Gabriel Kalach
Graphic Design, Miami Beach Florida United States
 
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Contact details
1575 lenox ave Apt3
33139
Tel: 3059267222 Fax: 3059071892
Brief Summary
Gabriel Kalach was born and raised in Cali, Colombia, one of the most beautiful countries of South America and voted as one of the happiest countries in the world by Time magazine.

At an early stage Gabriel instinctively embraced the arts in a truly passionate manner, by translating his everyday live and experiences into pictorial representations the accurately evoked factual life. Fine Art, Architecture, Design and a thirst for knowledge drove him to further his inherent talents.

Being 9 years old he was awarded in recognition for his aesthetical and architectural representation of a landscape he created. It soon was clear that it would be wise to pursue a path were arts were an integral part of his life.

For more than a decade, Gabriel was a member of a selected group of very young talented artists who attended The Martenot Academy for the Arts in Colombia.

Later in life, he moved to the capital city of Colombia - Bogota, in order to pursue higher goals. After attending The Tadeo University and completing a 5-year Graphics and Arts Career, never stopped studying and researching. Something he aptly calls the University of Life.

He initiated his work efforts for small to high profile companies even before he had graduated. The experience proved to be invaluable once he indeed graduated.

Soon after graduating, Gabriel decided to try and participate in the COREL/EPSON National Graphic Design Contest. A first of its kind at that time in Colombia.

In an awe-inspiring outcome, he was the winner of the contest in all categories.

Although feeling accomplished and appreciative of the opportunity given to him, his artistic and curious soul yearned for more. He needed a bigger challenge. In 1999 Gabriel decided to take his talents and entrepreneurial spirit to the U.S.

The Colombian designer was granted a talent-based O-1 Visa. Knowing that only a certain number of Talent Visa’s are issued per year, he was determined to make his mark and remain in the U.S.

In acknowledgement of his proven talents, awards, work and publications, he was awarded a Talent-based Green-Card; an amazing feat when considering that an artist has to be on the top 10% of his field on his native country as well as being recognized in the USA to be considered.

Gabriel, a free spirit of sorts, instead of pursuing a career in the corporate stage, continued working as an independent Visual Communicator and Graphic Artist following a path of conceptual freedom that has proven ultimately conductive to his artistic creations.

He is continuously evolving, growing and developing new ideas every day. As an autodidact who seeks to excel in subjects outside the mainstream of conventional education, his innate curiosity and love for research has evolved, grown and proven to be an asset which reaches and influences every aspect of his life - especially his work.

Gabriel designs and artistic creations has been recognized, published and awarded numerous times in the past decade. While keeping a low profile, he has worked with top clients nationally and internationally. Yet he remains open to any project that might spark his inner-light or perhaps help a humanistic cause.

Abilities in abstract conceptualization and visualization along with a passion for global design and a keen eye for aesthetics pave the way of this talented designer.

Gabriel sees his future as an ever-changing yet intriguing piece of art. Never dull or still, always evolving and forging new and captivating ways to attract, inform, surprise and communicate to the world. 
Clients
PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL • International leader in apparel sales. An umbrella for several successful brands.

CRODA INTERNATIONAL • Global leader in speciality chemicals. From Personal to Health Care / Coatings and Polymers.

EMAGINE.com • Venetia, Pennsylvania • Marketing to wireless technology companies.

ARRSO RESTAURANTS INC. • Hospitality and Elite Restaurants Company.

TBG • The Branding Group • Advertising Agency

SRS • WORLD HOTELS • New York City • Steigenberger Reservation System Worldwide.

SEPHORA • Miami Beach • Beauty Stores Worldwide.

LUMINA • New York City • Advertising Agency.

AXEZE• Australia • Biometric, Keyless Security Entry Products. Identity and Property Protection.

