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Flag as Inappropriate
Last 6 mos.
All-time
Feedback:
(5.00)
1 feedbacks
(5.00)
1 feedbacks
Hours:
0
0
Assignments:
1
1
See all Work History & Feedback
Location:
San Antonio, United States (GMT-06:00)
English Skills:
(self-assessed)
5.0
Member Since:
May 31, 2009
Last Worked:
July 1, 2009
oDesk Ready:
Yes
Affiliated with:
Power Lit Communications Gro…
Hours: 0
Related links:
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Calvin Cooper
-
"
Expert Web, Magazine, News & Ad Broch Designer w/Journalism background
-
Freelance
Website / Graphic Designer
,
United States
"
Permalink :
$16.67
/hr
Overview
Résumé
Work History & Feedback (1)
Tests (3)
Portfolio (16)
Over the course of my design career, I've worked in a wide area of creative environments including television, newspaper, magazine, ad agency and Web design. I've worked at corporations such as Hearst, Scripps, Sinclair/FOX TV and Pearson Education. I've also worked with small local publishers such as Victory Publishing, publlishers of the River Cities Daily Tribune in Marble Falls, TX. I am capable of producing Websites, news publications and other complex design projects. I have...
Over the course of my design career, I've worked in a wide area of creative environments including television, newspaper, magazine, ad agency and Web design.
I've worked at corporations such as Hearst, Scripps, Sinclair/FOX TV and Pearson Education. I've also worked with small local publishers such as Victory Publishing, publlishers of the River Cities Daily Tribune in Marble Falls, TX.
I am capable of producing Websites, news publications and other complex design projects. I have experience in leading teams of designers on various design projects from concept to completion. This includes Website design, development and deployment, as well as complete publication redesign and relaunche.
Due to my background in Journalism, I have an excellent grasp of the English language. Close working relationships with numerous newspaper and magazine editors has allowed me to maintain high-level proficiency in copy editing and AP style.
I possess expert proficiency with Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Flash, Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office.
I am seeking opportunities to design projects from the ground up. Whether you have a Web project or a print project, I am capable of delivering a final product that will meet or exceed your expectations.
Words are cheap, however, so I'm hoping I'll be given the chance to prove what I say is true.
Thank you.
more
less
See All Work History & Feedback
(1 items, with Feedback)
Recent Work History & Feedback
Buyer ID
From/To
Job Title
Paid
Feedback
104862
06/2009 - 07/2009
Need an amazing Ad designer
$18 (fixed-price)
5.0 Reliable, trust worthy, and really an awesome designer. We hope we can work with more with Mr. Cooper, truly is an asset. We highly recommend him t...
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
4.9
See All Tests Taken
(3 items)
oDesk Tests Taken
Name of Test
Score
Percentile
Date Taken
Duration
oDesk Readiness Test for Independent Contractors and Company Managers
06/01/2009
30 min
Joomla 1.5 Test
3.00
48%
06/10/2009
25 min
U.S. English Chicago Style Editing Skills Test (For Writing Professionals)
3.10
37%
06/02/2009
40 min
Job Category Interests
Web Development
Web Design
Design & Multimedia
Graphic Design
Print Design
Skills
Skill
Experience
Level
Last Used
Description
Adobe Acrobat Pro 9
6 yrs
4.0
2009
http://powerlit.comxa.com
Dreamweaver
9 yrs
4.0
2009
http://powerlit.comxa.com
Flash
8 yrs
3.0
2008
http://powerlit.comxa.com
HTML, CSS
4 yrs
4.0
2009
http://powerlit.comxa.com
Illustrator
4 yrs
3.0
2009
http://powerlit.comxa.com
InDesign
4 yrs
4.0
2009
http://powerlit.comxa.com
Knowledge of AP Style. Proficient with the following software: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Flash, Adobe Acrobat Pro8, Microsoft Office,HTML,XML. CSS. Extensive knowledge of Mac OS and Windows. Proficient in designing, developing and administering CMS-based Websites with Joomla1.5.9 CMS. Strong familiarity with PHP and Javascript, as well as MySql and PHPAdmin.
