About ME
My Process
My Inspiration
My Process
My process of creation involves an investigation into decision-making, connoisseurship, intuition, and serendipity.
The intangible influences allow for a process of forming parameters for the work. It challenges the attention capacity of the viewer by compelling them to engage in what I hope will be their own perception, judgment, and discovery.
" A work of art is above all processes of Creation."
My Work
My Inspiration
My Process
My work is created digitally using raster and vector software-based programs.
All forms, textures, objects, and lighting effects are digitally created as an end
product. All elements are prepared in
Illustrator, exported to Photoshop, and
customized for final output as needed.
Formally trained in Commercial Advertising.
" Modern Problems Call For Modern Solutions."
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
"Illustrating everything from Parachutes to Combat Boots" and all that is in between.
Illustration themes are inspired by concepts and context to meet the client's mission.
Images that are created for a particular project, seen out of context, may create a narrative of work to invite the viewer to define their own version of an image, which will be influenced by their own history and associations.
I am "Created to Create."
Steve...
STEVE RUSSELL excels as a coordinator for visual information projects such as graphic design and illustration for print, digital and development for Computer Based Training and Interactive Courseware in organizations that need to present a cohesive brand of instruction, allowing them to better drive engagement with their audience, dedicated and committed to the mission of our nation’s armed service.
Resume
ILLUSTRATOR
SERussell Digital Design & Illustration - Remote, Maine
September 26, 2020 - Current
D-U-N-S Number is 117836011
GS 12 - 1020 Illustrator
Natick Labs US Army - Natick, MA
June 2009 to September 2020/ Hours per week: 40
Duties: Meets and consults with Writers, Engineers, and Technical Personnel to discuss and plan highly complex Warfighter and Soldier Support Systems: Personnel Parachutes, Cargo Parachutes, Field Equipment, etc
• Researches, studies, reviews and analyzes a variety of source materials, including photographs, engineering drawings and rough sketches to determine the appropriate graphic presentation
• Uses the most effective means to accomplish objectives and ensure that illustrations will be compatible with reproduction processes
• Accomplishes work either in-house or assign and direct Contractor
• Completes work assignments within short deadlines
• Resolved visual communication problems, improved operations and provided exceptional client support
• Collaborates with technical manual writers who are responsible for fitting series of illustrations to test to ensure greatest clarity and most immediate communication of complex technological ideas and principles to non-technical personnel
• Make on-the-spot sketches, photograph and graphic notes of configurations, locations and dimensions of equipment for development of technical manual illustrations
• Makes complete camera-ready copies of illustrations, bar charts, logic diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and exploded and cutaway views of equipment using computer graphic printers, plotters, and pens
• Visualizes and represents, in pictorial terms, the function, operation, design characteristics, and maintenance concepts of assigned items
• Operates software to produce technically accurate two dimensional (2D) pictorial drawings and three dimensional models of a highly technical nature
• Work is accomplished through programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Corel Draw, etc.
