taken from my profile on LinkedIn, attesting to the quality of my work (Additional testimonials are available for review on the TESTIMONIALS page of this site.)

“Ray was easily one of the best things to ever happen to Unitech's training operations division. He brought years of experience and expertise in design, and helped to significantly boost the professional look and feel of our projects. From our general tasks of producing training lessons, Ray's talents allowed him to move on to designing our courseware's interfaces, and eventually to re-branding the look and feel of the company's advertising. He designed dozens of stunning trade posters, revised many of the company's standard print materials, and was the main designer behind the company's website. Ray's work for all of these projects was always innovative, superbly-designed high-quality pieces. I've worked with a lot of designers over the years, but Ray is truly in a class of his own.” August 31, 2008

Brandon Cordy, Graphic Artist , Unitech
worked directly with Ray at Unitech

“Working with Ray was great because I increased my skill level simply by sitting next to him and learning some tricks of the trade. In addition to his skills, Ray is a genuinely good person who I am happy to call a friend.” June 12, 2008

Christopher Husein, Graphic Artist , Unitech
worked directly with Ray at Unitech

“Ray is extremely creative and very professional - not alway an easy combo to come by. I hope to work with Ray in the future.” November 11, 2007

Red Resener, Instructional Designer/UI Designer , UNITech Solutions
worked directly with Ray at Unitech

“The game industry presents significant challenges to traditional graphic designers. After a lifetime of experience, it can seem as though everything you thought you knew is wrong; so what's a guy to do? I'd say just do what Ray did and reinvent yourself. The scope of his high level conceptual work is vast, but not so vast as to lose sight of the details. How I loved seeing his work everywhere in the building! My respect for Ray extends beyond the work we did together and I wish him continued success” January 23, 2008

Gary Boodhoo, Senior Interface Designer , Electronic Arts
worked directly with Ray at Electronic Arts

“The greatest designer I’ve ever known, but he’ll never admit it. He’s open to all sorts of possibilities, and I think that’s what makes his creative process so amazing. He’s opened my eyes to the strange and metaphysical (CBS Radio Mystery Theater), and provided honest encouragement me when I was just a rookie.” June 21, 2006

Naveed Usman, Internet Designer / Developer , WildCard Systems, Inc.
worked directly with Ray at WildCard Systems, Inc.

“Hands down, Ray is the BEST Graphic Designer I've ever met. His ability to create compelling imagery is phenomenal. If I ever needed world class design work, he is the person I would turn to without question.” April 28, 2006

Albert Holaso, Senior Multimedia Designer , WildCard Systems
worked directly with Ray at WildCard Systems, Inc.

“Working with Ray at Dynamic Graphics has provided me with the memory of something that I will never forget - that the assembly of an odd little crew and it's nuances could come up with work that had never been done or seen before anywhere. I am forever grateful for the creativity, inspiration, and dedication that he provided during our brief time together in the studio, for it was Ray's hand that was the catalyst of my entire career when he afforded me the opportunity to work under his wing (thank you, Ray).” June 20, 2007

Anton Peck, Multimedia Specialist , Dynamic Graphics, Inc.
reported to Ray at Dynamic Graphics, Inc.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My portfolio website is a 2007 Create Magazine Gold Award winner for best self-promotion. In addition to my skills as a designer/artist, I would also like to share my Flickr photostream, highlighting my abilities as a photographer:

Flickr Photostream