I'm Rua Arnold, a graphic designer based in Des Moines, Iowa.

I get so excited about good design that my eyes dilate when I see it. I'm also passionate about photography, video production & copywriting.

I have the sort of brain that won't quit. I tend to look at the many things in life through a viewfinder. I've always felt that inspiration can be found anywhere. We just have to look for it!

My primary design experience to date has been corporate design, print and web advertising and community-centric design; however, I'm always looking to branch out into other areas.

I'm the sort of person who needs to always be learning a new skill. Apart from graphic design I'm teaching myself to play ukelele.

Rua is comprised of:
Where I've worked:
Where my designs have reached:
What I bring to the table:
Four-page booklet designed for TeamQuest Corporation aimed at new recruits for employment. The goal of the marketing department was to have the booklet exude the image of a larger corporation.Print advertising created for Lyons Toyota. The goal of the dealership was to get the biggest bang for their buck. My goal was to modernize the look of the traditional car ad while still delivering on the needs of the dealership.Print advertising created for Lyons Toyota when they took over ownership of Sedars Honda. The general manager asked for an ad that would "stir the pot."Print ad created for Lyons Toyota highlighting the affordability of new cars when leased.Promotional posters created for the 2010-2011 season of the Mason City Community Theatre. I was given free reign on the project. My three main goals were to use my own photography instead of a photo service, include quotes from the shows to give a hint as to what it was about, and create designs that look like they would be used in a much larger market.
Landing page created for TeamQuest Corporation. I opted for a bit of a non-traditional layout (non-tradional for corporate design) to highlight a brand new feature in the software. Each of the screenshots on the left side were clickable and would bring up the full-sized images. The video was set up to be viewed within the page.Web design for Hanson's Countertops and Flooring. The client wanted the color scheme to echo that of Granicrete, the company that provides the products they use. The logo can be seen in the upper left corner. The large image toward the top rotated to show select images of their completed projects. The client also wanted to be able to add photos and other content themselves.Web element created for Lyons Toyota. The finance special needed to be eye-catching so I used Toyota Red and added a few details for more dimension and visual interest.Web element created for Lyons Toyota. The online manager requested a landing page image to be used on the dealership's facebook page. The center image could be easily replaced as specials changed.Web elements created for Lyons Toyota. The online manager wanted bright, attention-grabbing banners for their web site with lots of pattern and color. It needed to feature images of cars when appropriate.Web site created for Osage Municipal Utilities. The client requested a site they could update themselves and would be easy to navigate by older users.
 

Qualifications

Possesses a meticulous eye for detail, works well under deadlines, and enjoys working alone or in groups.

Experience

Appcore, Des Moines IA Jan 2012 – Apr 2012

Creative Designer
  • Created graphics for use on the web and in print.
  • Photography for use internally and on the web.
  • Assisted in maintenance of websites and web-based marketing.

Lyons Toyota, Mason City IA Feb 2011 – Sep 2011

Digital Marketing Assistant
  • Created graphics for use on the web and print advertising.
  • Wrote copy for advertising. Shot photography for use on the web.
  • Assisted in maintenance of website and web-based marketing.

TeamQuest Corporation, Clear Lake IA Dec 2006 – Aug 2010

Marketing Graphic Designer
  • Created graphics for company’s marketing materials and software products.
  • Photographed events and used studio equipment.
  • Produced video and multimedia projects for online content.

Dimensional Graphics, Mason City IA May 2006 – Dec 2006

Artist
  • Created and processed artwork for offset and screen printing.
  • Stripped up graphics for screen printing.
  • Printed documents on IKON printer.

Globe Gazette, Mason City IA Aug 2003 – Dec 2005

Online Editor
  • Produced video and multimedia projects for online content.
  • Acted as a liaison between news and online departments.
  • Led online news projects.
Digital Imaging Specialist
  • Produced video and multimedia projects for online content.
  • Scanned and color-corrected images for print edition.
  • Created graphics for print edition.

Education

Iowa State University, Ames IA

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication, emphasis in Visual Communication

North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City IA

Associate of Arts in Journalism

Skills

Software

Adobe Bridge CS5, Adobe Illustrator CS5, Adobe InDesign CS5, Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe Premiere Pro CS5, Adobe Soundbooth CS5, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, QuarkXPress

Equipment

HDR-FX1 HDV Handycam, Studio equipment, Nikon SLR digital cameras, IPIX, Egg Technologies, Epson Perfection 4490 photo flatbed scanner, PC, Mac

References

Available upon request.

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