I'm Ren
I am a Cincinnati artist with a broad skill set and decades of experience working in digital media. I have the knowledge base and talent needed to build a visual representation in print and digital imagery.
Before anything else, I'm an artist at my core. When you have an idea for an image that doesn't exist yet, I can make it for you. And I can work it into a t-shirt design or a book cover or a beautiful artwork to hang proudly on your wall. If you have a new visual idea that I haven't heard of before, I want to get on board and make that, too.
I produce visual work that is personal, beyond custom, to make perfect designs that are significant and meaningful. I'm equipped to create anything. And I always do brand work that captures a business's greatest virtues.
My favorite way to work is to really get to know a business and find ways to improve their visual appeal. With a new business I like to start with a logo, and then a color scheme and font theme to accompany it. Soon there are business cards, signs, professional swag, and a website of course, with that unique custom logo. It all stands out together with a cohesive, memorable and trustworthy feel.
My story, so far
My background is in fine arts, design, and art education. Growing up I loved art and made as much of it as I could. I attended weekend courses, summer camps, and every single art class my school offered. If there was an opportunity for me to learn more about art, I took it, and proudly accepted the nickname "that art girl".
I attended The University of Michigan School of Art and Design, where I met other amazing artists and did all sorts of inspired things in the name of ART. In the course of earning a Bachelors of Fine Arts, I learned new mediums, complicated concepts, and the myriad ways in which art can be used to communicate. I'm still learning and growing as an artistic communicator.
After college I got involved with many arts organizations around the city including Kennedy Heights Arts Center, Artworks, Fitton Center, and Wyoming Fine Arts Center. I taught summer camps, adult evening courses, and workshops. I participated with the resident artists, marched in art parades, sold and donated my artwork, and attended gallery openings. And again I met even more amazing artists.
I soon found teaching art to be hugely exciting and went back to school. In 2011 I earned a Masters Degree in Art Education at The University of Cincinnati DAAP, which led to a 12 year career teaching visual art. I've taught in all kinds of classrooms with students of all ages. While teaching Digital Art and Photography to high school students, I grew to love digital media and appreciate it as a true art form with every bit of decision-making, skill, and creativity as other fine arts. I learned a lot while teaching those classes including many helpful avenues to continue my education independently.
I've taken a step away from classroom art education, but as always I remain an artist.
Now I use art to build connections. Visuals communicate immediate and long-lasting impressions. I love how art has the ability to transcend so many barriers in order to create understanding, communicate meaning, and connect people. Meaningful design can be a powerful tool to put forward positive representation, to make introductions, and to share a message. Connect with me and I can be the source for your next great connection.
"The more we get together, the happier we'll be."
-Raffi
