About Me
Ahoy hoy!
My name is Jake and I am visual designer that lives and breathes strategy into all of my work. I am an Orlando-based UI/UX, graphic and web designer working in the themed entertainment industry. I’ve worn a lot of different hats in my design career so far and this diversity is what excites me and motivates me to push myself every day.
I have been an avid theme park fan since I was a kid, one of my favorite memories being when Doc Brown let me drive the Delorean a couple years ago (pictured). To this day, the Orlando theme parks inspire my design work because of the immense attention to detail and intricate storytelling. Whether it’s Diagon Alley at Universal Studios or the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, every aspect of those experiences was painstakingly planned for the best user experience. That’s what any design project should do as well. Everything must feel cohesive and work toward engaging with an audience. I always keep this idea of strategic theme park storytelling in mind when I approach any new project.
When I’m not editing a block of code or moving shapes around in Illustrator, you’ll find me at one of Orlando’s many theme parks, either trying to max out my score on Men In Black: Alien Attack, taking a trip down to the 5th dimension on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, or flying through the sky on Mako.
There’s a great big beautiful solution, just a design away.
My Experience
Universal Parks & Resorts // 2019-Present
Art directing all aspects of the uKNOW brand and messaging, including website interface and experience design, build and maintenance, announcements and communications, uKNOW promotional and brand materials, and more as needed. Collaborating with another designer to strategize, prototype, code and implement daily website updates as well as long-term enhancements, through HTML, CSS and Javascript. Constantly reviewing analytics and user trends to lead initiatives for creating a more seamless user experience across multiple destinations.
Golf Channel // 2016-2019
Collaborating with several departments on creative material for both business and consumer marketing, including custom print pieces, interactive web banners, branded emails, sales presentations and any other digital marketing needs. Creating all assets to launch new initiatives, including the GolfNow VIP program and a sweepstakes with a professional golfer.
Intelity // 2015-2016
Working with the Marketing Director to develop all visual assets for marketing campaigns, including email layouts, social media graphics, infographics and interactive content. Managing the redesign of the company website to incorporate more interactive elements and improve SEO. Working with the Client Services department to create app interfaces for new hotels.
Impakt Media // 2014-2015
Leading and mentoring a team of designers. Working on a variety of branding, print, and web design projects. Building website layouts in Photoshop and coding them for enhanced user experience. Creating unique branding for clients and for Impakt promotional material, including logos, business cards, and brochures.
Foliotype Creative // 2012-2013
Assisting the Creative Director in various areas of design, including logos, websites, e-newsletter layouts, and print advertisements. Leading the design of self-promotional pieces, including quarterly calendars focusing on icons for holidays and occasions.
The Daily Athenaeum // 2011-2014
Developing eye-catching designs using Adobe InDesign. Updating past ads to reestablish the brand. Creating the newspaper layout each day, placing ads on each page, and exporting to the news department. Assigning tasks to other staff as needed.
