_Jeffery Saddori – Public Portrait – @jefferysaddoris

Website: www.jefferysaddoris.com
Twitter : jefferysaddoris

I am a freelance designer-slash-art director living in Southern California.  I am also a mixed media artist, trying to find my voice and refine my process of combining analog and digital imagery in my art.  

On the design side, I started more than a decade ago at a small developer, ended up at Universal Studios as an Art Director and have now been freelance for several years.  The art side began in college, though I really didn’t pursue it seriously until last year.  I was fortunate to be able to take the bulk of 2008 off and really focus on my art, which saw my work in a couple group shows.  Now, as we start out 2009, I continue to pursue my art as well as a variety of Flash and New Media projects.

Jeffery Saddoris

_Erik Roberts – Public Portrait – @cryode

Website : http://cryode.com
Twitter : @cryode

Mine’s a little less creative and more… sneaky? =)

A freelancing web junky from Wisconsin, USA, I’ve been creating for the internet for around eight years.  After seeing websites for the first time, I decided to learn how to make them myself.  I’ve created sites ranging in subjects from high school to StarCraft, photography to recipes, machine shops to baby clothes, and it’s all been a blast.

I’m not much of a graphic designer, so I focus on the development side of web creation.  Front-end HTML & CSS, back-end PHP & MySQL and a splash of jQuery keep me occupied most of the time.  When I’m not freelancing, I’m working on one of a handful of side projects ranging from an automotive DIY database to a t-shirt ecommerce site.  Or I’m wasting the day away with Spider Solitaire (I’m addicted).  When my eyes aren’t glued to a computer screen, you can find me out on my sportbike, traveling, cooking, occasionally doodling, reading, or a handful of other (lazier) activities.

In 2009 I look forward to establishing a full-blown business identity, expanding my knowledge of usability and programming (and maybe a bit more artsy), finishing a bunch of personal projects, and lots more!  Hope you can be a part of it. 

Erik Roberts

_Elizabeth (Firggy) – Public Portrait – @firgs

Website : http://designbyfirgs.com
Twitter : @firgs

Also known as Elizabeth, Firgs has been an independent designer for over ten years, specializing in Photoshop art. Her favorite areas of design include photo-manipulation, company branding, and creating graphics for web use.

Currently, she is working as a freelance graphic artist in Chicago, IL. Her freelance client list includes some pretty big names. Often times however, her clients are lesser known photographers and businesses looking for a logo and brand identity.

When she isn’t “pushing pixels,” she attends to her second love, teaching Photoshop and design through her site: designbyfirgs.com. She loves people and loves to talk. Constantly she is using Twitter and her connections through the National Association of Photoshop professionals to teach, consult, and promote those that, like her, just sometimes need a little push in the right direction. Working with her fellow designers to help them grow has become a grand passion for her and she has a nice little, but rapidly increasing, fan base because of it. And she hopes she can continue down this teaching/consulting/promoting path for a long long time.

Firgs

_Jacob Cass – Public Portrait – @justcreative

Website : http://justcreativedesign.com
Twitter : @justcreative 

Hi, my name is Jacob Cass and I am the founder of Just Creative Design, Logo Of The Day and Logo Designer Blog. On Just Creative Design you will find my personal design portfolio as well as a blog on the main subject of graphic design which provides free graphic design tips, articles & resources on all subjects of design, ranging from, but not limited to; print design, logo design, web design, branding, typography, advertising & more.

I am self-employed as a graphic designer specialising in the fields of corporate identity (logo) design, web design, print design and branding with the majority of my time spent designing and implementing marketing promotions for small businesses such as logos, websites, brochures, letterhead, business cards and more.

I am 21 years old and I am in my 3rd year at Newcastle University studying Visual Communication (Majoring in Graphic Design) based in Newcastle, Sydney, Australia. Even though I am in my 3rd year at University I have had multitude of experience, gaining my first freelance design job at the age of 16. Since then I have never turned back…

My life is design, I love it and I surround myself in it every day.

I also love to travel and currently have been to over 31 countries, of which I have spent 1 year as an exchange student living, working, and studying in Gothenburg, Sweden. When I’m not looking at a computer screen you will find me on the beach, travelling, or listening to music – maybe even all at once. You can check out some more pictures and stories of my travels.

Jacob Cass

_Kashyap K – Public Portrait – @kgrz

Twitter : @kgrz

Hi, I am Kashyap, a 22 year old aspiring designer from Hyderabad, India. I work in an IT service organization in the morning and do my design and web-dev stints at night! I am self-taught in Photoshop, Illustrator (not quite there yet!) and web-design thanks to a lot of help online from some great people. I always look forward to learning new things about logo, graphic, print and web-design.

I used to dream about developing software even before the time I knew exactly what it meant! Even though it might take some time, I’d love to contribute to open-source application development as I strongly believe I have to give back something to the community.

