ararejul@gmail.com
720·335·5090
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Hi, and welcome to my website! First off, each of the icons on the tabs refer to a different aspect of design that I work in. My most recent work has been online (the future is inevitable, as they say) but I have worked on print design projects. Photography is more of a hobby for me currently, but I am studio trained and love working at shoots. There have even been occasions when I have written copy for print publications and websites.
As you look around keep in mind that this site is never quite finished. I'm constantly updating so please check back often as my work progresses, or if you're too eager to see what I've been up to you can use the social links on the right. If you have any questions feel free to contact me and I will respond as soon as possible.
Currently I'm looking for work in the broad range of design and marketing. I'm also freelancing and open to any opportunities that present themselves.
To say that the Internet has changed everything might be an understatement. I started designing my personal website back in 2000 and have always preferred hand-coding over any program. With such a constantly changing medium, I strive to create the most accessible and current websites possible.
E-commerce is a large part of the internet and yet it is still growing. As people start to trust the web with personal information it is a great asset to have a digital store. The key with designing online retailers is to let customers know that the site, and company are trustworthy and accessible.
I feel that using flash can help or hurt a website. Using flash correctly can be a great asset; helping sites provide information that other mediums cannot. I design Flash that remains accessible and dynamic.
Newsletter campaigns are a great way for a company to reach out to their audience but are tricky and can often come off as spam. My newsletters strived to create a high interest with relevant and interesting content that would appeal to subscribers.
Informational websites are quite different than retail sites. Each with their own unique goals, an content-driven website must be highly adaptable and able to be constantly updated. Designing for repeat visitors is key.
I have tried to work in as many different avenues of print design as possible: layout, logos, posters, apparel and anything else I could get my hands on. My most recent (and long-overdue) adventure has been into the world of screen printing. It seems to work well with my "less is more" philosophy.
All of the different unique factors that go into T-shirt designs make creating them exciting. Not to mention knowing that it will be worn and loved by a person who will create memories with it. Sometimes designs can be admired, but very rarely do they become a part of their audience.
Creating a symbol to represent an idea is always a challenge. The logo must convey the idea behind the product in a simple but effective way because it will be used in a variety of formats.
Working on publications is like working with a puzzle. Crafting a finished piece from a multitude of elements involves being able to see the details as well as the whole picture.
Posters are usually created for a purpose; either for an event or for a call to action. But posters can also be art for the masses when designers go beyond simply selling something.
My recent time spent working at a portrait studio reignited my passion for photography. While I don't yet own a DSLR, it hasn't stopped me from using every camera available to me; mostly my Fujifilm Finepix, but also my Nikon and an old Polaroid.
I love the challenge of concert photography; it means working with limited light and moving subjects, and there's not always great positioning. All I can hope for is that when people look at my pictures, it makes them want to go listen to the band's music.
Nature is a fickle friend. When I am shooting landscapes, I can only control myself and the camera. The key is to learn to be patient and hope for the right moment to appear.
Taking still-life pictures is an underappreciated art form. The idea of telling a story with objects is harder than it looks. With every shot, I attempt to convey the essence of the object.
People can hold so many different secrets within that it's difficult for a picture to do them justice. I love the challenge of capturing as many as possible, though. I often create "spontaneous" portraits by providing an environment and letting the person's response dictate the shoot.