Hello! I'm Dan
I am an expert in visual communication.
Much of what I do is commonly referred to as “graphic design”, but what makes me different as a Visual Communication Expert is my specialization in data-driven design solutions. I see myself as less of an artist and more of a design engineer. I like to analyze my client’s target audience and message to develop design solutions that communicate efficiently while also being entertaining and visually appealing.
I guess I would just describe myself as an expert at communicating – visually speaking...
Daniel Winters
EXPERT, VISUALLY SPEAKING
Visual Communication
Graphic Design
Photography
Creative Problem Solving
Systems Thinking
Accountable
Innovative
Visionary
EXPERIENCE
2021-PRESENT
Graphic Designer
INOVA HEALTH SYSTEM:
INOVA CENTER FOR PERSONALIZED HEALTH
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Collaborate with creative director and stakeholders to comprehend and translate creative briefs into strong visual solutions that meet project goals.
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Translate ideas into design solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and brand compliant.
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Develop campaign assets, fliers, posters, banners, vehicle wraps infographics, social media imagery, digital banners, digital signage, screen savers, etc.
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Research and execute custom graphic needs, including acquisition of stock photos, and arrangements for custom illustration (i.e. detailed medical illustration).
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Determine size and layout of graphics based on media type, knowledge of layout principles, aesthetic design concepts and end-user utility.
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Manage multiple projects and deadlines, prioritizing work as necessary and in-line with system strategic priorities to complete projects in a high pressure, fast pace environment.
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Assist with the development of administration of the organization’s first Digital Asset Management System (DAM).
2016-2021
Internal Communications Specialist
INOVA HEALTH SYSTEM:
INOVA FAIRFAX MEDICAL CAMPUS
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Serve as sole Graphic and Information Designer.
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Assess large amounts of data to conceptualize and create aesthetically pleasing visual representations that are easy to interpret quickly.
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Develop eye catching and brand compliant event materials such as invitations, posters, menus, programs, banners, table tents, digital signage, etc.
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Create various educational print and digital materials used to train or inform staff in a format that most effectively targets their specific demographic.
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Assist in the planning, development, and execution of executive level video presentations.
2007-2016
Multimedia Design & Production Specialist
FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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Served as the Lead Graphic Designer and Lead Creative.
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Meet with clients to conduct design and creative consultations which requires me to analyze their audience and understand their goals and specifications in order to create custom design and visual communication solutions to effectively meet and exceed their expectations.
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Examined various media including manuscripts, electronic files, and other related materials to determine if the furnished materials are adequate for project completion.
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Utilized vast knowledge of effective visual communication to select typefaces and fonts, determine what illustrative, photographic, and other graphic materials will be utilized or created, decide how to best layout imagery, headings, and body copy to adequately engage the audience, readers, or users.
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Produced designs for pamphlets, posters, banners, mouse pads, brochures, book marks, display boards, Nomadic displays, e-Publication, web sites, DVDs, CDs, and more; all and very fast-paced quick turn-around environment.
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Managed client accounts and maintain consistent communications throughout the project life-cycle to ensure the project stays on track and the client, department, or agency stays confidently informed.
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Served as a Creative Consultant to my clients and colleagues in the planning and execution of their various projects.
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Oversaw the output quality of my subordinates, and assess print and design requests in order to prevent copyright infringement.
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Developed and improve policies, procedures, and best practices for upper management to ensure the department remains highly efficient and profitable.
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Troubleshot hardware and software issues as needed to keep us operational and delivering projects on-time.
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Utilized skills as a professional and experienced photographer as needed.
EDUCATION
2010
Bachelor's Degree
VISUAL COMMUNICATION
MINOR: DIGITAL DESIGN
AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY ONLINE
GPA: 4.0; Graduated Summa Cum Laude
2008
Associate's Degree
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
MINOR: VISUAL COMMUNICATION
AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY ONLINE
GPA: 3.42
2005
High School Diploma
MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
CENTREVILLE, VIRGINIA
CONTINUING
EDWARD TUFTE'S
PRESENTING DATA AND INFORMATION
MAY 2011
KELBY TRAINING LIVE
PHOTOSHOP CREATIVITY TOUR
JULY 2010
NICK SAGLIMBENI'S
MASTERING RETOUCHING
2010
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
2010
AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY
GRADUATED WITH HONORS;
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
2012 + 2014
GRAPHIC DESIGN USA
AWARD WINNER
2015
NOMINATED/FINALIST
FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
SKILLS
EXPERT
Adobe Photoshop | Adobe Illustrator | Adobe InDesign | Adobe Acrobat | Adobe Lightroom | Microsoft Office | Digital Photography
PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT
HP Designjet Z6100 | HP Designjet L25500 | EPSON Stylus Pro 4900 and 9900 | EPSON SureColor 70675 | Ricoh C720 | Ricoh C5500 | Xerox office printers | Primera High Volume CD/DVD Duplication Systems | Full Spectrum 40W CO2 Laser Cutter/Engraver | GBC Large Format Laminators | GBC Book Binding Systems | High Volume Folding Machines | High Volume Cutting Machines
ADVANCED
Adobe After Effects | Adobe Premier | Photodex ProShow Producer | ONYX Postershop | BMC Remedy | HTML | CSS
TRANSFERABLE
Written and verbal communication, team player, able to supervise others, multi-tasking, able to effectively work and manage time independently, creative problem solver, detail oriented, able to follow and execute complex instructions, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, able to work in fast paced environments, resourceful when approached with unfamiliar tasks and topics, exercises emotional intelligence, passionate and committed to my work.