Rick Martin

Graphic Designer + Illustrator

With over 16 years of professional experience, I have become a creative chameleon, adapting my skills to every new challenge. Believing strongly in the power of collaboration and clear communication, I thrive working with individuals equally as passionate about their craft, whatever it may be. Although rooted in traditional graphic design education, I am always looking for opportunities to break said-rules when it serves the creative brief effectively and intentionally.

Experience

Senior Designer, Co-Founder

Enābl

Cleveland, OH | 2008 – Present

Responsible for leading and executing the direction of a wide range of design projects from concept to completion across a variety of industries, serving startups to Fortune 500 organizations. Managed multiple projects simultaneously, consistently delivering high-quality designs on time and within budget. Thrived as direct hire and sole creative, serving as main point of contact to client or as white-labeled contractor, working seamlessly with larger teams. Efficiently collaborated with developers, marketers, writers, photographers, and project managers to ensure successful handoff of deliverables. Excelled at articulating design concepts to clients, conveying creative intent, and welcoming feedback to achieve the best possible outcome.

Senior Designer

Next Dimension Studios

San Diego, CA | 2021 – 2025

Conceptualized and executed branding systems for parent and sister company, MetaTravelers, which spanned multiple industries, including digital and physical collectibles, events and gaming, and digital communities. Responsible for an array of tasks, including the creation of event flyers, infographics, website UI design, packaging design, and social media design, amongst many others. Assisted in securing investors and partnerships with design contributions to pitch deck presentations. Regularly communicated with marketing, social, creative, and executive teams to ensure strong brand cohesiveness across a family of products, boosting brand recognition.

Graphic Designer

Shinto Japanese Steakhouse

Strongsville, OH | 2011 – 2021

Carried out an array of projects, working as sole creative on team. Projects included a suite of restaurant menus and brochures, traditional magazine and newspaper advertisements, promotional material, and print collateral for events, which included dynamic posters and flyers featuring original artwork spanning diverse design aesthetics and themes. Developed a visual brand language that ensured cohesive identity across new locations. Worked hand-in-hand with printers and other vendors to ensure timely production and quality of all physical materials while meeting demanding timeframes.

Apparel Graphic Designer & Illustrator

Enābl Threads

Cleveland, OH | 2014 – 2020

Envisioned and executed the artwork for a Cleveland-based apparel shop, specializing in concepts based on local sports teams, pop culture references, and city pride. Effectively adapted artwork to be successful in multiple color schemes depending on its application on different apparel. Produced brand language carried through graphics and promotions on social media and UI of online apparel shop. Shirt designs featured on local news programs and liked/shared by thousands of Instagram users, including professional athletes and musicians. Worked with local food bank to feed hundreds of underprivileged children with profits from t-shirt sales.

Freelance Illustrator

Cleveland, OH | 2008 – Present

Produced commissioned artwork for digital influencers, musicians, content creators, and other clients. Skillfully communicated with clients, managing expectations while delivering within budget. Excelled at personalized cartoon characters, hand lettering, and clever parody conceptualization. Proficiently utilized digital art software, producing vector or raster-based artwork capable of integration into other design applications and uses, often used for website or poster graphics.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green, OH | 2004 – 2008

Skills

Technical Skills

Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, Affinity Publisher, Figma, Sketch, WordPress, Elementor, Procreate

Soft Skills

Contact

Looking for examples of my work?