Aaron Lee

Eight months ago, 1990 Advertising Design graduate, Aaron Lee launched his own design company, Alee Design Inc. As the President and Creative Director, he knows that the slow steady growth his company has had thus far will pay off with a firm proudly bearing his name. 

Over the last 12 years, Aaron has won several awards in various disciplines, but the diversity of the projects, media and companies he has been able to work with have been the most fulfilling. He has enjoyed directing several multimedia and design projects for Disney’s EPCOT center as well as building and running the international marketing for an application service provider. With all of his extensive expertise under his belt, his most rewarding experience has been launching his own design firm. 

Aaron is appreciative of the solid skill base and the relationships gained with his instructors that his education at AiFL provided. He feels his experience at AiFL allowed him to explore various different disciplines to see what interested him the most, guiding him in the direction of the type of career that would best suit his skills. It also taught him how to get used to having his work critiqued by his peers, which is something all creative professionals will deal with on a daily basis. 

When asked who his most influential instructor was, hands down he said Gary Tepper. In his words, “The man is disturbed.” At least that is what someone told him before he took his drawing class. Brutally honest and unwilling to give good grades just for showing up and being nice, Gary definitely earned his reputation. In the end, Aaron discovered a coach who was passionate about demanding you to delivery more than you realized you could. Whenever he reads the quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, he thinks of Gary: "“One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."” 

Aaron wants students to remember, “Don’t give less than you’ve really got and don’t settle for less than what you really deserve. Remember to have fun along the way!”

Adrien Balzano Spano

Adrien Balzano Spano graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design. She works as a Graphic Designer in the Visual Communications Department at Florida Atlantic University where she designs brochures, flyers, t-shirt, textbook figures and structures, PowerPoint presentations, posters for upcoming events and sporting events, and much more. 

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Adrien grew up in the Park Slope area. After graduating from FDR High School, art felt like a natural calling so she attended schools in New York and Florida as an art student. Adrien then taught preschool for 10 years after college but eventually decided to inch her way back into the art world. She chose The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale because of its outstanding program and reputation. Besides, her brother, Frank Balzano, attended the college several years earlier. (Yes, Mr. Balzano, one of the current Graphic Design instructors at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale). 

Adrien is the author of two books, From Out of Red Hook and Dida, and her third manuscript, Bury Me in Bob Mackie (a murder mystery), is almost completed. Adrien says, “My concept of art maintains that a story can be viewed all at once through beautiful visual imagery or it can be told through the arrangement and rhythm of the written word. As such, I believe that creative application takes many forms, all of which can inspire the mind and lift the soul. Art is powerful in any form.” 

About The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale she says, “My education at the college set the foundation for a rewarding career in Graphic Design. The conception and balance of graphic elements, ideas, and imagery has been a powerful tool in producing successful pieces of artwork. The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale gave me the knowledge to develop those skills and my education which has helped me in fulfilling my goal of becoming a professional artist.” 

Adrien says her most memorable experiences at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale had much to do with the people she met and the friendships she formed. She says, “Seeing the wonderful work produced by such amazing talent was both humbling and exciting. Being in the midst of that creativity made me feel a part of something that inspired me to achieve my artistic goals and it was also socially gratifying. 

Her advice to students, “Follow your dreams. Search and find your passions and if your passions don’t seem obvious at first, don’t loose hope because eventually they will find you…sometimes even the unlikely ones. LOVE what you do! An eight-hour workday is a big chunk of your life; make sure it is meaningful and make sure it is worth it. If it is then you’ll live each day with enthusiasm and anticipation for the next. Live your life heartfelt and true. Get excited about what you do!” 

Ana Marie Giraldo

Beautifully applying her phenomenal design skills, 2000 Graphic Design graduate, Ana Maria Giraldo is the Visual Merchandising Manager for the cosmetic company Estée Lauder. She is in charge of the coordination, design and implementation of the visual and promotional activity of the brand in the Latin America stores and Travel Retail (Americas) in accordance with New York’s office guidelines and direction. 

