Welcome to the design blog and portfolio of JohnyVA,
freelance Art Director / Graphic Designer.
Overview
Hello my name is Jonathan (Johny)
Va’afusuaga. I have surrounded
myself for almost ten years with Art,
Design and Music. I never shy away
from a challenge, in fact I embrace
challenges, when the pressure is on,
my positive and optimistic nature
drives me to finish the task at
hand to the best of my ability.
ps. < yes that is salmon im eating.
Skills
Graphic Design for Print and Web, Branding and Marketing, Typography,
Photography, Illustration, Art, HTML, 3D Modeling and Audio Production.
Software Literacy
Adobe Creative Suite, Quark Xpress, Macromedia Freehand and Dreamweaver,
Microsoft Office. Can use most mainstream Video Editing & Audio Applications.
Have a reasonable knowledge of Macromedia Flash, Autodesk Maya & 3DS Max.
Competent with both MAC and PC platforms
Relevant Work History
1999 – 2009 / Freelancing (JohnyVA)
Freelance Graphic Design / Artist & Art Direction
Through freelancing as a graphic designer / art director in various local and national music scenes, I have been able to secure my own niche in this extremely interesting and rewarding industry. This has given me the opportunity to develop both personal and professional relationships with some of New Zealand’s premiere musicians and artists. As my client base has been created through word of mouth and reputation alone, I have never need to advertise, even when the job has not been music related. I take pride in my freelance work and this is reflected in my work history and client base.
Jan 2005 – Oct 2007 / Academy Group
Art Director / Graphic Designer
Academy Group is a conglomerate of companies that publish a large variety of directly marketed print media products. Originally joining the company as a graphic designer, early in 2006 I was given the title of Art Director and challenged with the task of lifting the quality of all products across the board, this included full re-branding, clearly defining styles and formats. Role also included liaising directly with advertising sales contractors and their clients, directing other graphic designers and production team members, working very closely with the editorial department
and senior management.
Jan 2002 – Dec 2002 / Design & Arts College of NZ
Part-time Graphic Design Tutor
Tutored two classes, 14 students each class in Graphic Design. Responsibilities
included preparation for class, creation of assignments and marking. Also
to provide support for students and 1-on-1 tutoring when required.
Education
2003 . Christchurch Polytechnic
Graduates Diploma in 3D Modeling & Animation
2002 . Career Link College
National Certificate of Web Programming & Design
1999 – 2001 . Design & Arts College of NZ
National Certificate of Communication Arts & Design
1994 – 1998 . Christchurch Boys High School
Consistantly high marks in Art & Design
1996 . University of Canterbury, School of Fine Arts
Selected & sponsored by Creative New Zealand to attend
the Pacific Print Workshop with resident artist Fatu Feu’u
1992 . Impact College of Continuing Education
12 week Creative Art course
Skills & Strengths
Can accurately translate the desires of a client into a graphic medium.
I enjoy finding creative solutions for problems when required.
Can work individually or as a member of a team.
I Can work within deadlines and budgets efficiently.
Can direct and manage people effectively.
Adaptable and a quick learner.
Good client liaison skills.
Diligent and conscientious.
Enthusiastic and dedicated.
Focused and determined.
Attention to detail.
Passionate and honest.
