Ira Jones

My over thirty years of experience in graphic design have shown me so many ways to convey a creative message, tell a story, sell a product, or present a business image to a specific marketplace. I started in graphic design when copy-fitting a paragraph was as crucial as selecting the appropriate font style, when cut and paste was literally just that, a paste-up. These are a few terms not used or needed anymore. It has been an amazing journey witnessing the change in the technology of the tools used then (the colored marker, blueline pen, exacta blade) and the electronic digital display used today.

One thing that hasn’t changed regardless of age, sex, or race is that one must still have creative depth and master the process of problem-solving. Today’s tools have allowed designers to explore a limitless number of techniques using computers and a vast array of ever-evolving software.

My business experience started in 1976 with 3 very talented young men right out of college. We formed a corporation called Hurst, Jones, Reid, and Woolridge, it soon evolved into a design firm in 1980 called Designology, Inc.

This was the period in our development as entrepreneurs when we learned the business of visual communications and for the next 9 years, we excelled in every aspect of creative problem-solving for clients of all sizes and disciplines. This led to acquiring accounts with medium and large corporations that increased the expansion of our company from 4 to 8.

The four of us went on to separate careers in the next twenty years and have proven to be quite successful passing this experience along to other young business hopefuls.

With so many years in the industry as a graphic designer, design consultant, art director, and entrepreneur. I bring to my work a unique perspective as a former business owner, an advantage most new and emerging companies have found very useful. My diverse experience has included award-winning, results-driven work ranging from retail products to business-to-business, not-for-profit, education, and government agencies.

Especially noteworthy has been my work in the area of corporate identification, branding, art directing, and publication design. I have worked with some of the top advertising and public relations firms in the cities of Indianapolis, Chicago, and Detroit, such as MZD Advertising, Bates USA, Shank Public Relations, Cullers Advertising, and The Huge Agency. I’ve designed and supervised the strategic development of dozens of marketing programs, ad campaigns, and product roll-outs with the success most companies/clients expect from a polished professional.

I’m very proud to be a part of the visual communications industry. I have enjoyed cultivating relationships over the years with artists, photographers, writers, and clients large and small. My contribution to the field has been knowing what works best for each and every creative challenge. I will bring the same enthusiasm to your company.