Ana Maria earned her first Bachelor Degree in Architecture from the Pontificia Bolivariana University in Medellin, Colombia. She then enrolled in The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale’s Graphic Design program for her second, applying The Art Institute Merit Scholarship she earned to attend. 

While in school, Ana Maria was in the Design Honors Group where she conceptualized and coordinated the highly praised Student Art Show "Experiment 0.0.0.4.- UNITY." She also participated in other Experiment Art Shows, and received Honorable Mention in the Student Juried Art Show of 1999. At graduation Ana Maria was awarded “Best Portfolio.” 

While being a full-time student she worked on various freelance projects, with clients like ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and United Bible Societies. 

At the present time she volunteers for “Niños Hacia el Futuro”-a nonprofit organization aiding destitute children in Colombia, and also volunteers for the Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department's project for the development of the Playground Station at Holiday Park. 

Ana Maria attributes some of her success to her experience at AiFL. “The Art Institute opened for me the doors to the American and professional world. With the scholarship it gave me the opportunity to start, and from there the continuous instructors guidance, the school activities, the always effective employment assistance and the possibility of having access to the technical world gave me the keys to pursue the career I really love.” 

Bonnie Lallky-Seibert

The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is proud to highlight Bonnie Lallky-Seibert in this edition of the Alumni Newsletter. A 1985 graduate of our Ad Design program, Bonnie has created a delicious career. She has been a professional illustrator for over twenty years now. Her background is in traditional studio media, and sculpture was always a favorite. Mostly, she has focused on a 3-dimensional collage style, with a humorous viewpoint in her works. 

During her time at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Bonnie’s favorite teacher was Paula Gillam. “With her, anything was possible,” she says. 

“Do what you love, you will find a showcase for it.” 

Bonnie has received several awards for her illustrations from the Society of Illustrators in New York and Los Angeles, The American Advertising Federation, and The 3-Dimensional Illustration Exhibition Annuals I through IV. In addition, her, large humorous creature sculptures, rendered in fabric soft-sculpture, have been included in fine art exhibitions, including the Hortt 30th and 33rd Exhibitions at The Museum of Art of Fort Lauderdale. 

Fortunately for the art world, Bonnie understands the importance of continuing her education. Her love of sculpture led her to develop crafting skills in silver jewelry. One of her recent pieces, titled, what else, but “Bonnie's Bon Bons” became the lead display at the opening at Florida Craftsmen Gallery this past March in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

There is passion in her work and her advice to young designers is to “Do what you love, you will find a showcase for it.” 

Have a great success story you’d like to share? Email: lthurman@aii.edu for submission details. 

Brett Selwitz

Brett Selwitz graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale’s Visual Communications program with an associate degree in 1987. He grew up in Coral Springs and attended the college’s program teen program. While attending JP Taravella High School, Brett was very interested in art, particularly drawing. After attending the University of Florida for a year, Brett realized he wanted to do something more creative and moved back to South Florida. His mother, Beverly Clarke, was, as still is, working at AiFL as an admissions director and convinced him to apply for the Visual Communications program and “the rest is history!” 

He was a co-founder of QuickSigns on the 17th Street causeway in Fort Lauderdale from 1990-97. In 1997, Brett began his second company The Great American Sign Company in West Palm Beach. He now owns the trademark of the Great American Sign Company and is opening his new location in Knoxville, Tennessee as president and owner. His list of clients over the past 15 years includes SeaEscape, Sun-Sentinel, American Cancer Society, and Northstar Homes. 

The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale taught Brett how to persevere and work hard. “Even if you can’t do it, you must keep going until you get it done if it’s your goal,” says Brett. “You have to be able to take criticism from people because it’s important to succeed. I oversee employees and sometimes must criticize their work. Some people cannot handle it. Critiques in class helped me learn this idea because someone will like your work while others will not. Being able to take criticism is important to your creative growth.” 

