- Ecommerce Web Designer

8/2007 – 2/2009
Network Solutions
Belleville, IL.

Performed client consultation calls to discuss website goals as well as graphical wishes and requirements then designed and coded Enterprise (10+ Page sites with Flash, Rollovers, Dropdowns, etc.) and Basic (6 page or less sites with standard navigation) Level sites for the Monster Commerce Shopping Cart engine.

• Worked within a set timeline structure, bringing in projects within goal based timeframes.
• Assisted "escalation clients" who needed special consideration because of circumstances that placed their project outside the normal timeline based structure.
• Coded sites to strict CSS, HTML, and Javascript requirements of the shopping cart software.
• Created Flash animations as needed.
• Mentored newer designers to help them "get up to speed".

Why this experience is good for you:

An artist who is time conscious, able to juggle multiple projects, code within standards, and good with customers? Who wouldn't need a person like that on their team? And did I mention he draws, paints, and knows Flash too?

- Graphic Software Trainer

12/2003 – 8/2007
CompUSA
Sunset Hills, MO.
      

Worked with students in a classroom setting and for 1 on 1 consultation. Provided training to corporate and private students from novice to advanced. Enhanced classroom teaching by sharing real-world experience from years working as a professional artist.

Raised the level of excellence expected by the clients of CompUSA.

What the students had to say about Den:

(actual quotes from student surveys)

“Class was very much fun, learned a lot and Den Dotson is friendly, helpful and aiming to please. Thanks for such a great computer learning experience.”

“Den Dotson was an amiable and effective teacher who took an interest in each of the students. Den is an outstanding teacher. Very knowledgable and fun.

“Den was a well-informed instructor and delivered the material in an easy to follow manner. He exercised patience when needed.”

What this experience can do for you:

Most art departments pay for trainers to continually help “bring their artists up to speed” or they have “a guy/girl” they call when they need expertise. You will have this resource on your team.

- Art Director, Animator

9/1996 – Present 
We Make Art
Saint Louis, MO.

We Make Art is a company I formed with my wife and art partner Colleen Dempsey.

My focus has been on design, illustration, portrait, and cartooning clients.

We continue We Make Art to allow us to work with small clients and personal projects dear to our hearts.

Why this experience matters:

Many artists become stale or discouraged when they can’t take on pet projects during the course of their “real” work. We Make Art gives me a laboratory for trying new things outside the work that makes me a living.

- Flash Animator, Art Director

2/2000 - 10/2002
Partec, Inc.
Saint Louis, MO.

I was THE art department to a team of programmers in the Internet Technologies department.

• Created the “look and feel” of all Internet and Intranet sites including Flash animation, 3D Flash, 3D Illustration, Photoshop image manipulation, and cartooning.
• Created animation and video presentations from concept to final edits.
• Created marketing and multimedia presentation graphics for print, web, and video.
• Trained graphic professionals.
• Won award for "Best Use of Flash" from Flash Newz magazine.
  

How this experience works for you:

One of the challenges and joys of my time at Partec was being asked to wear so many hats. One day I was designing a website, the next it was a brochure, the next who knows what. Handling all of these different roles makes me a very versatile artist to have on staff. Also Partec was a small company I took a chance on by taking a position with them. I worked at Partec on the last day the doors were open. We gave it everything we could to make it work and we learned a lot.

- Art Director, Trainer, Web & Package Designer

11/1996 - 2/2000 
Creatives On Call, Mac Temps, Aquent, Hire Knowledge
Saint Louis, MO.

Was the "hired gun" providing top quality art and graphics to top-level clients on a "as needed" basis.

• Created the “look and feel” of all Internet and Intranet sites including Flash animation, 3D Flash, 3D Illustration, Photoshop image manipulation, and cartooning.
• Created animation and video presentations from concept to final edits.
• Created marketing and multimedia presentation graphics for print, web, and video.
• Trained graphic professionals.
  

- Package Designer/Illustrator/Cartoonist

11/1994 - 9/1996 
James River Corp/Flexible Packaging Division
Saint Louis, MO/Shreveport, LA.

Hired to handle Cartoon Character-centric products and for my ability to draw "anything".

Worked as freelance designer and was hired/promoted to Art Department Coordinator in Shreveport, LA.

• Designed and created packaging for major product lines and for nationally known brands, including but not limited to: General Mills, Ralston, Lance Crackers, Nestle/Sunline, Wonder, Earth Grains, Skybox Cards, Willy Wonka, Quaker, Frito-Lay, among others.
• Supervised art department, gave press approvals, ink match approvals and maintained schedules and budgets.
  

Education

5/1988
Webster University
Webster Groves, MO.   

- Bachelor's Degree

Bachelors Degree with Dual Majors in Animation and Anatomical Illustration

5/1986
Meramec Community College,
Saint Louis, MO.    

- Associate Degree

Associates Degree in Advertising Design and Commercial Art