Dwayne Lester

Dwayne Lester Art.

Laurel, MD, USA
Visionary, resourceful Art Director/Senior Designer/Illustrator with specialty expertise in corporate and governmental settings and proven success in innovating graphic design, illustration, photography, and production solutions on time and under budget. Respected leader of diverse, cross-functional teams and highly regarded as a key resource, critical thinker, and out-of-the-box problem solver by senior executives. I am a unique individual/person that has been able to do a myriad of jobs and excel at them all. A polymath: painter, illustrator, musician, photography, writer, etc, with the ability to excel in them all. Backed by solid credentials including AAS in Art for Advertising (concentration in design and illustration), AA in Business Administration with Accounting credentials, advanced Adobe Suites acumen in CS4 and CS5 and Production suites and cross platform expertise (Windows/Macintosh).

Expertise:

• Adobe Acrobat • Adobe Illustrator • Adobe InDesign • Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe After Effects • Adobe Premiere Pro • Project Management • Budgeting
• Adobe Bridge • Traditional Illustration • Concepts • Storyboards • Comps
• High Powered Presentation • Leadership and Supervision • Creative Problem
Solving

Work Experience

Defense Information Systems Agency

Multimedia Specialist

Advise and assist on all Visual Information processes to include graphics, photographic desktop publication and video documentation editing and production, which includes: printing (XEROX 800, KODAK M700, DOCUCOLOR, GBC’ing AND ALL OTHER PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT. (i.e. Is 400/Ls 100 gravograph, Matt Pro CMC-ix 150 matt cutter, morgana digifold, Comb bind GBC, C800 pro, MP2000w3 Sire bind GBC, NORITSU M300 Photo
Printer and RIMAGE 8100N DVD Producer) I assist with directing and evaluating studies of video and computer graphic systems. Performs a variety of difficult assignments in color and black and white in field recording situations as well as local DISA offices and also recommends to customers of photographic, graphic and illustration services regarding capabilities and limitations of services and suggestions concerning best means and methods of obtaining the desired results. Sets up lights, reflectors and cameras, adjust lens, arranges background, etc. Prepares appropriate captions or descriptive notes to accompany photographs. All graphic procedures which are production related, including, design, illustration, matting and framing, etching, business cards etc. (Brochures, annual reports, signage, printing and binding and folding.

Key Accomplishments:
• Saved thousands of dollars by bringing GBC’ing/bookbinding in-house instead of using the government printing facilities.
December 2010 - November 2018 Maryland, United States

Special Operations Command South

Visual Information Expert

Served as the Visual Information expert who developed, coordinated and implemented visual information program in support of Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) and the PAO. Performed visual information services involving the use of the visual materials, presentations, and exhibits for SOCSOUTH AND PAO. I transformed written descriptions of subject matter into visual representations without the benefit of existing materials. Researched existing graphic and photographic libraries for appropriate visual elements to create a visual product. Consulted with clients and subject matter experts to determine the most effective medium to convey the objectives of the project, and the points to be emphasized while complying with budget restraints and pre-established time frames, to develop specific ideas on the appearance and contents of the products the initial decisions on design matters such as size layout and quality of materials, color schemes, type and specific visual elements to be incorporated. Evaluated and updated current technology; Planned designed, completed and presented intranet/visual information projects, primarily in the form of printed publications, computer-aided presentations and web pages aimed at communication to communities, in both internal and external audiences, Employed a wide range of subject matter expertise, artistic skill, design ability, and communication skills in the execution of visual information projects. Planned, directed, and edited complex live, taped and filmed productions that supported various requirements of the Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) PAO and the Commanding General. Performed videotape presentations, videotape assignments and provided technical assistance when needed. Operated a variety of specialized cameras including still cameras and digital imaging cameras and video cameras in medium and large formats with accessories and auxiliary equipment, to obtain optimum coverage of events and products in black and white and/or color. As a specialist in the field of visual information, understood the characteristics and requirements of communicating through the appropriate visual media, the objectives to be achieved, and constraints imposed by time, cost, labor and organization-specific operating system situations.

Key Accomplishments:
• I implemented the organizations first Graphic Design Department using the Macintosh system with Adobe Premium and Production Suites along with traditional design, concepts and Illustration procedures, creating a highly responsive, multi-tiered graphics and illustration support system that slashed graphic design response/resolution (turnaround) time from an average of 30 days turnaround to 5 days turnaround.
• I modernized the visual information design studio of PAO saving time and money for the major publications (Fuerzas Comando) and the immediate design of the commands efforts in Haiti, Columbia etc.
• I supervised all graphic design projects within the command, and PAO which included 20 agencies within the organization. Awarded Joint Service Civilian award and medal for meritorious service. I was the only designer and illustrator for entire organization and agencies.
January 2010 - December 2010 Homestead, Florida, United States