• Acts as lead Illustrator, as required, on total illustration projects advising others in the production of illustrations, format and art media, to include the use of computer graphics software and methods of preparation
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Create original and new designs of complex and abstract nature for heraldic items such as: medals, decorations, agency seals, coats of arms, lapel emblems, shoulder insignia and band regalia for all branches of Armed Services, DOD, and other federal agencies
• Analyze the requestor's proposal for artistic potential, appropriate requirements, consistency with heraldic item regulations, manufacturing capabilities and limitations and production costs
• Create new patterns or makes adaptations of traditional and proposed patterns when new types of organizations are created from existing organizations
• Periodically reviews base drawings or the manufacture to ensure that the drawings are updated, the authorizations (new or changed), and the re-designation of units are current
• Prepare accurate drawings to develop and/or manufacture heraldic items
• Expert in the field of heraldry and orients visitors to the organization as well as heraldic art
• Create visual materials in conjunction with photographer, model maker, or other type of crafts person, to include illustrations, displays, exhibit photographs, typography, art, and photos in design solutions that convey the information, reproduction, and have visual impact
• Utilize specialized computer graphics or other advanced technology (Adobe Creative Suites, Corel Draw) combined with other materials to create interesting and appealing products
• Monitor Visual Information (VI) activities and advise managers and customers on products, services, productions, resources, and funding
• Developed new LOGSA Warning Icons for acceptance and will be added to the US Army-approved icon list within the Army MIL-STD-40051-2C, for use Army wide
• Clearance held: Secret
• Community Volunteer: https://www.army.mil/article/74772/natick_workers_continue_activity_book_for_heroes
Technical Illustrator/Contract/BAE Systems - Hudson, NH
February 2009 to June 2009/Hours per week: 40
Reporting to the Manager Support Engineering, working closely with the Technical Writers, Technical Support and Suppliers in order to define the standards and requirements to produce illustrations to be used by US Army Air Corps, for the CH47-D Chinook
• Responsible for production of illustrations required for Maintenance, Operational manuals and represent Technical Publications in all phases of the Engineering product development activities; Produce program and Technical Publications deliverables as per departmental schedule
• Developed creative illustrative designs using customer specifications, company standards and mathematical formulas to produce results that met customer parameters.
• Transformed ideas into high-quality training and visual creations to fulfill client requests.
• Determined appropriate designs for screen print and embroidery applications to create high-quality finished products
• Developed illustrative designs using customer specifications, company standards and mathematical formulas to produce results that met customer parameters
• Transported secret material as courier to customer locations
• Monitored social media and online sources for industry trends
• Resolved visual communication problems, improved operations and provided exceptional client support
• Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time
Graphic Illustrator SER Art Consultation - Eliot, US, Maine
November 1998 to June 2009/Hours per week: 30-40
• Graphic Illustrator SER Art Consultation - Eliot, ME April 2006 to February 2009 Produces traditional and digital art including logos, technical illustration, gift ware, character designs, and monochromatic artwork; Develops, designs, plans, creates layouts, and produces technical and promotional illustrations for print & publications such as brochures, posters, manuals, handbooks, and advertising matter
• Selects techniques best suited to produce desired visual effects in conformance with established quality standards and specified reproduction medium; Makes orthographic, isometric, and perspective drawings; Uses engineering drawings, photographs, models, and rough sketches; Coordinates with users to determine illustration objectives and translates into graphic terms
• Illustrates tools, products, machines, buildings, and figures using two-and three- dimensional materials; Applies color, shading, and other art techniques to portray intended meaning; Coordinates visual information projects such as Computer Based Training and Interactive Courseware; Selects and implements the optimum of communication to ensure the timely, accurate, and understandable implementation of educational and command initiatives; Provides instruction and assistance in the selection of visual communication media
• Freelance clients include: Veterans Administration (Manchester, NH); SiGARMS/SiG Sauer (Seacoast, NH); Stock Visuals, Inc
• (Sudbury, MA); Vector Art Technologies/Roland (NY/CA); Wing Mau Products Development Ltd (China/NY); Body Graphics (Ontario, Canada Illustrator SER Art Consultation )
Graphic Illustrator/Portsmouth Naval Shipyard/Lockheed Martin/Contract
May 2005 to April 2006/Hours per week: 24
• 2006 Lockheed Martin Peer-to-Peer Award
• Develops, designs, plans, lays out, and produces a variety of technical and promotional illustrations for publications such as brochures, posters, manuals, handbooks, and advertising matter
