Fran Sherman, Creative Director/Art Director/Graphic Designer

About: Hello, I am a freelance, multi-award winning, graphic designer/creative director in St. Louis, MO, and have been in business for myself since 1985. I have a ton of experience designing everything print and marketing related: ads, brochures, newsletters, magazines, media kits, annual reports, folders with insert sheets, mailers and flyers, publications, billboards and signage, point of purchase displays, logos & corporate identity packages…the list goes on. My clientele ranges from very tiny businesses to Fortune 100, and covers all types of vocations.

For the past 2 decades, magazine design has become my "niche" of choice. I design many from cover-to-cover on an ongoing basis, and they span a very wide range of genres, styles, sizes, and target markets. Whether it's a well-established publication or a brand new launch, I am responsible for the complete design (and re-design as the case may be), as well as print prep and preparation for digital editions.

I am very passionate about my work, and I'm also extremely dependable and deadline-oriented...besides being very creative! Complete client satisfaction is my mission...and I don't stop until that mission is accomplished.

Samples: The following link will display a bunch of my magazines that can be viewed in their entirety: www.shermanstudios.com (my magazines are all listed under the name “Sherman Studios” on the site). I also have many links on this site that contain selected spreads and pages pulled from my various magazines.

Many, many more samples of my work are available upon request. I would welcome the opportunity to work with you. Thanks for your time!

Fran Sherman
"The Eye For Design"
www.shermanstudios.com
(314) 378-6287

Part-time / Full-time: Full-time

Experience: 20+ Years

Skills:

• Expansive Knowledge of Pre-Press Systems

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

• Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite

• Expert in Typography and Layout Design

• Strong Understanding of American Values and Target Markets

• Strategic Marketing and Brand Development

• High-Quality Magazine Design (Consumer and B2B)

• Client Relationship Management

• Cost-Effective Design Solutions

• Ability to Work on Spec Projects

Portfolio: http://www.shermanstudios.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shermanstudios/

Location: St. Louis, MO

Contact: fran@shermanstudios.com

Gavin Saunders, Illustrator

About: Gavin Saunders is an illustrator out of Hartford, Connecticut. He graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the University of Hartford. His body of work focuses on editorial themes which are tackled using a surrealist approach. Gavin’s work consists of graphite and digital media which he uses to help push his surrealist narrative and create these cinematic illustrations.

Part-time / Full-time: Full-time

Experience: 0-5 Years

Skills:

• Graphite

• Digital media

• Visual Communication

Portfolio: https://www.saunderz.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-saunders-7984172ab

Location: Hartford, Connecticut

Contact: saunderstheartist@gmail.com

Ben Rush, Graphic designer, Illustrator & Copywriter

About: Hi! I'm Ben. As an independent creative consultant with 25 years of experience in marketing and advertising, I've developed a reputation as a collaborative problem solver and talented visual communicator with a fine attention to detail. Over my career, I've worked both independently and on-staff for creative firms and at in-house studios. In those roles, I frequently hired-out work to freelancers, so I understand the challenges of outsourcing a project. I work hard to make the process as frictionless as possible, while we create a product that makes you look like a hero.

Part-time / Full-time:
Part-time

Experience:
20+ Years

Skills: I'm a graphic designer with a wide skillset. A few examples of my typical services include:

• logo design

• print media design

• editorial, book, and publication design

• presentation design

• infographic design and data visualization

• copywriting and name development

• editorial illustration

Portfolio: https://www.rushcreative.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminrush/

Location: Dallas, Texas, USA

Contact: ben@rushcreative.co

Anna Sorokina, llustrator

About: I'm a New York-based illustrator working in editorial, books, advertising, and everything in between. I illustrate mostly dark themes, both real or fictitious, or science-related concepts. I'm open to any assignment that feels like an exciting challenge.

I've been lucky to work for folks like NPR, The New York Times, The LA Times, MIT Technology Review, Atlas Obscura, The Baffler, AARP, Dissent Magazine, The Marshall Project, and many more.

Since 2020, I have received awards from 3x3 International Illustration Annual, World Illustration Awards, Japan Illustration Awards, Creative Quarterly, American Illustration, and Illustration West. I have also exhibited at 16 markets and gallery events.

I'm always excited to meet art directors, clients, and other illustrators in person. If you are in NYC, please email me and I would love to get a coffee.

Would be thrilled to work together!

