About Clarke (with an “e”) Graves

Author's note.
Rather than bore you with all sorts of nonsense that even I would not read, I'll tap into some key areas which might be useful to you and perhaps if you're lucky...mildly entertaining!

I grew up in Ocean Beach, San Diego, CA (an attitude, as much as an address). After graduating from high school, during which time I ran Cross Country and Track (because I was too small for football), I went to San Diego Mesa Junior College. During both educational stints, I worked at Sea World as Shamu, Pete Penguin and Virgil the Pelican. I was a costume character (yes they are heavy and hot, but making people smile is a great job requirement). It was during my Junior College years that I began working towards becoming a Graphic Designer.

I became interested in Design long before I knew it was a major at schools or a job you apply for. I was always volunteering to help friends come up with logos for their sports teams; creating newsletters for my track team; staying up late on my computer portraying wind-surfers riding planet earth. Eventually I was told that my interests are an actual profession. Imagine enjoying your work. Really enjoying it...to the point where your eyes get big when you talk about projects and you wake up and sketch at 3am. This professed 'profession' is a hobby that I cannot get enough of.

In June of 2000, I graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor Degree in Design with an Emphasis in Visual Communications (...whew, long title). While attending this awesome school, I was busy gaining experience in just about every design related field I could. From interning at ad agencies and video game companies to working at web companies and printing presses. I even freelanced and started an official business under the name of LC Design with a partner. I just wanted to gain as much real world experience as I could to complement the classroom theory. Together it all fostered my interest in graphic design, from print to web, multimedia to photo.

After graduating, I took advantage of the freedom I had at that stage of my life and saw a small portion of the world. I called my trip "50 in the Fast Lane." I did this to get a better idea of what's out there. To better appreciate what I've seen, and to make sure I am more knowledgeable in deciding where and what I wanted to do with my future. I traveled by myself, via car, through 11 states, 2 countries, and over 9000 miles. No set agenda was ever established, but an unscripted and magnificent agenda was achieved. There is so much beauty where we live...we are lucky to have been give eyes to take it all in.

Currently I am working at The Upper Deck Company in Carlsbad, California (just north of San Diego). For those who didn't collect baseball cards as kids, that is what Upper Deck does. Sports Trading Cards, Autographed Memorabilia/Collectibles, and Entertainment Products. I work there as a Web Designer and have been given the opportunity to work on some fantastic projects! I have designed and been involved in company CD-ROM Brochures, corporate websites (www.upperdeck.com, sports.upperdeck.com, udkids.com), as well as athlete websites for pro players like Yao Ming and Kevin Garnett of the NBA and for Wayne Gretzky of the NHL!

While I enjoy working at Upper Deck, I am still working with clients on a freelance basis. Working with companies on print projects, web, and multimedia is something that has taken place over the last several years and I look forward to future opportunities to continue this.

I hope to always work in an environment where...
	I look forward to Mondays instead of dreading them.
	Where Fridays are not the day I hold my breath until, but when I reflect on a great week.
	Where I learn from co-workers who take pride in their work.
	Where I am a part of something good. Where I make a difference.
	Where my creativity is nurtured, challenged and encouraged.
	Where everyone teaches and is taught.
	Where my enthusiasm for a project keeps me working until the sun comes back up.
	Where I can someday afford to have a yard with a dog :)

p.s. oh yah...and I love to surf!