Don Baker, Neighbor

I decided to become a graphic artist in the second grade, after drawing a bunch of carrots that earned me much praise. In reality, I was already drawing all the time, even practicing letterforms before I was old enough to start school.

My grandfather was a very accomplished painter and glass artist. My mother attended the Art Institute of Pittsburg and was a portrait painter. And my father was a custom car painter, and pinstriped cars way back when they didn't come with options from the factory.

My strength has traditionally been my ability to draw well. I attended Spokane Falls Community College, getting a 3-year degree in professional advertising art, and put myself through art school by painting and making signs - sandblasted wood, painting on glass, posters for car shows, and painting sponsors on racing cars. A long-time vector artist, I became interested in motion graphics and Flash animation, which naturally lead me to shoot video as well. I have found the medium to be very interesting and challenging, allowing me to use all my skills - design, typography, graphics, infographics, animated images, still photos, integrating a storyline, voice-over, and audio.

I have created several videos for nonprofits to promote volunteering. I plan to do more with that as well. You can see them here:

http://www.behance.net/gallery/My-Volunteer-Experience-in-Vietnam/1690176

http://www.behance.net/gallery/My-Volunteer-Experience-in-Panama/1690214