Curriculum Vitae of Jason Bennée
Personal Details
Name : Jason Bennée
Mobile : 0468 325 647
E-mail : benzworldphotography@gmail.com
Website : http://jason.bennee.com/index.html
Profile
I am a digital artist with over 20 years experience using a variety of graphic software. I have spent the last three years working as a Digital Artist/Production Manager of a portrait studio. I am interested in jobs where I can use my skills in Photoshop/InDesign/Illustrator. I am a fast accurate retoucher with an eye for detail. I am well versed in the quality required for stock and studio photography. I am a creative geek interested in all areas of digital imaging and processing. I have five stock agency portfolios as well as my own photography website BenzWorld. I also produce a Photoblog which describes various Photoshop techniques. As well as my creative side I am also highly organised and practical with strong IT skills and an Engineering Degree. I have not missed a day’s work in 7 years.
Career History
2008-2011
I have been working as a Digital Artist for Venture Photography where I manage production of one of their busiest studios. In my first year I reduced the error rate to less than a third of any of my predecessors. Since then It has continued to fall. My role includes retouching, creating promotional material, making DVD's, designing albums, quality control, FTP ordering and I.T. maintenance. After my first year I set up manufacturing of 7x5 and 10x8 framed images in the studio. This reduced the overall production costs beyond all targets.
2001-2008
An interest in poker led me to a job at the Gala International Casino in Nottingham. I set my sights on becoming cardroom supervisor. I started as a croupier then an inspector and quickly worked my way up to the position within 3 years. In 2004 I reduced my hours In order to put more time into developing my photography and building my website. I took two extended photography trips, 4 months in Cuba and Jamaica and 2 months in Egypt and Jordan.
1998-2001
After graduation I spent 3 years promoting live music in Nottingham. I designed hundreds of posters, flyer's and a colour magazine which I updated 2-3 times a week. In that time I became expert in CoralDRAW and Adobe Photo Deluxe. My work also included sound engineering and working as a booking agent for bands, clubs, pubs, cafes and bars. This part of my life taught me to think on my feet and gave me the confidence to tackle any challenge.
Work Qualifications
2010 Venture Photography, License to Retouch (Merit)
2010 Cambridge Folk Festival Photo Competition Winner
2008 Venture Photography, Digital Design (Distinction)
2001 to 2008 Gala Merit Level 3(Croupier),4(Inspector) and 5(Supervisor)
Education
1994 to 1998 University of Nottingham, 2:2 BEng (hons) in Mechanical Design Materials and Manufacture.
1991 to 1994 Hill Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge. A Level Design Technology (B), A Level Physics (C), A Level Maths (D).
1986 to 1991 Sawston Village College. 10 GCSE's Grades A to D
Skills Summary
I have a talent for getting the most from any technology. I am familiar with all the most common software and I am confident I could pick up any new package quickly. I currently spend half my working week on Photoshop. I have upgraded to CS5 and have already incorporated the new features into my work-flow to increase my retouch speed. I have also set up scripts and written actions to help other members of staff using photoshop. I am studying the Adobe Certified Expert Program in my own time.
I have not missed a days work or been late for the last 7 years. I am naturally self motivated, organised and conscientious. At work I continually look for ways to increase efficiency.
I am a team player. I have always got on with the people I work with. In my final year at university I received an award from the Ford Motor Company for the best team design project. I have a British passport and an international driving licence. In 2011 I received an Australian Partner Migrant Visa enabling me to work permanently in Australia.
Positions of Responsibility
In my second year at university I managed Ancaster Hall Bar. In that time I increased the profits to £30,000, compared to the £6,000 loss the previous year. This restored the University’s confidence in student managed bars, the majority of which are run by professional managers.
I was the senior cardroom supervisor at the Nottingham International Casino. I was responsible for running three poker tournaments a week. Each tournament, requires management of about 50 customers at once and several thousand pounds.
I have been twice elected as course representative. This position required me to gauge student opinion and make their voice heard. In addition I have undergone training in committee and communication skills supplied by the university along with the post.
Interests
My Photoblog is my main creative outlet now. I enjoy discovering new photoshop and techniques and experimenting with them. Before taking up photography I played guitar and performed at twenty different venues. I also designed and built my own electric guitar.
References
Richard Stanfield (Last Boss) Reference
Gordon Parrott (Former Boss)
Debbie Breedon-Smith (Line Manager)
Contact details available on request
