Christopher M Rubano
Illustrator + Graphic Designer
Chicago, IL

OBJECTIVE
Seeking a design position that successfully harnesses my unique blend of creative, customer service, and information technology skills.
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  SKILLS
- Copywriting
- Digital Proofing
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- PC Hardware/Software Tech Support
- Pre-press
- Photography
- Proofreading
  PROGRAMS
Adobe
- Acrobat
- Dreamweaver
- Illustrator
- ImageReady
- InDesign
- Photoshop

Microsoft
- Excel
- Powerpoint
- Word
- Windows

Others
- Booklog
- Corel PhotoDraw/Paint
- HelpStar
- MacOS
- Nexus Manager
- PrintSmith
- Quark Express

 

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EDUCATION

August 2004
Northern Illinois University - DeKalb, IL
Bachelor of Fine Arts 2D Studio
Illustration and graphic design focus
Dean's List: Spring + Fall 2003, Spring 2004

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

August 2004 - Present
Freelance Graphic Designer
Single-handedly bring designs from conceptualization to completion. Conduct interviews with client in preparation for design, produce conceptual designs following clients' parameters, and develop unique compositions based on the individual needs of client. Oversee interaction with printing companies, and proof finished product.

November 2007 – October 2008
Computerworks of Chicago, Inc. - Chicago, IL.
Technical Support Representative.
Supported and trouble-shot technical issues arising from a proprietary POS software designed for independent and college bookstores. Responsibilities included fielding customer support phone calls, discussing and solving technical issues, IT hardware maintenance, and database administration. Consistently achieved the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the department through building a positive rapport with clientele and by consistently exceeding their expectations.

August - October 2007
Arts Martketing Services, inc. - Chicago, IL.
Telephone Sales Representative.
Successfully utilized customer service skills to persuade prospective customers to purchase season tickets for the Joffrey Ballet via telephone. Awarded Top Sales Representative of the Week for the week of September 02 - 08, 2007.

September 2006 - June 2007
Starbucks, Inc. - Chicago, IL.
Barista, promoted to Shift Supervisor.
Responsibilities included cash control, supervising over a dozen employees, opening and closing cleaning duties, and ensuring the orderly functioning of an extremely fast-paced results-oriented cafe environment by consistantly exceeding customers' expectations. Established a comfortable and friendly rapport with patrons and employees alike. Coached fellow employees towards maintaining the high standards associated with Starbucks.

January 2006 - August 2006
LePrint Express, Inc. - DeKalb, IL
Printing Technician and Production Artist
My duties included preparing client-supplied digital artwork, as well as creating new graphic designs based on client's requirements. I also ensured customer satisfaction by maintaining a high level of quality in project production in an extremely fast-paced work environment. In addition to my art duties, I operated and maintained printing machinery including Xerox color and black & white copiers, Riso mimeographic copier, and bindery machines.

August - December 2005
Java 101, LLC. - DeKalb, IL
Art Director
I began my tenure at Java 101 as a barista and then Assitant Manager. I also became the Art Director after I persuaded the owner of the advantages of allowing me to brand his business. As the Art Director, I designed and produced outdoor + indoor signage, promotional materials, and advertising. I also contracted with print-houses, copy services, and advertising firms as necessary in the production of printed material.