Hi, I’m J. Christopher Schmidt, a freelance graphic designer and illustrator based in Medina, Ohio, with over 15 years of experience crafting branding, packaging, catalogs, and licensed artwork for a wide range of clients. I enjoy turning concepts into polished visuals, from logos and branding to illustration, poster art, and product packaging. I’m comfortable collaborating across teams and vendors, juggling deadlines, and delivering thoughtful design that connects with audiences. When I’m not drawing or vectorizing, I’m exploring new software, learning new techniques, or helping small businesses and indie projects tell their stories through strong visual design.

J. Christopher Schmidt

Hi, I’m J. Christopher Schmidt, a freelance graphic designer and illustrator based in Medina, Ohio, with over 15 years of experience crafting branding, packaging, catalogs, and licensed artwork for a wide range of clients. I enjoy turning concepts into polished visuals, from logos and branding to illustration, poster art, and product packaging. I’m comfortable collaborating across teams and vendors, juggling deadlines, and delivering thoughtful design that connects with audiences. When I’m not drawing or vectorizing, I’m exploring new software, learning new techniques, or helping small businesses and indie projects tell their stories through strong visual design.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m J. Christopher Schmidt, a freelance graphic designer and illustrator based in Medina, Ohio, with over 15 years of experience crafting branding, packaging, catalogs, and licensed artwork for a wide range of clients. I enjoy turning concepts into polished visuals, from logos and branding to illustration, poster art, and product packaging.

I’m comfortable collaborating across teams and vendors, juggling deadlines, and delivering thoughtful design that connects with audiences. When I’m not drawing or vectorizing, I’m exploring new software, learning new techniques, or helping small businesses and indie projects tell their stories through strong visual design.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Illustrator & Graphic Designer at Artisticschmidt
July 31, 2008 - Present
Providing custom creative services for businesses and individual clients -Designed apparel, logos, characters, and posters for various clients (2022–2025) -Created four album covers for independent musicians (2018–2025) -Illustrated three comic book covers for Kickstarter campaigns (2023) -Launched Etsy shop “Art Doodle Designz” featuring stylized dog clip art, seasonal designs, and SVG files (Jan 2022) -Collaborated with Medina Youth Lacrosse Association to develop two team logos (2020–2021) -Conceptualized nautical-themed designs and ornaments for SolarX Eyewear (Sep–Dec 2018) -Supported graphic services department at Dorn Color (May 2017–Jan 2018) -Painted a large-scale wall and logo mural for Heartsong Yoga Studio (Aug–Sep 2017) -Co-developed educational line, catalogs, packaging, signage, and licensed products for Pat Catan’s and other retailers at Darice (2010–2015) -Drafted departmental logos for National Interstate Insurance (Jun–Sep 2015) -Penciled and inked a 22-page comic book, Steve Jobs: Co-Founder of Apple, for Bluewater Productions (Sep 2011) -Refurbished artwork for The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe, Vol. 6–10 (2009–2010) -Depicted licensed packaging and products for Nickelodeon, Capcom, Activision, Epic, Tapout, and Live Nation at Classic Imports (2009–2010) -Refined preliminary illustration concepts for Malamed Riley Advertising (Jan 2009) -Produced vector illustrations of blinds and shades for MAG Resources catalogs (May 2009) -Developed car wraps and logos for Wrap Squad (May 2009) -Updated packaging designs for Creativity For Kids (Mar 2009)
Toy Designer, Product Development Team at Wild Republic
August 1, 2008 - October 4, 2025
Collaborated with overseas vendors to create samples, make revisions, and finalize plush and toy designs. Traveled to China and NYC Toy Fair for industry research and analysis. Proposed custom products for Disney, National Geographic, Sea World, and The Natural History Museum (London).
Art Director and Graphic Designer at ABC Signs and Graphics Inc.
July 31, 2007 - October 3, 2025
Printed hi-res art for large-format printing and signage; managed artwork development, equipment maintenance, and printing materials; proposed business cards, brochures, ads, signage, and vehicle wraps.
Freelance Graphic Designer and Illustrator at Artisticschmidt
August 1, 2008 - Present
Freelance graphic designer and illustrator providing education line catalogs, packaging, brochures, and licensed products; co-developed product lines, logos, and vector artwork; produced and updated packaging, logos, and branded items; created art for licensing with major brands and licenses; launched an Etsy shop featuring stylized art and SVG files.
Toy Designer, Product Development Team at Wild Republic
August 1, 2007 - August 1, 2008
Collaborated with overseas vendors to create samples, revise designs, and finalize plush and toy designs; traveled to China and NYC toy fairs for research; proposed custom products for Disney, National Geographic, Sea World, and The Natural History Museum (London).

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Illustration at The Columbus College of Art & Design
August 1, 1995 - December 1, 2000
-Scholarship Recipient -Dean’s List Honors
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at The Columbus College of Art & Design
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2000

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Retail, Education, Professional Services, Other, Software & Internet, Consumer Goods
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