Certified Professionals. Verified Work.
 
 
  • Feedback: none
Total oDesk hours:
0
Location:
Miami, United States (GMT-05:00)
English Skills: (self-assessed)
5.0
Member Since:
June 24, 2008
Last Worked:
 
Current Assignments:
0
Total Assignments:
0
oDesk Ready:  
Yes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Michael Castner - Addy Award Winning Graphic & Web Designer - Freelance Website / Graphic Designer, United States

As an experienced print/web designer with over 10 years of professional experience, I have worked for startup and small to medium sized businesses. The scope of work has ranged from creating new brand identities and custom web applications to full marketing and branding campaigns across multi-tiered platforms (internet and print). I am experienced in the current versions of Adobe CS3, Quark, Office, MAC, PC and web site information architecting.
See All Work History & Feedback (0 items, 0 with Feedback)
Recent Work History & Feedback
Buyer ID From/To Job Title Hours
Work History & Feedback is empty
See All Tests Taken (3 items)
oDesk Tests Taken
Name of Test Score Percentile Date Taken Duration
Adobe Illustrator CS3 Test 4.00 90% TOP 10% 06/29/2008 36 min
Adobe Photoshop CS3 Test 3.40 89% TOP 20% 06/29/2008 36 min
oDesk Readiness Test for Independent Contractors and Company Managers 4.60 78% 06/25/2008 31 min
Job Category Interests

Web Development

Graphic Arts & Design
Skills
Skill Experience Level Last Used Description
Adobe Acrobat Professional 10 yrs 5.0 2008
Adobe Flash CS3 10 yrs 4.0 2008 http://www.macamrstudios.com
Project: MACAMR Studios | This project required a solution that clearly represents my design style, personality and approach to business. Emphasis was placed on ease of use, access to portfolio pieces and easy means of contact | Responsibilities: Concept, design, develop and launch. Use of XML and action script aid in easy updates and maintenance of information and samples.
Adobe Illustrator CS3 10 yrs 5.0 2008 http://www.macamrstudios.com/upload/macamr_port_lr.pdf
Project: Knock Knock (Greeting Card) | This project was designed for a client to be used as an online greeting card | Responsibilities: Concept, design and development of character and layout.
Adobe Photoshop CS3 10 yrs 5.0 2008 http://www.macamrstudios.com/upload/macamr_port_lr.pdf
Project: Bluefin Ocean Club | This campaign marketed a high-end real estate property targeting New England anglers. | Responsibilities: Create, design and develop brokers package derived from  creative brief.
Dreamweaver CS3 10 yrs 5.0 2008 http://www.vernegallery.com
Project: Verne Gallery | This project was the result of a small team and focused on two key objectives. 1. Display information and works about represented artists in a clear easily accessible way. 2. Improve search engine optimization for all represented artists.  | Responsibilities: Concept, design, develop and launch website. Develop and manage SEO site re-structure campaign for first page placement on popular search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Overture.
MAC/PC 10 yrs 5.0 2008 Well versed on both operating platforms. Past work experiences have required designing and developing on both the MAC and PC platforms. Currently work off of a MAC.
QuarkXPress 7.1 10 yrs 5.0 2008 http://www.macamrstudios.com/upload/macamr_port_lr.pdf
Project: The Beacon Council Report to the Community (Annual Report) | This project is an annual report addressing to it's board members and community, the highlights of the past years accomplishments. | Responsibilities: Worked directly with VP of Marketing and Director of Marketing to concept, design and produce this 48 page report.
Certifications
Date Earned Name Score Percentile Organization Description
No Certifications
Employment History
From To Company Title/Role Description
01/2008 Present MACAMR Studios, Inc President/Owner / Executive Conceptualize and execute brand specific solutions that address today’s dynamic market. Through a term coined as ‘organic analysis,’ creative is conceptualized, designed and integrated into client specific solutions of various marketing channels that target both local and global audiences. Responsibilities include: business management and strategy, sales leads, brand development, creative briefs/project analysis, creative conception, execution and delivery, management of multiple deadline-oriented projects, client relations, preparation and delivery of presentations, interdepartmental managerial tasks, and both pre-press and post production tasks.
09/2004 11/2007 Corporate Grafix Art Director / Team Lead Working directly with the Creative Director/Owner, tasks required execution of original art and graphic layout of collaborative creative concepts, corporate branding, and marketing collateral for both traditional print and on-line campaigns. Responsibilities included: brand development, management of multiple deadline-oriented projects, team leader role in all matters relating to all online projects, development and execution of online materials, preparation and delivery of presentations, interdepartmental managerial tasks, and both pre-press and post production tasks associated with the Indigo digital press.
07/2003 08/2004 Advansiv Art Director / Senior Graphic Designer / Team Lead Assume project lead from Creative Director and execute original art and graphic layout of content, corporate branding, and marketing collateral for both traditional print and on-line campaigns. Responsibilities included: concept development and refinement, execution of creative briefs, management of multiple deadline-oriented projects, interdepartmental managerial tasks, management of client e-mail publications program, and both pre-press and post production tasks.
05/1999 09/2002 Bennett Adelson Consulting, Inc. Creative Director / Manager Conceptualized and executed original art and graphic layout of content, banners, logos, and marketing campaigns focused on custom on-line marketing, B2B, intranet and extranet applications. Develop, incorporate, and manage interactive elements and e-commerce initiatives, performed technical coding, quality assurance reviews, and tests. Management tasks included the organization, allocation, and project management of multiple projects delegated to the design department, involvement in the interview process of potential new design hires, weekly reports to the CEO of the company, and presentations of creative briefs to potential and existing clientele.
Other Experience
Admission Ambassador
8.1995 – 5.2000 
C.I.A. (Cleveland Institute of Art)
Cleveland, Ohio

