
Dereck C.
Freelance Designer

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About me
Illustrator, Animator, & Video Creator | Visual Storyteller | Fluent in Adobe Suite
Education

The Art Institutes
2006 - 2009Bachelors in Fine Arts Visual Effects and Motion GraphicsActivities and Societies: Vice president of animation club for 6 months Studying at The Art Institute of Chicago allowed me to try and pursue many concepts from production, lighting, 3D, concept development, typography, animation, drawing, miniature building, post-production, and pre-production.

Collins College
2003 - 2005Associates AnimationI was first introduced to Maya, 3Ds Max, Photoshop 2D hand-drawn animation, then 3D animation at this school, and I was also first introduced to Disney’s 12 principles of animation.
Experience

Motion Graphics Freelance
Jan 2009 - Jan 2017Freelance DesignerI worked with the Customer Innovation Team at Dick's Sporting Goods to create engaging content for internal use to promote new, exciting initiatives through internal communications.I created motion graphics videos, from conception, storyboarding, animation, editing, and iterating based on feedback. Other projects that I completed included info-graphics, style guides for mobile app, and logo creation.

Calabash Animation
Aug 2009 - Aug 2009FreelanceWorked creating mattes for a 30 second spot in After Effects.

AT&T
Sept 2009 - Jan 2012SalesI handled customer inquiries about existing monthly subscriptions of wireless, Uverse, Broadband internet, dial-up, home phone, and Directv services while driving new acquisitions.I proactively utilized active listening to get to the core of the customer's concerns. I provided tailored recommendations to make the most out of their call.

Sears Holdings Corporation
Jan 2012 - Jan 2015Managed a team of 10 and the overall goal was to push the quality of all internal content to increase employee engagement, encouraging the learning of new and ongoing company-wide initiatives with videos and static media.My team was in charge of Video Production, Motion Design, Green Screen Videos, Poster and Info-graphics Design, Sound Design, Voice Overs, Script Writing, Branding, Visual Style Guides, Logo Creation, managing on-screen talent, and 3d Modeling. I used teamwork effectively by defining specific production roles when recording messages from leadership. We recorded videos in front of a green screen or at-location, layering motion graphics, ensuring audio/video quality, and using a relatable voice/tone.I oversaw the development of branding elements like logos and style guides for internal initiatives to ensure that their use was consistent across digital platforms and printed materials. Show less
Creative Manager
Jan 2013 - Jan 2015Content Developer/Translator
Jan 2012 - Jan 2013

VS Networks
Jul 2015 - Jul 2017Motion Graphics DesignerI drafted the first version of VS Networks branding guide in close collaboration with leadership and crafted bespoke content for STIHL and John Deere dealerships in-store displays.I created info-graphics, brochures, pitch decks, email campaigns, ads, one-pagers for trade shows, illustrations for user manuals, and content for landing pages leveraging the Adobe Creative Suite's Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects.

BJ's Wholesale Club
Jul 2017 - Jul 2021Digital Creative ManagerI managed a team of 12 with skillsets ranging from copywriting, animation, UX, graphic design, and web design to develop creative assets used in digital marketing campaigns on and off-site.Established guidelines for consistent use of product photography across BJs.com, leading audits and providing documentation to buyers and vendors on how to submit their image requests best.I spearheaded brand development for the BJ's Digital Summit three years in a row, ensuring visual consistency across emails, newsletters, the registration site, videos, and printed signage. I procured equipment and space to photograph products from categories like apparel, sundries, food, and general merchandising within Home Office. Show less

Dereck Castellon Freelance
Jul 2021 - Jun 2023Sr. Motion Designer/IllustratorMy goal was to create custom Motion Design solutions with a deep understanding of storytelling, brand consistency, and animation techniques.Conceptualized and developed character designs aligned with brand identity, collaborating closely with clients to refine their vision.Designed and illustrated characters in Adobe Illustrator, ensuring seamless transition into animation.Researched animation techniques and workflows to match pre-existing styles, maintaining consistency in expanding visual worlds.Created storyboards to communicate animation sequences, gathering client feedback to refine narratives.Animated characters and scenes in After Effects, using plugins and custom setups to replicate and enhance established animation styles.Iterated on animation feedback through structured review cycles, ensuring final versions met client expectations.Adapted to projects at any stage, seamlessly integrating into ongoing workflows and delivering high-quality results within set timelines. Show less

Nextcloud
Apr 2023 - nowMarketing Manager Illustrations / Animations / VideoAs a Marketing Manager at Nextcloud, my role revolves around the hands-on creation and coordination of a variety of media assets, including illustrations, animations, and videos. Part of my responsibilities include crafting both printed and digital assets for our presentations and events, with a strong focus on adhering to accessible design principles. Beyond creation, my role extends to fostering alignment with our branding and user experience teams. This cross-functional collaboration guarantees consistency, strengthening our brand image across all platforms.My goal is to capture compelling narratives that resonate with our audience and highlight the unique value Nextcloud provides. Show less
Licenses & Certifications
- View certificate

Duolingo German Fluency: Elementary (Estimated)
DuolingoSept 2015
Languages
- spSpanish
- enEnglish
- geGerman
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