cskillet

My name is Curtis Elam and I am a freelance graphic artist/designer. I have been working in the design industry for five (5) years and still going. Art is my talent and passion, as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed creating new and interesting pieces of art.

It all started from cartoons. That was my basic and core avenue to my inspiration. Cartoons such as Transformers, G.I. Joe, Scoopy Doo, The Jetsons, The Flinstones and of course Looney Toons. These titles were my gateway to my inspirational ideas. I would watch them religiously. At that time, I could not tell you exactly why I would watch them. Just that they have captivated me in such a way that my imagination would just wonder at endless possibilities. Later on as I grew and began to understand that I had an ability to think of an idea, then create a representation on paper. I discovered that my talent was being a visual creator.

As I grew a more understanding of my talent, I figured it would be wise to get some education behind that talent. This education would become my backbone. I started to read books and magazines to gain as much knowledge as I can. I did not have the financial means to be taught in an educational environment. So there was a lot of trial and error. I had to gain understanding about perspective, lighting & shading, color theory and compositing. As they say practice makes perfect and because this industry always changes, I most always be willing to learn.

In 2005, I received my Bachelors degree in Design & Visualization from Silicon Valley College. During my education, I was taught about different design mediums. These mediums are print, web and multimedia design. The core of my education was overall design aesthetics. The use of color theory to achieve a rich and strong critical response. Using a variety of type styles to complement a design piece and add distinction. Placement of pictures, charts, diagrams and/or other design elements that will enhance the overall appearance of a creative piece. All of these elements are what I learned during my schooling. With this knowledge, I have gain a great sense & awareness of how to create effective design material.

My first design job was a Graphic Specialist for Sunny Neon Inc. There I have learned many aspects that involved production of such designs. This was a very valuable experience for me. Because a designer can create any cool piece of work. But the real notion, is that design able to be produce physically. Through Sunny Neon, I have learned valuable skill sets that will assist me in many creative endeavors. It has made me a better designer. Not only knowing how to create a variety of design pieces, but I also know how to create those piece so they meet their required functionality.

Looking into my desired future, I would say that motion design will be my ultimate goal. I am in love with the movie industry. Because that industry is constantly thinking of creative ideas to show the world. From matte/digital paintings to special effects, everything that is involved with developing movies fascinates me. The biggest influences from that industry would be George Lucas's Star Wars, James Cameron Aliens, and Wachowski Bros. Matrix.

This talent that I possess could be used to bring ideas to life. Because as you know every idea that an individual has, must be put on paper first. That is the core, the basics of all design. So with this realized, I am ready and able to provide my talents to creating the design(s) that my clients envision.

This talent that I possess could be used to bring ideas to life. Because as you know every idea that an individual has, must be put on paper first. That is the core, the basics of all design. So with this realized, I am ready and able to provide my talents to creating the design(s) that my clients envision.

Current Residence: Oklahoma
deviantWEAR sizing preference: XXL
Print preference: 8.5" x 14"
Favourite genre of music: Hip-Hop
Favourite style of art: Abstract
Operating System: PC
Favourite cartoon character: Goku
Personal Quote: A true player want quit.