Student program focused on the promotion of University programs, activities and student life to potential applicants. Tasks included guided tours to prospective students, family members and groups, marketing campaign correspondence and incoming student orientation activities and events.
Brother/Social Chair/Board of Chapter Advisor
2.1998 – Present
Xi Deuteron of Phi Gamma Delta
Cleveland, Ohio

Fraternal brotherhood of young men united in search of common ideals and aspirations. Oversee activities of undergraduate chapter and act, as a liaison between undergraduate students and the board of trustees.
C.A.A. Member
1.1999 – 12.2001 
C.A.A. (Cleveland Advertising Association)
Cleveland, Ohio

Northern Ohio organization: designers, directors, and communications specialists covering the fields of advertising, marketing and media. Common goals shared included the further development the Cleveland market as an integral component to the advertising industry.
Co-captain - Recreational Soccer League
9.2003 – 2006
T.M.S.S.C. (The Miami Sports and Social Club)
Miami, Florida
 
Co-Ed organization designed to provide adults with an avenue for fun-oriented activities covering everything from recreational sports to organized social outings.
Education
From To School Degree Area of Study Description
08/1995 05/2000 Cleveland Institute of Art Bachelors Illustration/Graphic Design 5-year undergraduate program designed to educate and mold developing artists in the disciplines of applied, craft, and fine arts. Exposure to varying artistic mediums, professional organizations, visiting artists, lecture series as well as recognized staff and alumni contributed to producing industry defining artisans.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Footba11Profile.com
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 05/20/2008
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Logo Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: SportsEleven, LLC | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for creation of identity from start to end. Maintained all creative roles as well as client relations.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Waxt - Identity
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 03/17/2008
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Logo Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: Product One Music Group | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for concept, design and production.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: The Beacon Council - 6th Annual Beacon Awards
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 02/15/2008
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: The Beacon Council | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for campaign concept, design and production.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: The Beacon Council - 6th Annual Beacon Awards
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 02/15/2008
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: The Beacon Council | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for campaign concept, design and production.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: The Beacon Council - 6th Annual Beacon Awards
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 02/15/2008
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: The Beacon Council | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for campaign concept, design and production.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: MACAMR Studios - Website
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 01/01/2008
  • Category: Web Development > Web Design
  • URL: http://www.macamrstudios.com
  • Description: Client: MACAMR Studios | Agency: MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Developer: Michael Castner | Responsible for concept and creative in establishing a web portfolio for my freelance company. Handled all aspects of project including: concept, strategy, design, development, programming, testing, setup and launch.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: MACAMR Studios - Identity
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 01/01/2008
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Logo Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: MACAMR Studios | Agency: MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for concept and creative of new brand identity for my freelance company.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: MACAMR Studios - Collateral
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 01/01/2008
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: MACAMR Studios | Agency: MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for the creation of brand identity used to market myself as a freelance graphic designer.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: The Beacon Council - Holiday Party Invitation
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 11/30/2007
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: The Beacon Council | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for campaign concept, design and production.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: The Beacon Council - Holiday Card
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 11/30/2007
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: The Beacon Council | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for campaign concept, design and production.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: The Beacon Council - Annual Report
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 09/28/2007
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: The Beacon Council | Agency : CorporateGrafix | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for concept, design and execution. | Special Note: Winner of 2008 Florida Economic Development Council  (FEDC) Stellar Award.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: The Oasis at Naples
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 08/24/2007
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: Paramount Properties | Agency : CorporateGrafix | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for concept and design.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Rolling Shield - Advertisement
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 06/01/2007
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: Rollingshield | Agency : CorporateGrafix | Creative Director: Bob Tonda | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for execution of concept | Special Note: 2008 Silver ADDY® Award Winner

