Hello! My name is John Strpko. I am a collector of vintage cameras, robots, brewer of beer and graphic designer in mid-Michigan.
My career in graphic design started almost 20 years ago after finishing school at Lansing Community College in 2002.
My first job in the field was with a small design firm, Connection Graphics in Potterville. It was this company that gave me my internship. It was here I learned how to manage a workflow, multitask, and communicate design ideas with clients. I was very fortunate to be allowed a certain amount of autonomy I don't think I could have gotten at a larger firm. I continued to learn and progress as a designer, as well as developing my illustrative skills with the firm for little over 2 years.
After Connection Graphics I moved on to a job on the technical end with Electrographics. Electrographics, later became Quantum Graphix of Holt and is my current employer.
I started as a prepress technician preparing client files for print. This included ensuring the files met industry standards and specifications set by the printer. Today, I work directly with the clients to ensure deadlines are met. Managing the output and color specifications for web press. I'm responsible for any image processing, retouching, and color corrections. Final layout and assembly. Working mainly with catalogs. Images are retouched for aesthetics, factory defects or last minute changes; then color corrected to match product in hand. Images often number in the hundreds and it can take months to finish a job. It's here I've really honed Photoshop and InDesign skills. I've learned essential time management skills. Being able to manage multiple clients, deadlines and adapt quickly to unexpected rush jobs or last minute schedule changes. I've been fortunate to work with large clients on a national scale as well as individuals needing advice or help with a project.
I've also been freelancing for almost 20 years now. Working with small businesses, printers, unions and schools providing cost effect design. I've been able to learn every aspect of the design field while doing this. Drawing on skills learned at Connection Graphics and Quantum. Managing jobs from start to finish, providing photography and illustration as needed. Working with clients developing concepts to get their message across within their budget. Whether it's someone who has a clear idea of what they're looking for or the ones who simply ask for "something cool". Skills in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and Lightroom have been essential. I use various software products outside of the Adobe standards, including digital painting and some 3d modeling. I work on both Apple and PC platforms.