Ray Rico

Graphic Design/Illustration - Design is in my blood. Everything I look at I take apart and then put it back together. It is just how my mind works. From my younger years of actual cut and paste-ups with wax machines and tool line in the layout room at my high school newspaper to working on multi-media digital projects now - I have done just about everything when it comes to layouts. Interactive Design - Interactive design has quickly become the forefront in technology and how we seek out info. So having a dynamic part in molding how that comes to you is important to me because I use the same technology you do. If it doesn't work or isn't engaging, I won't look at it either. Video - I'm not much of a videographer but love storyboarding and concepting ideas for production. I like playing with behind-the-scenes toys that allow me to be creative in my display, whether it be sound effects, time-lapse videos or montages of images with fun songs to accompany them. My approach is different. I was born in Colorado but moved around a lot as a kid. It allowed me the opportunity to see and live in many different places and taught me culture and character. Finally, in my high school years, I was transplanted to a small town in north Tennessee and planted some roots. Later after graduating, I moved to Memphis to pursue a career in printing and design. I attended the U of M and worked for The Commercial Appeal for years. It trained me in life and business. In 2007, I decided to branch out on my own and begin professionally freelancing. Now, eight years later, I've developed an established firm in the heart of Cooper-Young. Over the years, I always took on projects with non-profits that allowed me to give back to the community. This is my greatest gift so far – I hope you enjoy Focus!