Lance Graves.
I was born in February of 1964, a leap year. .
As far back as I can remember, I had a crayon in my hand. By the time I reached adolescence, I knew that art would be my career. Throughout my teen years, I refined my artistic skills and with the encouragement and support of my parents, I continued to pursue my creative endeavors.
I attended the Center for Creative Studies in downtown Detroit, where I studied Graphic Design and Illustration. I then went on to do an internship at General Motors Photographic in Warren, Michigan, an experience that was instrumental in preparing me for the “working world” of graphic arts & advertising. I was employed at Crain Communications Inc. from 1986 to 1990 as Corporate Artist. From 1990 to 1997 I did freelance work before returning to Automotive News in November of 1997 for 13 years as Art Director / Graphic Designer for the Promotion & Marketing Department. Leaving in February of 2010 to pursue a freelance career again. Having gained much experience through the years I continue commercial advertising for a broad range of companies, including Great Lakes Distribution Inc., Comerica Bank, Global Interface, Brewer & Associates, Fine Point Design, All Star-Desk, Crain Communications Inc., Crain’s Detroit Business, AutoWeek and Automotive News, Waste & Recycling News, UDetroit, AutoAlert, SkyWay AvJets, LINK Engineering, Premier Creative Group, Boxadillo Travel Protector, Mariners Inn Detroit, Holbrook Racing Engines, etc.
I have been working on a Pen & Ink illustration series for many years called “One Day I Thought This” the series started out as twenty-nine different works of art, corresponding to the number of days in my birth month… And has grown to feature over fifty pieces in recent years which now includes the addition of pencil work with pieces ranging in size from 8.5” x 11” to 22” x 42”.
I have also discovered new channels for my artistic abilities…I have been working with Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premier to create web based news show intros for Automotive News’s Morning News show “First Shift” and the award winning afternoon show “AutoNews Now”. Also creating 15 second commercials for the web based news shows promoting upcoming events and Automotive Conference Infomercials for Automotive News event sponsors such as, PWC, IBM, and Deloitte Consulting. Also created all motion graphics for the AutoAlert 2012 NADA Las Vegas automotive conference.
I have been a part of the Detroit music scene for 30 plus years. Playing in many bands over the years and performing with many great players such as Ricky Medlocke of Black Foot and for the past 10 yrs the lead guitarist for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Palyed with Members of Molly Hatchet, Southern Rock Allstars, Mountain, 38 Special. Played with Detroit Musicians such as Patrick Harwood of Mitch Ryders current touring band, Greg Styker, Gunner Ross of Strutt and sometimes touring drummer with Ted Nugent. And opened for all the Detroit greats like Seduce, Muggsy, Bittersweet Alley, Quest. Opened for national acts like Seven Mary Three at the 1st Winter Jam in Detroit. Opened for Dream Theater & Cheap Trick at Harpos. I am now using Pro Tools digital recording software to record a CD of original R&R tunes slated for fall 2013 release as “Notorious Wilbur”.
I was born in February of 1964, a leap year. .
As far back as I can remember, I had a crayon in my hand. By the time I reached adolescence, I knew that art would be my career. Throughout my teen years, I refined my artistic skills and with the encouragement and support of my parents, I continued to pursue my creative endeavors.
I attended the Center for Creative Studies in downtown Detroit, where I studied Graphic Design and Illustration. I then went on to do an internship at General Motors Photographic in Warren, Michigan, an experience that was instrumental in preparing me for the “working world” of graphic arts & advertising. I was employed at Crain Communications Inc. from 1986 to 1990 as Corporate Artist. From 1990 to 1997 I did freelance work before returning to Automotive News in November of 1997 for 13 years as Art Director / Graphic Designer for the Promotion & Marketing Department. Leaving in February of 2010 to pursue a freelance career again. Having gained much experience through the years I continue commercial advertising for a broad range of companies, including Great Lakes Distribution Inc., Comerica Bank, Global Interface, Brewer & Associates, Fine Point Design, All Star-Desk, Crain Communications Inc., Crain’s Detroit Business, AutoWeek and Automotive News, Waste & Recycling News, UDetroit, AutoAlert, SkyWay AvJets, LINK Engineering, Premier Creative Group, Boxadillo Travel Protector, Mariners Inn Detroit, Holbrook Racing Engines, etc.
I have been working on a Pen & Ink illustration series for many years called “One Day I Thought This” the series started out as twenty-nine different works of art, corresponding to the number of days in my birth month… And has grown to feature over fifty pieces in recent years which now includes the addition of pencil work with pieces ranging in size from 8.5” x 11” to 22” x 42”.
I have also discovered new channels for my artistic abilities…I have been working with Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premier to create web based news show intros for Automotive News’s Morning News show “First Shift” and the award winning afternoon show “AutoNews Now”. Also creating 15 second commercials for the web based news shows promoting upcoming events and Automotive Conference Infomercials for Automotive News event sponsors such as, PWC, IBM, and Deloitte Consulting. Also created all motion graphics for the AutoAlert 2012 NADA Las Vegas automotive conference.
I have been a part of the Detroit music scene for 30 plus years. Playing in many bands over the years and performing with many great players such as Ricky Medlocke of Black Foot and for the past 10 yrs the lead guitarist for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Palyed with Members of Molly Hatchet, Southern Rock Allstars, Mountain, 38 Special. Played with Detroit Musicians such as Patrick Harwood of Mitch Ryders current touring band, Greg Styker, Gunner Ross of Strutt and sometimes touring drummer with Ted Nugent. And opened for all the Detroit greats like Seduce, Muggsy, Bittersweet Alley, Quest. Opened for national acts like Seven Mary Three at the 1st Winter Jam in Detroit. Opened for Dream Theater & Cheap Trick at Harpos. I am now using Pro Tools digital recording software to record a CD of original R&R tunes slated for fall 2013 release as “Notorious Wilbur”.