Looking for a job

David Rankin

@davidrankin

Message

I create illustration, motion, and communications campaigns that grow engagement and clarify brands.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to create high-impact visual communications, illustration, motion, and brand campaigns while mentoring others and building stronger audience engagement.

At Lundquist WIC, I develop social content, manage the organization’s website, and improve SEO, Meta, and Google Ads performance. My work increased audience engagement by 11% and contributed to a 21% conversion rate.

I’ve built a long-running illustration practice through David Rankin Illustration, creating mixed-media editorial and album artwork for Time, Philadelphia Magazine, NB Publishing, Tooth & Nail Records, and McGraw-Hill. I also developed album-art trilogies for Zao and created original graphic novels through Effigy Productions.

I bring art direction and campaign production experience from O’Rourke Direct, Pep Boys, and Effigy Skateboards, spanning B2B collateral, websites, branded merchandise, animated web ads, and advertising partnerships.

I also teach and mentor emerging artists, from editorial illustration at California State University, Long Beach to advertising design and motion graphics at North Montco Technical Career Center. I’m focused on helping ideas become clear, compelling visual stories across print, digital, and motion.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Communications Coordinator

Current

Lundquist WIC

Sep 2025 - Present (1 year)

Developed and executed social media content strategies, increasing audience engagement by 11%. Managed website UX and improved SEO and Google Ads campaigns, achieving a 21% conversion rate.

After Effects Premiere Photoshop Illustrator Midjourney Luma AI Canva InDesign SEO Google Ads Web Management UX

Current

Adjunct Professor

Current

California State University, Long Beach

Sep 2024 - Present (2 years)

Designed and taught an editorial illustration course focusing on black-and-white media, shape, art direction, and conceptual problem-solving. Mentored students in finding future professional direction.

Illustration Art Direction Teaching Mentorship

Current

Illustrator

Current

David Rankin Illustration

May 1994 - Present (32 years 4 months)

Created distinctive mixed-media artwork for editorial and album art. Produced visual campaigns for clients including Time, Philadelphia Magazine, NBM Publishing, Tooth & Nail Records, and McGraw-Hill.

Illustration Mixed Media Acrylics Oils Photography Digital Art Editorial Art Album Art

Operations Specialist

Bird

Dec 2024 - Jun 2025 (6 months)

Delivered proprietary vehicles across Los Angeles, aligning placement with city aesthetics. Collaborated with teams to optimize routing and elevate customer satisfaction, and resolved compliance issues.

Operations Routing Customer Satisfaction Compliance Fleet Management

Instructor

North Montco Technical Career Center

Sep 2017 - Jun 2024 (6 years 9 months)

Instructed the Advertising Design program, integrating Adobe Creative Suite with traditional media techniques. Art directed design principles, photography, color theory, drawing, and painting, and introduced advanced students to motion graphics.

Adobe Creative Suite Advertising Design Art Direction Photography Color Theory Drawing Paintings Motion Graphics Animation After Effects Premiere

Creative Director

Effigy Productions

Sep 2019 - May 2024 (4 years 8 months)

Authored and illustrated the original graphic novel Doomroller, building from skateboard artwork. Founded Effigy Productions for self-publication and online distribution.

Creative Direction Graphic Novels Illustration Self Publishing Online Distribution

Animator

Pep Boys

Feb 2017 - Aug 2017 (6 months)

Led development of 300+ animated web ads using Adobe Animate for a national campaign. Designed and coded digital media in various formats, and transitioned to bilingual catalog design.

Animation Adobe Animate Online Advertising Digital Media Bilingual Design

Adjunct Professor

Moore College of Art

Jan 2014 - May 2014 (4 months)

Taught a digital painting course emphasizing Photoshop and Painter X. Directed students in creating layered digital compositions for various editorial themes.

Digital Painting Photoshop Painter X Art Direction

Creative Director

Effigy Skateboards

Jan 2010 - May 2014 (4 years 4 months)

Designed original skateboard decks and branded merchandise. Managed sponsorships and advertising with national publications, and was featured in Thrasher Magazine.

Creative Direction Skateboard Design Merchandising Sponsorship Advertising

Senior Lecturer

University of the Arts

Sep 1999 - May 2008 (8 years 8 months)

Pioneered digital art curriculum in the Illustration Department. Mentored students through industry-relevant projects and portfolio development, and led the Senior Portfolio class.

Digital Art Illustration Curriculum Development Mentorship Portfolio Development

Art Director

O'Rourke Direct

Sep 2002 - Apr 2007 (4 years 7 months)

Spearheaded the design and development of B2B collateral for various corporations, enhancing brand visibility. Created printed materials including brochures, postcards, and business cards, and designed user-friendly websites.

Art Direction B2B Marketing Print Design Web Design Branding