Part-time / Full-time: Part-time

Experience: 0-5 Years

Skills: Illustration (Digital and Analog), Animation, Storytelling, Conceptual ideation, Portraiture and Likeness, Magazine/Spread Layout, Hand-drawn Typography, Typography, Analog and Vintage Textures, Graphic Design and Branding

Portfolio: https://www.annasorokinaart.com/

Location: New York, NY

Contact: anna@annasorokinaart.com

Jana Meier-Roberts, Art Director & Designer

About: I’m an art director and designer living in Munich, Germany. After many years of editorial experience at large (and small) publishing companies in the U.S. and Germany, I'm now freelancing, designing magazines (in Germany and the U.S.) and book covers (in Germany). Past employers have included Outside Magazine, O, the Oprah Magazine, Condé Nast Portfolio, Fast Company, GQ Germany and Sports Illustrated Germany. I have been a part of and for many years also led happy and productive creative teams.

My work for magazines has been honored by the Type Directors Club, the Society of Publication Designers (where I currently serve on the Board of Directors), and the German Art Directors Club. Over the years, I've built up a large international network of illustrators and photographers and it gives me great joy to find the perfect artist for every project.

Oh, I also have a journalism degree. And a master's degree in magazine design. And I love to read (not surprising). And I dabble in copperplate calligraphy.

Part-time / Full-time: Part-time

Experience: 20+ Years

Skills:

• Book Design (cover and inside)

• All steps of the magazine-production process

• Creative Direction

• Team Building

• Team Leadership

• Project Management

• Consultation

• Visual Storytelling

• Conceptual Typography

• Editorial Design

• Art Direction Photo and Illustration

• Photo Editing

• Writing

• Fluent in German and English

• Adobe InDesign

• Adobe Illustrator

• Adobe Photoshop

• Procreate

• Riso

Portfolio: https://www.janameierroberts.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-meier-roberts-a9a85816/

Location: Munich, Germany

Contact: jana@janameierroberts.com

Brian Lutz, Illustrator

About: I live and work in Connecticut. My work mixes traditional and digital techniques to create visually compelling images. I get hired mostly for editorial portraits which I truly enjoy, but I just love to draw…anything. I like to tell stories with my drawings, so I’m up for any challenge! When not working on illustration assignments, I take on personal projects for fun.

I have been fortunate enough to work with incredible clients like: The New Republic, Coastal Living Magazine, TIME, Toy Machine Skateboards, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine/Vulture, Entertainment Weekly, ProPublica, POLITICO, Texas Monthly, Texas Highways, 5280, and more.

My work has been recognized by American Illustration, Communication Arts, Applied Arts, 3x3 Magazine, Creative Quarterly, and Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles among others.

In 2020 I obtained my MFA from the University of Hartford where I have since joined the faculty as an adjunct professor teaching illustration. I’ve grown to love teaching. Each year I create a zine with my senior illustration students and it is one of my great joys in life! Download them on my site for free!

Thank you for giving my work a look, I hope to make something with you soon!
Brian

Part-time / Full-time: Full-time

Experience: 0-5 Years

Skills: Illustration, Fast Turnarounds, Editorial Illustration, Editorial Portraits, Conceptual Portraits, Graphite Drawing, Adobe Creative Cloud, Procreate, Teaching.

Portfolio: https://lutzillo.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzillo

Location: Weatogue, CT

Contact: brian@lutzillo.com

Leah Kellaway, Illustrator & Designer

About: Leah Kellaway (she/her) blends illustration, fine art, and design to solve creative projects for a variety of clients and industries.

After a decade of working independently and collaboratively to solve a multitude of visual problems, she founded Kellaway Creative Collaborative in 2023 to provide vibrant, bold, unique visual storytelling to businesses and individuals of all sizes and kinds.

When she is not working on client projects, Kellaway educates young artists and creates expressive work that focuses on themes of character and portraiture, everyday magic and adventure, and inspiration and empowerment. Kellaway holds a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Georgia (‘16) and an MFA in Illustration from the University of Hartford (‘23).

Contact leah at kellawaycreative dot co to work together!

Part-time / Full-time: Part-time

Experience: 6-10 Years

Skills:

• Illustration

• Storytelling

• Conceptual ideation

• Portraiture & Likeness

• Hand-drawn typography

• Graphic Design

• Texture & Color

• Adobe CC | Procreate

Portfolio: www.kellawaycreative.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahkellaway/

Location: Atlanta, GA

Contact: leah@kellawaycreative.co

John Toolan, Photo Director / Editor / Researcher / Producer

About: I recently wrapped up a 12+ year run as the Director of Photography at Field & Stream and Outdoor Life, and a concurrent three-year stint as DOP of Popular Science. I have a broad array of experience working with artists of all stripes (portraiture, conceptual, still life, documentary, and recently CGI). Assigning, research, budget management, conceptualizing, networking and negotiations all come easily to me. I greatly enjoy collaboration and come to the table well-prepared and organized. Most of all, I enjoy this job. I've been doing it since high school and can't imagine doing anything else.