• BLUE SUN INTERNATIONAL • Chemicals for the Beauty Industry
• ELITE HTS • Upscale Home Theater Seating
• EBITA REALTY GROUP
• JCR ORIGINALS • Architectural Designer
• LAHAINA CONDOS HAWAII
• TIGHTTUNES • Online Music Store
• US NEWS GROUP
• SCRIPT & SCRIBBLE •
• ECO AIR JETS • Clean Green Charters
• AVELLY INDUSTRIES • Test & Measurement Devices
• BASH NIGHTCLUB • Acclaimed South beach Club from 90s
• FLNY • Construction Development Company
• GHS • Global Hospitality Services
• ICANDEE PRODUCTIONS • Lifestyle Events
• PERCEPTION MEDIA GROUP • MEDIA LAB
• TRANSITIONS ABROAD MAGAZINE • ONLINE
• VORTEX • World Class Valves
• DRAKE MEDIA LABS • Digital tools for publishers.
• RK RESOURCES • Recruiting Source
• OMC • Original Media Concepts • Radio and TV
• UCT • Underground City Tavern
• LOGISTEK • Consulting Services TV Industry
• CANTATA PHARMACEUTICALS
• CAVP • Corporate Audio / Video Solutions
• SNAP • Construction Services
• GALAPAGOS SHOPS • Exclusive Apparel Shops
• MEDIA TARGETS
• CORNERSTONE CONSTRUCTION
• MEDTOWER • INFORM PLATFORM • Agents of Biowarfare
• ITG • Internet Traveler's Guide
• ANDIAMO • Multi-Sport Consulting Services
• BOPRAE STUDIO • ARTIST
• PERCEPTION MEDIA GROUP • MEDIA LAB • Advertising
• DULCE DE LECHE • Clothing Line
• SALGARI SPECIAL EVENTS • Events & Productions
• KAT CARNEY • TV personality • Health Matters
• PREMIER SAVER • Savings Club
• SEANTELLE • Personal Matchmaker
• SILER ROAD • Automotive Journalism
• TEXAS TRADITIONAL HOMES • Realty
• UV PICTURES • Film Productions
• VIS JEANS • Online, Gender Centric Apparel Online Store


 
Professional Experience
FREELANCE EXPERIENCE | Varied Projects | National/International | 2001 - Present
Graphic Artist / Design Director

PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL • International leader in apparel sales. An umbrella for several successful brands.
• Handled several design projects for the brand Cubavera. Marketing pieces (Online / Print Media), Magazine Ads, Posters. - Creation of the new Cubavera icon boosting identity status and brand finesse. - Interior design for the clothing stores. - Creation of new brands to be introduced to the market. - Design of John Henry’s Logo. - Graphics for the brands AXIST and Callaway. The logos created for some of the brands were awarded and published.

CRODA INTERNATIONAL • Global leader in speciality chemicals. From Personal to Health Care / Coatings and Polymers.
• Handled all visuals for presentations. Marketing pieces (Online / Print Media), Magazine Ads, Posters. Language translation and content creation assistance. A cohesive constant look was requested.
Challenge met: Adaptation of company’s formats to meet Croda’s ID specifications regardless of language.

EMAGINE.com • Venetia, Pennsylvania • Marketing to wireless technology companies.
• Handled all aspects of conceptualization, visual research and design of logos and corporate identities for new as well as established companies in the highly competitive IT + Wireless technology Sectors.
Included projects for Anritsu, Xceed as well as WiMAX literature and white papers.

ARRSO RESTAURANTS INC. • Hospitality and Elite Restaurants Company.
• Handled all aspects of conceptualization, visual research and design of logos and corporate identities for new venues, including de acclaimed Mas Alla restaurant, bars, ultralounge, entertainment events, entertainment spots and clubs. Collaborated with Interior Designers, Artists and Printers in L.A. in order to achieve optimum results. Challenges met: Negotiated and reduced the total cost of printing by 80% while still using special printing techniques. Projects included the reknown venues: Karu&Y, Y UltraLounge, Tottem and Tottem Gardens.
This was an Award-Winning Project. The logos created for this project were published. The printing was honored.

TBG • The Branding Group • Advertising Agency
• Handled all aspects of conceptualization, visual research and design. Reviewed and Implemented procedures to optimize creative department’s performance while increasing available graphical and stock resources in only two weeks.

SRS • WORLD HOTELS • New York City • Steigenberger Reservation System Worldwide.
• Handled all aspects of conceptualization and design for National and International Boutique Hotels. Mailers, Postcards, Invitations, Magazine Ads. Interpretation of the client’s business objectives through creative concepting while maintaining strict brand fidelity required by the Germany headquarters.

