Jamie Marrero - Final Portfolio/Computer Graphics Summer 09

Architectural Illustration – Trattoria Pesce Pasta, Bleecker Street NYC

Photography for me is art, each and every time I get behind the lens I am thinking about how this image will move the viewer. When I am traveling it also takes on another roll, a log of where we’ve been, places that we shopped at and more importantly – where we ate! This shot of Trattoria Pesce Pasta on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village shows so much of that old New York character with its wooden window mantles, brick and pane glass. So much more important are the unique independent businesses, like those adjoining Trattoria; Faicco Pork Store and Aphrodisia Herb Shop. Take the time, look beyond the storefronts and experience the personality and the history that lives in the brick, wood and mortar around you.

Liberal Arts Poster – Northampton Community College

The client was asking for a poster that would better draw students to the Liberal Arts studies program. Before the layout was started I wanted to develop a phrase that would give the degree and identity. The two that initially came to mind were “liberalarts@ncc.edu”- use an e-mail address that would start student inquiries. The other stating “Challenge your Being”, enter a program that would illuminate the world to the student. The later one out, using the outline of the brain representing the thinking process and using a striking yellow and burgundy to make sure that this piece stands out.

Type Portraits – Line, Shape and Value

What a challenge, develop three separate art boards from an original photograph using nothing but typography. SHAPE had its complexities, it took time to allow me eyes to see the simple shapes and then find the elements that best represented the form. The Conch in my hands was so much fun, all those “V”s; it almost makes me look like Poseidon raising his Trident. LINE was ultimately the simplest, and creates a unique profile. Finally the VALUE shows such complexity; deploying type to create shadow, negative space and highlights.

Logo Project – The New Starbucks

The initial concept started with a search of just where does coffee come from; specifically what does the bean grow on? The first image that came up on our search was of a Coffee Token. Given that the areas that coffee beans grew in had no local currency, the plantation owners developed the tokens as payment for the beans picked by the laborers. They could then use the tokens to purchase goods imported by the plantations. The coffee tree is actually a bush in the evergreen family.

Borrowing the image of the tree from the token it was incorporated in to the coffee mug. The color selection gave a nod to the original Starbucks cigar band logo’s brown along with incorporating a more modern green for the tree.

Web Page – Cherokee Jewelry

In redeveloping the homepage I wanted to maintain natural elements. Using sandstone as the background, with addition of the Cherokee Chief’s bust (taken from a North Carolina Memorial), looking on with his approval and the interlocking scrolls highlighting the navigation.

Dreamscape -rEbORN

What happens to the land that our once great industrial companies once occupied? We drive past countless empty lots, barren, remaining foundations yearning for some being.

I was inspired by the patches of wildflowers that are planted along the roadsides, not only are they aesthetically beautiful; they make an ecological contribution to our environment. Why not lay down seeds in this land that lay’s idol? Having grown up in the shadows of Bethlehem Steel this is my vision for the property. Not to build again, but restore this land to its natural state. The Poppies are symbolic to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled and needy vets in VA hospitals and are given when a donation is made that assists in maintaining rehabilitation and service programs for veterans. The steel played a major part in both world wars. Mushrooms get their nutrition from rotting dying plants, so here they grow from the dark decay of an industrial giant, doing their part in reclaiming the ground around them...

Time and Place – Cycling Team Circa 1958

The need to pictorially record history dates back to early man, and that is where photography struck a foundation in its ability to instantly record a moment in time. These early photographs are such a great portal to our past, subjects both human and inanimate, clothing, family groupings and body language are all so telling. Cycling images are some of my favorites, the scenery and the herculean efforts waged by these young men belittle the modern day cyclist. This photograph of a team with their coach is a copy of a newspaper clipping. Are they relaxed before a stage of a race, maybe the accompanying article was about new team members? The picture itself was quite a challenge; the bleed through from the opposing page, color, soft edges and contrast tested my patience as well as a new found (and extremely limited) skill set.

Magazine Cover - ALTERED

Photography has changed so dramatically since I entered the industry more than 30 years ago. The compositing ability brought on through the digital age expands the creativity and truly shows that the limits are to one’s imagination and technical ability. The Photograph makes this cover and the layout had to maintain simplicity to allow this to showcase.