SYNEFX

    Welcome to my online portfolio. I am a Multimedia Professional with over 10 years of experience creating and managing projects using multiple media for companies in the US, Canada and Panama.

    Some career highlights include the creative direction and development of the Comedy Defensive Driving School online course, my work resulted in the release of a very unique and highly profitable course.

    As Senior Editor for CAT, a TV/Movie Studio and Post Video Effects House I edited and created broadcast motion graphics and effects for such clientele as Adventures of the Elements, Chuck Norris and InterRush.

    Set in place, new creative standards for Northwest Airlines Computer Based Training Modules and trained with broadband pioneer, Newbridge Networks, to better design and develop their Computer Based Training CDs.

    C M
    Phone: 214-994-0175
    Email: synefx@gmail.com
    References

Google Updates

Google Organic Ranking is going up and up. Here is a list of the current search rankings:

 

Keywords or Phrases Position
3d animation studio dallas, texas 2nd Page #1
interactive graphic designer dallas, texas 2nd Page #10
interactive web designer dallas, texas 6th Page #6
multimedia Designer Dallas, Texas 5th Page #7

NEW STUFF

Flash Banners
    Here are a couple of flash movies i made for The Comedy Defensive Driving School's website to promote their online course.
Websites
Scott & Scott LLP


mudigi.com

    Built in Flash, using xml and actionscript 2.0

Applications | eLearning
Instructional Design

    An in-depth look at some of the production models that were implmented in the Comedy Defensive Driving School's online course.
more >
Products
Stock VIdeo and Photography

    Stock video and photography will be available for sale soon. If you have a special video or stock photo need - contact me. Rates are highly competitive and much less than you would pay anywhere else - guaranteed.
more >
 
 
 

PORTFOLIO

 
COMEDY DEFENSIVE DRIVING SCHOOL ®  
WEBSITES  
VIDEO PRODUCTION / MOTION GRAPHICS  
FLASH MEDIA  
PRINTWORK | LOGOS  
   
   

PROJECTS

 
3D MODELING
DIGITAL ART  
ANIMATION
 
PHOTOGRAPHY  
MUSIC PRODUCTION / CLUB MIXES  

CV / RESUME

Christopher McLean Download MS Word version
synefx@gmail.com
  • Knowledgeable of HCI (Human Computer Interaction) framework and navigation practices.
  • Proven User-Friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) design & theory for WAP, Handheld devices, Desktop and Internet Applications for Verizon, Northwest Airlines, Comedy Defensive Driving School.
  • Adapt to new software and technologies easily and comfortably.
  • Ability to work efficiently with team members and clients offering effective solutions.

Heritage Web Solutionswww.hwsinet.com
09/07 – Present – Contract Employee
Web Designer / Flash Animator

Overview: This contract involves developing good customer relations while managing and designing their website and its content. By working remotely with associates at the home office, I correspond through email and notes in a content management system called HELM (HLM) to keep the account managers up to date as to the progress and integrity of the customer relations that exist.

Flash animations, banners, navigational systems and other enhancements, such as PHP functions, database creation, image galleries, blogs, forms and newsletters are sold and created using templates, pre-made scripts or with original artwork created by me.

Market News Firstwww.mn1.com
3/07 – 9-07 – Dallas, TX
Senior Web Designer/Multimedia Specialist

Promoted from Lead Designer to Senior Designer and Project Manager within 2 months from date of hire.

Overview: My primary function was supporting the MN1 website, including site design, banner ads, RSS Feeds updating the site to Web 2.0; exploring new development with FLEX, CSS, AJAX, JavaScript, DHTML, XML and RSS feeds. During this process, I conceptualized a more user-friendly interface allowing for manageable windows, user-defined layouts and content.

Windows Media Streaming Technologies were used for the live broadcast. It was my responsibility to maintain the website’s streaming function, look and feel, while developing new streaming avenue, such as Flash Streaming Server which was explored and tested.

Using Sony Vegas, After Effects and Photoshop, I conceptualized and created 30-60 second video commercial ads for various sponsors aired during the live broadcast.

I developed processes for a more efficient production process – creating online and hardcopy work order submission forms, implementing a company-wide procedure for work order requests and design procedures. Under my tutelage, a young designer developed a greater understanding of design, website development and video design and production.

