Resumé

BERT LEVEILLE
PO Box 1123, Woodstock, IL 60098 • Phone: 708.309.3333
Email: bleveille@earthlink.net
DIGITAL PORTFOLIO: http://www.bertleveille.com/graphics.html

GRAPHIC DESIGN DIRECTOR SUMMARY:

Created and directed the design of award-winning graphics as a hands-on director excelling in all phases of graphic design, computer graphics and print production including web graphic support. Approached graphics as a communications tool that supports and enhances content. My strength is my ability to harness my creativity for the project at hand implementing advanced art and technical skills.

CAREER OBJECTIVE:

I desire to work in an environment of excellence.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

  • SOFTWARE: Photoshop, QuarkXpress, InDesign, Freehand, Illustrator, Painter, Dreamweaver, Flash, Adobe Acrobat, Office, FastTrack, Filemaker Pro and Quickbooks.

  • GRAPHIC DESIGN: Created displays, posters, brochures, books, booklets, ads, direct mail and logo designs (corporate, media events, conferences). Created vector and pixel graphics. Accomplished in layout, design, illustration (line art and full color), copy organization, photo manipulation, retouching, color correction, photocomposition, web photo galleries. Handled multiple projects from concept through design and production to print and to the web.

  • MANAGEMENT: Hired, directed and trained graphic designers. Directed photographers for Board of Director group portrait, individual portraits, product shots, annual meetings and conventions.

  • PHOTOGRAPHY: Photographed groups, media events and products. Use a digital Nikon D1X.

CAREER HISTORY AND SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS:

FREELANCE DESIGNER 2003 - Present
Logo design, color correction, illustrations, catalog layout, package design. Honing my skills in production time sensitive environments and broadening my exposure to a variety of businesses and graphic needs. Companies included AFBF, Giftco, Carlson, Sears, and RR Donnelly.

GRAPHIC DESIGN DIRECTOR 1995 - 2003
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) , Park Ridge, IL (relocated to Washington DC); http://www.fb.org
Graphic Design Director for the nation's largest farm organization and one of the top 15 lobby groups. Directed and created the design and production of award winning graphics that supported programs, policies, lobbying efforts and media events.

SELECTED RESPONSIBILITIES and CONTRIBUTIONS:

  • Transformed the graphics to an updated Farm Bureau image that reflected the desired contemporary, technologically advanced image of America's farmers and ranchers.
  • Redirected the Graphic Design function from a deficit operation to a profit-making function that supported other AFBF activities.
  • Managed a Graphic Design Department directing staff - a fulltime graphic designer and fulltime secretary. Responsible for hiring and reviewing. Selected and directed freelance designers and photographers.
  • Prepared bids and purchased printing and outside graphic services.
  • Updated the Graphic Design function technologically by purchasing Mac graphic design workstations and updating software; updated and purchased photo equipment from SLR to digital; advanced the digital PR workflow with on-line photo galleries.
  • Approved training for designers to support the organization's commitment to technology.
  • Directed and created award winning graphics that appealed to a wide audience and were well received by politicians, educators, editors, constituents and children.
  • Directed and created graphics including logo, bags, buttons, media kit and signage; photographed and created on-line photo gallery for Food Check-Out Day - an award winning PR media event.
  • Directed, with a hands-on approach, creative projects including event and corporate logos, brochures and displays from concept to print and converted to web.
  • Designed the graphics for the AFBF award winning website.
  • Directed the photo operation of the newsroom at AFBF Annual Meetings.


OWNER / GRAPHIC DESIGN DIRECTOR 1980-1995
leAd design, Elgin, IL
Founded this graphic design business to provide contemporary quality graphics to Elgin and Fox Valley businesses. These companies included Johnson Controls, CR Industries, Safety-Kleen, The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, South Elgin Business Association, Mason Corporation, Dahlquist & Lutzow Architects, Amy Plumbing, Levell Screenprinting and United Way.

SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS:

  • Managed client accounts.
  • Managed company finances.
  • Directed, with a hands-on approach, the creation of company logos, brochures, ads and signage.
  • Selected, directed and trained freelance designers and typesetters.
  • Purchased state of the art equipment for typesetting and bookkeeping.

EDUCATION
B. A., Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL. - Art major

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Further graphic design course work at American Academy of Art, Chicago; community colleges; and various seminars on several graphic design computer applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash and Color Management), photography, time management, dealing with difficult people, managing creative people. 
  • Accomplished fine artist. URL: www.bertleveille.com