Michael Cruz

• Lead production artist for Electronic Arts’ “EA Games” label titles
• Spearheaded the full production process—from layout design to file supplying assets to printer/client archives—of printed materials/packaging for many blockbuster EA games; Each title usually consisted of 3–5 game platform variations, then was localized into two or three languages
• Worked closely with Electronic Arts Account Managers/Spark Project Managers to create consistent packaging art, and addressed client’s special needs when creating Special Edition packaging; oftentimes working with special printing/inks and complex dielines on compressed schedules
• Created multipage in-game/online/offset print manuals to necessary file output specifications
• Produced localized game packaging/materials for Disney, SquareEnix and Rockstar titles on PC, Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft game consoles
• Produced multilingual keyboard layouts, localized printed materials and game packaging templates with up to 27 different languages for Microsoft
• Developed workflows for Microsoft related jobs within our team, and instructed junior artists to work efficiently within the developed structure
• Produced localized screen graphic layouts to specifications on iPad/iPhone/Android for Disney
• Directed junior artists to follow proper workflows and produce consistent art
• Updated graphics for multiligual video game packaging templates
• Output and submitted G7 standard color match proofs to the client and printer
• Worked with IT tools specialist to develop more efficient workflows

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), May 2009: Captured and edited gameplay/interview footage to create web videos posted on the 1up.com gaming news site
Notable titles: Project Natal (Kinect codename), Sony Move, Assassin’s Creed 2, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, The Last Guardian, Rock Band: Beatles

Game Developer's Conference (GDC), March 2009: Captured gameplay, announcement, and interview footage at GDC for 1up.com to be posted to their website. Notable titles: Mass Effect 2, Metal Gear Solid 4, Interview with Hideo Kojima for the debut of MGS4

• High volume, quick amend production for video game manuals; Type setting, page reflowing, and maintaining style consistency of files using InDesign
• Worked with manual writers/project managers to produce English and French manuals to specifications; Output files both for screen and offset print

• Created and updated Illustrator files to styleguide and print specifications; Applied developed packaging styles to a variety of different dielines; Proofing, editing and sending files to clients was also part of the production pipeline
• Worked with a team or project coordinator to design graphics for different mediums; Projects included corporate/brand identity, logos, store signage, promotional materials, brochures and packaging—I worked directly with the customer depending on the scope of the project, especially when meeting the client for the first time
• On-location/in-studio Photo Assistant duties included setting up photography shoots and working with the lead photographer; post-production work included photo retouching and color correction—Generally, photography is for packaged items, where the photo needed to show accurate color and product representation

Intern work included: Assisting Lead Designers, using large format printers, operating photographic film and flatbed scanners, drafting dielines for graphic placement, conceptualization of new packaging types, creating mock-ups for client approval