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December 1st, 2011
To whom it may concern:
I had the privilege to work with Cathan Murray in my role as Creative Director at Skyline
Exhibits in Eagan, Mn. for nearly seven years. In those seven years, I watched a young
talented designer and craftsman blossom into an experienced design lead capable of
managing major projects of all scope and size.
Cathan is an amazing self-motivated individual. He has the uncanny ability to take
very little design direction and turn out amazing work. He would bring this ability to all
projects he worked on, from video design and production, to amazing exhibit designs.
One thing you could always count on; Cathan would get it done to a very high standard,
and always on time.
As part of Cathan’s evolving role at Skyline, I was able to put in to great use the many
videos he produced to help promote the design and marketing organization supporting
the many strategies I was implementing. He was a great member of the design team
and could always be counted on to jump in wherever necessary, making him an
invaluable member of any team.
I cannot recommend Cathan any more than to say you will struggle to find another,
harder working, self-motivated, talented designer in one package than with Cathan
Murray.
Sincerely,
Scott Roschi
Director of Design
Landscape Structures, Inc.
Cathan is an amazing self-motivated individual. He has the uncanny
ability to take very little design direction and turn out amazing work.
Letter of Recommendation
Letter of Recommendation
December 26th, 2011
To whom it may concern:
I am writing today on behalf of our Creative Director: Cathan Murray. Due to his
exemplary work ethic and superior design skills… a letter of recommendation is in
order. Barkley’s Bistro would not be a successful small business if it weren’t for the
creative eye behind all of our projects, initiatives, and promotions. Cathan’s tireless
work in artwork consulting, imagery, and key branding elements have sparked the
interest of our target markets… and propelled our brand from a small start-up to a
coveted product line by both local and national distribution channels.
Cathan is the first designer I have worked with that excels in time
management and effective communication. In the world of real-
time expectations Cathan sets the bar… suggesting relevant
projects and “quick fixes” as solutions before problems arise.
It’s this proactive behavior that sets Cathan apart from his peers
in the industry… and makes for a pleasant work environment for
our team! I have seen first-hand Cathan’s portfolio of artwork and
project experience, and am certain that you will find no greater
attention to detail or passion from any other “designer” in the field.
Cathan Murray would make a wonderful addition to your team.
Sincerely,
Jamie Compton
Sales & Barketing
Barkley’s Bistro, LLC
Cathan is the first designer I have worked with that excels in time
management and effective communication.
Letter of Intent:
To me, design is too vast to focus on just one small area of work. I have always
been curious and driven. I have used these traits in the way I approach design. When
a problem calls for a solution, I seek resolution for the task at hand, not what is right
for my job title. With that mentality, I feel that I can excel in any work place. Currently, I
am proficient in video editing, photography, 3D modeling, 3D and 2D animation, exhibit
design, sculpture, fabrication (in wood, metal and fiberglass), management, graphic
design, motion graphics, education, and creative problem solving. I have chosen to
weave these elements together into a strong fabric that I can drape over any design
obstacle to create the right solution for it.
I understand team work and have a great ability to work with peers, and
taking the reigns of leadership when needed. I have had management responsibilities
over the years, from several kitchen manager jobs, to facilities manager at Ivy Arts.
Currently I lead the video production at Skyline, and I manage their assets; graphic
design, setting up a shoot, or working with marketing on scripting and message. I love
working with others, and feel that no matter what capacity I am working within a team,
I have a lot to offer towards the success of the group.
Although I work very well with others, I am not the kind of person that needs
others to come up with initiatives or projects. I am a highly motivated self-starter,
seeking out additional projects to undertake. At Skyline I lead the modeling of all
products, as well as video and designer training. These were areas that I found holes
in our offerings and sought out solutions; never being tasked by upper management to
undergo these projects.
If hired, you would get a very well rounded, self starter with an eye for form
and a mind for function. A candidate with the knowledge of how things can be built,
branded and marketed. In short you will be getting a leader, an innovator...
a “designer”.
Letter of Intent
When a problem calls for a solution, I seek resolution for the task at hand,
not what is right for my job title.