• Selects techniques best suited to produce desired visual effects in conformance with established quality standards and specified reproduction medium
• Makes orthographic, isometric, and perspective drawings; uses engineering drawings, photographs, models, and rough sketches; coordinates with users to determine illustration objectives and translates into graphic terms; illustrates tools, products, machines, buildings, and figures using two-and three dimensional materials, and applying color, shading, and other art techniques to portray intended meaning
• Resolved Client problems, improved operations and provided exceptional client support
• Devoted special emphasis to punctuality and worked to maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately
• Drove operational improvements which resulted in savings and improved profit margins
• Clearance: Interim Secret
Computer Graphic Specialist/NAS Oceana/VF-101/Contractor - Virginia Beach, VA
October 1991 to November 1998/Hours per week: 40
• Coordinator for visual information projects (Computer Based Training and Interactive Courseware)
• Selects and implements the optimum of communication to ensure the timely, accurate, and understandable implementation of educational and command initiatives • Provides instruction and assistance to military and civilian personnel in the selection of visual communication media
• Clearance held: Secret
Graphic Art Specialist/NAS Oceana/VF-101/Contractor
1988 April 1991 to October/Hours per week: 40
• Served as Visual Information Specialist of Computer Art and Graphics Division
• Clearance held: Secret
Testimonials
"Steve Russell was able to come to work for us at the U.S Army at a critical time during the Iraq War. We needed an illustrator to draw repair and operator procedures for our textile-based systems for parachutes, body armor, and Soldier load carriage systems. Textile products that do not have traditional engineering drawings that one could use for illustrations. Steve was able to work from the hardware itself and illustrate procedures clearly so personnel and cargo air delivery loads could leave the aircraft properly and land safely. He also was able to illustrate body armor and other Soldier kit items so the Soldiers could use them and get the maximum protection and performance. He made a difference in the war effort. Steve’s ability to use art, view, and perspective to communicate information to customers, just maybe the right thing for your business."
Mark Chandler, Soldier Warrior Group Leader U.S. Army (RET)
"Steve Russell is a fellow artist with a long history of creative design and illustration excellence. Quality and attention to detail are evident throughout his portfolio. Tributes to service and support of our military are part of Steve's work and his ability to deliver for a customer is second to none!"
Peter Chilelli, Digital artist/photographer at FastPixels. https://peter-chilelli.pixels.com
"Steve Russell is one of the most talented, resilient, and creative people I have ever met. Steve was a student of mine for a Defense Acquisition University course and his knowledge and experience added great value to the course. He has adapted to the needs of the Army, I am confident that he can fulfill any requirement in his area of expertise that he is tasked to accomplish as a consultant. As a 28-year army officer as well as a 12 year DOD federal employee as a professor of program management and leadership, I feel I am a good judge of character, and Steve will be an asset to any organization that uses his genius and expertise."
Justin Porto, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (RET)
"We asked Steve Russell to refresh the Lion and he delivered."
David "Hey-Joe" Parsons, Commander, VF-32 U.S. Navy (RET)
"I first met Steve Russell in 1996 while creating CBT (Computer Based Training) graphics for the F14, VF-101, and E-2C/C-2A Fleet Readiness Squadron, VAW-120; working for Information Spectrum, Inc... Steve’s graphic illustrations were, and still are, excellent! His attention to detail is outstanding, and his graphic design skills are simply amazing! I can remember looking at Steve’s work in awe; and quite honestly, felt a bit envious of his talent! Steve would be an asset to any organization or individual seeking high-end artistic results."
Douglas E. Maume, Graphic Artist (Ret)
"I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Stephen E. Russell on a high‐visibility Technical Manual (TM) for the last two years. Having a high-quality illustrator such as Mr. Russell supporting our TMs was a huge advantage resulting in huge cost savings. Mr. Russell has been instrumental in the refinement and rewriting of our TM, supporting our TM’s art needs from 1,000 miles away, receiving art direction via email, and occasionally talking on the phone for clarification on an art request. Our team would get excited about Mr. Russell’s art deliveries based on the high quality of every image. His work is reminiscent of the early days of Technical Manual development where Illustrators would hand draw a figure. Images suitable for framing definitely bolster the quality of our TM. In the years Mr. Russell and I have been working together I have yet to meet him face to face. Though our communication has been solely through email and phone, it had not impeded the quality or flow of work. Having a dedicated Illustrator supporting publications increases timelines and cost efficiency, especially when we have virtuosos like Mr. Russell available to us."