Joomla
3 yrs
4.0
2009
http://powerlit.comxa.com
Microsoft Office
10 yrs
4.0
2008
Photoshop
15 yrs
5.0
2009
http://powerlit.comxa.com
Certifications
Date Earned
Name
Score
Percentile
Organization
Description
No Certifications
Employment History
From
To
Company
Title/Role
Description
05/2000
Present
Power Lit Communications
Owner / Executive
Power Lit Communications is a sole proprietorship based in San Antonio, TX of which
I am the founder. Power Lit provides graphic design, Web design and development,
editing, photography and marketing services.
06/2009
Present
FOX San Antonio (KABB-TV)
ART DIRECTOR / Manager
Began as graphic artist responsible for producing news graphics and promotional graphic
projects. Implemented bidding procedures for various print projects such as the Traveling
Texas tourist guide and community events such as The Kids Fair. Promoted to Art Director
and took over duties of conceptualizing and producing KABB overall graphic direction
and character. Managed production of promotional broadcast and print material. Directed
$250,000-upgrade of graphic department equipment.
05/2008
04/2009
MYCROWNWOOD.COM
Web Designer/Developer/Webmaster / Independent Contributor
Designed and developed a dynamic Web site for the Crownwood Homeowners and Residents
Neighborhood Association. Developed using the Joomla open source content management
system. Functionality included front-end and back-end content management; secure
registration with Captcha and email confirmation for security; secure user log in;
forum message board for registered users with moderator capabilities; social network
capability; commenting allowed in articles articles; rotating banner ads; control
of user level of access; front page photo gallery, and much more.
08/2007
10/2008
Pearson Inc. San Antonio, TX
SENIOR CONTRACT DESIGNER/WEB ADMINISTRATOR / Independent Contributor
Responsible for designing marketing and promotional collateral including posters,
flyers, brochures, magazine and newspaper ads. Work closely with marketing executives
to fine tune concepts, designs and content. Responsible for rebranding of the corporate
library of white papers, sample reports, technical reports and Pearson Web site content.
Responsible for updating and administering Web site content via back-end content
management system. Created and edited HTML documents to be Internet standards compliant.
Optimize graphics and images for posting on Pearson Web site.
03/2007
07/2007
River Cities Daily Tribune
ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER/EDITORIAL DESIGN / Manager
Designed A1 section of The Daily Tribune under daily deadline pressure. Worked closely
with managing editor and reporters on visual presentation. Provided guidance and
direction to reporters in their efforts to develop visual journalism and storytelling
skills. Preflighted and prepared PDFs for online posting. Worked closely with press
operators to ensure successful reproduction on press.
Forced to resign due to severe family medical emergency.
04/2006
03/2007
Prime Time Newspapers Inc.
SENIOR DESIGNER / Team Lead
Responsible for design and production of five weekly publications. Worked closely
with editors and reporters regarding content and design. Provided design direction
and advice to design staff. Delegated duties and tasks to staff designers. Supervised
freelance designers. Consulted with press operators regarding separation and output
issues.
03/2005
04/2006
SAN ANTONIO SNAP NEWS
Editor-in-Chief / Independent Contributor
Provided editor-in-chief services as contractor for the weekly community newspaper
that served the African-American community of San Antonio. Was responsible for implementing
the editorial direction and tone of the Snap News. Generated and approved story and
column ideas and concepts. Copy edited pieces submitted for publication. Provided
layout services for the newspaper. Conducted interviews with various newsmakers,
public officials and community leaders.
NOTEWORTHY ACCOMPLISHMENT:
Directed comprehensive coverage of the 2005 Texas Constitutional
Amendment elections. Was commended by State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio)
for the balanced and accurate coverage of the numerous Constitutional issues up for
voters' decision.
04/2005
03/2006
THE SAN ANTONIO VOICE
Editor & Publisher / Independent Contributor
Published and edited weekly community newspaper for the African-American population
of San Antonio. Provided coverage and information regarding economic development,
health and fitness and education. It was a one-man operation with me doing reporting,
photography, editing, advertising sales, layout and design and negotiating with commercial
printers to acquire the best pricing for printing of the newspaper.
NOTEWORTHY ACCOMPLISHMENT: Provided coverage that led to the cleanup of a vacant
lot next to an elementary school and and apartment complex that had become a dumping
ground containing toxic materials. Tracked down and interviews the absentee owner
of the lot through tax records. Also interviewed county and city officials to determine
what action would be taken to resolve the problem.
