Hi, I’m Cristian Ion, a graphic designer and visual arts teacher who loves exploring the intersection of graphic design and fine arts to communicate ideas with style and clarity. I’m always thinking about different ways to create aesthetic and artistic products and environments that engage and inspire. I’m deeply intrigued by intercultural understanding and conflict resolution, and I enjoy tackling problems with a hands-on approach while staying quick to learn. I thrive in collaborative environments and love bringing visuals to life through thoughtful design and storytelling.

Cristian Ion

Hi, I’m Cristian Ion, a graphic designer and visual arts teacher who loves exploring the intersection of graphic design and fine arts to communicate ideas with style and clarity. I’m always thinking about different ways to create aesthetic and artistic products and environments that engage and inspire. I’m deeply intrigued by intercultural understanding and conflict resolution, and I enjoy tackling problems with a hands-on approach while staying quick to learn. I thrive in collaborative environments and love bringing visuals to life through thoughtful design and storytelling.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Cristian Ion, a graphic designer and visual arts teacher who loves exploring the intersection of graphic design and fine arts to communicate ideas with style and clarity. I’m always thinking about different ways to create aesthetic and artistic products and environments that engage and inspire.

I’m deeply intrigued by intercultural understanding and conflict resolution, and I enjoy tackling problems with a hands-on approach while staying quick to learn. I thrive in collaborative environments and love bringing visuals to life through thoughtful design and storytelling.

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Language

Romanian, Moldavian, Moldovan
Fluent
English
Advanced

Work Experience

Freelance Graphic Designer at Studio Lemon
January 1, 2020 - November 9, 2025
Created layouts for brochures, presentations, and books; designed visual identities for events and campaigns; produced illustrations for product presentations, magazines, and books; managed product photography and editing; contributed to exhibit design and promotional materials; freelance work for multiple clients.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Self-employed
January 1, 2020 - November 9, 2025
Illustrated characters and environmental elements for short animations and storytelling videos; created logos and visual identities; laid out brochures, presentations, and books; designed websites; managed event photography and exhibition visuals
Visual Arts Teacher at Logos Baptist High School
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Developed and delivered visual arts curricula; created logos and visual identities for campaigns; guided students through design projects and storytelling through visuals
Illustrator at Studio Lemon
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Created layouts for brochures, presentations, and books; illustrated characters and environmental elements for publications

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design at National University of Arts in Bucharest
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2018
Bachelor's Degree in Biblical and Intercultural Studies at National University of Arts in Bucharest
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023
Bachelor's Degree in Biblical and Intercultural Studies at All Nations Christian College
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2018
Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design at National University of Arts in Bucharest
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023

Qualifications

Talent 35th Anniversary Exhibition Award
January 1, 2025 - November 9, 2025
Fundatia Principesa Margareta Talent
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
International Etching Biennial Award Winner
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Talent 35th Anniversary Exhibit
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Fundatia Principesa Margareta - Talent
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
International Etching Biennial Award
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services
    paper Techno Dystopia

    These past few weeks I have been using my free time to work on this series of three illustrations in order to develop my storytelling abilities and to make art concept for a future animation. In this dystopian universe the dynamic between technology, nature, and man is turned upside down. Technology is no longer controlled by man and shows its maleficent side. Nature is depicted by an infuriated wolf who acts as any animal would when its territory is trespassed upon. I was inspired by Japanese mythology as well as biblical subjects such as the Apocalypse. At the bottom are design applications I created for t-shirt and skateboard merchandise.

    paper Children's book illustration

    I illustrated my two daughters in different scenarios and styles to entertain them and nurture their love for storytelling. I also showcase my adaptability to various styles of children’s book illustration.

    Enjoy!

    paper Visual and Brand IDENTITY

    Hello! Here are some projects I’ve had the pleasure of working on over the years in the UK and Romania. In each of these, I developed the client’s visual identity, provided guidance, and represented their needs based on the agreed brief, with the goal of maximizing profit, brand awareness, and online presence.

    Enjoy!

    paper Ma ‘間’- a Japanese concept of negative space

    ‘Ma’ depending on the context can be translated as “gap,” “space,” “interval,” or “pause.” It can be seen in the space between the flowers in the Art of Flower Arrangement ‘Ikebana’; it can be heard in the silence and pauses left in music, in the harmony of the tea ceremony, in the symmetry of family crests, and the most frequently encountered, in the pauses left in speaking the Japanese language. The use is endless, and the aesthetical and philosophical application of this concept is as vast as Japan itself. The negative space, or pause, is meant to bring harmony in a context or environment that is chaotic, fast-paced, overcrowded, clamorous and visually loaded.
    This art exhibition presents a prayer walk with a dual purpose: to help UK-based churches gain an understanding of Japan and the need to send missionaries there, and to create opportunities for reflection on the transformative effects of working in transcultural mission.

    paper Prey on Cain, Music Video Animation

    The purpose of this project is to convey a message as well as respond to a need in the musical field. This project consisted of creating the visual identity of a band through animation, merchandise, and design applications specific to the genre’s context. The animation was made to accompany a rock melody, specifically post-rock, a musical sub-genre that generally does not use vocal elements, only instrumental. The song and animation depicts Cain’s journey, and the proposed message in man’s departure from Creator. The animation illustrates an inner journey and a quest for self as the main character flees continuously in search of meaning and purpose. “Prey on Cain” is a video clip made entirely in Adobe, Illustrator and After Effects, and is addressed to persons interested in rock and post-rock music. Additional materials created include a logo, book, poster, and DVD and vinyl cover art.