Right now I am into java, exploring the vast expanses of it, partly because of my day job requires me to do so. Nevertheless, I love the language! Apart from designing, I am passionate about music, movies and photography. The tools I use are Ps, Ai, Aptana, NetBeans and Eclipse!

Kashyap

_Rob Barrett – Public Portrait – @robbarrett

Website : http://rob-barrett.com
Twitter : @robbarrett

Hi, I’m Rob Barrett, graphic and web designer, illustrator, backpacker, and serial tea drinker. I’m currently living and working for myself in South London.

I’ve always been creative, ever since I started scribbling on the walls, and — apart from a brief period of wanting to be an archaeologist, until I realised the difference between the reality of the job and that of a certain fedora-wearing adventurer — I’ve always aimed to be in an artistic line of work.

I’ve travelled pretty extensively in the last few years, and I think it was the eye-opening resulting from that that made me decide to opt for on-the-job training rather than the more usual university route. I feel it was the right path for me, as it allowed me to carry on indulging in my love of travelling, plus it let me justifiably sneer at layabout student friends.

Thanks to my dad, I’ve always been computer-savvy, and I can remember putting together my first websites back when Amazon was new and Geocities was one of the pinnacles of the web’s achievements. I’ve been playing around with web and design software ever since, and more seriously since I got my first proper agency job in 2004.

Most recently, I’ve been meeting some great people through Twitter, and I definitely feel that the contact there has spurred me on immensely over the last six months. I’ve been spending my time learning the ins-and-outs of WordPress, and I’d like to start generating more business on the print design and illustration side of things.

Rob

_Charise Glasson – Public Portrait – @charise

Website : http://www.cpginteriors.com
Twitter : @Charise

Well by my definition, I am a mother of one truly amazing little boy, a wife and an interior designer with unsatisfiable appetite and passion for all things design.  

You can find me on numerous occasions musing over any sort of accessories, furniture or acutuments of the the past and how to infuse them with a modern twist, a style that is if you will a bit eclectic.  I describe my style as Traditional, Classic and Chic with a slight splash of the unexpected or out of the box on a whim.  

I’m also a jewelry designer and I’m inspired by all things Beautiful in Life. I embody an energetic approach and an artistic mind that allows me to create well just about anywhere the path may take me… 

Charise

_Graham Smith – Public Portrait – @imjustcreative

Website : http://imjustcreative.com
Twitter : @imjustcreative

Yes, it’s true. I am behind MonoExpression. So figured it was about time to add myself to the gallery.

Graham, thats me. Im a Logo and Brand Identity Designer as well as enthused photographer, artist and general freelance graphic designer of over 20 years, focusing on clean, fresh and bold logo and icon designs and yummy photographs.ImJustCreative is my business identity and studio.

I love simplicity. I love minimalism. Yet, both can be so hard to achieve when you have more ingredients than you would like.

I set up MonoExpression as a means to further explore my fascination with black and white portraits, and it fuels my love for seeing new photographs daily.

I am also Creative Director over at FreshID.

Other websites in my portfolio include : LoveHelvetica, MonoExpression, WeAreJustCreative and SoulTweet. Not to mention the various Posterous ‘Junkies‘ blogs.

I am very fortunate to be able to work from home, for myself. Work for me is not just designing and being creative, Social Networking and media is crucial to the success of a hungry and eager Freelance Designer. This is me. I am a people person and love the brilliance of meeting new people on my online travels

_EarthXplorer – Public Portrait – @earthxplorer

Website: http://earthxplorer.com
Twitter: @earthxplorer

The world is such an amazing place!
The people, architecture, food, philosophy etc.

I have been very lucky to have traveled for work and worked for travel. Capturing these amazing places through video and photographs.

I have been asked – “what is your favorite place?” There are so many amazing places that are all interesting and my favorite for so many different reasons. I could never pick “one place” as my favorite… the world would my favorite.

I am passionate about learning everyday, philosophy, religion, art, languages, customs etc. I try to Create something everyday, anything! Some things turn out cool, some…not so much.

But no matter what – just create!

JD

_Mig Reyes – Public Portrait – @spigumus

Website: http://www.migreyes.com
Twitter: @ spigumus

I’m Mig Reyes, a young-gun designer hailing from the Windy City. Despite being a recent graduate from The Illinois Institute of Art, I’ve had the opportunity to work for a lot of great clients, including Barilla, Culligan, Hallmark, Harley-Davidson, Rand McNally, Sears and Valspar.

I was lucky enough to start working in the industry during school, collaborating with some of Chicago’s top design studios including Rule29 Creative, Inc. and Segura Inc.

