Since I could remember, art and technology always fascinated me, so after I graduated from a technical high school in Greece which specialized in computer science, my creative side lead me to the field of graphic design. This field, I believe, is perfect harmony of art fused with technology. I found myself amazed at the possibilities and potential that this field has to offer. Soon I started doing some free lance work for a Greek Cultural Club, “The Cretans Association of Omonoia”, creating flyers, posters, calendars, playbills for concerts that they organized, and in general all of their design and printing needs. Eventually, I was given the opportunity to work part time for two separate magazines, a nation wide distributed magazine, KPHTH MAGAZINE of the Pancretan Association of America, and another nation wide distributed Greek-American magazine, ESTIATOR. I also freelance for a company called The Menu Guys which specializes in providing restaurants with all the design and printing needs. I have gained much experience through freelancing. First, I have gained skills through practicing with the software I became familiar with. I have done a lot a work in Photoshop, creating designs and retouching photograhs that people gave me or even asked me to shoot for them. The usage of Illustrator alowed me to create illustrations and logos. Besides the skills that I have practiced through freelancing, I have learned to adjust to the different interests that people may have. I have also came to understand that patience and good communication with clients has been an effective way for me to create positive relationships with the people that I work for. Therfore, through my work, I have also practiced my communication skills and building relationships through trust, and these are the skills that I use and build on with new people. In my experience working in the magazines, I was exposed to a completely different environment, with new concepts, such as consistency of designs, good use of typography, applying grids, integrating software to create layouts and ads, and appropriateness in application of proper functions with each program. Here I have mastered the usage of InDesign CS3, Quark in combination with Illustrator and Photoshop, in order to achieve for the best possible results. I have learned how to organize work and filing using Adobe Bridge. In addition, I have learned that teamwork is important in working in a magazine. Freelancing can be a one-man job, where I am responsible for all results; however, it is important to own the skills of good collaboration with others when working on a team project such as a magazine. Other skills I have developed through work experience and through college courses are photography and photo-retouching, which I enjoy, and also do as a hobby. I am currently in my forth year working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and Advertising at the New York City College of Technology. Last semester, I took my first web design class, and came to realize that the future lies in that field. This led me to take more web design courses, in order to improve my abilities in the field. So far, I have gained knowledge in the use of Dreamweaver, CSS style sheets, and the importance of applying web standards into my web pages. In the future I intend to have a complete and thouought understanding of both print and web design, which can lead me to a career of Art Direct I would like to work for a company that provides clients with complete solutions for their design needs, print or web.