Acevedo Creative Career Timeline

Took a class called “Graphic Arts” in High School thinking it was an easy “A.” Didn’t know graphic design was a thing, but liked messing around, making silk-screens out of my illustrations

This friend recommended I apply at a colleagues’ print shop for clerical and entry level design. In the interview, she asked “What programs do you know?” I reluctantly replied, “I know Microsoft Paint?”

While working retail, I was approached by a friend to help him edit photos using some software called “Adobe Photoshop.” Turns out, wasn’t too shabby with this thing called a “cloning tool.”

At this print shop, learned basic design and print skills using Corel Draw. Learned Photoshop 6.0 and used all of the effects. Took care of phone calls, coffee, deliveries and learned plenty other important life skill sets.

Meanwhile working through my design career, I started DJ’n at a local youth group for a few years under the “DJ Soundwav” handle. In 2005, I was invited to be a part of a weekend youth program for a local radio station, Friday Night Fuego & Radio Revolution FM. Learned a whole other world of sound design, mixology and programming.

Moved to another print shop where I learned to use an Apple computer, run Quark and Pagemaker to set files for prepress. Was also promoted to run their small sign shop where I had to use a plotter, separate artwork by colors and install said vinyl. Towards the end of my stint there, I commuted to the printshops Downtown Miami branch to work on minor brands and lots of lawyer copies/deliveries. I had my own scooter!

While in school, worked part-time remotely for an agency then full time after graduation. Moved on from that one to a large local agency. As Art Director for both, did many commercial projects where I learned production design, packaging, campaigns, advertising art direction and team building.

Using a scholarship won through the SkillsUSA competition, attended the Art Institutes and earned a Bachelors in Fine Arts. Was able to apply what I had learned thus far to my studies but learned critical design theory, typography application & anatomy, creative direction etc. My thesis was one that (though terribly filmed) asked one of the many questions about design.  An important season of growth.

Took an opportunity to work with a local company from the automotive industry. Learned very important processes that I would otherwise not have the opportunity to ever crossover to. Helped build and expand their brand and did plenty of art direction, campaign design and creative direction, interior space design and experiences.

A leap of faith. After working for nearly 15 years for other agencies, companies and individuals, I felt it was time to stop making other peoples dreams come true and starting making my own a reality. I quit my previous job and decided to go from part-time freelancer to full-time studio designer and opened ACVDO Co. on March of 2015. The process was challenging and exhilarating.