I am open to either full-time or part-time work.

Part-time / Full-time: Full-time

Experience: 20+ Years

Skills:

• Translating complicated ideas into compelling conceptual imagery

• Finding and nurturing new talent

• Ability to pivot quickly as conditions change

• Good at finding creative solutions to challenging situations

• Can create great work with a small budget

• Works well with designers, editors, writers...even the legal and accounting staff!

• Never met a deadline I couldn't handle

• Experience working for a wide array of brands

• Great relationships with a wide range of photographers from different disciplines

• Have managed departments

• Can teach you to fish

• Excellent ping pong player

Portfolio: johntoolanphoto.com

Location: New York / New Jersey / Remote / Can travel

Contact: jtoolan@gmail.com

Stefan Falke, Photographer

About: As a photographer based in New York City I am always interested in new connections, local, national and international.

My latest personal body of work "Keep Going New York !!" won awards from Communication Arts, ASMP and IPA, and led to a major advertising assignment in New York City in 2022. The title also describes my positive attitude towards just about anything, and especially my photography.

I shoot for major international publications and corporate clients and my personal projects have been shown in over twenty solo exhibitions in museums, galleries and at prestigious photo festivals like PHOTOVILLE in New York, VISA POUR L'IMAGE in Perpignan, and TRIENNALE DER PHOTOGRAPHIE in Hamburg.

Long story short, I am looking forward to hearing from you, and if it is just to say hello or discuss photography. Or, best case scenario, we solve a visual problem together.... (www.stefanfalke.com)

Part-time / Full-time: Part-time

Experience: 20+ Years

Skills: people, people, people

Portfolio: https://www.stefanfalke.com

Location: New York City

Contact: stefanfalke@mac.com

Karen Williams, Photo Director/Producer

About: Photo Director, Producer, and Visual Storyteller with 10+ years’ experience at major media and brands. I have created and art-directed images for prime brands and media, including Square, Airbnb, Apple, AARP, MasterClass, Wired, and San Francisco Magazine. I have produced hundreds of photo shoots, spanning the entire creative process from securing talent to onsite logistics to post-production. Stepped in to lead photo departments and visual aesthetics, managing all collaborations with creative teams and photographers.

Part-time / Full-time: Full-time

Experience: 11-15 Years

Skills:
- Developed, creative concepts and art-directed shoots
- Conceptualized, budgeted, and spec the ground-up development of in-house creative and logistical capabilities for photo and video.
- Built rosters of top-class photographers and videographers, both domestic and international.
- Created department budgets.
- Developed terms for licensing agreements.
- Formulated and recommended post-production processes.
- Managed relationships with post-production vendors.

Portfolio: https://www.karenphotofreelance.com/

Location: San Fransisco, CA or Remote

Contact: karenphotofreelance@gmail.com

Jeri Warlick, Illustrator/Designer

About: Austin, TX based illustrator/designer with 20+ years experience. Background in architecture and fashion design.

Part-time / Full-time: Full-time

Experience: 20+ Years

Skills:
Adobe Creative Suite.
Layout design.
Marketing illustration.
Strong attention to detail.
Adaptability.
Autocad.
Photography skills.

Portfolio: Jeriglyn.com

Location: Austin, TX

Contact: Warlickdesignworks8@gmail.com

June Lee, Illustrator

About: Hi there! I'm June, a graphic designer and freelance illustrator based in Brooklyn, NY. I recently joined SPD as a first place winner of SPD's Student-U Competition in illustration. As this post may suggest, I love to illustrate and find the challenge of digesting written word in to visual storytelling a mind-bending yet satisfying practice.

Outside of my graphic design discipline, I often initiate personal projects where I'd illustrate covers for the New Yorker, or illustrate a series of editorial illustrations based off some of my favorite Modern love essays and opinion pieces on the New York Times.

Professionally, I have freelanced for Women's Health, illustrated cover art for NoDap Podcast on Spotify, and collaborated with Whalen Book Works to publish a quirky book, "Don't Hurt a Sasquatch", and two more books currently in the works!

