Hi, I'm Amy Cartolano. I can make most anything (within reason) out of nothing. I've been doing this for most of my 25+ year career. I'm adept at Photoshop and Illustrator as well as Indesign, amongst other various now called "Creative Cloud" applications. I've been using Photoshop for over 25 years, Illustrator 25 years and Indesign for 20 years. I specialize in production design, traditional retouching and advanced Photoshop. I have been a production artist/designer, graphic designer, senior designer and retoucher. I've run the gamut of work environments, from starting in advertising, to packaging, pharma, newspaper, media and most recently packaging and retouching for one of the biggest corporations in the world. I am looking for the perfect fit at a company (freelance, consultant or permanent) where I can be an all-encompassing artist and problem-solver.
I've been a teacher to many of my juniors in Photoshop, Illustrator and print production techniques. I emphasize a non-destructive approach in working in Photoshop. I've taught not only junior art directors just starting out but also design directors, on the job. I walked them through Photoshop and Illustrator techniques so that they could execute the concepts they envisioned in their heads, while also keeping print production in mind. I always stress the importance of learning shortcuts, being open to new features as well as new workflows. I love to teach the inexperienced and experienced alike.
I'm open to all inquiries. I can work freelance or consultant. I am also open to a permanent position, if the fit is right.
Since this is an "About" me section, of course my resume is here. I have a Bachelors of Fine Art (Graphic Design) from The University of Tampa. I graduated in May 2000 and I have loved what I do ever since. I have got nearly 25 years in the business professionally (more, if you count the internship with my first employer). I live right outside NYC in New Rochelle (Westchester County) with my husband and two cats.
You can download my resume here.