SEPHORA • Miami Beach • Beauty Stores Worldwide.
• Handled all aspects of conceptualization and design for several projects for the Store at Miami Beach.
Proposed new quality promotional ideas (through comps and graphics presentations) within budget and allocated time.

LUMINA • New York City • Advertising Agency.
• Handled the creation of promotional and identity items.

AXEZE• Australia • Biometric, Keyless Security Entry Products. Identity and Property Protection.
• From initial concepts through final execution I created the new revamped look of all the selling and promotional items, making emphasis on digital assets distribution. Brand reputation grew as well as sales internationally.

INCA INTERNATIONAL | Bogota - COLOMBIA | January 1998 - November 1999
Graphic Designer

• Duties included handling all aspects of design and conceptualization of material for sales catalogues,
brochures, posters, sales campaigns and promotional material for the health and beauty industry. Offered
a new streamlined way to develop multi-page documents through the use of updated software and layout techniques.
• Creation of promotional strategies and graphics material in new and creative ways in order to reach the
masses. Proposed new photo and pricing layout structure to display each product in a better light. Sales were
increased during my period with this company.
• Supervised Designers and Freelance Artists, creating a more effective working team. Facilitated transition
between the older Adobe PageMaker program to the newer InDesign software.
• Proposed revamped layout design for sales catalogues and improved corporate image.
• Concept and packaging design for new products. Developed beauty products, from concept to photo realistic
renderings based on vendors products’ catalogues.
• Product development from scratch or from a photograph (Vector renderings and finalization in PhotoShop).
• Casting of models, wardrobe selection and photo direction for promotional material.
• Responsible of copy writing for several campaigns. Especially biochemistry-based content to promote specific
beauty products’ features
• Computer Hardware & Software purchasing advise, upgrade & maintenance. Mac Platform.


FREELANCE EXPERIENCE | Diverse Projects | Latinamerica | 1995 - 1999
Graphic Artist / Design Director

CONCEPT AND DESIGN FOR LOGOSYMBOLS, CORPORATE IDENTITY PACKAGES, COLLATERAL AND WEBSITES.

PROEXPORT • International Representation Agency for National Companies.
• Duties included handling all aspects of design and conceptualization of projects for international markets. Design of print material, photo-direction, shot selection, design supervision.

PROCESOS CREATIVOS • Advertising Agency.
• Duties included handling all aspects of design of print material for TV stations, Banks and Malls. Collaboration with designers, art directors and copy writers for the creation of new campaigns. Proposed and implemented new development methods (i.e. using a combination of plug-ins and experimental software).

FASHION MANAGERS • Fashion & Events • Production Company.
• Duties included handling all aspects of design of print material for fashion events and campaigns. Digital photo editing and retouching. Collaboration with models, fashion designers, photographers and choreographers for the creation of new events and promotional material.
This company, from logo + identity to the promotional items for fashions shows, was created entirely by me.
BONUS: Several fashion designers were able to gather their resources under this brand thus increasing their profits.

BCH Bank • Banco Central Hipotecario (Bank).
• Duties included handling all aspects of concept, design and photo selection for catalogues and brochures. Maintained a cohesive look respecting the bank’s identity rules while offering new approaches on how to display data in a more non-linear way. Created bank forms with more pizzaz striving to avoid the typical cluttered ones.

MARIO HERNANDEZ MARROQUINERA • International Leather Company.
• Handled photo direction, management and edition which was necessary to enhance the visual properties of the leather products. Challenge met: I was able to design a great looking catalogue with an old computer running Windows 3.1 as well as with extremely outdated software while meeting printing requirements within proposed budget.

MR PRODUCCIONES • Productions Agency.
GAIRA CAFE • Restaurant • Café.
CINET • First Film Information Website in Colombia.
TALL • The Pantyhose Company.
SHOCK MAGAZINE • Leading Fashion and Trends Magazine (Digital Collaging and photo edition performed).

QUALIFICATIONS • TALENT MEETS PASSION // A MULTI-FACETED CREATIVE

Abilities in abstract conceptualization and visualization with a willingness to convert a notional vision into an actionable conceit that can be communicated to inspire others, effectively reaching the target audience.

