Available to hire
Hi! I’m Ken Simonsen, an award-winning artist and airbrush designer with a passion for creative expression and design. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience working as an art director and illustrator in various industries ranging from sports publications to themed entertainment. I thrive in collaborative environments and always stay open to learning new techniques and ideas.
I own Psymonsen Studios, where I create award-winning custom airbrush artwork and design, and I also contribute to the arts community as the Founding Director of Oddball Art Labs, a non-profit focused on advancing art in the Chicagoland area. I enjoy blending traditional and digital artistry to bring unique projects to life and look forward to new creative challenges.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Art Director of Games & Leisure Inc.; Art Director of Pool & Billiard Magazine; Graphics Design Specialist at Sports Publications, LTD.
December 31, 1998 - July 24, 2025Directed art for industry-leading publications, performed page design, traditional and digital illustration, ad and website design. Created promotional packages, including securing the first-ever corporate sponsor of professional pocket billiards.
Part-time Freelance Illustrator at Self Employed
December 31, 2001 - July 24, 2025Worked closely with agencies and publishers to create and coordinate production of four-color brochures, seminar materials, logos, and billboards, managing printer and reproduction processes.
Art Director at H&S Media Incorporated
December 31, 1999 - July 24, 2025Managed page design and multi-media illustration, including ad design for Mary Beth's Beanie World Monthly and Core Sports.
Designer and Production Specialist at RR Donnelley
December 31, 2022 - July 24, 2025Designed and produced packaging for Walmart Canada.
Owner and Artist at Psymonsen Studios
January 1, 2001 - PresentOwner of an award-winning airbrush and design studio. Featured artist in several airbrushing art books.
Founding Director at NFP Oddball Art Labs
January 1, 2014 - PresentLed a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing the arts presence in the Fox Valley and greater Chicagoland area.
Art Director / Sign Maker at Santa’s Village / SV Enterprises
January 1, 2023 - PresentCreated designs and marketing graphics for web and print, including logos and signs for rides, restaurants, games, and attractions throughout the park.
Art Director at Sports Publications, LTD., Glendale Heights, IL
December 31, 1998 - July 24, 2025Served as Art Director of Games & Leisure Inc. and Pool & Billiard Magazine, overseeing page design, traditional and digital illustration, ad design, and website design. Played a key role in designing the promotional package that secured the historic first-ever corporate sponsor of professional pocket billiards: Gordon's Gin & Vodka. Also contributed as Graphics Design Specialist in Media Relations and Sports Marketing Division.
Part-time Freelance Illustrator at Self Employed, Elgin, IL
December 31, 2001 - July 24, 2025Collaborated closely with agencies and publishers, creating and coordinating jobs with printers and reproductive arts companies. Designed four-color brochures, seminar materials, logos, and billboards.
Art Director at H&S Media Incorporated, Bannockburn, IL
December 31, 1999 - July 24, 2025Managed page design, traditional and multi-media illustration, and ad design for Mary Beth’s Beanie World Monthly and Core Sports.
Designer and Production at RR Donnelley, Elgin, IL
December 31, 2022 - July 24, 2025Designed and produced packaging for Walmart Canada.
Owner and Artist at Psymonsen Studios
January 1, 2001 - PresentRun an award-winning airbrush and design studio. Featured artist in Doug Mitchel's "Airbrushing 101", "Bodypainting" and "The Airbrush Bible".
Founding Director at NFP Oddball Art Labs
January 1, 2014 - PresentLead a nonprofit artist-based organization created to advance the presence of the arts in the Fox Valley and greater Chicagoland area.
Art Director / Sign Maker at Santa’s Village / SV Enterprises
January 1, 2023 - PresentCreate designs and marketing graphics for web and print use. Design logos and signs for rides, restaurants, games, and other attractions throughout the park.
Art Director at Sports Publications, LTD.
December 31, 1998 - July 24, 2025Directed art for Games & Leisure Inc. and Pool & Billiard Magazine, handling page design, traditional and digital illustration, ad and website design. Created promotional packages, including a historic sponsorship deal with Gordon’s Gin & Vodka for professional pocket billiards.
Part-time Freelance Illustrator at Self Employed
December 31, 2001 - July 24, 2025Collaborated with agencies and publishers to create and coordinate graphic jobs including four-color brochures, seminar materials, logos, and billboards, managing printer and reproductive arts company relations.
Art Director at H&S Media Incorporated
December 31, 1999 - July 24, 2025Led page design, traditional and multimedia illustration, and advertising design for publications including Mary Beth’s Beanie World Monthly and Core Sports.
Design and Production Specialist at RR Donnelley
December 31, 2022 - July 24, 2025Designed and produced packaging materials for Walmart Canada, focusing on efficient and eye-catching designs to meet corporate standards.
Owner and Artist at Psymonsen Studios
January 1, 2001 - PresentOwner of an award-winning airbrush and design studio. Featured artist in multiple airbrushing publications focusing on bodypainting and airbrush art techniques.
Founding Director at Oddball Art Labs
January 1, 2014 - PresentCreated and led an artist-based non-profit organization aiming to advance the arts in the Fox Valley and Chicagoland area.
Art Director / Sign Maker at Santa’s Village / SV Enterprises
January 1, 2023 - PresentDesigned marketing graphics for web and print, logos and signs for various park attractions including rides, restaurants, and games, enhancing guest experience through appealing visuals.
Education
High School Diploma at Valley Lutheran High School, St. Charles, Illinois
January 1, 1980 - December 31, 1984College Coursework at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
January 1, 1984 - December 31, 1988High School Diploma at Valley Lutheran High School, St. Charles, Illinois
January 1, 1985 - December 31, 1989College at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
January 1, 1989 - December 31, 1991High School Diploma at Valley Lutheran High School, St. Charles, Illinois
January 1, 1985 - December 31, 1988College Studies at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1989Qualifications
Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Consumer Goods, Retail, Professional Services
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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