Graphic Design Industry

By: Oneil McQuick

Date: June 15, 2004

Michael Rados - Biography

Freelance, the way to get ahead in the design industry, that’s the reason I choose Michael B. Rados as my graphic designer in this piece. Being a graphic designer is really what freelancing is about. That is, graphic design gears more towards functionality, as against abstract aesthetics; same aesthetics, but more mainstream in commercialism; same individualism, but to the commercial side. Therefore, the graphic designer is still an artist (liberal soul) and cannot get stifled in the commercial arts with a firm mentality. Thus, many might not consider Mr. Rados and other graphic designers as high caliber artist but he does what graphic designers do – create artistic commercially driven works and most often in a given time. Plain Artists, on the other hand, unfortunately, are “starving” creative individuals who produce mainly gallery pieces. Only a hand full make it big time, example, Edna Hibel, who at her age is on her way to the grave.

However, thank God for persons like Michael Rados, who with a little community college degree can generate income instantly and easily, especially utilizing freelancing. While browsing his portfolio, I also notice that he has done works for “high-ended” clients such as Remax and ERA Reality, therefore his little community college degree and graphic profession has brought him places where he wouldn’t’ get. Why? The big corporate executives can’t do what graphic designers do, so they have to hire us and be friendly too because in today’s world, without good graphics and media, your company can be under.

But here is a little more about Mr. Rados and what us graphic designers have to undertake, less you are led away to think we are all just computer and softwares. He spent:

“Three years developing commercial websites for commercial clients. Helped developed sales solutions for the Real Estate Board IDX Links, Business Market Place and overall selling of banner advertising on Fayetteville Online. He maintained an awareness of current trends in the industry and remained current of technical developments. Seven years experience designing for newsprint and commercial presses, excelling in prepress operations. He created and design layouts and artwork for print and audiovisual media. He also designed and prepared stationary, annual reports, brochures, illustrations and art for publication. Able to direct projects from start to finish. Experienced in creating advertising decisions concerning choice of media, advertising content and creation for a product, service or idea. Able to utilize the technical and aesthetic potentials of typography in complex visual problem solving. Capable of traditional design methods and assimilating new approaches to problem solving. Ability to speak with individuals as well as with a group to determine there advertising and design needs.”

To balance the analytical skills and wisdom graphic designers need, he is also proficient in various softwares, which many consider the industry standard. Such as:

“Efficient training and skills in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe PageMaker, QuarkXpress, Freehand, Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver 4, and Flash 5 on the Apple and Windows Platform. Proficient in B&W Photography along with darkroom techniques. Trained in the printing process, paper, ink, binding, color separation and preparing camera-ready art.”

Michael Rados went to school at Fayetteville Technical Community College and in 1997 received a degree in Graphics and Advertising Design. Since then, he has been working in the print and web industries doing everything from websites to designing stationary, print ads and promotional products. Among Remax and ERA, Michael has worked with many companies, such as The Fayetteville Observer and Black & Decker in Fayetteville, NC. He, like most creative individuals, succumbed to a full-time job working on websites and email campaigns for Fayetteville Online, before launching out in freelance.

Since then he has made all of us proud in starting Rad Designs. Rad Designs is a Graphic Design company that was founded by Michael B. Rados In October 1998. Since then Rad Designs has grown every year and has a well-rounded list of clients. To learn more, you can visit www.raddesigns.com/web.shml

Like any progressive individual Mr. Rados has been lauded with several awards; such as “Advertising Federation 1997 Rising Star Gold”, “Award Computer Illustration 1997 Rising Star,” “‘Best Tabloid’ design 2000-2001 & Advisor to the Advertising and Graphic Design Program – FTCC” and the list goes on. But what made him standout is the award I want to mention and hope those reading this might join hands with me in such efforts, that is, he a professional member of the "Freelance Work Exchange" and his works/site are rated by "All Freelance Work" (AFWorks).

Freelancing is risky and can become complicated, but to the brave, “Fortis Cadere Cedere Non Portis,” as taught by my High School Motto. Meaning, the brave may fall but never yield. Currently Mr. Rados is freelancing with his company and a contributor to “Next Magazine” (www.next-magazine.com).

SEE MICHEAL'S ACHIEVEMENTS POWERPOINT