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Soapies - Identity
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 02/28/2007
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Logo Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: Soapies | Agency : CorporateGrafix | Creative Director: Bob Tonda | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for character development and type face design

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Bluefin Ocean Club - Broker's Package
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 01/31/2007
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: Bluefin Ocean Club | Agency : CorporateGrafix | Creative Director: Bob Tonda | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Special Note: Winner of 2007 Gold ADDY® Award

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Nicole Henry - Jazz Singer
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 01/05/2007
  • Category: Web Development > Web Design
  • URL: http://www.nicolehenry.com
  • Description: Client: NikSings | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner Developer: Michael Castner | Responsible for campaign concept, design, development and launch.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Verne Gallery Website
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 01/02/2007
  • Category: Web Development > Marketing (SEO/SEM)
  • URL: http://www.vernegallery.com
  • Description: Client: Verne Gallery | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Developer: Hernan Zornada | Responsible for concept, design and production management. Worked closely with client as well as programmer to achieve top 10 results for many of the artists represented by the client.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: GSPLH - Website
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 01/01/2007
  • Category: Web Development > Web Design
  • URL: http://www.corporategrafix.com/production/goldstein
  • Description: Client: GSPLH | Agency : CorporateGrafix | Creative Director: Bob Tonda | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Developer: Michael Castner | Responsible for design, execution & development of concept.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Product One Music - Collateral
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 03/15/2006
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: Product One Music Group | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for concept, design and development.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Product One Music - Website
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 03/15/2006
  • Category: Web Development > Web Design
  • URL: http://www.pro1music.net
  • Description: Client: Product One Music Group | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for concept, design, development and launch.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Product One Music - Identity
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 03/15/2006
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Logo Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: Product One Music Group | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for concept and design.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Philip Stein Teslar - Website
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 01/02/2006
  • Category: Web Development > Web Design
  • URL: http://www.corporategrafix.com/production/pst/default.htm
  • Description: Client: Philip Stein Teslar | Agency : CorporateGrafix | Creative Director: Bob Tonda | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Developer: Michael Castner | Responsible for concept, design & development of project.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Picard Wedding - Invitation
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 08/30/2005
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: Mr & Mrs Mathieu Picard | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for concept, design and production.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: MODA Nite Club
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 06/30/2005
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: MODA | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for campaign concept and design.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: MODA Nite Club
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 06/23/2005
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: MODA | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for campaign concept and design.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: MODA Nite Club
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 06/16/2005
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: MODA | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for campaign concept and design.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: Villa Valencia Condos - Website
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 03/01/2005
  • Category: Web Development > Web Design
  • URL: http://www.villavalenciacondos.com
  • Description: Client: Valencia Conversions Orlando LLC | Agency : CorporateGrafix | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Developer: Michael Castner | Responsible for concept, design & development of project.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: LIME Bar - Advertisement
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 06/01/2004
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: Lime Bar | Agency : MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for the concept and execution of campaign announcing the launch of a new lounge. Duties also included coordinating a onsite photo shoot to photograph actual patrons for use of the official launch campaign.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: JADE - Grand Opening Invitation
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 05/20/2003
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: JADE | Agency: MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for all matters dealing with creative from start to finish as well as client relations. Dealt directly with marketing director in developing concept and managed production schedule.

[+] enlarge
  • Project Title: JADE - Advertisement
  • Attachment: none
  • Completed: 05/20/2003
  • Category: Graphic Arts & Design > Print Design
  • URL: none
  • Description: Client: JADE | Agency: MACAMR Studios | Creative Director: Michael Castner | Art Director: Michael Castner | Designer: Michael Castner | Responsible for all matters dealing with creative from start to finish as well as client relations. Dealt directly with marketing director in developing concept.
Hourly Assignment History
Buyer ID From/To Job Title Hours
Hourly Assignment History is empty
Fixed-Price Assignment History
Buyer ID From/To Job Title Paid
Fixed-Price Assignment History is empty
oDesk Tests Taken
Name of Test Score Percentile Date Taken Duration
Adobe Illustrator CS3 Test 4.00 90% TOP 10% 06/29/2008 36 min
Adobe Photoshop CS3 Test 3.40 89% TOP 20% 06/29/2008 36 min
oDesk Readiness Test for Independent Contractors and Company Managers 4.60 78% 06/25/2008 31 min