ABOUT

Learn more about my background, skills, and experience.


WHO I AM

I'm Arnie Marten, a military veteran with a BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts (Web Design concentration) and a passion for giving back to my community. My military background instilled in me a "can do attitude" and commitment to serving others, which now drives my mission to support small family-owned businesses and nonprofits through donated design and development expertise. I believe that great design shouldn't be limited to those who can afford premium services—every organization, regardless of size or budget, deserves professional, strategic support.

With expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, XD, InDesign), HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, and modern web technologies, I have the tools to help small businesses and charities succeed in their missions. My years of leading teams and managing complex operations have taught me how to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and deliver polished work that truly makes a difference. I donate my time and skills because I'm committed to helping local organizations build their brands and reach their audiences—whether that's a family restaurant owner, a neighborhood nonprofit, or a growing social enterprise.

I'm deeply committed to user experience, brand strategy, and responsive design that serves real community needs. Whether I'm helping a local family business develop their digital presence, supporting a charity's fundraising efforts through compelling design, or building accessible websites that expand an organization's reach, I'm focused on creating work that's strategic, beautiful, and impactful. I'm seeking partnerships with small family-owned and locally-based businesses and charitable organizations where I can donate my expertise and help your mission reach more people. If you're a small business owner or nonprofit leader looking for professional design support without the corporate price tag, I'd love to work with you.

SKILLS & EXPERTISE

DESIGN TOOLS

  • Adobe Photoshop (3 years)
  • Adobe Illustrator (3 years)
  • Adobe InDesign (3 years)
  • Adobe XD (2 years)
  • Adobe Dreamweaver (3 years)
  • Figma

GRAPHIC DESIGN

  • Brand Identity & Logo Design
  • Print Design & Collateral
  • Typography & Layout
  • Color Theory & Psychology
  • Editorial & Magazine Design
  • Digital Publishing (EPUB)

WEB DESIGN

  • UI/UX Design (2 years)
  • Responsive Web Design
  • Wireframing (2 years)
  • User Research & Personas
  • Interactive Design
  • Website Redesign

WEB DEVELOPMENT

  • HTML5 (5 years)
  • CSS (5 years)
  • JavaScript (4 years)
  • PHP
  • Bootstrap (3 years)
  • Web Hosting & Server Management

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

  • Leadership & Team Management
  • Project Management
  • Client Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Adaptability & Flexibility
  • Attention to Detail

ADDITIONAL TOOLS

  • Microsoft Word (10+ years)
  • Microsoft Excel (10+ years)
  • Microsoft Access
  • Visual Studio/VS Code
  • Data Management
  • Remote Work Proficiency

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Product Advisor & Customer Service Representative

April 2021 – Present

Deliver exceptional customer service, quickly resolve issues, and provide expert product advice. Manage customer accounts to ensure satisfaction and continued loyalty.

Graphic Design & Web Design Education

May 2021 – October 2023

Completed BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts (Web Design concentration) from Southern New Hampshire University. Made Dean's List all terms with 3.6 GPA. Developed expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, UX/UI design, and web development through rigorous coursework and practical projects.

General Manager - Vista Fleet

2019 – 2021

Managed tour boat excursion company serving 700,000+ riders annually with $5M+ revenue. Oversaw 60 seasonal employees, maintained operational excellence, and ensured consistent customer satisfaction across all operations.

United States Coast Guard - Chief Petty Officer

Multiple Tours - Honorable Service

Military professional commanding Search and Rescue Units. Directed successful missions, led anti-terrorism training programs, managed Command relations, and received multiple military commendations including Coast Guard Commendation Medal (2) and Achievement Medal.

Store Manager - West Marine Inc.

2006 – 2012

Delivered exceptional customer service, quickly resolved customer issues and complaints, and provided expert product advice to boaters. Built customer loyalty through responsive service and product expertise.

LOOKING FOR A DESIGN OR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT?

I'm seeking projects that challenge me creatively and allow me to leverage my design, development, and leadership expertise.

GET IN TOUCH