I am Debra Wells, a seasoned media and design professional currently leading creative efforts in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the State of California. I manage a team of five creative professionals focused on video production, motion graphics, print production, studio podcasts for Spotify, and television production for statewide networks. I also shoot video, craft motion graphic campaigns, logos, signage, and annual reports, while mentoring the team to push creative boundaries. I previously co-founded DNA Publishing in 2006, creating Jane and Jane Magazine for national newsstands, and spent years as a freelance graphic designer working across magazines, books, videogame books and annual reports. I have served as Art Director for Imagine Media, leading design teams and producing hundreds of national covers and award-winning layouts.

Debra Wells

I am Debra Wells, a seasoned media and design professional currently leading creative efforts in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the State of California. I manage a team of five creative professionals focused on video production, motion graphics, print production, studio podcasts for Spotify, and television production for statewide networks. I also shoot video, craft motion graphic campaigns, logos, signage, and annual reports, while mentoring the team to push creative boundaries. I previously co-founded DNA Publishing in 2006, creating Jane and Jane Magazine for national newsstands, and spent years as a freelance graphic designer working across magazines, books, videogame books and annual reports. I have served as Art Director for Imagine Media, leading design teams and producing hundreds of national covers and award-winning layouts.

Available to hire

I am Debra Wells, a seasoned media and design professional currently leading creative efforts in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the State of California. I manage a team of five creative professionals focused on video production, motion graphics, print production, studio podcasts for Spotify, and television production for statewide networks. I also shoot video, craft motion graphic campaigns, logos, signage, and annual reports, while mentoring the team to push creative boundaries.

I previously co-founded DNA Publishing in 2006, creating Jane and Jane Magazine for national newsstands, and spent years as a freelance graphic designer working across magazines, books, videogame books and annual reports. I have served as Art Director for Imagine Media, leading design teams and producing hundreds of national covers and award-winning layouts.

See more

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Magazine Publisher / Art Director
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2014
2010-2014 magazine publisher / art director; managed editorial and creative direction for publications.
Freelance Designer
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010
Freelance designer working across print and web projects for various clients.
Magazine Publisher at DNA Publishing
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010
Co-launched DNA Publishing in 2006, creating Jane and Jane Magazine for national newsstands. As publisher, managed bi-monthly design, press checks, distribution, marketing, tradeshows, fulfillment, sales, advertising and subscriptions.
Art Director - Publishing
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2006
Led publishing design projects, directing teams to produce covers and layouts for multiple titles.
Art Director at Imagine Media / IDG Media
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 2000
As an Art Director, I managed a team of designers and produced over 80 national newsstand covers worldwide; assignments included directing photo shoots, designing magazines, annual reports and working with contractors. Magazines included: GamePro, GamePlayers, Games Business, Business 2.0, The Industry Standard.
Freelance Print, Web, Videographer and Conceptual Designer
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 2006
Prior to working for the state, spent 14 years as a professional graphic designer, most of my work was in magazine and book publishing, creating videogame books, strategy guides, online web books, medical health books, annual reports and logos. I worked for several video game clients who commissioned me from my known work from Imagine Media as an Art Director.

Education

Web Design, Post Production Video Editing, Motion Graphics, and Interactive Application Design at The Art Institute
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026
Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing Training at Master’s Institute
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026

Qualifications

A.A. Degree in Graphic Design, Web Design, Desktop Publishing and Interactive Media
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026

Industry Experience

Government, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education