Utilizing Flash, Actionscript 2.0 and XML – I created the site: www.mudigi.com for the managing partners of Market News First. This site was submitted as the flagship site proposed for a $20 million development project.

Comedy Defensive Driving School
6/06 – 3/07 - Dallas, TX
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER / COURSE DEVELOPER

Maintained Project Management and Art Director Position throughout my employment

Overview: I was hired by the CDDS group from CAT Studios to complete the course. I was placed in charge of the design and construction of the 6 hour, 2D animated course using Flash 8 and Action Script 2.0. The use of Actionscript for this course was the best solution for implementing the dynamic driving and environmental conditions and elements wanted to create real world conditions and physics. The development of such scripts allowed for us to investigate the creation of an online real-time game for the course. Calling external Movieclips and other assets through ActionScript populated the stage both dynamically and through the use of keyframes on the main timeline.

Cat Studios
8/05 – 6/06 - Dallas, TX
SENIOR EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Overview: My role had many hats for a nationally recognized defensive driving course.  Distribution for several states on DVD and online. Working directly with the client, studio executives, acting talent and film crews, I oversaw production to ensure that the project featured cutting edge 2D and stop-motion animation, mixed with live action skits, filmed against real world sets or a green screen in a 7,000 square foot studioPromoted to Project manager, including the roles of art director, creative director and technical director for 8 people (4 flash animators, 2 3D modelers 1 editor and 1 intern). I was promoted from senior editor specifically for this project.   Video producer, cinematographer, director as well as senior editor for various other projects at the studio.    

Synefx Design Studio
11/97 - Present - Dallas, TX
OWNER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Overview: Freelance graphic design work involving the concept and development of client web sites, offset printing, digital printing, Flash animation, advertising design, email campaigns, database development, marketing and media management. Content development; A/V Streaming and RSS. Responsibilities included creative management as well as design and production for up to 5 sites at a time. Including database connectivity and merchant processing, developing several start-up and carry-over eCommerce. This also involved organizing protocols between company owners, third-party programmers, designers and account managers by setting up internal and external procedures for data, project and time tracking.

Consistently work with the company directors to develop online branding, content, Web site usability and functionality and Internet marketing campaigns. SEO tactics are employed with every client site.

Clients: Foneserv, The Auto Connection, Frogee, Viper Performance Racing, Grabb Recordings, Tyler Maxwell, Licciryu, Edited Home, Intergrated Print Solutions, Miss East Texas, Natalie’s Kitchen, Heritage Web Solutions, Market News First, Mudigi, Lankford Media Group, Authorlink.

Creative Group
9/04 – 9/05 – Dallas, Texas

Contracted for HTML Programming, Flash Animation and Programming for clients such as Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Air Force, Apple iPod.

Clients: Dealey Group, TribalDDB

NWA – Northwest Airlines
3/04 – 7/04 – Minneapolis, MN
GRAPHIC ARTIST

Overview: Standardized the graphical elements for the ICBT (internal computer based training) work environment for current and future designers – this included setting precedence for software requirements, text and graphic treatments, layout and design, as well as import and export procedures.

I Managed large-print projects for various departments throughout Northwest Airlines.

Audio recorded live in a whisper booth at the NWA training center. I used Sony recording software with professional mixing gear. It was necessary to monitor the quality of voice levels, tones and mannerisms during the recording. Afterwards, I used Sound Forge to mark and edit the audio into individual files to coincide with the ICBT training course material.

Conceptualized user-friendly layouts for intranet, internet and ICBT applications, utilizing standard HCI practices and focus group statistics.


The Auto Connection/Lease-1
9/03 – 3/04 – Plano, TX
Marketing/Promotions/Creative Director

Overview: In this short time – I designed, produced and managed three (3) websites and all national and international print material for low-end to high-end auto sales, brokering and leasing. My work was printed in the Dupont Registry and Billionaire Magazine.


C I Host
9/02 - 9/03 - Bedford, TX
Custom Design Development Lead


Brought in initially as production assistant to web development, I was awarded Custom Design and Design Development Team Lead, within thirty (30) days.