John Lillis, Chemical Biological Protective Shelters, Team Leader, U.S. Army.
I've known and served with Steve for quite few years in the federal government. Steve's very professional, extremely talented and possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience. He completed a lot of great work for our organization.
Richard Stroud, NSSC Natick MA.
Testimonials
"Steve Russell was able to come to work for us at the U.S Army at a critical time during the Iraq War. We needed an illustrator to draw repair and operator procedures for our textile-based systems for parachutes, body armor, and Soldier load carriage systems. Textile products that do not have traditional engineering drawings that one could use for illustrations. Steve was able to work from the hardware itself and illustrate procedures clearly so personnel and cargo air delivery loads could leave the aircraft properly and land safely. He also was able to illustrate body armor and other Soldier kit items so the Soldiers could use them and get the maximum protection and performance. He made a difference in the war effort. Steve’s ability to use art, view, and perspective to communicate information to customers, just maybe the right thing for your business."
Mark Chandler, Soldier Warrior Group Leader U.S. Army (RET)
"Steve Russell is a fellow artist with a long history of creative design and illustration excellence. Quality and attention to detail are evident throughout his portfolio. Tributes to service and support of our military are part of Steve's work and his ability to deliver for a customer is second to none!"
Peter Chilelli, Digital artist/photographer at FastPixels. https://peter-chilelli.pixels.com
"Steve Russell is one of the most talented, resilient, and creative people I have ever met. Steve was a student of mine for a Defense Acquisition University course and his knowledge and experience added great value to the course. He has adapted to the needs of the Army, I am confident that he can fulfill any requirement in his area of expertise that he is tasked to accomplish as a consultant. As a 28-year army officer as well as a 12 year DOD federal employee as a professor of program management and leadership, I feel I am a good judge of character, and Steve will be an asset to any organization that uses his genius and expertise."
Justin Porto, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (RET)
"We asked Steve Russell to refresh the Lion and he delivered."
David "Hey-Joe" Parsons, Commander, VF-32 U.S. Navy (RET)
"I first met Steve Russell in 1996 while creating CBT (Computer Based Training) graphics for the F14, VF-101, and E-2C/C-2A Fleet Readiness Squadron, VAW-120; working for Information Spectrum, Inc... Steve’s graphic illustrations were, and still are, excellent! His attention to detail is outstanding, and his graphic design skills are simply amazing! I can remember looking at Steve’s work in awe; and quite honestly, felt a bit envious of his talent! Steve would be an asset to any organization or individual seeking high-end artistic results."
Douglas E. Maume, Graphic Artist (Ret)
"I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Stephen E. Russell on a high‐visibility Technical Manual (TM) for the last two years. Having a high-quality illustrator such as Mr. Russell supporting our TMs was a huge advantage resulting in huge cost savings. Mr. Russell has been instrumental in the refinement and rewriting of our TM, supporting our TM’s art needs from 1,000 miles away, receiving art direction via email, and occasionally talking on the phone for clarification on an art request. Our team would get excited about Mr. Russell’s art deliveries based on the high quality of every image. His work is reminiscent of the early days of Technical Manual development where Illustrators would hand draw a figure. Images suitable for framing definitely bolster the quality of our TM. In the years Mr. Russell and I have been working together I have yet to meet him face to face. Though our communication has been solely through email and phone, it had not impeded the quality or flow of work. Having a dedicated Illustrator supporting publications increases timelines and cost efficiency, especially when we have virtuosos like Mr. Russell available to us."
John Lillis, Chemical Biological Protective Shelters, Team Leader, U.S. Army.
I've known and served with Steve for quite few years in the federal government. Steve's very professional, extremely talented and possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience. He completed a lot of great work for our organization.
Richard Stroud, NSSC Natick MA.
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
SERussell Digital Design & Illustration
Hours
Mon | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Tue | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Wed | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Thu | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Fri | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |
