About The Designer
Welcome to the portfolio site of Cory Ecker, a talented Freelance Designer specializing in illustration and graphic design. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Cory brings a wealth of experience and passion to every project. With a background in art and design from Ringling College of Art and Design, Cory's creative journey has been shaped by diverse influences, including a small-town upbringing in Brevard, North Carolina, and experiences as an Eagle Scout and a runner. These unique experiences have contributed to the distinct themes and styles reflected in Cory's work.
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Driven by a love for storytelling, Cory's illustrations and designs capture the depth of emotional states, tackling subjects such as depression, tragedy, and resilience. Projects like "Kids in this Town" and "Kids in this Town: are OK" explore these themes in character design. Cory's recent focus on abstract design has resulted in vibrant, cosmic illustrations that delve into the realms of philosophy and spirituality.
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Cory's professional background includes valuable experience as an apparel and patch designer at Custom Patch Hats. This expertise, combined with a passion for music, gaming, and literature, adds a unique dimension to Cory's creative process. With a commitment to personal growth and inspiration from TV shows like Twin Peaks: The Return, Scrubs, and The Haunting of Hill House, Cory brings a captivating and surreal quality to their work.
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Take a moment to explore Cory's portfolio and connect on social media to stay updated on the latest creations. If you appreciate Cory's unique artistic style and creative vision, don't hesitate to reach out for collaborations or inquiries.
 Freelance Design Career Highlights
2023
Benson Card Company
Print & Brand Design
2022
Custom Patch Hats
Apparel and Merchandise
2020
East Coast Tags
Apparel Design & Client Management
Benson Card Company taught me valuable lessons about designing for print and developing branding systems. A brand is not just a logo its a package of interconnected anfd visually unified products that send a message about the business.
Custom patch hats gave me a sense of what it really means to be a part of company culture and provide clients with a sense of that culture as they are guided through a buying process. I also fell in love with delivering great custom products.
Working as a designer at East Coast Tags taught me invaluable lessons about designing merchandise lines, managing client relationships, and developing a workflow for businesses. I also got my first taste of Web development and social media management.
Education
2013-2017
BFA Illustration
Ringling College of Art & Design
The Ringling Illustration BFA Degree program offers an immersive educational experience that nurtures creative ideation and artistic expression. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students develop a strong foundation in traditional and digital illustration techniques, expanding their visual storytelling abilities.