Oversee website designs for five individuals. Manage creative content and interface structure to web standards. Regulate and optimize the design team to new technologies and software. Including A/V streaming. Assist in the creative and technological development of intermediate designers. Assist in the conceptualization and build of custom internet sites for various clients, ranging from simple informational sites to eCommerce sites, using Miva and C I Host custom shopping cart systems. 
Clients: Starlene Stringer - www.starlenestringer.com


Verizon
8/00 - 2/01 - Las Colinas , Texas
Head Designer - Multimedia Specialist


Worked with a group of contracted designers to conceptualize graphical and style standards for advanced software application. Utilized Human Factor Design and Focus Group data to develop a personal digital online helper for consumers. This included designing WAP interfaces and graphical content for all web site systems, working with ASP/Java developers for middle tier and backend integration. Utilizing HTML, JavaScript, XML for the transaction of data.

Headed projects to create 2D and 3D motion graphics for video productions, web-based presentations and consumer advertisements for the application. Assisted management in developing web strategies and applications of web-based communications; identifying technology options to meet the communications and business to consumer needs. Designed product layout and print materials for advertising of the application.


Virtual Information Systems
11/99-7/00  - Dallas, Texas

NEW MEDIA SPECIALIST

Overview: Worked on a team with six other developers. Primary tasks within the group were Web Design, Flash Animation and ActionScript, Streaming Media Technologies, and 3D Animation. Opportunity to work with Newbridge Networks in developing a Flash Driven CD Based Training ROM; exhibiting detailed motion graphic driven descriptions of current and future wireless broadband technologies. Used Flash to develop an Internet based training application for a highly informative Nortel Networks Series phone system. Designed and assisted in the design of several client web sites ranging from financial institutions to home theater entertainment.
Initiated the development of using streaming media technologies for entertainment purposes.

As an animator, worked with colleagues to model, animate and render a 90 second animation for MEC to demonstrate the internal process of credit card number submission and security across the Internet.
Clients: Efficient Networks, GTMI, DTI, MEC, Nortel, Newbridge Networks.


MenningerCare Systems
01/97-06/99 - Dallas, Texas

NEW MEDIA COORDINATOR

Responsible for Web Design and Development, Graphic Design, Video Production, and New Media marketing strategies. Created corporate branding, universal character icons, creating architecture diagrams for sales presentations, maintaining interface designs for product documentation, and designing GUI elements including icons, buttons, menus, and dialog boxes to take branding to the Internet. Create and modify screen mock-ups to accompany product functionality specifications. Designed an interactive Intranet and assisted the Information Technology team in giving remote counselors access to databases. Art direction and project management of printed materials for national distribution to promote insurance offerings, seminars and assistance programs.

Worked with managers throughout the organization to develop and enhance e-commerce and informational sections of web sites and graphical communications, creating Multimedia presentations and electronic graphics for video productions and presentations.

Developed an online help system to allow employees to access a FAQ answer database across the Intranet to answer the most common issues within the company infrastructure.

EDUCATION:
Graduate of the Art Institute of Dallas September 1998
Associate's degree in Computer Animation
Collin County  - Summer I 2005 – 3D Animation Alias Maya

TECHNICAL and SOFTWARE EXPERIENCE:
Green = used every day on most projects.
Blue =solid usability but seldom used.
Orange = Knowledge of tool and abilities.

DVD Authoring:
DVD Architect – 2 years
DVD Studio Pro – 2 years
Matrox DIGISUITE – 3 years
VEGAS VIDEO  - 5 years
FINAL CUT PRO – 2 years


Adobe:
Fireworks – 10 years
Flash – 10 years
Dreamweaver – 10 years
RoboDemo/Captivate – 3 years
Freehand
– 2 years
Director – 1 year
FLEX – 6 mos.
Photoshop – 10 years
Illustrator – 10 years
After Effects – 4 years
Premiere – 4 years
Image-Ready – 3 years
Streamline
Live-Motion.