Brett’s advice to students is, “Absorb as much as you can, even if it is something you don’t like or a class that you don’t enjoy because in a million years I never thought I’d be a sign maker. I hated typography class, but now I deal with letters everyday in life and that is the foundation of my career.” 

Brian Hurewitz

Brian Hurewitz, a 2000 Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design graduate, is currently VP, Senior Art Director at Green Team in New York City. He was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale and started classes at AiFL after graduating from Plantation High School. As the Senior Art Director, Brian works with Creative Director and AiFL alumnus Jimmie Stone to manage the creative department of nine. Green Team is New York's first and only environmentally and socially focused agency and his department conceptualizes, executes, and manages multimedia campaigns for clients such as National Geographic, WWF, Conservation International, BP, Johnson and Johnson, Coca-Cola, Scotland, Ecuador and The Principality of Monaco. 

Brian attributes his education at AiFL for his success. He says, “The curriculum of the program has proven to be invaluable in my career. Rather than focusing on the computer, the first few semesters stressed the importance of basic drawing skills - perspective, composition, shading/lighting and color. I applied that knowledge in the following semesters to thumbnail and comp hundreds of ideas for conceptual thinking, illustration and design/layout classes. Throughout that time, I learned technical skills that ranged from using the computer to the basics of hand-comping dummies and mounting final pieces. Five years later, working as an art director in NYC, I apply most, if not all of these same skills to my client work. I learned a craft. I could finally say, like my dad and his dad before him, I was a craftsman.” 

Some of Brian’s fondest memories of his time at AiFL were when he used his friends and family in his projects. “As a student, you have limited access to models and photographers. So when you have an idea you have to be creative in how to execute it. I was lucky enough to have friends and parents who didn't mind looking or acting funny in front of the camera. The topper was when my parents starred in my student production of an Advil television commercial. The set was my parents' bedroom. My dad was persistent. My mom had a headache. The title, No More Excuses, Get Some. An Oscar worthy performance that still has us laughing.” 

Brian’s advice to students is, “Learn everything you can about your respective field of study. Learn every aspect from the history to who is shaping the future. Learn that there is only so much your teachers can teach you. And the most important thing of all, the thing that keeps me humble and hungry, just when you think you've learned it all, learn that you still have a lot to learn.” 

Eduardo A. Rangel

Green Team Junior Art Director 
As a child, Eduardo's experience in the drama club cultivated his superstar complex. Unfortunately, his parents pulled him out of the drama club on account of slipping grades before he made it big, but his creative spirit was never conquered. A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Eduardo received his advertising degree from El Instituto de Nuevas Profesiones before he came to the U.S. at age 20 to improve his English. He did so at The Art Institute of Florida, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. in graphic design and met his partner and conceptual co-conspirator, Jimmie Stone. They are excited to be reunited at Green Team to follow their mutual goal of manifesting BIG ideas. Eduardo is very passionate about his design work. He is also an exceptional air drummer in his spare time. 

Frank Cambeletta

Frank Cambeletta is an Art Director for the MARC USA advertising firm and Senior Art Director on the Greater Fort Lauderdale Conventions & Visitors Bureau account. The awarding winning sunny.org advertising campaign has received numerous awards including: the Addys, the Flagler Awards and the Webbys. Frank graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design and then went on to obtain a Master of Fine Arts from Miami International University of Art and Design. 

While in school, Frank pursed every option for getting his work recognized. He received numerous awards including the 2000 Addy from the Fort Lauderdale Ad Club, a nomination for Best Porftolio in Graphic Design, Honorable Mention in The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Annual Student Art Show, and winner of the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Starlight Musicals poster design in Design Honors. Frank is credited with the establishment of the college’s Art Asylum club with Graphic Design Program Chair Chriss David. He coordinated guest speakers and special art shows and he was a member of the President’s Ambassador’s Council. Frank is quick to point out how Chriss David influenced him, “She picked me up while I was down, refined my talents and spent extra time with me.” 

