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
2024-Current
Michigan History Center
Exhibits and Graphic Arts Designer
At the Michigan History Center, I design and build exhibits that connect visitors with Michigan’s history. I help develop and refresh permanent displays, create temporary exhibitions, and contribute to digital marketing and merchandise that extend the museum experience beyond our walls. I also travel across the state to support exhibit installations and deinstallations at our 12 museums, ensuring history is shared in engaging and accessible ways.
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
I began at S.W.A.T. in 2012 as a part-time intern and quickly grew into their first full-time designer, managing projects independently. This role gave me early experience in time management, meeting deadlines, and taking creative work from concept to completion.
2020-2024
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.
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.
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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.