01/2004
11/2005
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
FEATURE DESIGNER / Team Lead
Produced two 28-page weekly entertainment tabs in addition to daily features section
covers under tight deadline pressure. Coordinated with editors, reporters, photographers
and pre-press. Organized brainstorming and planning sessions with editors, copy writers,
reporters and photographers regarding layout and design.
06/2002
11/2003
MySanAntonio.com
ONLINE NEWS EDITOR / Team Lead
Produced, posted and managed MySA.com news, entertainment and sports sections on
behalf of the San Antonio Express-News. Made decisions, on deadline, regarding content
layout, prominence and positioning of content. Scanned wires for content updates.
Updated site with breaking news. Produced content packages, including Flash animations
to accompany feature articles on web site. Made extensive use of javascript and hand-coded
HTML. Optimized the process of online graphic element production between departments.
10/2001
06/2002
New Image Marketing & Advertising
ART DIRECTOR / Manager
Managed and directed client print-advertising and online presence. Responsible for
conceptualizing and producing layout and design for corporate identity, point-of-purchase
displays, and internet-related marketing material. Duties included project management
of retail showroom interior/exterior graphic-identity development and execution.
Conducted media analysis to determine effectiveness of marketing efforts across demographics
and media channels.
05/2000
11/2001
Blinc Magazine
MANAGING EDITOR / Executive
Responsible for managing Blinc magazine day-to-day editorial operations. Duties included
but were not limited to hiring and managing writers; determining advanced editorial
calendar; editing copy for structure, grammar and adherence to style; communicating
with print service providers; working closely with design, photography and promotions
departments; assigning stories to writers, conducting interviews and writing articles.
Education
From
To
School
Degree
Area of Study
Description
09/1992
05/1994
San Antonio College
Other
Journalism w Minor in Graphic Design
08/1984
05/1985
Butler University
Bachelors
Communications
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
Big Slick poker magazine
Attachment:
none
Completed:
06/09/2009
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Print Design
URL:
none
Description:
Cover for Big Slick poker magazine in San Antonio, TX.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
Steroid Feature - River Cities Daily Tribune
Attachment:
none
Completed:
06/09/2009
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Print Design
URL:
none
Description:
Layout and illustration for feature story in the River Cities Daily Tribune about high school athletes and steroids.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
Marble Falls Highlander Redesign
Attachment:
none
Completed:
06/09/2009
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Print Design
URL:
none
Description:
Redesign of small weekly newspaper in Marble Falls, TX.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
FYI Magazine Cover
Attachment:
none
Completed:
06/09/2009
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Graphic Design
URL:
none
Description:
Cover layout for FYI Magazine in Corpus Christi, TX.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
FYI Magazine Inside Page Layout
Attachment:
none
Completed:
06/09/2009
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Graphic Design
URL:
none
Description:
Inside page layout for FYI Magazine in Corpus Christi, TX.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
Inside Page Beta for Mess Magazine
Attachment:
none
Completed:
06/09/2009
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Print Design
URL:
none
Description:
Beta version of TOC page for Mess Magazine in San Antonio, TX.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
Mess Magazine Beta Cover
Attachment:
none
Completed:
06/09/2009
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Graphic Design
URL:
none
Description:
Beta Cover for Mess Magazine covering fashion, art and music in San Antonio, TX.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
Inside Spread from Fuze SA Magazine
Attachment:
none
Completed:
06/09/2009
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Print Design
URL:
none
Description:
Concept inside spread for Fuze SA Magazine.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
Fuze SA Magazine Cover
Attachment:
none
Completed:
06/09/2009
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Print Design
URL:
none
Description:
This is a concept cover for an entertainment magazine.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
Get It In Gear Booth Invitation
Attachment:
none
Completed:
08/22/2007
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Graphic Design
URL:
none
Description:
Invitation to visit Harcourt Assessment's conference booth. The concept was to create a call to action that drove people to the company's conference.
I developed the Get It In Gear concept from personal experience attending large industry conventions. It's often quite easy to lose sight of the reason one attends conferences (i.e. to network, develop contacts, gather information,etc). All to easily, distraction and complacency tend to set in.
This invitation, with the motivational message, was designed to compel attendees to maintain focus and, at the very least, visit Harcourt's booth at the convention.
