Stefanie Dao

Digital Artist

Grimes, IA, USA
Digital artist with a focus on illustration. My emphases include cartoon, comic, and game design, as well as print, digital painting, and asset creation for mobile, website, and presentation use. I do most of my work with a Wacom Graphire4 tablet in Adobe Photoshop, Illustration, and InDesign, as well as in traditional media including graphite, ink, marker, and colored pencil.

Along with Taylor Carlson, I self-publish the indie comic book "Knocking on the Sky" (knockingontheskycomic.com).

Work Experience

West Des Moines Public Library

Artist (Part-Time)

Works with librarians to illustrate and construct flannel board displays for children’s storytimes; creates digital artwork including calendar graphics, web banners, and badge icons for library reading programs; scans and edits picture books for display on library’s TaleTrail.
November 2016 - September 2018 Iowa, United States

Barnes & Noble

Community Business Coordinator (Part-Time)

Provides logistical support for institutional and corporate sales; organizes and promotes in-store events, such as author signings, local and national events, and Bookfair fundraisers; contributes content to social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
August 2017 - April 2018 Iowa, United States

Barnes & Noble

Bookseller (Part-Time)

Operated the register; stocked and maintained merchandise; assisted with in-store events; provided tech support for NOOK tablets and other devices; utilized familiarity with merchandise to provide excellent customer service, both in-store and over the phone.
June 2015 - August 2017 Iowa, United States

Iowa State University

Graphic Designer (Freelance)

Produced digital illustrations, cartoons, and mobile video game assets in print and digital format for the Iowa State University Bioeconomy Institute and ISU Extension and Outreach.
May 2015 - June 2016 Ames, Iowa, United States

Iowa State University

Instructor of Record | Computer Game and Media Programming

Oversaw projects and advised student direction in areas related to computer and video game design and development.
January 2014 - May 2015 Iowa, United States

Iowa State University

Instructor of Record (Senior Project Computer Gaming I/II)

Gave lectures, oversaw projects, and advised student direction in areas related to computer and video game design and development.
August 2013 - May 2015 Iowa, United States

Iowa State University

Digital Artist (Part-Time)

Created digital artwork including character concept art, mobile video game assets, and cartoons for the ISU Bioeconomy Institute and ISU Extension and Outreach.
June 2013 - May 2015 Iowa, United States

Education

Iowa State University

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Major: Integrated Studio Arts | Minor: Digital Media
Graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors
August 2008 - May 2012 Ames, Iowa, United States

Iowa State University

Master of Fine Arts

Major: Integrated Studio Arts
Anticipated Graduation: May 2015
August 2012 - Present Ames, Iowa, United States

Languages

English (Native),
Japanese (Conversational),

Skills

3D Modeling, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, Comic Books, Digital Media, Digital Painting, Game Design, Illustration, Social Media,

Related Projects

Knocking on the Sky (independent comic book), January 2014 - Present

Collaboratively writes and edits scripts; produces pencil drawings and page layouts; draws backgrounds, including landscapes and architecture; applies color digitally via Photoshop; develops concept and promotional art as needed; self-promotes at conventions including Anime Demoii, Anime Iowa, DBQ Con, and Planet Comicon Kansas City, and at local comic shops in Ames and Des Moines.