Dan Calderone
calderoneart@gmail.com
www.calderoneart.com
Professional Summary
Dynamic freelance illustrator with 9+ years of continuous experience since graduating with a BFA in Media Arts and Animation. Specializes in visual storytelling via digital and traditional mediums for commercial projects, personalized products, and content. Expertise in Adobe CC, 3D tools, and production pipelines; delivers engaging visuals for film, education, apparel, and print while managing flexible, client-focused workflows.
Freelance Illustration & Creative Experience, 2015 - Present
Custom visuals, storyboards, and production art for film, education, personalization, and promo sectors. Ongoing independent projects include concept development for sci-fi/horror comics and portfolio expansions to secure new client opportunities.
Freelance Illustrator, Letterfest Oct 2025 - Present
Trace photos into Photoshop line art for framed prints and gifts; support pipeline for coloring/print prep.
Self-manage remote communication and task processing to ensure efficient project delivery.
Contract Art Instructor, (Asst. Director, Off-Site Programs), ESTEAM Academy & Learning Labs Sep 2017 - May 2024
Developed curricula for art and multimedia assets for art/animation programs, including creating example visuals and storytelling aids.
Oversaw student progress and project management for camps, delivering contract-based creative content, including managing the brand YouTube channel for student showcasing.
Illustrator & Art Production Intern, (to Freelance), Edgen Films Jan-Mar 2016
Produced storyboards, key art, illustrations, and motion graphics; led to long-term opportunities with ESTEAM Academy and Learning Labs.
Refined client concepts for whiteboard animation in GoAnimate for deadline-driven pipelines.
Freelance Graphic Illustrator, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts Feb 2013 - Feb 2015
Created custom graphics for apparel/events; managed end-to-end client projects for print-on-demand.
Built relationships to refine designs and drive sales.
Production & Management Experience Supporting Freelance
Production Manager, Alphagraphics May 2008 - Aug 2011
Directed offset/digital workflows and production schedules for offset, digital, and finishing services, including asset quality control to optimize timelines and ensure efficient delivery of printed projects.
Collaborated daily with department heads to streamline processes, maintaining fast and consistent production flows.
Print Production Specialist, Alphagraphics & Kinko's May 1996 - Jun 2007
Managed file prep, scheduling, and customer briefs for digital and offset print output.
Handled multitasking preflight, print, bindery, and deliveries in high-volume environments for timely visuals.
Technical Skills
Adobe CC (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere, Fresco); Google Suite; multi-platform proficiency (MS/Apple, tablets, peripherals).
Education & Accomplishments
BFA, Media Arts & Animation
The Art Institute of Austin, 2015 (Honors; Best Portfolio Show).
References available upon request.