Frank’s graphic design background includes Associate Art Director for the Florida Panthers and Mars Music where he was responsible for ad production, ad layout, conceptual development, campaigns, and branding. 

A native of Fort Lauderdale, Frank had a rough childhood, dropped out of high school, later receiving his high school diploma from a magnet program. He found himself as a waiter and bartender, knowing he wanted to do more with his life and artistic interests. One day, he received The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale catalog, checked out the school, and found it a “cool,” environment, liked the people, and appreciated the open-minded attitudes. Frank entered Computer Animation as his initial program, but was persuaded to switch to Advertising/Graphic Design, and the rest is history. 

Igor de Silva

Igor da Silva, package and graphic designer with the international food company Sadia, graduated with a bachelor degree in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in June 2003. Igor was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil and often visited his aunt in Pompano Beach. On one of his summer vacations she brought him to an Open House at the college. He instantly fell in love with what he saw and immediately enrolled. 

He moved to the Florida in April 2000 to begin the associate degree program and later decided to also get his bachelor degree. While at AiFL, he interned for the Communications Department creating newsletters, T-shirts, flyers, direct mailers, brochures, and invitations for events at the college. “My internship was the best because I learned so much from it. I got real world and hands-on experience from it.” His achievements also include graduating from the Honor’s Program and receiving first prize in the International Student Art Show. 

“I was both lucky and surprised to get a job at such a great company,” says Igor, “especially in Brazil. I am very confident with my work and AiFL had a lot to do with that.” 

His advice to current students is, “It doesn’t really matter where you are now. If you like what you do and you feel confident about what you are doing, you’ll find what you’re looking for.” 

Jair Acevedo

Jair Acevedo, a December 2003 Bachelor of Science Graphic Design graduate, works at Florida International University as a Creative Director. His responsibilities include maintaining the company appearance in regards to brochures, logos, presentations, etc. He was also instrumental in the launching of online learning at Florida International University and has helped to develop several new and innovative courses that employ various types of graphic design, flash and multimedia use. 

Jair was born in Hackensack, New Jersey and moved to Miami when he was seven years old. He was enrolled in D.A.S.H. Magnet High School (Design Architecture Senior High) to study Architecture, thereby later realizing that Graphic Design was a better fit for him. “AiFL was an attractive institution to me because I was interested in applying newly acquired skills immediately. Although theory is important, I was more interested in the practical (hands-on) approach to learning that is offered at AiFL.”

Jair points to AiFL for many of his career accomplishments. “Attending AiFL has impacted by success immensely. Due to the fact that AiFL has many different careers paths to choose from, I was able to find the right one for me and at the same time explore other avenues by interacting with the various students/designers. I have brought these experiences with me to the professional world. Although I am a Graphic Designer, the experiences I have had with other students at AiFL has given me input into other areas such as Multimedia, Flash and Web Design; all of which has made me a more well rounded designer and a more valuable assets to my employer.” 

His advice to students is, “Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you at AiFL and elsewhere to gain more knowledge of related fields to the one you have chosen as you will soon realize that there are may areas where the disciplines overlap one another. Also, although you will need to adapt to fit the needs of your employers it is important not to forget and/or horn techniques of your craft that you have acquired as a graduate of AiFL. “ 

Jane Hidalgo

Jane Hidalgo is a 1992 associate degree Advertising Design program graduate. She is currently the Special Sections Graphic Designer for the Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Originally from Puerto Rico, Jane and her family moved to South Florida in 1989. Before AiFL, Jane graduated high school and went on to Broward Community College (BCC). After completing one semester, Jane enrolled at AiFL because she felt, “…there would be more focus in art classes and training than in any other school.” When remembering AiFL, Jane says, “Life Drawing classes with Mr. Tepper were very amusing!” She says that her degree from AiFL opened doors for her and she eventually started going to Nova Southeastern University to pursue a BA in Business Administration so she could become more "marketable.” 