SONY:
Sound Forge – 7 years
Acid Pro  - 7 years
Vegas Video - 8 years

QBase


Alias/Discreet:
3D Studio MAX
Maya (continuing education)

Microsoft:
Outlook
Outlook Express
Word
Powerpoint

Access
Windows 3.1/9x/2K/XP Office2k Suite

IIS v4.0.
Internet Explorer
Visio Professional
Project
FrontPage

Quark
Mozilla Firefox
Netscape
Safari
Opera


Miscellaneous:

ActionScript 2.0
Swift3D
Swish
Vecta3d

HTML, XHTML, DHTML
CSS Style Sheets
Flash Components and Smart Clips
Audio compression

Payment Gateways/Merchant Accounts ASP/PHP Shopping Carts

Search Engine Optimization
Win95 / 98 / 2000/XP /ME/ NT / DOS
Linux
Mac Structure (Mac OS)
PDA, H/PC (Windows CE)
PC components, modems, operating systems, identity of hardware , proficient knowledge of computer construction and repair, troubleshoot, configure and determine compatibility between applications and hardware.

Unrelated Experience: Before attending college, I worked for Norwood Ferrari – building Ferrari race cars, basic repair of various high-end exotic vehicles and learning everything in between about racing and cars.

Hobbies: Auto racing, automotive fabrication and tuning, I enjoy traditional painting and actually prefer it versus digital painting. I try my hand in writing short stories from time to time and often write classical forms of poetry. Photography and video are my favorite types of media; they give the most freedom in the creation process.

MYSPACE

You can check out myspace pages by clicking on the links below:

Personal Myspace page | Myspace blog

Music Myspace page

CONTACT

CHRISTOPHER M. McLEAN

214-994-0175

SYNEFX@GMAIL.COM

If you have questions, feel free to email me.

MULTIMEDIA FAQ

Best Video Camera for Web Delivery and HD

From Kayla at Level 10/Dallas, TX:

Q: I’m working with a non-profit group here in town, and they need some advice about the best video camera to purchase.

Most of their videos will be shown over the web, however some may be shown in other venues, such as a live presentations. They are thinking of getting an HD video camera.

Do you have any recommendations?

A: If your budget calls for an HD vid cam - then by all means get one. its better to have more than less. the quality of video to be broadcast is determined with a video eidting program, such as Vegas Video or Final Cut Pro - so your camera should never limit the quality of your video. i like sony DV cams, both for quality and cost.



If you have questions, feel free to email me.

3D MODELING and ANIMATION

maya
The ultimate in 3D Animation software. Some examples of models I have made in my spare time - (which is not very often)
3d studio max
An easy tool to learn and somewhat use. Not as great as Maya, but its the tool I was taught in school. The images here are from work projects and personal projects.
   
   
 

DIGITAL ART

           

ANIMATION

3D ANIMATION

monument valley
A brief fly through of monument valley (conceptual). A segment of a larger project.
asteroid
a clip from a complete work that was lost in a hard-drive failure.

2D ANIMATION

STOP-MOTION

 

 

VIDEO PRODUCTION / MOTION GRAPHICS

LAUNCH VIDEO PLAYER
 
CAT Studios - In House Demo Reel - A compilation of the various works done by CAT Studios over their 20 year history in Television and Movie Production, 3D Animation and Post Video Effects.
CAT Studios - Architecture and Technology Reel - A compilation of the various works done by CAT Studios over their 20 year history in for Architectural and Industrial Firms, such as Mobil and Brunswick.
Comedy Defensive Driving School - Online Demo for sales and promotional purposes. Strict guidelines were adhered to to keep the length under a minute, while keeping in with the integrity of the course and its uniqueness.
This short depicts the unnecessary use of prescription drugs that people have taken too much of. Created for the Comedy Defensive Driving School, this was my first chance to produce a professional stop-motion animation.
This stop-motion short spoofs the now classic Pulp Fiction dialogue between John T. and Samuel J. about the differences between Europe and America. Driving the point to pay attention, while driving. Kinda crude, but still funny.

Being created for the Comedy Defensive Driving School, the animation was based on the audio asset that was given by the client (CDDS).
These Broadcast Motion Graphics were Concepted, Directed and Edited by me for the Japanese Company InterRush
 

PHOTOGRAPHY

     
           

WEBSITES

;
 

Web Applications

Verizon
Conceptual Designs for Web based Interfaces. Consumer Level design that is also interfaced with Digital Handhelds.
   
Xpede
Conceptual Designs for Financial Institution. Consumer Level allows interfacing with all financial needs and duties.
           