Part-time / Full-time: Part-time

Experience: 0-5 Years

Skills:
Editorial illustration
Adobe Creative Suite

Portfolio: https://www.instagram.com/workive/

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Contact: junelee799@gmail.com

Billy Delfs, Photographer

About: My photography is an expression of an individual’s character and it’s my responsibility to show this in a way that instills confidence and trust; designed to reveal hopes, dreams, warmth and spirit. Living and working in New York City, I come from 15 years of experience in Cleveland, Ohio. People interest me. I care about what they are committed to or passionate about and I contribute images of people for stories or brands. My process is to find balance between the set up and letting there be room for spontaneity.

Part-time / Full-time: Part-time

Experience: 11-15 Years

Skills: Photography, Portraits, Lifestyle, and Commercial

Portfolio: www.billydelfs.com

Location: NYC

Contact: billy@billydelfs.com

Martin Gee, Illustrator

About: Martin Gee is an illustrator, designer, art director, animator, public speaker and Emmy-winner based in New York.

His 20+ years of experience and path of destruction include TIME, HuffPost, The Boston Globe, The San Jose Mercury News, Chicago Tribune, House of Blues, and The Orange County Register. He continues to advocate truth, equality, racial and social justice, creativity, empathy and love. Changing the world is on his to-do list.

Gee's smart and graphic style is highly versatile, from business illustrations in The New York Times to a Baby Yoda coloring book for Vulture to his personal animation. He is constantly exploring his truths: Chinese American identity, gender, trauma and mental health with various styles and media. His obsessive personal projects are boundless.

Gee is a designer 24/7 with sophisticated style and tastes with his surroundings, high-end toys (mostly robots and Lego), personal artifacts, Animal Crossing island (DA-8607-1113-3836) and ultimately his work.

Work in Progress, his ever-evolving talk, is the standard dog-and-pony show put through a mental health lens with TMI. He delves into his illustration and design paths, the solace in drawing, various side quests and creatively maintaining his mental health. Please ask for mental and emotional availability.

In addition to his 25% EGOT, Gee has won innumerable awards from acronyms (SOI, SPD, TDC, SND, 3x3, Print) and a fondue set for presentation karaoke / improv. In 2018, he produced and starred in Recurring Public Speaking Nightmare, an improv team show with random Powerpoint presentations in New York.

He is the father of cats to Lady Echo, Lady Gucci and the late great Citrus aka Mancat.

Part-time / Full-time: Full-time

Experience: 20+ Years

Skills:
• Art direction
• Editorial design
• Illustration
• Animation
• Infographics
• Branding
• Public speaking
• Improv comedy
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• Apple Keynote
• Woodwing Publishing Platform

Portfolio: http://www.ohmgee.com/

Location: New York

Contact: martingeemail@gmail.com

Shaiwattie Gulcharran, Designer

About: Shaiwattie Gulcharran is a self-motivated, self-sufficient creative with a strong background in both print and digital media. She is detail oriented and has a comprehensive understanding of Adobe Creative Cloud software in addition to the latest web technologies. Possessing a get it done attitude while not compromising on quality means that she will always maximize the impact of any marketing material.

Part-time / Full-time: Full-time

Experience: 0-5 Years

Skills:

• Adobe XD

• After Effects

• Dreamweaver

• Illustrator

• InDesign

• Lightroom

• Photoshop

• Premier

• Word

• Excel

• Powerpoint

Portfolio: https://shaiwattie.myportfolio.com/

Location: New York City

Contact: shaiwattie.creative@gmail.com

Everard Strong, Award Winning Magazine Designer and Publication Manager (Digital or Print)

About: Over 15 years of award-winning publication design and management, spanning B2B, technical, industry, corporate, and regional titles. I have launched two publications myself, so know full well the challenges that come with running a magazine. Equal experience in managing and handling editorial projects, from writing to editing (both AP and Chicago). I am fast, dependable, passionate, and willing to do what needs to be done to get your project out on time, in great shape, and on budget.

Part-time / Full-time: Part-time

Experience: 16-20 Years

Skills:

• Software: Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch, Adobe Spark

• Hardware: Blazing fast Mac, Dropbox account

• Design: Ad design, editorial design, cover design

• Writing: Copywriting, proofreading/copy-editing, headlines

• Management: Business plans, concepting, UX planning

• Online: Digital design, website design

Portfolio: www.behance.com/everardstrong

Location: California

Contact: everard.strong@gmail.com

Ben Weeks, Illustrator

About: Clients include, The New York Times Magazine, Dwell, Stanford School of Business Magazine, Esquire Black Book, The Atlantic. My work has been recognized by Communication Arts, Graphis, D&AD and others. I have taught aspiring illustrators in art colleges as well as aspiring advertising art directors at Miami Ad School Toronto. In addition to illustration, I have led animation projects, directed and storyboarded, built creative brand strategy and advocated for vulnerable people being treated unjustly. While some may interpret what you and I do together with design as page decoration, we in fact harness attention. This guides people through valuable topics, breaks them into digestible concepts and encourages momentum.

