I am a multi-disciplinary designer with extensive experience in graphic design, publishing, sales, and customer service, grounded in education. I have a proven track record of leading projects from concept through final production, while effectively managing collaboration across teams. I excel at translating ideas into reader-friendly editions and compelling visuals, bridging creative and production workflows to deliver high-quality outputs on schedule. My strengths include formatting for publishing, image optimization, and coordinating cross-functional teams to bring print and digital projects to life.…

Rick Ellis

I am a multi-disciplinary designer with extensive experience in graphic design, publishing, sales, and customer service, grounded in education. I have a proven track record of leading projects from concept through final production, while effectively managing collaboration across teams. I excel at translating ideas into reader-friendly editions and compelling visuals, bridging creative and production workflows to deliver high-quality outputs on schedule. My strengths include formatting for publishing, image optimization, and coordinating cross-functional teams to bring print and digital projects to life.…

Available to hire

I am a multi-disciplinary designer with extensive experience in graphic design, publishing, sales, and customer service, grounded in education. I have a proven track record of leading projects from concept through final production, while effectively managing collaboration across teams.

I excel at translating ideas into reader-friendly editions and compelling visuals, bridging creative and production workflows to deliver high-quality outputs on schedule. My strengths include formatting for publishing, image optimization, and coordinating cross-functional teams to bring print and digital projects to life.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Automotive Sales Associate at Lindsay CDJR of Manassas
February 1, 2025 - November 27, 2025
Automotive sales for both New and Pre-Owned vehicles; managing multiple accounts; guiding customers from initial inquiry to final contract.
Automotive Sales Associate at Lindsay Buick GMC
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Automotive sales for both New and Pre-Owned vehicles; managing multiple accounts; leading customers from inquiry to contract.
Desktop Publisher/Graphic Designer at Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Led design discovery and definition for print materials such as magazines, annual reports, and directories; collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders; organized design reviews; managed design schedules and pipeline; provided graphic and logistic support for annual convention.
Lead Graphic Designer at Observer Newspapers
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Created advertisements for print/web and handled pre-press production; designed and managed the company website; managed multiple advertising accounts.
Lead Graphic Designer at McCabe’s Minuteman Press
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003
Led graphic design projects and managed client accounts for print and digital materials.
Sound Engineer/Editor at Commuter’s Library
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 1999
Sound engineering and editing work across projects.
Educator - Grades 5-12 at Highlands School/Oakhill Academy
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 1995
Educator teaching grades 5-12, supporting curriculum and student development.
Publishing Formatting Specialist at Self-employed
January 1, 2015 - Present
Prepare and format text and images for publication of public domain books across multiple platforms, including Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Barnes & Noble Press. Convert raw source materials into professionally structured digital and print-ready formats, ensuring consistency in typography, layout, and visual presentation. Edit and optimize images for clarity and proper placement within manuscripts. Apply style guidelines and formatting standards for eBooks and print editions, including EPUB and PDF specifications. Conduct quality checks to ensure accuracy, readability, and compliance with platform requirements. Collaborate within publishing workflows to efficiently produce high-quality, reader-friendly editions of classic literary works.
Customer Support Specialist at Mpathic
January 1, 2025 - Present
Handle moderate to high volumes of inbound calls from families regarding the West Virginia Hope Scholarship program, delivering timely and professional assistance. Provide accurate and efficient processing of applications and related documentation in accordance with program guidelines. Guide families through eligibility requirements, application procedures, and technical processes specific to the West Virginia Hope Scholarship. Accurately document all interactions using CRM and CCaaS systems to maintain detailed and compliant records. Communicate with both families and internal teams to ensure understanding and resolution of inquiries.
Lead Desktop Publisher/Graphic Designer at Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2023
Led the creative direction for print projects such as magazines, annual reports, and directories. Worked closely with teams across Product, Content, and Marketing to align on goals and bring ideas to life. Ran regular design reviews, gathering feedback and refining work through each stage of development. Managed project timelines and kept deliverables on track from start to finish. Oversaw the full design pipeline to ensure smooth execution and consistent quality. Communicated clearly with external vendors, providing guidance and feedback to help ensure final outputs matched expectations.
Lead Graphic Designer at Observer Newspapers
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2018
Created print and digital advertisements for Observer publications, ensuring consistent branding and high-quality visual presentation across all materials. Managed pre-press production workflows, preparing files for print and coordinating with production teams to ensure accuracy and press readiness. Designed, updated, and maintained the company website, supporting both visual design and overall user experience to align with organizational goals and audience needs.
Automotive Sales Associate at Lindsay CDJR of Manassas/Lindsay Buick GMC
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025
Provided customer-focused sales support in a fast-paced automotive retail environment, leveraging product knowledge and visual merchandising to drive sales and customer satisfaction.
Lead Graphic Designer at McCabe’s Minuteman Press
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2003
Led design for print materials, including branding and pre-press workflows; managed client projects from concept to delivery.
Sound Engineer/Editor at Commuter’s Library
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1999
Engineered and edited audio content for library materials and related projects.
Educator - Grades 5-12 at Highlands School/Oakhill Academy
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1995
Educator delivering instruction across grades 5-12 with responsibility for curriculum and classroom management.
Independent Illustrator at Freelance
January 1, 1995 - Present
Freelance Illustration and Design work across various clients and projects.

Education

B.A. Liberal Arts at Thomas Aquinas College
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1995
Educator - Grades 5-12 at Highlands School/Oakhill Academy
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1995
Illustration and Painting at Dallas Art Institute
January 11, 2030 - November 27, 2025
B.A. Liberal Arts at Thomas Aquinas College
January 11, 2030 - November 27, 2025
Illustration and Painting at Dallas Art Institute
January 11, 2030 - April 28, 2026
B.A. Liberal Arts at Thomas Aquinas College
January 11, 2030 - April 28, 2026
Undergraduate studies at Christendom College
January 11, 2030 - April 28, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

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