I started as a third shift proofreader, helping the graphic designers limit errors and follow the instructions for each ad, then worked with the sales representatives to make certain that their needs were being met, as well as helping them understand the points-of-view of the designers.

After a year and a half, I started training to be a graphic designer. After 2 years, I was promoted to Composer Level 4, which is the top rank a designer could reach in the Flyer Prepress. Our job duties were to help the other designers with their tasks, assist Creative Services with layouts and designs for the larger and more valuable clients, sort and assign the nightly jobs appropriately based on the skill levels and talents of our coworkers, prepare the film output to be ready to burn to plate, and train new designers (often straight out of school) in how to apply their technical knowledge into the newspaper advertising field effectively.

The majority of my freelance business has been designing direct mail Coupon Magazines for independent publishers across the continental United States. In this, I take the publisher’s information for their customers, create a unique advertisement for each of them (sometimes proofing through the publisher, sometimes directly), and once all of the ads are approved, I set up the layout, output the magazine and when all is done, send press-ready content to the printer of their choice.

Other than that, the usual: business cards, restaurant menus, posters, flyers, postcards, menus, brochures, creating and running Facebook pages and the occasional website… if it can be printed, I will use Adobe software to make it pop.