Matthew Stema

Graphic Designer

ad4iiu@r.postjobfree.com • 616-***-****

linkedin.com/in/matthew-stema-6087a018/ Zeeland, MI, 49464

Highly creative and seasoned professional with extensive experience creating captivating visual solutions across various mediums, including print, digital, and multimedia platforms.

Proven track record of delivering high-quality design projects from concept to completion, exceeding client expectations and achieving measurable results. Expertise in brand identity design, print design, typography, layout design, and logo design, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for visual storytelling. Skilled in utilizing industry-standard design software and tools, including Adobe Creative Suite to execute projects with precision and creativity. Strong understanding of color theory, composition, and visual hierarchy coupled with the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts through visual means. Dedicated to staying abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in graphic design and print production, continuously seeking opportunities to innovate and elevate design quality. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to articulate design concepts, receive feedback, and incorporate revisions to achieve desired outcomes.

Areas of Expertise

•Print & Digital Design

•Photo Editing & Retouching

•Color Theory & Branding

•Creative/Art Direction

•Digital Layouts & Workflows

•Prepress & Print Production

•Project Management

•Client Engagement

•Adobe Creative Suite

•Relationship Management

•Teamwork & Collaboration

•Creative Problem-Solving

Technical Skills

Creative Suite, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, Kodak Prinergy, Preps/Evo, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Smartstream Designer, ArtPro+

Professional Experience

WESTROCK (THE PRINTERY), Holland, MI 02/2004 to Present

Graphic Designer Pre-Press Technician

Generate top-tier designs within tight deadlines, continuously enhancing troubleshooting skills and expanding expertise. Perform pre-press and preflight checks on client files, executing designs for diverse projects, including color correction, photo editing, and variable data. Collaborate directly with clients to grasp design requirements, resolving color accuracy issues by matching Pantone swatches or previous print samples. Manage freelance business, delivering print and digital design services to a diverse clientele nationwide.

Optimized prepress workflow across two facilities, reducing job processing time from 11 to 3 minutes; eliminated email-based file sharing and integrated software to streamline 25% of workflow steps, resulting in a remarkable 73% time savings, leading to significant annual cost reductions when applied to a monthly file volume of 90-120, with a production cost of $90/hr.

DESIGN ELEMENT, Zeeland, MI 02/2004 to Present

Freelance Graphic Designer

Conceptualize and create visually stunning designs for print, digital, and multimedia projects. Engage with clients and internal teams to understand project requirements, goals, and objectives, translating them into compelling design solutions to exceed expectations.

Demonstrated passion for establishing strong connections with freelance clients, deriving excitement from engaging in diverse projects and continually pushing creative boundaries.

Career Note

Designer/Pre-Press Technician Serfling Printing

Educational Background

Web Design Class Davenport University, Holland, MI

Studied Visual Communications Kendall College of Art and Design, Grand Rapids, MI

Associates Graphic Arts Technology Alpena Community College, Alpena, MI

Two Years Training in Vocational Graphic Arts Alpena High School, Alpena, MI

Contact this candidate