Jane says, “I knew I liked the advertising world and wanted to be part of it from the creative side. At that time, AiFL offered me different options and gave me the foundation to understand the creative side of advertising and what I needed to be part of it. At AiFL I learned that when developing any type of project, it’s not only the idea but the way you execute it.” 

Jane received a "PRIDE" award in 2005, an award that is given to employees at the Sun-Sentinel for excellence in their work. “My creativity, design and work ethics were highlighted and that was really a proud moment for me as I was not expecting it.” Her advice to students is, “Make the most of it while attending school because you are going to need all the knowledge and help you can get when you go into the "real world. And when your work gets rejected and/or negative feedback, do not take things personal because art is objective and everybody has their own opinion.” 

Jenna Fava

"The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale gave me the training I needed to follow my dream. Thanks to AiFL, each time I turn on a computer, I can make my imagination a reality," states 2000 Graphic Design alumna Jenna Fava. As the Associate Creative Director for the Fort Lauderdale agency Bernard Hodes Group she utilizes the skills learned at AiFL conceptualizing, writing copy, and designing collateral material, ads and campaigns. Among her impressive list of clients are Citibank, Citrix, AT&T, American Express, North Broward Hospital District, and Office Depot. 

Jenna is grateful to AiFL's Career Services department for being the impetus to her career at Bernard Hodes where she held a part-time position while still in school. In 2002, she started as a Production Artist, and then was hired as a full-time Graphic Designer/Jr. Copywriter. 

In addition to her full-time career, Jenna is also building a freelance graphic design and promotional products company called Jenna Fava Design. Her clients include Pet Set (a non-profit organization in affiliation with the Humane Society), Enzo & Co. Hair Studio, Global Toys, Inc., Radiant Oil Co. of Tampa, Vecor Staffing, and Triko, Inc. 

"The instructors at AiFL had a positive influence and encouraged me to go after what I wanted by teaching me to believe in myself, in my creativity, and in what I have to offer the industry. Each taught me something that has helped me get where I am today. Chriss David taught me how to look at things differently and push my mind to its creative limits. She made me think, question, and understand how design works. Her knowledge and 
experience transcend the classroom. She is not just a great teacher but an extraordinary designer. Chriss continues to teach me and I consider her to be an important influence in my career." 

Jenna advises graduates to, "continue to use your imagination. Don't allow the world to box in your ideas. Nurture your creativity and push it beyond its limits. Keep your goals and dreams fresh in your mind and use them as the motivation to your success! 

Jimmie Stone

Green Team Art Director 
When he's not waxing philosophic or wishing he was surfing, Jimmie Stone is performing miracles in front of his G4 PC. A gifted art director, Jimmie joins Green Team as a heavily decorated designer with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Before emigrating from his native Venezuela, Jimmie also acquired extensive experience in both art direction and design working for four years with McCann-Erickson's South American division in Uruguay, as well as with a prestigious Venezuelan architectural firm. Jimmie is thrilled at the opportunity Green Team offers him to materialize his creative abstract concepts and to capitalize on his fervent social idealism. His greatest inspiration comes from his grandfather Oliver Toscany. 

Jonathan Knight

Jonathan Knight discovered the world of art by the time he was three years old; by first grade, he was sketching his teacher and the clothes and the accessories they wore. However, he says, he wasn’t comfortable with school art classes because “I didn’t like following the routine.” 

In seventh grade, he was illustrating the books his English class read. His English teachers introduced him to a private art teacher, with whom he studied for seven years. At his high school graduation, his classmates voted him “Ideal Senior.” 

Knight, a native of Daytona Beach, FL, accepted a scholarship to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. He graduated summa cum laude in 1979 with an Advertising Design degree and received the “Best Portfolio” award. After graduation, Knight joined the staff of Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, MO, where he eventually became Greeting Card Designer/Supervisor. 

Knight is currently a fine artist specializing in paintings. He has won numerous awards for his paintings including first prize in oil painting at the Georgia Miniature Art Society’s Second Annual International Competition. Another of his works was named Best in Show at The Miniature Art Society of Florida’s 13th Annual International Exhibition. 

