Dan Calderone
Freelance Illustrator
Email: CalderoneArt@gmail.com
Summary
Experienced freelance illustrator specializing in visual storytelling through traditional and digital mediums. Skilled in creating engaging illustrations for commercial projects, products, and content, with a focus on capturing audiences and fostering continual engagement. Past roles in art instruction, graphic design, and production management have honed my ability to collaborate with clients, manage creative workflows, and teach illustration techniques, all of which complement and support my freelance illustration career.
Experience
Freelance Illustrator
June 2024 - Current
Contract based art creation for private and commercial use.
Skilled in traditional and digital media to online content applications.
Self-managed in providing product, service, and video content related to visual communication and entertainment.
Art Instructor, ESTEAM Academy & ESTEAM Learning Labs, 4Reelz School of Film
September 2015 - May 2024
Served as Assistant Director for off-site summer camps, overseeing creative programs that emphasized illustration and visual arts.
Led full-year and summer art enrichment classes, guiding students in developing personal illustration styles through modern and traditional methods.
Facilitated elementary-level student-led studios, incorporating illustration into general studies to build foundational drawing and storytelling skills.
Developed curricula for art, animation, and LEGO-based activities, integrating illustrative techniques to enhance student engagement and creativity.
Illustrator & Art Production Intern, Edgen Films
January 2016 - March 2016
Created storyboards, key art, illustrations, animations, and motion graphics for film and content projects.
Collaborated on visual concepts to bring client ideas to life, leading to opportunities in freelance illustration.
Applied multimedia skills in a fast-paced production environment to deliver high-quality illustrative content.
Received offer for full-time Art Production role upon internship completion; while pursuing other opportunities, the experience and networking from Edgen directly led to securing position as Art Instructor at ESTEAM Academy & Learning Labs.
Graphic Designer, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts
February 2013 - February 2015
Designed unique illustrations and graphics for t-shirts, apparel, and promotional materials based on customer concepts and group events.
Managed self-directed workflows, including opening/closing procedures, while collaborating one-on-one with clients from diverse industries to refine illustrative designs with Corel Draw.
Translated client ideas into visually compelling illustrations, strengthening skills in client communication and custom artwork creation essential for on-demand direct-to-garment printing.
Production Manager, Alphagraphics
May 2008 - August 2011
Oversaw print production schedules for offset, digital, and finishing services, ensuring efficient delivery of illustrated and graphic content.
Collaborated daily with department heads to maintain consistent production flow, applying project management skills that support urgent timelines.
Trained new hires in production processes, including handling illustrative and design files, to improve team efficiency and quality control.
Software Proficiency
Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Fresco.
Mobile and Desktop Apps: Clip Studio, Procreate, Sketchbook.
Google Suite: Docs, Sheets, Sites, Classroom.
Proficient in desktop and mobile platforms (Microsoft, Apple), tablets, streaming tools, and creative peripherals for illustration workflows.
Education & Accomplishments
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Arts and Animation, The Art Institute of Austin
2012 - 2015
Graduated with Honors.
Awarded Best in Portfolio Show for outstanding illustrative and animation work.
Internship for Art Production, Edgen Films
January 2016 - March 2016
Content creation role for storyboards, key art, animation, and motion graphics.
Leads to future positions.
References available upon request.
