I transform ideas into engaging visual experiences. With 22+ years of expertise in graphic design, photography, and web development, I bring a unique blend of artistic vision and technical skill to every project. I'm passionate about crafting compelling narratives, building impactful online presences, and leveraging technology to create meaningful connections.
Are you looking for a creative problem-solver who can elevate your brand and deliver exceptional results? Let's connect and explore how I can contribute to your success.
Let's Talk! Schedule a Meeting
Portfolio & Contact:
- Personal Work Website: philgear.biz (Built on Astro with Tailwind and Gemini)
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/philgear
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (419) 203-7557
- Location: Portland, Oregon 97207
- A Holistic Skillset: I seamlessly blend graphic design, photography, and web development to deliver cohesive and impactful projects.
- Proven Experience: Over two decades of experience working with diverse clients, from startups to established businesses, across various industries.
- Adaptability and Innovation: I stay at the forefront of industry trends, embracing new technologies like AI and machine learning to enhance my creative process.
- Client-Focused Approach: I prioritize understanding your unique needs and goals to create tailored solutions that exceed expectations.
- A Passion for Storytelling: I believe in the power of visuals to connect, engage, and inspire.
- Adobe Creative Cloud Mastery: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, After Effects, etc.
- Visual Branding & Identity: Logo design, brand guidelines, marketing collateral.
- Photography: Product photography, event coverage, portraiture, landscape, photo editing and retouching.
- UI/UX Design: User-centered design principles, wireframing, prototyping.
- Front-End Development: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript
- Back-End Familiarity: Go, Python, PHP, MySQL, PostgreSQL.
- CMS Expertise: WordPress (custom theme development, plugin integration).
- Cloud Platforms: Google Cloud Platform Compute Engine, Familiarity with AWS, Azure.
- Responsive Design: Creating websites that adapt seamlessly to all devices.
- Technical Proficiency: Autodesk Revit, Trimble, Pulse Embroidery, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace
- Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
- Systems Support: Servers, Desktops, Laptops, IoT, Printers, Cameras, Plotters
- Project Management: Agile methodologies, task prioritization, deadline management.
- Soft Skills: Excellent communication, collaboration, problem-solving, creative thinking, a touch of humor, and genuine kindness.
Freelance Graphic Designer & Full Stack Developer | Phil Gear Graphic Design + Web Development (2000 – Present)
- Impact: Spearheaded the digital presence for 30+ businesses, non-profits, and organizations, delivering first-to-market websites and compelling brand identities.
- Key Projects:
- Consulted on the launch of new businesses, providing web development and design expertise.
- Designed and developed websites for a wide range of clients, resulting in increased engagement and brand recognition.
- Created impactful marketing materials that drove customer acquisition and brand awareness.
Digital Media Consultant | GearArts LLC (2016 – Present)
- Impact: Amplified the reach of visual content, inspiring thousands (potentially millions) through collaborations with photographers and digital artists.
- Key Projects:
- Collaborated with 600+ photographers on social media, fostering a community of learning and skill development.
- Consulted with leading corporations on emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning in creative workflows.
- Explored and experimented with cutting-edge AI content creation tools, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Project Manager | Enterprise Farm LLC (2020 – 2021)
- Impact: Revolutionized agricultural operations, increasing crop yield by 133% through innovative design and process optimization.
- Key Projects:
- Redesigned and rebuilt a sealed agricultural environment to maximize canopy space, significantly boosting productivity.
- Developed marketing materials and photography to showcase the brand and product quality to investors and retailers.
- Implemented IoT solutions to automate operational data collection processes and improve efficiency.
Other Notable Roles:
- Individual Contributor: Mile Point Event Productions LLC, Block Party Barricades LLC, Axiom Event Productions LLC (2022-2024) - Gained valuable experience in event logistics, operations, and community engagement.
- Amazon.com Fresh Flex T1 Associate | Prime Now LLC (2020-2021) - Developed strong skills in inventory management, order fulfillment, and fast-paced team environments.
- Web Designer | Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services (2013) - Created user-friendly digital experiences for a large university, improving accessibility to nutritional information and dining services.
- Senior Graphic Designer and Print Production Specialist | Creative Designs & Signs LLC (2004-2011) - Designed over 1,000 custom designs, increasing company profits and market share by offering custom graphic design.
- Information Technology Specialist | James A. Rhodes State College (2006-2009) - Provided field technical support for podiums, projectors, presentation automation systems, classroom clickers, distance learning, and accessibility features.
- Professional Freelance Portfolio Website (2009 – Present)
- Description: A continuously evolving showcase of my design and development skills, reflecting my growth and adaptability.
- Women Who Code IoT Hackathon (2019)
- Description: Collaborated on a sustainable IoT project, contributing design, photography, and research expertise to a team of six.
- Wacom Inkathon with BeMyApp Agency (2019)
- Description: Led a team to develop an innovative application concept for Wacom, showcasing leadership and project management skills.
- LightTable Android Application (2018)
- Description: Developed a practical Android app that replicates a light table, demonstrating mobile development and problem-solving abilities.
Portland Community College | Associate Degree in General Studies | 2021
- Focus: Marketing, Graphic Design, Web Development
- Honors: Phi Theta Kappa – Beta Epsilon Gamma/Beta Pi Rho, +STEAM Club
- PDXWLF Super Volunteer (2017 – Present): Supporting the arts community through event organization and execution.
- Google Maps Local Guide (2012 – Present): Contributing to a valuable resource by sharing photos and information about local businesses and places.
- The Nature Conservancy Trail Builder (2019 – Present): Giving back to the environment through trail maintenance and conservation efforts.
- Meetup.com Event Attendee and Group Owner (2014 – Present): Engaging with the tech and creative community, sharing knowledge, and building connections.
I'm eager to learn more about opportunities where I can leverage my skills and passion to make a real impact. Let's connect!