Mat Stewart
I graduated from Illinois State University in 2014 with my bachelors degree in Graphic Design. After multiple internships, I landed my first job as a Junior Art Director at Gelia, Wells & Mohr in Peoria, Illinois, where I worked on ad campaigns, catalogues and other various print work for the world's largest construction-equipment manufacturer, Caterpillar. After almost a year with Gelia, I was presented with the opportunity to move back north to work as a Graphic Designer for the Chicago Bears Football Club, where I am currently still employed.
Though my education had an emphasis for branding and print design, I pride myself on my ability to adapt to new projects, big or small. I like to consider myself a jack of all trades and am always open to exploring new approaches to solving every task that I face, especially when it involves getting out of my comfort zone. During my tenure with the Bears, I’ve worked on a wide range of mediums, such as print, digital, social, environmental, interior, motion and video.
No matter the project, I go back to my roots by starting each and every design with pen and paper and with my nose in the books. My designs are typically based off of extensive research and developing concepts through sketches, then refinement until I’m ready to go digital. Even after that preparation, I believe the most important part of the design process is collaboration and constructive criticism from my peers. Whether the feedback is positive or negative, I believe that extra bit of pressure is the difference between good design and great design.