In March of 1999, Knight received a Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. He gives back to AiFL by being active in the college’s Board of Trustees and The Alumni Committee. His contributions are truly appreciated. 

Julie Ruiz

Julie Ruiz graduated in Graphic Design in 2000 and landed her first job out of school at MTV Latin America in Miami as a designer. After a year and a half she pursued her lifelong dream of living in New York City where she is currently working for VH1.

In 2003, Julie was awarded the prestigious National Silver Broadcast Design Association (BDA) Award for packaging design. 

During her high school years Julie discovered her love and passion for the arts -- photography, printmaking, sculpture and painting. Julie knew she wanted to pursue a career in the arts and a month after high school graduation she started classes at AiFL. Julie was exposed to the design world in a way that she had never seen it before and had grown to love it. At that point she was so determined to show the world what she could do that she received her bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design in just three years. 

Julie will always be grateful for all the support and guidance that has made her the success she is today. She loves her job and career and strongly believes, “If you live by what you love, anything can happen!” 

Kort Kramer

Kort Kramer graduated in 1997 with an associate degree from the Desktop Publishing (Graphic Design) program. At portfolio review a (Boca Raton based) manufacturer of cable and satellite equipment, PDI Communications, Inc., asked to interview Kort and hired him as a Graphic Designer. Several years later he was promoted to his current position of Art Director in charge of all printed and web based marketing materials produced by PDI. He also freelances and recently began designing book covers and websites. Some of Kort's digital images were chosen for inclusion in a book entitled "The Best of 3D Graphics," released in 2003 by Rockport Publishers. 

Originally from Virginia, Kort grew up as an “Air Force brat” and lived in places all over the world including Germany, Hawaii and Japan. Before coming to AiFL he worked as a photographer for the newspaper Clay Today near Jacksonville, Florida and says, “I needed to become a more well-rounded and marketable designer. I decided to attend AiFL to put together a desirable portfolio and because of Ai's great record for job placement.” 

Kort says, “The core skills I learned at AiFL have allowed me to enter any situation with the confidence of knowing that I have what it takes to complete any graphic design task with creativity and finesse. I'll never forget that it takes hard work and careful planning to do a job right, no matter how long you've been at a particular task. If you know your tools well, their use becomes second nature. This allows you to exercise creativity without struggling with the software and hardware." He also praises his teachers from AiFL and how they had real-world experience in their fields, thus making his time at AiFL “quite memorable and enriching.” 

Kort’s advice to students is, “Don't be afraid to work hard. If you are passionate about your craft, it won't feel like work. Never stop learning and gain experience from as many different sources as possible. The professors at AiFL are a resource that students should make the most of.” 

Mark Riddle

Out of a staff of fourteen graphic designers working in the Creative Services department of Alliance Entertainment twelve are alumni of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Headed by Creative Director, 1987 Graphic Design graduate Mark Riddle, the department produces Amped, a weekly music and video entertainment catalog which is distributed in over 25,000 music and entertainment retailers throughout the country including Barnes & Noble Inc., Blockbuster Inc., and Musicland Stores. 

Alliance Entertainment (www.aent.com), headquartered in Coral Springs, Florida, is a leading provider of business-to-to business commerce solutions to the home entertainment product marketplace. They offer an extensive product inventory (including CDs, cassettes, DVDs, videos, video games and related merchandise). 

As soon as you walk through the doors of Alliance Entertainment the creative energy surrounds you. Poster-size replicas of Amped’s covers line the hallways including one created for musician Rob Zombie designed by Riddle. Rob Zombie liked the cover so much he wanted the artwork for himself and Riddle ended up with an autographed copy. 

Riddle had the experience at both the “old school” on Las Olas and the current campus. He remembers he and his classmates wondering how they were ever going to fill the classrooms of AiFL’s main building (not such a problem today). One of the most influential experiences of attending AiFL according to Riddle was “the cultural mix of students, instructors and staff.” It was interesting to him to see how people from different backgrounds related to design. He attributes much of his success to “awesome instructors” Mimi Botscheller, Linda Vacchiano and Jim Radford. “They gave me the push and direction to help me succeed in this field,” recalls Riddle. 