US Army Corps Opf Engineers

Senior Visual Information Specialist

As a 13 year veteran of the Federal service with a well rounded career starting as a clerk typist to the Postal Service, serving on the talent and special boards for Holidays etc., along with the Design of the first issue rubber stamp for the first issue stamps of 1992. I now serve as a senior visual information specialist performing specialized visual information tasks. I performed front-end analysis on all work assigned establishing proper procedures through knowledge and artistic abilities. I worked with subject matter experts, and authors in determining themes and purpose of project depending on background of target audience. Exercises judgment, imagination, and ingenuity in designing and selecting visual displays required for specific projects. Develops own ideas through study of proposed projects. Researches, develops, designs, and prepares original illustrations that enhance or take the place of portions of written text. Breaks up "heavy" text in executive-literature, analytical studies, program plans, etc., by preparing art work to replace narrative and emphasize key points. I determined whether it is best to illustrate subject matter in abstract, literal, photographic, or impressionistic form. I worked hand in hand with Public affairs on awards ceremonies, presentations, newsletters, photography support with understanding of AP style writing, etc. Work with Federal Executive Board and Congressional Boards as it pertains to Visual information and public affairs and also designs for exhibits for US army Corps of Engineers. I was working in a GS-12 slot doing GS 13 level work. POC in charge of Records Management, Postal Work (Regulations and Mail Room) Visual Information and IT/VTC, which included the leasing and loaning of equipment. I work on exhibits ( i.e., small and large scale); Photography, Change of commands and all other photographic request including, selecting vendors etc. I also was in charge of Budgeting and procuring vendors for other requests including graphics and budget MIPR for the paying of those vendors.


Key Accomplishments:
• The saving of thousands of dollars in graphics for entire unit.
• The supervising of all production and graphics including support of the Washington DC and Philadelphia District.
• Institution of the Enterprise systems of paying for services.
August 2008 - January 2010 Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Visual Information Specialist

Responsible for creating visual materials and products covering a broad range of subject matter for census field operations. Ensures that products and materials are developed to support the census effort to gain support.
Produces products that may include pictures for exhibits, and informational booth backdrops; creating models, murals, or electronic documents or devises to permit viewers to access desired information electronically or via the Internet.
Applies federal and agency printing regulations and standards when creating web design; maintaining published or digital content.
Creates and produces and provides materials and products to promote partnership support for the Decennial Census with tribal/state/local governments, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, schools, media outlets, and other businesses.
Effectively create and develop types of graphics items that will inform, promote awareness and motivate cooperation from a variety of audiences in support of a program.
Maintains graphic materials and products for distribution to a variety of agency-related events and to the general public or special interest populations as needed to support an outreach plan.
February 2019 - October 2019 New York, New York, United States

Owner,Creative Director/Art Director/Consultant/ Illustrator/Designer/Video editor/Photographer

As owner/creative director/illustrator a number of projects have come to a
successful conclusion, concepts through finished art. I reconstructed
graphical artifacts, specimens or materials that had been damaged, distorted or altered, with Adobe suites CS4/5/6 AND CC, Corel draw and QuarkXPress and other desktop publishing programs, along with adobe production suites which include after effects, premier pro, sound Etc.
Also met with clients to learn the objectives of projects and then proceeded to graphically design, and illustrate to meet those customers' needs. And lastly, I applied knowledge of visual arts methods, techniques and materials to depict Designed visual depictions utilizing 2D and 3D computer-aided animation software and design techniques.

Conducted research of materials and latest technologies in the multi-media
industry and community to enable the production of high-quality graphics.
Executed the dissemination of finished projects/products utilizing printing on-demand capabilities within current digital industry standards.
Design and produce functionality for e-books, e-magazine using iBooks Author to ensure applications are working properly.

Design and produce apps for use on mobile devices utilizing the current app
development software.

Design and produce desktop publishing to include finishing, creating layered
PDF's and producing hard copy products.

Identify products and services within graphics and reprographics to ensure the app development and its processes are aligned with the requirement of the organization and customers.

Assist in developing and overseeing the implementation of policies, initiatives, procedures, and methods to serve as the subjective matter expert on visual information development.

Develop program objectives and strategies to ensure multi-media capabilities are exceeded within the organization and achieve set goals and objectives.





February 1983 - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States

Adjunct Instructor

Teaching fundamental elements and principles of graphic design and implemented the
creation of basic compositions. Teaching concepts such as contrast, rhythm, and
balance, while additional vector and graphic techniques are explored.
Responsibilities:
Primarily responsible for communicating with students and supervising
Deans or other College staff related to teaching and learning. Expected to:

Communicate both verbally and in writing with students in regards to
feedback on student performance on a consistent basis throughout the
course and as required by the Faculty Expectations

Be available for students via phone, email and for individual appointments
as needed for questions and academic assistance as determined and
outlined in the Faculty Expectations

Respond to Dean/College staff in regards to performance, student
issues/concerns, or items needed for faculty file/accreditation needs in a
timely manner.

Use of effective teaching strategies and multiple teaching techniques; teaching and
modeling appropriate level learning skills and creating an environment conducive to
learning

Creating high levels of student engagement through activities, community building, and
student-centered learning including the use of live classroom tools to hold synchronous
learning sessions with students

Clarity, relevance, and connection of class session objectives to course performance
objectives

Organized classroom and efficient use of class time

Subject Matter Expertise

Demonstrate mastery and ability to articulate and relate to students

Plan an integral role in the development and implementation of curriculum and
assessment for their area of expertise


June 2020 - Orlando, Florida, United States

Education

Macomb Community College

Associate of Applied Science

CUM LAUDE
June 2004 - August 2008 Warren, Michigan, United States

Southern New Hampshire University

BA

January 2013 - October 2018 Hooksett, New Hampshire, United States

Awards

DOD

JOINT CIVILIAN MERITORIOUS MEDAL

2010

Skills

Adobe Creative And, PRODUCTION SUITES,