Born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, my inspiration in the arts started at a very young age. During my journey, I relocated to Cleveland, Ohio for 5 years before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2006, where I currently reside.

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Professional Experience

• 18 yrs in Graphic & Print Design
• 18 yrs in Digital Print Production

Education

Diploma Computer Technology Integration 4.0 GPA, Central Piedmont Community College

• Associates in Applied Science | Web Technologies and Associates in Art, Completion Date: 5/2018

Undergraduate in Art Illustration, Pratt Institute of Fine Arts.

In my youth, my passion in the arts began to develop when I frequently spent time at the Gary Crooks Community Art Center, part of the P.T. Barnum Housing Complex in Bridgeport, Connecticut. About a dozen friends and myself spent countless hours working on our techniques, most of the time taking advantage of access to the art supplies. Although we had full access after school, we were limited in our development. Acrylic paint and PrismaColor Markers were the popular mediums of choice. Unfortunately, the community lost the art center in the early 1990's and received no replacement. The city's actions were hard on the community as many of the youth turned to the streets. There was no support in the arts for the city for many years yet as of recent, the development of the art community has grown and is heading in a much positive direction.

During my last summer before high school graduation, I attended the Capitol Region Education Council's Center for Creative Youth, which is a residential college preparation program that featured a variety of studies in art, including Creative writing, dance, filmmaking, music, musical theater, photography, theater and visual arts. My development began to expand as I first experienced using mediums other than markers. I gained experience using oil paint, pastels, conte crayons, charcoal and even an elective in which I learned how to play the Saron Barung instrument of the Javanese Gamelan. CCY was truly a great cultural experience. During a college fair at the program, I applied to two colleges. They were Paier College of Art in Hamden, Connecticut and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Who would have known my collegiate fate would actually come down to one of the two.

Saron from the gamelan orchestra at the Indonesian Embassy in Australia. Taken by Fir0002/Flagstaffotos

I gained experience using oil paint, pastels, conte crayons, charcoal and even an elective in which I learned how to play the Saron Barung instrument of the Javanese Gamelan. CCY was truly a great cultural experience.

After miraculously making the deadline to take the last dated SATs, I received an interview letter from Pratt Institute. Due to unfortunate circumstances, there was no adult guardian available to travel with me to Pratt for my interview. At the age of 17 years old, I saved up my allowance from my Granddad Isaiah and made the commute from Bridgeport, CT to Brooklyn, NY on my own. I don't think it was legal to interview a minor at the time but amazingly, I was given the news I was accepted into the college after reviewing my portfolio.

During my time at Pratt, I blended in with the older crowd and made some friends who are quite successful on their paths in the arts. We developed a bond during our time on campus, spending time on class assignments, taking local city trips and playing basketball as members of the Pratt Canooneers Basketball team. As I always seen them as role models, my goal is to continue to work just as hard as they have towards their visions and success.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, there was no adult guardian available to travel with me to Pratt for my interview. At the age of 17 years old, I saved up my allowance from my Granddad Isaiah and made the commute from Bridgeport, CT to Brooklyn, NY on my own.

I first gained interest in graphic design during my years at Pratt but took it head on a few years later at New Horizons Computer Learning Center in Trumbull, CT. Shortly after, I received employment at Kinko's as the Computer Service Coordinator. From that moment on, my experience in graphic design began to soar with all the on-the-job training I received. After the Recession of 2008, I applied to further my education by adding my new found interest in Web Design. During my time at Central Piedmont Community College, I first received three certifications in web technologies, a diploma and one course away from my Associates in Applied Science. With my passion for the Arts, Design and the rapid changes in Technology, I will continue to develop and combine my skills to impact the world of design in a positive and professional way.

That's a not-so-brief overview of my journey. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments about my portfolio.

Gary T. Young, Artist, Graphic & Web Designer

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Interests

• Art Illustration
• Graphic & Web Design
• Computer Technology
• Culinary Arts
• Marketing & Promotions
• Neo Soul & Jazz Music
• Dinning & Museums
• Anthropology

Little Known Fact

I am a pretty good cook and love to explore different cultural recipes.

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Graphic and Web Design Resume

Click here to download in PDF Format

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Inspiring People

• Derek T. Young
• Isaiah Buck Thompson
• Daisy L. Young
• Gladys Thompson
• Denzel Washington
• Scottie Pippen
• Kadir Nelson
• Kimberly Klauss

Pratt Alumni

• Sheldon Bryan
• Bernard Chang
• Kadir Nelson
• Christian Paniagua

Memorable Moment

During high school, I attended a six week program at Welseyan University in Middletown, CT called The Center for Creative Youth

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Would like to visit

• Africa
• China
• Amsterdam
• Virgin Islands
• Canada