I’m heavily involved within the design community, currently serving as the “Student and Young Professional Liaison” for The Society of Typographic Arts, as well as the “Social Media Liaison” for AIGA National. I have a serious passion for connecting with other creatives—especially other young designers. My work has been recognized with Adobe, AIGA, CMYK Magazine, HOW, Rockport Publishers and most recently, a nomination for PRINT Magazine’s New Visual Artists 2009.

When I’m not behind my MacBook, I’m most definitely on the hunt for the best homemade chocolate chip cookies. Care to collab?

Mig Reyes

_Kenroy George – Public Portrait – @kengeo

website : www.kenroygeorge.com
twitter :  @kengeo

Hello world! I am a self-taught web designer, developer, and system admin, I grew up in a small but beautiful island of grenada in the west indies. did not grow up with a tv so that forced me to find other ways to entertain myself and pass the time (I still don’t look at much of it today).

I guess I can say most of my youth was spent doodling random things and in the shadow of my architect uncle. I also have an interest in breaking down and putting back together electronics that I owned. In the end I believe my career choice was already set for me.

Currently I am a senior web designer and developer at MyWineDirect in NYC and once in a while would pick up a freelance project that looks interesting.

Kenroy George

_John Shanley – Public Portrait – @jshanley

Website : www.netplusmarketing.com
Twitter : @jshanley

I’m a Creative Director at a full-service digital agency outside of Philadelphia.  Been in a few punk bands back in the day, then started to get my writing published.  Went to graduate school and taught at Boston University for a few years before jumping into advertising. 

Worked my way up from copywriter at a full-service agency where I did broadcast, print and a little interactive, before finally moving into interactive full-time.

I appreciate beautiful design, crisp writing, great strategy, intuitive UX and smart marketing that doesn’t insult people.

My Sr VP of Tech and I have been working with some good national and worldwide brands and getting them to realize the sea change in marketing that’s been occurring in the past year or so. Any design peeps here are more than welcome to follow on twitter, LinkedIn or facebook—I’ll follow back.

John Shanley

_Kyle Steed – Public Portrait – @kylesteed

Website : http://KyleSteed.com
Twitter : @kylesteed

I enjoy the simple things in life, design and faith. The latter though is what carries me on and inspires me the most.

My name is Kyle Steed and I’m a 26-year-old designer living in Dallas, Texas. I own a home and two playful labs with my wife. Over the past 26 years I have loved creating things with my hands and visualizing ideas on paper. But over the past 15 months I have really grown in making things work for the web. And while I love the internet and all its glory I would still rather make art that is tangible. My dream is to one day have the opportunity to work in my own studio making art that is compassionate and meaningful.

When I’m not designing I enjoy writing, reading and listening.

Kyle Steed

_Emil Wisch – Public Portrait – @emilwisch

Website: www.emilwisch.com
Twitter: @emilwisch

Master of none. Servant. Community nurturer. Idea guy. I thrive on connecting people with information.

I grew up with the most supportive parents a kid could have in a suburb just South of Chicago. My blue collar work ethic and lack of finances kept me in town for college (never finished). I love my family and friends. I love animals and hockey. It’s hard for me to put a camera down and, like Simon, “I like to do drawings”. I want to develop this skill so I can show you my dreams. I write occasionally.

I co-created the, now defunct, social network for local, indie businesses: UrbanMelt.com. It prepared me for the work I’m doing with Fuel Your Creativity and the Fuel Brand Group and also with a new venture called Design Groupie. I’m not a designer myself but am highly attracted to the visual poetry of my friends in the design community.

My greatest passion is building relationships. I’ve met who I consider to be the most interesting people in the world. I know there are more of you out there. I will find you.

Emil Wisch

_Mitsi – Public Portrait – @mitsi

Website: www.designgroupie.com
Twitter: @mitsi

The Beginning Designers’ Community

Co-Founders: Emil Wisch @emilwisch, Mitsi McKee @sh3n3rd, Tom Nussbaum @tomlovesyou. This is our brand new project and it will be great to introduce it to the world via your site. Thanks so much.

My name is Mitsi  and I am a sh3n3rd. I love technology and all that we can accomplish together. I have worked in I.T. and development for several years and am looking forward to expanding my horizons in 2009. Specifically, I’m embarking on a new journey as an internet radio dj; and also embracing my creative side to learn the elements of good web and graphic design.

I love beautiful images, colors, interesting typography, and compelling photographs. I am fascinated by places and faces all over the world. Every day I come across new and fabulous people who inspire me.

Some of my hobbies are: learning, creating, problem-solving, volunteering, rock climbing, and gaming.  My passions are: music, books, friends, languages….. and my extraordinary sons. As a single mom, the one thing I try to demonstrate is that nothing is truly out of reach… if you have vision and heart. I consider myself successful if I can make someone’s day, or leave something a little bit better than I found it.