“I have just been lucky,” says Riddle. Really his “luck” is due to his dedication and love of design. He says he can’t think of a better job than the one he has at Alliance Entertainment. The hip atmosphere and great relationships he has with his employees and supervisors make this a true dream job. While at Alliance Entertainment he has had the opportunity to meet many new artists who go through its doors including Britney Spears, Limp Biscuit, Joy Drop, Fat Joe and The Jungle Brothers. 

Riddle and his department have won “Best Direct Mail Piece,” “Best Magazine Ad (for an ad in Billboard Magazine),” and “Best Campaign” from the most prestigious organization in the industry NARM(National Association of Retail Merchants). 

Riddle’s current staff of graphic designers include alumni, Jason Holloway “00, Alex Espinosa ’99, Roberto Romero ’99, Grace Chong ’98, Roy Ojenda ’00, Luis Javier Gomez ’00, Fitzcarmel ’97, Paul Roesch ’99, Jeff Arsenault ’00, Kimberly Sandbank ’00, and Vivian Espinosa ’97. He likes to hire from AiFL because he knows “what to expect.” He gives huge accolades to Debra Pierce (recently promoted from AiFL Career Services department to Director of Institutional Development) for her assistance in providing quality graduates with a fresh creative edge. When asked what advice he would give graduating students he replied, “take advantage of all the opportunities AiFL offers. It is up to you to get as much as you can out of your education.” 

Matt Cave

On Saturday March 3rd, 1993 Visual Communications graduate Matt Cave was awarded The Advertising Club of Fort Lauderdale’s 2001 ADDY’s “Best of Show” in the electronic medium. He ended the evening taking home an impressive gold and 2 silver ADDY awards in addition to his “Best of Show.” 

Matt views his experience at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale as an extremely positive one. He feels the knowledge, skills, and lessons he learned had a tremendous effect on his life. Matt says, “AiFL fulfilled its promise of preparing me for a career in Visual Communications and I did my part by working hard while in school.” 

During Portfolio Review, Matt was offered an interview with the prestigious Reed & Steven Advertising and Design firm. He went for the interview and was hired on the spot as a graphic designer. With his hard work and determination he was quickly promoted to Art Director and remained there for over three years.

Matt has now ventured out on his own to become the creative director and founder of Cave Images, a full service design firm that focuses on sports, entertainment and technology clients. The firm offers a range of services including identity, motion graphics, print collateral and interactive projects. 

Throughout the years, Matt has had the opportunity to work with some high-profile clients including: Bluxo Records, The Box Music Networks, The Florida Marlins, The Florida Panthers, Planet Music and Entertainment, Pro Player Stadium, Motorola, Sports Channel and even helped design one of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale’s catalogs. His work has earned him several gold and silver Addy’s and Print Regional Design Awards. 

Michael Miller

“What can I say about the Art Institute? I started back in the fall of ’97 and on the very first day I introduced myself to a beautiful young lady who would later become my wife. As of this quote to AiFL, we are expecting our first child. That itself is enough to make my whole The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale experience worth it,” states 2000 Graphic Design alumnus Michael Miller. 

Since his graduation, Michael has worked as an Art Director with Alonso & Company, a small Graphic Design firm in Miami focusing on print promotional and collateral as well as some web related projects. Clients include The Miami HEAT, Miami SOL, American Airlines Arena, Ryder, and GDA (a consort ion of 13 different newspapers throughout 
Latin America). The company’s work has recently been recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA) in their nomination of The Miami HEAT, Miami SOL, and American Airlines Arena for their Design Leadership Award. 

“On a professional perspective, the education I received at The Art Institute has helped me develop my talents and sharpen my skills and abilities in the field of graphic design. What I learned at the Art Institute has been essential to my success in graphic design. But what I lean on more than my education as it pertains to my success, is my faith and trust in God.” 