Part-time / Full-time: Part-time

Experience: 11-15 Years

Skills: "lots of small sketches" "playful, joy" "vignette ideas—one sense of space" "strong conceptually" "great lettering"
Comments from SPD illustration portfolio reviewers.

Portfolio: www.benweeks.ca

Location: Toronto, Canada

Contact: ben@benweeks.ca

Lauren Pusateri, Commercial & Editorial Photographer

About: Tucked away on the fourth floor of a historic warehouse, Lauren & her all-female creative team turn concepts into campaigns. Utilizing her mastery of light and love of color, Lauren creates imagery that attracts eyeballs and establishes identities for brands and publications that want to stand out in a sea of marketing noise.

This talented team launched a side-project at the on-set of the pandemic to shine a light on women in their community that were doing their part to bring a little kindness into the chaos. Check out their labor of love, here: http://arealnicelady.com

Lauren's team includes: art director, designer, retoucher, prop stylist, paper artist.

Part-time / Full-time: Full-time

Experience: 11-15 Years

Skills: Photography, Creative Direction, Videography, Animation, Story Boarding, Digital and Social Media

Lauren's in-house team includes: art director, designer, retoucher, prop stylist, paper artist

Portfolio: http://laurenpusateri.com

Location: Kansas City, Missouri

Contact: hello@laurenpusateri.com

Kathy Nguyen, Photo Director and Creative Producer

About: Creative Photo + Art Director and Producer with a passion and extensive experience managing and leading teams of photographers, prop stylists, video editors, designers, retouchers and freelancers to concept, produce and art direct on-brand quality imagery and videos to support all cross channel teams and drive content strategy. As the Director of Creative Production at Birchbox, I produce and manage small to large scale photography and video requests for all marketing, social and contents needs and collaborate with cross teams to intake and build requests, allocating photo/video resources and ensuring on-time delivery from initial vision all the way through to execution. I also manage the budget, including building estimates, negotiating talent rates, stylist and prop budgets, model casting and freelance talent.

As the former Photo Director at The Knot, I was the sole producer of all original content for covers, fashion and style features including still life and on-model photos shoots. Along with the Design Director, I concepted all creative direction and executed beautiful photography while managing the budget to ensure quality of work across multiple projects for the magazine and brand.

Part-time / Full-time: Full-time

Experience: 11-15 Years

Skills:
• 14+ years of professional experience in a creative environment including managing a team, leading cross-platform design projects & creating assets
• Digital expertise - including social and digital content platform current best practices, creative standards, A/B testing, and performance / conversion drivers
• Excellent communication skills, strong process and team leadership skills
• Experience with relevant tools: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Bridge, Asana, Slack
• Experience concepting & managing photo and video production
• Ability to work in a fast-paced setting, under tight deadlines, with strong project and time management skills
• Comfortable working both autonomously and collaboratively

Portfolio: www.kathynguyenphoto.com

Location: NYC

Contact: kathynguyenphoto@gmail.com

Bryan Nanista, Designer and Art Director

About: Well, let's be honest, you just want to see the work, so please check it out at monochromedesignhouse.com

But, here is my spiel:
I started my design career in small newspapers, teaching myself about grids, column structure and gaining a strong grasp on composition. As time went by, I left newspapers for the sexy gloss of magazines and higher end editorial. Then again came a need to push myself and continue learning different aspects of my field, so I joined the commercial/agency side. When the dust settled, I began my own design house where I get to work in both commercial and editorial fields, best of both worlds.

Monochrome Design House has a singular vision—to make work that is bold, unique, and perfect for the client. I see design as a language that interacts with consumers. It draws them in and whispers what to think. Design is king here. I work to create impactful creative with partners through collaborations, communication, and shared insights. I believe that the right creative can change the way people look at a brand or project, even change the way they look at the world.

Super thanks for checking out the work.

Part-time / Full-time: Part-time

Experience: 16-20 Years

Skills:
- Design: editorial, commercial, branding, packaging, print & digital (if I haven't done it, I'm sure I can figure it out)
- Creative Direction
- Branding/Marketing
- Motion Graphics

Portfolio: monochromedesignhouse.com

Location: Denver, Co

Contact: bryan@monochromedesignhouse.com