Starting Out – Introduction to Graphic Design
Hello! My name is Anthony Espinoza and I’ve spent the vast majority of my life behind a computer screen creating for the web! My path into graphic design began like many other designers around my age. The mid-2000s was full of young creatives who were yearning to experiment with art digitally in the beginnings of the social media age. At the age of 12 I downloaded my first version of Photoshop, which at the time was version 6.0, and set out to create my first signature design.
As I started to tinker around with the program, I decided it would be a good idea to look for other message boards dedicated to only graphic design for support. For the next few years, I was very active in the forum and graphic design community and used this medium to hone my craft. During this time, I won many signature of the week competitions. As my skills progressed, I designed forum layouts for communities I created. You can find them in my portfolio.
Time at Sam Houston State University
Fast forward to 2009. Fresh out of Jersey Village High School where I spent a year as a Co-Advertising Editor and Staff Writer for the school newspaper, The Peregrine, I made a major step in my life by choosing to attend Sam Houston State in Huntsville, TX. Blinded by my natural interest in American History, I officially was a History major for the first two and a half years of my schooling with the intent of becoming a history teacher.
I eventually realized my true love is web and graphic design, and made the switch to a fine arts degree of Advertising and Graphic Design following the 2011 fall semester. As an fine arts student I’ve had several works showcased in local galleries and art shows.
It is my hope and intention that with this fine arts degree I bring several artistic elements to web design that is currently missing from today’s latest development trends.
Life in the Real World
In November 2013, I was hired by Houston SEO and web development company Directory One. During my tenure there, I oversaw the creation of several responsive website development projects, in addition to the design and redrawing of multiple client logos.
After Directory One, I joined the Web Analytics team at premier internet marketing company TopSpot in October 2015. In the Web Analytics Specialist role, I install, maintain, and audit a wide variety of analytics platforms such as Google Analytics, Marchex Call Analytics, and multiple form tracking platforms to ensure reports are accurate.
Personal information about Anthony Espinoza
Honestly, I wouldn’t be anywhere without my loving family. I have the greatest wife in the world, who I’ve spent a over third of my life with. My beautiful baby girl Evelyn is the reason I wake up in the morning. I’m also lucky to have amazing friends who are somewhat OK I disappear for weeks at a time.