THAO NGUYEN

Email: [email protected]

GRAPHIC ARTIST / DESIGNER / ILLUSTRATOR

SUMMARY

Talented graphic artist with over six years experience in both freelance and team environments. Highly proficient in the Adobe software suite, photo manipulation, and production. Experience includes hands-on management of art projects from concept, design, template, style sheets and digital layout to color management, preflight and prepress. Seeking a company that demands excellent teamwork, high-quality design and offers creative challenges and growth.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

TK High Tech Professional Web Design & Development | San Diego CA | 2009 - 2012

Graphic Artist

• Create graphic elements and page templates within design specifications and client needs.
• Develop a robust library of unique interactive page elements.
• Maintain and update graphics library.
• Coordinate and cooperate with team members and clients.

The San Diego Union-Tribune | San Diego CA | 2002 - 2008

Senior Graphic Artist

• Design and produce effective ads including developing speculative ads that sell and meet client communication objectives.
• Create ads on Macintosh using appropriate software applications to meet client expectations.
• Build ads according to layout and design specifications.
• Communicate with clients regarding printing procedures, acceptable file formats and proper use of fonts.
• Maintain knowledge of deadlines and production specifications for all Union-Tribune print products.
• Follow established ad production processes and procedures to identify, communicate and resolve problems pertaining to all aspects of creation and digital processing of ads.
• Prioritize the performance of ad design and composition by making efficient use of time and resources.
• Utilize troubleshooting and verification tools to check customer ad files for accuracy and conformity with Union-Tribune specifications for optimum reproduction.
• Keep abreast of current design, graphic trends and techniques within and outside the industry.
• Develop working familiarity with other team functions including sales, billing and credit.

Engtek Private Ltd. | Singapore | 1997 - 2000

Office Manager

• Creatively supervised 20 employees, diverse age range.
• Increased sales from $100,000 to $1 million in a one-year period.
• Attended conferences worldwide to interface with suppliers.
• Streamlined and developed new training and communication procedures to improve efficiency and teamwork.
• Prepared weekly sales and shipment activity summary.
• Designed office procedures; developed company policy on handling customer complaints.

EDUCATION

UCSD Extension | La Jolla, CA | 2009 - 2010

Web Design for Graphic Professionals Certificate

Palomar College | San Marcos, CA | 2003 - 2005

Associate of Arts in Graphic Design - GPA 3.93

North Career Center | San Diego, CA | 2001 - 2002

Web Design Certificate Program

Saigon University | Saigon, Vietnam | 1989 - 1994

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

AWARDS / ACHIEVEMENTS

• March 2006 - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Employee of the month - Quality

• January 2006 - The San Diego Union-Tribune advertising dept.

Employee of the month - Design

• July 2004 - The San Diego County Fair

“Best of show” - Photography - Computer Graphics

• July 2004 - The San Diego County Fair

“Best of class” - Computer Graphics

• July 2004 - The San Diego County Fair

Three “First place” - Computer Graphics

• July 2003 - The San Diego County Fair

“Best of show” - Photography - Retouching award

• July 2003 - The San Diego County Fair

“First place” - Digital Art award