What is Chris doing today?

Today Chris is the Art Director/Designer for Blakeslee in Baltimore, MD.  He primarily does design and conceptual work ranging from medical companies such as Dentsply, and Cadent, to hotels and luxury home builders such as St. Regis and Christopher homes.  His work even stretches across the country to a few ski resorts such as Boreal in Truckee, CA, and Mount Bachelor located in Bend, OR.  

When there is a new campaign launching, new client, new identity, etc, he designs items such as the logo, graphic identity, ad campaign, direct mailer, pocket folder, brochures, web interface, tradeshow items, story boards, etc.  He develops the initial concept and establishes the overall graphic “feel” or treatment for any given job.  If his work is selected he will then art direct the flow of the piece as it is prepared to be sent to the production department for final finishing touches.  Recently he got to art direct a photo shoot which called for a food stylist which he said was a lot of fun and he captured some amazing photos.  Chris’s list of accomplishments is pretty extensive.  He has worked with everyone from Snyder’s to The University of Michigan.

In the fall of 2006 Chris did some freelance work for entertainment network BET. He had the opportunity to design an array of print material for the first ever BET Hip Hop Awards.  He designed the print materials for the show including the tickets, and the invitations which were vinyl records in a sleeve.  He also designed the T-shirts, grills and afro picks for the show as well.

Chris has also done work for Snyder’s. He designed the old Snyder’s Tortilla chips red and purple packaging which was in stores about two years ago.  He also designed a limited edition chocolate covered pretzel box for them as well.  

In Chris’s own freelance work one of his biggest accomplishments was designing the University of Michigan’s soccer ball.  He does work for the soccer distributor and he gets some amazing jobs thrown at him here and there he says.  He also designed soccer balls for the major indoor soccer league team the Baltimore Blast.

Creative inspiration

In high school Chris had taken several graphics and photography courses which he both enjoyed and excelled at and needed to find a school that he would be able to continue with his passion and Bradley Academy was the right fit for him because of its focused curriculums, excellent reputation and hands-on approach.  There was not a class he did not enjoy while attending Bradley.  

Getting out there

Chris did an internship with Harrisburg International Airport and also worked on various freelance projects in school as well. While in school Chris received the Who’s Who Among American College students award. A piece that he has recently completed for Blakeslee has won 3 Addy’s, 2 Silver and 1Gold.

“Work hard, do more research than you need to, and get excited about what you’re doing.” -Chris Hodowanec

Stats:

Degree: Graphic Design, Associate Degree in Specialized Technology, 2000

Employer:  Blakeslee

Career: Art Director/Designer