Michael feels all the instructors he had at AiFL had an influence on him in their own individual way. “Whether it was Mr. Balzano’s way of letting us know that ‘I like what you got here, but I’d like to see a little bit more,’ or when we had it right, ‘Now your cooking with Mazola,’ to Miss V’s, ‘Happy Now’, each instructor has left their influence on me.” The most influential instructors to him though were Linda Vacchiano and Christine David. “While Vacchiano taught us the importance Thinking through a concept and executing the design process from thumbnail to final piece, Christine David taught us to use our minds creatively and how to work together with others to come up with concepts and ideas to fit the needs of particular projects.”

A few words of advice from Michael, “To those reading this while passing through the halls, get to class, and remember this, you will only get out of this school what you put into it.” 

Nancy Fitzpatrick

Nancy Fitzpatrick graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design in 2001. She is the senior designer and head of the art department at Big Picture Media & Events, creating signage, kiosks graphics, registration booths, demo stations, expo hall graphics, and all the collateral material for productions and corporate conferences large and small. This includes the conference guides, mailers, mini agendas and addenda, to badges, easels, directional signage and T-shirts. “It is always a thrill to go to a show we’ve produced after working so hard on it for so long. To see everything we created ‘live’ and in the environment it was created for, and it all works, and it looks killer, and the videos rock… wow… what a feeling of accomplishment and success.” 

While completing her degree at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Nancy won five Addy Awards from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Advertising Federation and took top honors for an interactive CD. She chose The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale because of its reputation and the faculty’s credentials. One of her favorite and most influential instructors was Christine David who “took time to care about every student and who never said no… she was very encouraging when times were tough.” 

Originally from Medway, Massachusetts, Nancy was raising three children, painting, and selling her art in shows around the country prior to enrolling in the college which “opened many doors to opportunities that otherwise would have never come to pass. Education is power!” 

Shanna Dornbusch

Shanna Dornbusch was born in Caracas, Venezuela, destined to pursue a career in the creative field. She currently works at a renowned Bridger Conway in Miami Beach, Florida. As a child, Shanna studied art, music and design. By the time she was in high school, she decided that graphic design was going to be her career and most important - her life. Upon her high school graduation, she enrolled in the Instituto de Diseno de Caracas and graduated with an associate’s degree in Visual Communication and Graphic Arts. 

Shanna wanted to have a better and more profound understanding of the design field, so she moved to Miami, Florida, in 2004, to study Graphic Design at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2006. “Doing this helped me build a solid and mature background for a creative and artistic future,” says Shanna. 

While Shanna was in the Honors Design program at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, she, along with two other students, and in conjunction with the Hard Rock Café, designed and created commemorative pins for the restaurant to sell during the Super Bowl in Miami. The pins sold out within 48 hours of appearing on the shelf. 

Steve Saley

Steve Saley has become renowned as a veteran in the South Florida advertising arena. Upon graduating from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 1977, Steve has gone on to win an impressive 62 ADDY awards from 1978-2000. He has been involved in many industry organizations including serving on the Board of Directors of the Advertising Federation of Greater Fort Lauderdale from 1995-1998 and being a member of the Miami chapter of AIGA. 

As a creative professional with extensive experience in both print and broadcast media, Saley has produced successful and innovative solutions for clients on both consumer and corporate levels for over twenty years. He concentrates on, but not limited to, resort/travel services, real estate marketing, corporate communications, franchise development, direct response, corporate and broadcast identity, broadcast advertising, sales/industrial videos and interactive web design. 

Steve has worked with an extensive list of high profile clients including CBS SportsLine.com, Florida Panthers.com, Blockbuster Video, Paxon Communications (Love 94), Value Rent-A-Car, and Carnival Cruise Lines. He has also worked on projects for The Miami Dolphins, ProPlayer Stadium, Marsmusic and Lennar Homes.