Mitsi

_Sara Cowley | Public Portrait

Website: www.cowleydesign.com

Greetings.

I’m Sara Cowley, principal designer over at Sara Cowley Design. I am lucky enough to absolutely love my work creating print and surface solutions for my clients.  It still feels like such an accomplishment to carry a job from concept to completion, along with all the teeny details that must be considered along the way.

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_Rajesh Pancholi – Public Portrait – @r27

Website: http://www.r27.co.uk
Twitter: @r27

Hello… Is anybody there?

I’m Rajesh Pancholi of R27.Creativelab, a creative first, a goodfella second.

When my father asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said, “I wanted to illustrate my own comic book,” much to his dismay. My answer to his frown was to never grow up and I think it’s that fresh curiosity that keeps me enjoying all that I do.

My background to date has covered all aspects of design whether that is for print, corporate ID, exhibition, video stings and of course the web. I’m into all things visual but just as importantly all that influences the creative juices to flow. So I will try to explore whatever sits outside the obvious design zone. The benefits of talking to others in and outside the field of design is paramount, even more so after running my own freelance studio for the last 2 years.

Like Miles Davis, sometimes you have to blow your own trumpet : )

RP – I doodle and love noodle

Rajesh

_Aaron Michael Irizarry – Public Portrait – @aaroni268

Website: www.thisisaaronslife.com
Twitter: @aaroni268

My name is Aaron Michael Irizarry (aaron i for short), I survive mostly on Asian food & coffee, I am a designer, artist, code monkey, God follower, project manager, father, husband, dodger fan, star wars geek, retired musician, canvas… I am passionate about web design/development , and I love pretty much anything creative.

I started in the creative world by learning to design things for a band I was in back in 1998… after that I never looked back. Now I am just as passionate about my work and trying to stretch myself in my abilities and knowledge as much as possible. Though I primarily manage projects, and code user Interfaces at my job, I have really developed a hunger to learn more and write about UX, and try to design as much as time allows.

I am inspired by good design, great music, and the interaction I have with the design community. I love collaboration so fid me on twitter and lets work on something cool.

Aaron I

_Paul Anthony – Public Portrait – @webireland

Website: WebDistortion
Twitter: @webireland

I am Paul.

I cut my teeth on the Amstrad CPC 464 (retro cool eh?) programming simple things to annoy my sisters. After that the next machine I “acquired” – (read begged / pesterd my folks for) was a Compaq Presario running Windows 3.1 with a 386 processor.

Speeeeeedy.

After breaking it a few times and learning how to squeeze as much performance out of it as possible (remember config.sys and Autoexec.bat anyone?). Amstrad basic quickly became Qbasic, Qbasic became Visual Basic, Visual Basic became Visual Basic.NET and the world of object orientated programming opened up a whole world of possibility – especially to the web – which was introduced to me through a friend lending me a broken 56K modem – which I Iater fixed.

The magnet pull of the web grabbed me. Building something that millions of other people could possibly use or see really got me hooked. I read, and read and read. I borrowed HTML books from the library, and taught myself all I needed to know to create websites. Albeit, particularly ugly ones.

In between all of that, the world of web development and design seemed to complement the harsh and cold world of computer programming. I started developing database driven stuff with Active Server pages, which has now become ASP.NET. This mishmash of skills created someone who now loves single handedly developing attractive web applications using  Microsoft’s .NET language and making them pretty with Photoshop. In my spare time I enjoy writing (mainly on my blog), designing, networking, marketing my products, and taking the odd photo. I also currently works full time as a software developer for an e-commerce company – but that doesn’t stop me dreaming of one running my own business. The foundations of which are currently being constructed.

Paul Anthony
www.webdistortion.com

_Jeff Fisher – Public Portrait – @logomotives

Website: Jeff Fisher LogoMotives
Twitter: @logomotives

I’m Jeff Fisher, author of Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands (HOW Books, 2007) and the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives. For the past decade, since adopting my business moniker, I have focused my design efforts on identity design and branding. During most of my 30-year career I have worked as an independent designer. It’s not that I don’t play well with others; it’s just that I want to choose where, when and with whom I play.

Graphic Design USA magazinehas named me one of their design industry  “People to Watch” for 2009. In late 2008, Jeff Fisher LogoMotives was recognized as one of the 2008 StartupNation Home-Based 100 by the business website honoring the top home-based companies in the nation My identity work – and business advice – is featured in over 100 books about logos, the design business, and small business marketing.

I often write for industry publications and online resources (including my own bLog-oMotives); judge design industry competitions; and speak about the design profession to high school classes, design program participants, university students, design industry conferences and business events. My first book, The Savvy Designer’s Guide to Success, was released in 2004. I am currently writing a new volume, with the working title of Logo•Type, on the topic of typography in identity design.

Jeff Fisher