Ralph Hermens
Art Director · Backstory Magazine
Tustin, CA
In My Own Words
With more than 17 years experience, I have been putting my soul into producing next-level design and pushing the creative envelope. My expertise and enthusiasm for art direction has given me the opportunity to work with a variety of businesses, including action sports, motorsports, retail, real estate, firearms, and finance.
Exceptional design is the cornerstone for a brand. Telling visual stories takes technical skill with an overflowing imagination. It also takes great people. Having worked with top editors, photographers, writers, and executives in their fields, I’ve met incredible people along the way and have been honored to learn from them. I excel at art direction, branding, print and digital media, and marketing.
Based in Orange County, California, I take advantage of all the West Coast has to offer, like motorsports, the outdoors, fitness, firearms, and anything that gets the heart pumping. Anyone who is in the “inner circle” knows what I hold dear—my pups and cupcakes. Maybe all that sugar is why my best ideas come to me in the middle of the night.
I'm currently looking for long-term contracts or full-time positions.
Work Experience
Art Director
Backstory Magazine2013 – Present
• Backstory is an iPad-based film & entertainment magazine that can also be viewed online bi-monthly • Responsible for the creative direction/interactivity of the digital layouts and the illustrative artwork done by outside creatives included in articles • Hire creative contractors based on production or creative need • Work with editor-in-chief collaboratively to establish direction of cover art • Compile and preflight all files for final publication of each issue
Creative Director
Bonnier Motorcycle Group2017 – 2019
• Led in-house art directors and photographers for three print magazines based around the motorcycle lifestyle • Worked closely with editors-in-chief to create a visual story for each article with the use of photoshoots, illustrations, and archival photography • Curated creative contributors; coordinated, conceptualized, and executed photo shoots • Frequently reviewed each title for new content ideas • Worked with sales to create advertising/marketing and maintain brand quality standards • Spearheaded redesign of Cycle World as a quarterly in late 2017 to create a more specialized and lasting experience for the reader
Art Director
Bonnier Motorcycle Group2017 – 2017
• Responsible for creating six issues per year for two magazines, Motorcyclist and Sport Rider • Curated, conceptualized, and designed all departments and features for each issue with input gathered from editors • Coordinated and executed photo shoots • Created web graphics, marketing materials, and advertising campaigns for events • Redesigned Motorcyclist creating a more clean, high-end aesthetic with beautiful original photography(2017)
Art Director/Marketing Manager
Surefire Institute/Firearms Training Associates2014 – 2015
• Managed marketing for SFI and FTA, firearm training companies working with everyone from new shooters to high-level military personnel • Elevated brand recognition for both companies • Generated print media, email blasts, and social media on a regular weekly schedule • Analyzed data trends weekly or monthly • Attended classes/events to create content with photos and video • Designed new website but was not implemented due to budget constraints and layoffs
Assistant Art Director
Road & Track Magazine2011 – 2012
• Responsible for designing a monthly print/digital magazine with additional interactive content • Worked with editorial staff to create compelling content • Directed a global group of freelance photographers, illustrators, and photo editors • Assisted in the launch of an app that focuses on world-class automotive photography
Graphic Designer
PacSun2011 – 2011
• Responsible for creating the internal manual for product placement in retail stores • Generated illustrations and graphics • Regularly edited photos
Senior Designer
Surterre Properties2006 – 2009
• Created an award-winning in-house studio for upstart company in 2006 • Helped grow company from 12 agents to more than 200+ in three years • Responsible for creating/conceptualizing various online graphics, direct marketing, and advertising campaigns for all branches of the company • Directed permanent staff and freelance artists • Responsible for brand management and quality control
Senior Designer
Coldwell Banker2004 – 2007
• Created marketing and advertising print campaigns • Directed 13 artists • Proofed all materials for design • Managed production workflow and hired staff
Education
Interests
Industries
Activity
Recent posts, comments and shares.