I'm Jake, a Graphic Designer based in Lansing, Michigan. I have a well-rounded skill set prepared to support any project, spanning digital and print design, branding, email marketing, social content creation, videography, motion graphics, and photography.
Quick
Look
Featured Projects
Preview a curated selection of my work for a quick overview. For more detailed insights, check out the sections below.
EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD
DEEP DIVE
2019 - 2020
Denver Zoo
Web & Graphic Designer
As part of the External Relations team at Denver Zoo, I divided my focus between print and web design, crafted event and exhibition signage, managed email and digital marketing initiatives, and handled photography and videography tasks. Through these efforts, I contributed to the Zoo's mission of inspiring communities to preserve wildlife for future generations.
2007-2014
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Maintenance & Events
During my college years, I gained invaluable experience working at the Grand Rapids Art Museum in Maintenance & Events. Immersed in a museum teeming with art and artists alike, I came to appreciate the importance of dedication, hard work and preservation. Joining the team during its inaugural year, I remained dedicated for seven years, contributing to the museum's growth into the valued institution it is today.
2012
Soil Water and Air Technologies
Graphic Designer
In the spring of 2012, I joined S.W.A.T. as a part-time intern, marking the beginning of my professional journey. Upon completing my college credits, I transitioned into a full-time role as the first (and only) member of their design department, where I took charge of my own projects. This experience taught me lessons, early on in my career, in time management, meeting deadlines, and independently seeing projects through from start to finish.
2014-2019
Influence Technologies
Graphic / Interactive Designer
Influence Technologies was a platform-driven tech company that empowered clients to create personalized interactive video experiences for their customers. During my time at Influence, I played a key role in designing these experiences. Collaborating with notable companies such as Starbucks, Arizona State University, Gander Outdoors, Camping World, and others, I embraced various roles, which fueled my passion for learning. My responsibilities ranged from developing branding and print collateral to creating 2D animation and motion graphics.
2012-Current
Generalist
Creative
Freelance Design
During my senior year in college, I started my journey as a freelance designer, a path commonly taken by many in the field. Beginning modestly, I helped friends and family, gradually expanding my clientele through word of mouth. Over time, my focus evolved, specializing in aiding startups in their inception phase. My services encompassed a wide array of design needs, from branding and web design to print materials, presentations, and other business essentials.
2020-Current
Michigan House of Representatives
Digital Media Advisor
As a Digital Media Advisor with the House of Representatives, I work with a wonderfully talented team of writers and designers to help communicate what is happening in our state government with constituents across Michigan. On a typical day, you might find me designing social media content, shooting videos or photos of State Representatives, designing web assets, email newsletters, or print materials.
About Me
Jake Allarding
Lansing, MI
Born and raised in Michigan, my passion for art emerged at a young age, leading me to explore graphic design by creating business cards and logos for friends and family, as a teen. This early experience ignited my ambition to pursue a career in design.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, often with a camera in hand searching for birds. Woodworking is another passion of mine, and I'm always planning my next project. I am an avid kayaker, finding the ever-changing scenery on the river both relaxing and inspiring. I have a deep passion for the state of Michigan, and I spend a lot of my time with my nose in a book learning about local history.
With 11 years of professional design experience, I've dedicated myself to a life of continuous learning and skill development. I find a lot of satisfaction in applying my diverse skill set to my design work, always eager to tackle new challenges.
GET IN TOUCH
Please feel free to get ahold of me. I am always looking for freelance opportunities and would love to talk to you about my work, design in general, future projects, or future employment.