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Ryan Baustert

Graphic Designer

Ryan Baustert

Minneapolis, MN

Objective:
To continue to develop Decibel Consulting & Design while remaining open to networking and other opportunities that may arise for myself and my clients.

* Fluency with core graphic design principles (typography, form, color, composition, imagery, etc.) and the confidence to bend the rules when necessary
* A systematic approach and the ability to work in many different styles
* Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills
* A passion for guitar, music theory, booking, touring, internet marketing, social media, branding & identity


612-750-2816 mobile

Experience

  • Owner / designer / agent
    Minneapolis
    Sep 2008 - Present
    Decibel Consulting & Design

    Decibel focuses on providing professional graphic and multimedia design services as well as artist consultation, booking and promotion.

    Design services include but are not limited to:
    flyer / poster design, album artwork, logo development, merchandise design, Myspace and html design, business cards, brochure design, copywriting, letterhead, corporate identity, animated banners, ads

    Artist consulting services we handle include:
    career guidance and direction, artist development, marketing, promotion, press sheets, bios, myspace promo (increasing friends, views, plays), promoting via other websites and building a strong web presence, collecting emails for mailing lists, establishing and maintaining positive media and consumer relations.

    Touring:
    booking assistance, general advice, tips, show trades, agents, market info, contracts, tour promotion, increasing your gigs and guarantees

    Music Industry Professionals:
    management, booking agents, producers, studios

    Creative Services:
    image advice, photographers, recording, mixing, mastering, publishing

    Distribution:
    traditional, consignment, internet, one-shots

  • Guitarist / designer / co-manager
    Minneapolis, MN
    Jan 2003 - Present
    Throw The Fight

    I am one of the founding members of Minneapolis rock act, Throw The Fight. For the first 5 years I acted as the band's booking agent, promoter, manager, and designer.

    Through my dedication and direction, the band has successfully secured a deal with the Warner Music Group, toured the country, developed a massive online web presence, promoted successful college and commercial radio campaigns, found song placements on numerous MTV, VH1, & Spike television shows, and sold over 7000 albums and 25,000 digital singles.

    In 2006 Throw the Fight was named as one of the top ten unsigned bands in the country by Alternative Press Magazine, which is a testament to my work ethic.

    I no longer book and manage the band, but I still oversee all aspects of the group's direction, design, promotion, etc.

  • Graphic Designer
    St. Paul, MN
    Sep 2009 - Present
    Advanced Web

    Hired in Sept, 2009 for a freelance position that remains ongoing. Job responsibilities include creating shipper label artwork and generating bar codes.

  • Graphic designer / packaging artist
    St. Paul, MN
    Jan 2005 - Oct 2008
    Richard Scales Advertising

    Job responsibilities included sending approved artwork to print vendors, uploading approved artwork into the 3M database and print specs, art directing photo shoots, creating packaging artwork & color separations, etc.

    During this time I became the lead designer for 3M's Sandblaster and Private Label sector which includes brands such as Office Depot, Office Max, Corporate Express, Staples, Universal, among many others. I also had the opportunity to work with the agency's other clients such as Sherwin Williams, McQuay, McPherson Guitars, Spraytech, Chemi Nutra, etc. This experience allowed me to develop a firm understanding of brand identity and the printing process.

    In addition to this, I also worked on site at 3M for 8 months overseeing several major brands of products such as Post-It Notes, Scotch Tape, and Filtrete, among many others. During this time, I was able to focus on my managerial skills while working directly with the agency's biggest client.

    Examples of my work done during this time are copyright Richard Scales, but can be sent upon request.

Education

  • Bachelors degree
    Menomonie, WI
    Sep 1999 - May 2004
    University of Wisconsin - Stout

    Relevant courses & specialties include:
    Graphic Design I, II, III
    Letter Form Design I, II
    Art Metals
    Presentation Techniques
    Computer Design
    Design Theory & Methods
    Sculpture
    Signage & Exhibition Design
    Printmaking
    Painting I, II, III
    Drawing I, II, III
    Life Drawing
    Photography
    Numerous art history courses

    Honors and Organizations
    Graphic Design Association member
    Honorable mention - Best of Design Show
    3.3 GPA

  • college prep
    Plymouth, MN
    Sep 1996 - May 1999
    Wayzata High School

Referrals


  • “It is a great pleasure working with Ryan Baustert and his band Throw The Fight. Ryan’s undying work ethic matched with his leadership and passion for perfection brought the band to my attention and his steadfast dedication to overseeing every facet of the band’s music, image and career are unique qualities that set Ryan and Throw The Fight apart from nearly every other band out there.”
    –Jason Fiber, Superfecta Entertainment, former President of Cordless Recordings, Warner Music Group

    “Image and branding play a vital role in the marketing process for today’s artist. Ryan at Decibel Consulting & Design has played a key role in helping me set myself a step above the average entertainer with his excellent graphic design and quality workmanship. I’m very pleased with his expertise and unique creative style. I give him “two” thumbs up.”
    –Mr. Barker, Grammy nominated hip hop artist

    “Decibel Graphics is hands down the best design firm I’ve used for my projects! The work is all pro and the customer service is top notch!”
    –Damon Moreno, The Inner Light Agency, Management for Destrophy, Victory Records

    “I worked closely with Ryan on the "business" end of the music business. Taking care of securing contracts for publishing and all administration involved with marketing and licensing aspects. I found him to be prompt and reliable in every regard.”
    –Darren Drew, Owner, inthegroovemusic, LLC

    “I have hired Ryan with 3 different designs and each design turned out better than I imagined. I plan to work with Ryan again in the future.”
    –Kelly Noga, Owner, Million Dollar Wound Apparel, LLC

    “Ryan is a great guy who is dependable and very creative. A high level professional for sure. I would recommend and hire Ryan and all of his team without hesitation.”
    –Daved Kuns, Owner, Rocket Merchandise

    “It's hard to pick just three attributes that describe Ryan best, as I would say all apply. It has been a pleasure working with Ryan and awaiting what great design he'll come up with next. There has not been a piece of work that I haven't liked first draft around, yet he's happy to do any tweeks if needed.”
    –Emma Aistrop, Owner, Paradyne Records

    “It feels good to be working with someone who actually gets it.”
    –Jordan Lyga, vocalist, The Fast Track

    “Many people are calling Throw The Fight the Twins Cities next national success.”
    –Charles Hopper, Agent, Kinetic Music

Proficient programs


  • Adobe Photoshop
    Adobe Illustrator
    Adobe ImageReady
    Quark
    Microsoft Word
    Microsoft Powerpoint
    Knowledge of HTML / CSS
    Knowledge of Mac and PC formats

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