My assignments include: Initial conceptualization based on provided information or communications with client, classic and digital illustration, classic and digital design, name creation and copy writing in two languages, promotional and sufficient marketing knowledge, pre-production (file preparation to meet excellent printing quality standards), coordination and synchronization with parties involved in the creation of complex projects, experience with special printing techniques and PDF workflows.

Creation, printing and digital supervisison of: Logos & Entire Corporate Identities, Catalogs, Brochures, Magazine/Newspapers Layout and Multi-Page Documents, Ads, Data Sheets and Forms, P.O.P. Displays, Packaging + Product Development, Direct Mail, Posters and Large Format Graphics, Flyers, Customized Presentations (Digital or Printed), Photography and Photo Manipulation (grade A), Book/CD Covers, Websites (Concept Design), Email Pieces/Campaigns, White Papers, Induction and Educational Material.

My love for technology (hardware and software) keeps me in the know-how while being an asset to supervise purchases of equipment to meet several graphical and technical criterias (when required), while, in occassions, making specialized computer upgrades myself. A fine-tuned computer is essential to beat tight deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS:

15+ Years of Professional
Graphic Design & Production

Specializes in taking projects
from concept, through
design; photography,
pre-production, printing,
assembly and packaging into
final deliverables to client.

Bi-Lingual (Spanish & English) with clear understanding between Spanish variations according to native country.

Multiple Award-Winning Artist (Illustration + Design).
Strong Artistic Background,
Corporate & Brand Identity &
Digital Imaging/Manipulation.

Expert Software and Hardware Knowledge.

SOFTWARE SKILLS:

MAC OS & Windows OS

ADOBE CREATIVE SUITES - CC
- Photoshop/ImageReady
- IIlustrator & Vector Tools
- InDesign & Plug-Ins
- FireWorks
- Basic Dreamweaver
- Corel Painter Basics
- Video /Motion Programs Basics
- Video Conversion (Codecs)
- Critical Data Recovery Software
- Corel Suites 8 - X4
- MS Office
- Classic PageMaker
- Classic Freehand
- Streamline
- Dimensions
- Mac iLife Suite
- Mac iWork Suite
- Classic Micrografx Suite (iGrafx)
- Classic AppleWorks
- Multimedia Software Basics

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE:

ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE

KPT 2, 3, 5, 6 & Collections
Corel Knockout (masking)
Vertus Software (masking)
Extensis Tools, Xaos Tools
Flaming Pear Tools
DigiEffects Euphoria Tools
Eye Candy Tools,Vertigo Filters, Panopticum, NIK Effects Filters
Auto FX Suites,TextureScape, TextureShoP and many more.


Strong knowledge of Sciences, Biochemistry, Medicine and technologies applied to the health, fitness, beauty markets, and pharma fileds.

Knowledge of socio-cultural and psychological trends - especially applied to projects where deep conceptual work is required.


EDUCATION • A CREATIVE IS BORN // IN PURSUE OF KNOWLEDGE - A NEVER ENDING EXPLORATION

• JORGE TADEO LOZANO UNIVERSITY • Bogota - Colombia < 1997 >
Certificate Digital Pre-press and color basics. (Grade: A+).
• JORGE TADEO LOZANO UNIVERSITY • Bogota - Colombia < 1992 - 1997 >
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design & Visual Communication (Grade: A / Best in Class).
• GRAFILETRAS • Bogota - Colombia < 1995 >
Vector Drawing & Design with Digital Tools.
• STIFTISCHES GYMNASIUM • Dueren - Germany < 1991 >
Graphic Design Basics.
• MARTENOT ACADEMY • Cali - Colombia < 1982 - 1989 >
7 years Junior Art Degree in Fine Arts, Painting Techniques; Form and Color Application (Honors Achieved)

 
Awards and Recognition
• AGDA WINNER (SERIES OF 5 LOGOS) • AMERICAN GRAPHICS DESIGN AWARDS • USA - 2014

