my projects

I'm Jarel Colon

I’m an organic Graphic Designer who takes pride in my versatile skill set including branding, illustrations, infographics, motion graphics and art directing. I’m continuously working on expanding and refining my toolbelt of skills so that I’m always ready for the next project. I enjoy the early exploration phase of each project, where I can generate a variety of rough concepts to find possible solutions. The only time I stop sketching is when every solution has been explored.

I live in St. Petersburg, Florida with my beautiful wife Sarah, and our two exotic pets, Vasco the barbet and Paz the axolotl. When I’m not designing I’m taking Vasco to training classes, enhancing Paz’s tank, spending quality time with Sarah, or just kicking back and relaxing with some video games.

the wife and kids

Sarah: The love of my life
This Moroccan Goddess is the love of my life! Sarah is a social butterfly that constantly challenges me to step outside my comfort zone. We enjoy travelling together, trying out new restaurants and exploring the beautiful city of St.Pete.
Vasco: The baby of the family
Nope, not a doodle! Vasco is a purebred barbet, which is a French water dog that was bred to retrieve wild game from the French marches. Vasco is a showdog who will soon become a champion. This scaredy cat loves to snuggle by the couch and to dive head first for a swim in the ocean.
Paz: The Leviathan
Is it a fish? Is it lizard? Nope! This underwater monster is an axolotl, which is a subspecies of the tiger salamander that stays a larva their whole life. Paz likes to lounge around in his aquarium and will hunt down anything in his tank that is small enough to fit in his mouth. BEWARE!
(Okay, back to work.)

proficiencies & tools

  • Branding
  • Art Direction
  • Digital & Print Media
  • Motion Graphics
  • Video & Audio Editing
  • Illustration
  • Infographics
  • Typography
  • Layout Design
  • Color Theory

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Indesign

Adobe AfterEffects

Adobe Audition

Wordpress

education & certifications

The Art Institute of Tampa, 2015
BFA in Graphic Design
HP Indigo Training, 2016
Hp Pre-Press Certified

achievements

Benny & Gold ADDY Award, 2022
Publix Delivery & Curbside Board
Gold ADDY Award, 2022
Publix Delivery & Curbside Campaign
Gold ADDY Award, 2021
Publix Omnichannel October B2C Campaign
GD USA, 2016
Student to Watch
Silver ADDY Award, 2016
The Bus Home
American Graphic Design Award, 2015
Homeless Leadership Board

experience

Publix Super Market, March 2020 – Present
Senior Studio Designer

Designed a wide array of marketing materials to be used in various channels such as in-store displays, direct mailers, digital billboards and social media motion graphic videos to promote Publix’s omnichannel presence in the marketplace. Assisted Art Directors in the concepting of campaigns and took part in the directing photoshoots.

Marketopia, July 2017 – Feb 2020
Visual Designer

Created marketing material and websites for the purpose of providing sales leads for +100 clients as well as photographed, recorded, created and edited videos for conferences, webinars, and presentations.

LabelValue, Mar 2016 – July 2017
Graphic Designer/Pre-Press Specialist

Designed marketing material for both print and digital applications. Helped develop and refine a workflow process between three departments, while taking on the responsibility of pre-pressing for an HP Indigo 6800.

Ad2 Tampa Bay, July 2016 – July 2017
Education Committee Member

Helped organize the 2016 Ad Tour where we visited Brave People, Sparxoo, and Schifino Lee with college students from Tampa Area.

Bisk Education, Jan 2016 – Mar 2016
Graphic Designer

Participated in developing advertising campaigns, motion graphics project, as well as designed collateral material for in-house events.

aTrueFace.org/AiTA Design Honors, Jan 2015 – Oct 2015
Student Operated Homelessness Awareness Program

Created an educational package that will be distributed to classrooms throughout the state of Florida to educate children on the state of homelessness.

let's work together

I’m always open to working on new projects and finding opportunities to flex my creative muscle. Let’s get in contact so we can start working on your next project together.