Company staff at the booth reported there was a 12% increase in inquiries generated at the booth compared with the previous year's total number of booth-generate inquiries.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
Splash Page for Crownwood Neighorhood Association Web site
Attachment:
none
Completed:
08/01/2007
Category:
Web Development > Other - Web Development
URL:
none
Description:
Home page for Crownwood Neighborhood Association.
The Web site is developed using Joomla with a highly modified template. Features included in the site include, commenting, automatic newsletter distribution through email, front-end article creation/editing by authorized users, classified section for neighborhood residents to use, registration with Captcha feature and log in capability. Also includes a forum for residents to communicate with one another and with neighborhood association officials.
The neighborhood association experienced an increase in membership as well as an increase in feedback from residents due to the forum and article comment features.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
The Psychological Corporation Conference Prize Wheel
Attachment:
none
Completed:
06/20/2007
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Graphic Design
URL:
none
Description:
To improve traffic to their booth at an industry conference, The Psychological Corporation decided they wanted to have a prize wheel for people to spin and win various prizes.
The design solution I came up with was to use a bright, vibrant color palatte along with images of the prizes.
The prize wheel was a huge success and has since become a fixture in the company's booth presence at various conferences.
The wheel was created in Illustrator, with sparing use of Photoshop to prepare the product images.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
River Cities Daily Tribune Cover Layout
Attachment:
none
Completed:
05/21/2007
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Print Design
URL:
none
Description:
A1 of the River Cities Daily Tribune. I chose this piece for my portfolio to demonstrate the applicatio of balance in a layout. It is also an example of improvising on the fly (under deadline pressure) to concieve and execute a graphic treatment for a news story with no art.
The main story is about the Texas Legislature working late into the night for a solution to an issue that otherwise would've required a special legislative session.
InDesign was used to layout the page. The main illustration was done in Photoshop.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
2007 Seniors Logo for T-shirt
Attachment:
none
Completed:
02/01/2007
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Logo Design
URL:
none
Description:
This was the 2007 T-shirt logo for Marble Falls High School seniors.
I was approached to design a t-shirt for graduating seniors to wear. Being aware of how brand-conscious teens are, I decided to take the approach of depicting Marble Falls High School seniors as having their own brand, or logo.
The t-shirt design was extremely well-recieved by the entire town. Members of the 2008 class decided they wanted to use the same logo for their t-shirts with "08."
The popularity of the t-shirts was such that 2 additional print runs were required to fill the orders that came in.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
North San Antonio Times
Attachment:
none
Completed:
12/20/2006
Category:
Design & Multimedia > Print Design
URL:
none
Description:
This is A1 of the North San Antonio Times. The layout showcases the local high school's victory in the state football championship in 2006.
Upon review of the photos shot by the photographer, I discovered that there weren't any shots of the star quarterback celebrating with the championship trophy. I therefore, did a composite illustration showing the quarterback's teammates celebrating with the trophy while he looked on in approval.
The layout was such a hit, that framed versions of it are hanging in the high school and at city hall.
[+] enlarge
Project Title:
Web Splash Screen for Sweet Daddy
Attachment:
none
Completed:
06/08/2005
Category:
Web Development > Web Design
URL:
none
Description:
This is the proposed design for Corpus Christi-based garage rock band, Sweet Daddy. Members of the band loved the concept, but, as is the unfortunate case with many garage bands, Sweet Daddy broke up shortly after the final approval of the splash page.
Although it's a little bit edgy for a portfolio, I include this design to illustrate the use of negative space to attract attention and to create balance.
Hourly Assignment History
Buyer ID
From/To
Job Title
Paid
Feedback
Hourly Assignment History is empty
Fixed-Price Assignment History
Buyer ID
From/To
Job Title
Paid
Feedback
104862
06/2009 - 07/2009
Need an amazing Ad designer
$18
5.0 Reliable, trust worthy, and really an awesome designer. We hope we can work with more with Mr. Cooper, truly is an asset. We highly recommend him t...
L
Provider-to-Buyer Feedback:
4.9
oDesk Tests Taken
Name of Test
Score
Percentile
Date Taken
Duration
oDesk Readiness Test for Independent Contractors and Company Managers
06/01/2009
30 min
Joomla 1.5 Test
3.00
48%
06/10/2009
25 min
U.S. English Chicago Style Editing Skills Test (For Writing Professionals)
3.10
37%
06/02/2009
40 min