Concepts

   

FLASH MEDIA

 
Licci Ryu
implemented flash animation and interactivity into original design by digital artist licci ryu for her online portfolio.
vitamin metro
explore the movement of life in the city. an unfinished project - use the signal light to see life in motion or not. includes some original samples.
Comedy Defensive Driving School

Flash banner made for The Comedy Defensive Driving School website
Comedy Defensive Driving School
Carousel Ad Banner This is an Advertising Banner I made for Market News First. Pretty cool - indeed. Lee at gotoAndLearn was the teacher behind this masterpiece.
mudigi
conceptual site for investment presentations

Flash Site

PRINTWORK

 
       
         

LOGOS

         

COMEDY DEFENSIVE DRIVING SCHOOL

images flash

Below are screenshots and sample flash animations. They are constructed entirely in Flash 8, strictly adhering to vector based graphics only. The MAP is 3500 pixels square, this sample image is only a small portion of the map - exhibiting one subSection. The map utilizes every available pixel that is allowable on the Flash workspace. Sliced into equally sized gridsections, Actionscript allows each gridsection to be placed onto the stage dynamically in the respective order, allowing for seamless animation. Global functions operate each vehicle independently from the 'example' vehicle and its environment - but allow for interaction with other objects in the world, including the 'example' vehicle.

Graphics and functions were concepted by me. (except characters)

Games and other Instructional Courses can be built from this concept.


This course was given to me to finish and refine - based on previous material made by another studio. In five months, I reconstructed the entire course of 400+ Flash animations equalling 5 hours of online material.

My tasks were to update the audio for a constistent bitrate and volume
Edit unapproved material from the audio script
Update the character animations
to have more personality

IMAGES


FLASH

(click on image to play)
Some movies may require you to Right Click and Select PLAY in the Menu. This was for courseware development purposes only.
All of these animations are in BETA and some minor errors may be seen, however they are complete for TEA approval.


         

MUSIC PRODUCTION / CLUB MIXES

Entranced with music - it is a soundtrack to our soul, our life. We become the music we make and listen to. Heavily influenced by articulate lyrics and meticulous musicianship - through the likes of Pink Floyd, Rush, Depeche Mode, Mark Farina, A Perfect Circle, Sasha, Oakenfold, and countless other DJs, Rock Stars and even 'some' R&B. My musical tastes dont discriminate genre - but talent and content - which drives me to perfect my music as I go along. I experiment with various sounds and genre mixtures to achieve my own kind of soundtrack in the hopes that others can share in the feelings that are percieved through the sound waves. I like to use a blend of audio samples in a mixture of jazz-techy beats, live intruments and the good old 404 and 303. Most of my tracks sound different than their sibs - so dont be surprised for a change-up.

CLUB MIXES

Haunted House - October 2006
Tumbling - November 2006
Gifted - Winter 2006
Must Have Been A Dream 2007
   

PRODUCTION TRACKS

My Turn to Grab
Blurred Starrs
House This
Dandy Day
Pookie's Midnight Jazz Session
Human Hearts
Without You
Late Night  

STOCK VIDEO

COMING SOON


Here are some racing videos



References

Simon Speight – 214-477-2731
"Chris has an amazing ability to convey ideas in visually amazing graphical effect, its hard to describe in words when someone really gets the vision. I worked with Chris long enough to know that he is brilliant, personable, creative, effective and beyond talented. I would have no hesitation in hiring Chris on my team again, he is one of the best visual web designers I have ever had the pleasure of working with."

Amelia Kleymann – 630-962-7563
"I've had the pleasure of working with Chris McLean on numerous projects over the past seven years. A spectacularly creative person, Chris know the fine line between "cutting edge" and "bleeding edge". While he is willing to take calculated risks when the opportunity is right, he has never missed the mark - whether creative, conceptual, delivery or expectation related. Chris has remained fresh in his knowledge of the multimedia channel and can leverage that expertise to create interactive projects of all types. I highly recommend Chris - both his work and as a person."

Saul Albom
“Chris was always professional, effective and efficient. He was asked to the impossible and delivered consistently. He was a joy to work with and one day I look forward to working with him again.” April 16, 2008

Cody Bateman – 214-924-4020
Neil Lemons – 940-300-5046
Joe Savard – 972-740-3262
Steve Kanaval – 601-566-5874
Mike Willingham – 972-814-3929

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C M McLEAN :: Interactive Web Designer ::
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