• TRIPLE WINNER of AGDA(3 WINNING LOGOS) • AMERICAN GRAPHICS DESIGN AWARDS • USA - 2013

• FEATURED WORK (LOGOS & SYMBOLS) • "The 2012 LogoLounge Trends Report"
   A selection of the best of the best in logo design defining new trends • USA - 2012

• PUBLISHED WORK (LOGOS & SYMBOLS) • "LogoLounge Master Library series (Book 4), titled Typography & Enclosures"
   Each book in the Master Library series focuses on a very specific logo design category • USA - 2011-12

• PUBLISHED WORK (LOGOS & SYMBOLS) • "LogoLounge Master Library series, titled Shapes & Symbols"
   Each book in the Master Library series focuses on a very specific logo design category • USA - 2010

• PUBLISHED WORK (LOGOS & SYMBOLS) • "LogoLounge Master Library series, titled Initials & Crests"
   Each book in the Master Library series focuses on a very specific logo design category • USA - 2009

• PUBLISHED WORK (RETAIL GRAPHICS) • "1000 Retail Graphics"
   From Signage to Logos and Everything In-Store • USA - 2007

• PUBLISHED WORK (RESTAURANT GRAPHICS) • "1000 Restaurant, Bar & Café Graphics "
   From Signage to Logos and Everything In Between • USA - 2007

• HONORS (FINCH PAPERS INTERNATIONAL)
For Excellence in the Creative use of Finch Papers • USA - 2007

• PUBLISHED WORK (LOGOSYMBOLS) • "LogoLounge The Book 4"
The best International Identities by Leading Designers of the World • USA - 2007

• TRIPLE WINNER (3 WINNING LOGOS) • AMERICAN GRAPHICS DESIGN AWARDS • USA /2006-2007

• PUBLISHED WORK (BUSINESS CARDS) • "The Best of Business Cards Design 7" • USA - 2006

• WINNING ENTRY (LOGO) • "NCCA Design Tournament" • Best Logo - FL • USA - 2006

• WINNING ENTRY (IDENTITY PACKAGE) • "NCCA Design Tournament" Best ID • USA - 2006

• PUBLISHED WORK (LOGOSYMBOLS) • "LogoLounge The Book 3"
The best International Identities by Leading Designers of the World | USA - 2006

• WINNING ENTRY (IDENTITY PACKAGE) • "NCCA Design Tournament"
Best Identity Package - FL • USA - 2005

• GRANTED • TALENT-BASED GREEN CARD • After displaying exceptional ability in the arts field.
Criteria to meet: Belongs to the top 10% of graphic designers in Colombia and the US.

• PUBLISHED WORK (LOGOSYMBOLS) • "LogoLounge The Book 2"
The best International Identities by Leading Designers of the World • USA - 2004

• GOLD PRIZE WINNER (FIRST PRIZE for best CORPORATE IDENTITY system)
"PaperWorks Contest" from The Neenah Paper Corporation • FL / USA - 2003

• PUBLISHED WORK (LOGOSYMBOLS) • "Graphics Design USA" • 40th Anniversary Identity Special
Logos in pages 53 - 60 • Also published on their Website’s Special Edition • USA - 2003

• PUBLISHED WORK (LOGOSYMBOLS) • "LogoLounge The Book"
2,000 International Identities by Leading Designers • USA - 2003

• FIRST PRIZE WINNER • BEST INTERFACE DESIGN • THE PLUGINSITE CONTEST • USA - 2002

• FIRST PRIZE WINNER • MOST IMPRESSIVE CREATION • THE PLUGINSITE CONTEST • USA - 2000

• GRANTED • O1, TALENT-BASED VISA • O1 visas for people of extraordinary ability in the arts field

• FIRST PRIZE WINNER • The Corel/Epson National Graphic Design Contest • Bogota - Colombia

• WINNING POSTER DESIGN • 30th Anniversary of the Graphic Design Faculty • Bogota - Colombia

• WINNING DESIGN • First Graphic Designer's Portfolio Showroom • Bogota - Colombia

• PARTICIPANT • Annual Graphic Design Showroom • Bogota - Colombia

• INVITED (as a participant) • New Media Artwork Showcase • Latin American Trade Show Center

• INVITED (as a participant) • The Annual Graphic Artists Showroom • Trade Show Center





 
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