Education:
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), 2000BFA, Fine Arts: Furniture Design and Sculpture:GPA 3.78
Work Experience:
2004-Current Skyline Exhibits: Exhibit designer/ Parts library manager/ TrainerMy jobs include strategizing with clients and sales reps to design exhibits for trade shows and interiors. Modeling, texturing and categorizing all of Skyline’s thousands of components. Work with colleagues to train field designers how to better utilize the modeling software and to present their ideas to clients more effectively. I Maintained at least a 68% close rate every year of employment. In the past 3 years, I have also been in charge of producing all internal sales and training videos. This includes shooting, lighting, editing, motion graphics and 3d animation
2010-Current Barkleys Bistro Creative DirectorCurrently working as a creative director for a small start up. In charge of approving all design assets including web and print, along with designing of graphics, labels and soft-goods.
2006-2008 Vine Arts Center: Director of CommunicationsHelp set up shows as well as promote them. Responsible for setting up several exhibitions including a show that featured Jason Lee. Responsible for getting information ready for meetings and setting up the members handbook.
2000-2004 Ivy Arts: Manager/ Designer/ Fabricator/ Facility coordinatorBranding, advertisements, and web design. Coordinated tenant meetings and art shows. Worked with others to lay out the studio space and gallery. Designed and fabricated custom furniture and architectural details for clients. Clients included:
Spye Glass: 2003-2004Design and presentation drawings as well as fabricated parts for prototypes and fixturesLazor Office: 2004Managed a team of four people while working on the final details of the Flat Pak houseCreative Woodworking: 2003-2004Worked with the lead designer while working out design problems and fabricated prototypes for a line of furniture
2002-2003 MCAD: Adjunct ProfessorTaught a semester-long course to twenty students on rapid prototyping and computer aided design, using Form Z.
Resume
Shows and Awards:
Best of Show: Kobelco Exhibit: 2006Group Show: Vine Arts Center, Piece Process: Minneapolis, MN. 2004Group Show: Ivy Building Studios: Minneapolis, MN. 2004Group Show: Di Stilo Gallery: Minneapolis, MN. 2001Group Show: Moxie Salon: Minneapolis, MN. 2001Senior Show: MCAD main gallery: Minneapolis, MN. 2000Group Show: MCAD gallery, Constructed object show: Minneapolis, MN. 2000Group Show: Ethos gallery: Minneapolis, MN. 1999Deans list: MCAD. 1997-2000Furniture scholarship: MCAD. 2000Foundation Merit scholarship: MCAD. 1997Congressional art competition winner: Maplewood, MN. 1995
Skills:
Computer:
3-D Cad modeling (Form Z, Strata, Modo, Sketch up, Maya)Page layout, Presentations (InDesign, Quark, Acrobat Pro, I-DVD, DVD Studio)Photo, Illustration (Photoshop, Illustrator, I-Photo)Web design (Flash, Dreamweaver, I-Web)Word processing and spreadsheets (Microsoft Office suite)Animation (Form Z, Strata, Infini-D, Motion, Maya)Video Editing (final cut pro, Motion, I-movie, Live Text, color)
Techniques:
Wood working (General tooling, carving, Bent lamination, joinery, cabinetry)Metal Working (General tooling, Mig/Tig welding, casting, metal rolling)Generals (Creative problem solving, Painting, Sewing, Photography, Drawing)
Materials:
Wood, steel, aluminum, stainless steel, bronze, fiberglass, fabrics, resins
Awards and Skills
Motion Graphics
Dealer Meeting Intro2011
Modules Promo Video2010
Discovery Process Video2009
Skyline Spot2011
Square Lake Festival Intro2010
Square Lake Festival Intro2011
Polaroid Exhibit Animation2010
The Following images are examples of my work. In the case of motion graphics, I know that a single image doesn’t do the work justice so this PDF was created with hyperlinks back to my web page. If you are looking at this in printed form, the QR Codes will also bring you to the web site. In the case that neither method works for you, please visit my web page at www.murraycreative.me Thank you for your time. Sincerely,
Cathan Murray
Saudi Aramco2011
One World2011
Exhibit Design
Calavo Growers2011
NMS Communications2007
Exhibit Design
Viz Media (Licensing Show)2007
Viz Media (Comic-Con)2009
Exhibit Design
Eurotech2009
DLO2007
Exhibit Design
Cellatel2006
Hilti 2007
Exhibit Design
Herman Miller (Future Concept 1)2008
Piloti2008
Exhibit Design
Flux Chair2000
Spider Chair2000
Furniture Design
A-Base Table1999
S-Base Table2000
Furniture Design
Naked Dresser2002
Wood Coil1999
Furniture Design/Sculpture
Paradigm Fireplaces2002
Cutting Boards2003
Fabrication