Intro
BASED ON A
TRUE STORYA glimpse into an artist's passion
Intro
BASED ON A
TRUE STORYA glimpse into an artist's passion
If you have a moment, I encourage you to look at the photo of the artist above—
Harry Acosta
If you're only here for a moment to view samples of my work, the links to my portfolio, photography, and published work are at the top of this page. Otherwise, the artist above, Kaoru Ishibashi (Recording under Kishi Bashi), records and produces his own work under the label Joyful Noise Recordings. You may have heard his work with Of Montreal, or Regina Spektor. He's an indie rocker from Japan who sings, and plays the violin; and will likely beatbox the very next song. As I understand it, he's used to performing everything on his own, but with the release of his album Lighght, he has enlisted some help for live performances. I've captured him here in a bow tie and giant belt buckle. It is obvious by everything he does, his goal isn't to make billions of dollars, but to make art. He has engrossed himself in it.
He loves what he does, but he doesn't always swim like a duck. During this show, I saw a man quietly stress and sweat on stage. His concern was not that people wouldn't like his music. Look again. He's an iconoclast. Not everyone is going to like his music. His concern is that his art; his message was not going to be delivered exactly how he had hoped.
I understand. As an artist, I can be a control freak. And as a designer I can be so involved in what I do, I want my hands in every aspect of it—not for control, but for the absolute joy. Although I have a passion for my work, I understand that no matter how beautiful or dazzling it may seem, if it doesn't fit the needs of the client, it is useless to them. My work has to be more purposeful.
Kishi Bashi performing at the 2014 Bunbury Festival.
I may be making some serious assumptions about knowing Kishi Bashi's feelings toward his live performance. I've never spoken to him, but I like this story the best. It is at least based on a true story that I can relate to.
My career path has lead me to be an art director. This usually entails being an illustrator, designer, and team leader who oversees photo shoots; conceptualizes overall design and style; and directing a small team of creatives. In an effort to understand how everything works, I've also had the pleasure of being a photographer, writer, voice actor, instructor, public speaker, and mentor.
I'm not a jack of all trades. I don't do my own coding. I've tried it, but I keep coming back to the aesthetic side. And I don't need to do it all myself. Admittedly, we all have our strengths, and we should work toward them. I work best with like-minded people. I'm searching for a new environment where everyone feels empowered to think their ideas through as a group. I thrive in creative atmospheres and come up with my best work there.
Below, I have documented my work experience, achievements, and what others have to say about working with me.
Career Experience
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCEStriving to be the go-to person
Career Experience
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCEStriving to be the go-to person
Shaping my world—
I've designed brochures, websites, storefront windows, animations, ads, and videos (to name a few). I don't just do my job and get a paycheck. There's an unwritten contract. My employers and I form a culture that affects everyone involved.
Music Journalist
Contact tour managers, bands, publicists, venues, and promoters to acquire media credentials to photograph, review, and interview performers for live music events and festivals.
flushthefashion.com
June 2014–Present
slyvinyl.com / thehotmic.co
August 2015–Present
loudhailermagazine.com
July 2022–Present
Sole Proprietor at Sylph LLC
October 2005 – Present
Provide professional freelance marketing and design services to local, and national businesses including The Shipyard, Kreber Graphics, Engauge Communications, Frito-Lay, Farmer + Yoakam Advertising Agency Ltd, Golden Gate Real Estate, Ohio Oil and Gas Association, and Ohio Grape Industries Committee
Art Director/Photographer at Manta Media Inc.
April 2015 – December 2016
Redefined all brand and visual experiences through the use of graphic design, photography, videography, illustration, animation, and management skills.
Senior Lead Designer at McGraw-Hill Education
October 2009 – April 2015
Led a team of ten to concept, plan, and execute all projects for Science, Math, Health, and Engineering within tight deadlines. Created tutorials to further the development of designers in the advertising department.
Art Director/Brand Strategies Assistant at Express
January 2006 – Novemeber 2008
Designed direct mail packages, in-store marketing, presentation materials, and visual planning calendars; and conceptualized marketing campaigns, and floorset strategies. Expanded role to include brand strategy planning.
Web Designer/E-commerce Business Developer at The GolfWorks
October 2003 – December 2005
Redesigned, maintained, and strategized national custom sporting goods retail, and b2b websites, and e-commerce strategy
Art Director/Regional IT Specialist at Employment News
October 1998 – August 2003
Managed a team of designers and copywriters to create a weekly publication with the added functionality of online support.
Career Accomplishments
CAREERACCOMPLISHMENTSWhen it comes to being humble, I'm #1.
Career Accomplishments
CAREERACCOMPLISHMENTSWhen it comes to being humble, I'm #1.
My manager advised me not to take these photos—
The children above were photographed by my co-worker, Holly Hildreth. My directive was to find an existing photo that we could use to fulfill the needs of this brochure. My team had already exhausted their research, and the project had no budget for photography. I directed this photo shoot with a co-worker's children at a nearby stream and my family turtle, Emerson. Not only did we get the shot we wanted, but we produced a small collection of other wholly owned shots that the company could use in the future. These actions lead to the realization that the department could easily use and profit from having a full-time photographer on staff.
I took a risk that could have involved putting my employers time, and resources, or my own job in jeopardy. I knew I was going to be held accountable for those risks had t lost … or won!
2024 Harry Acosta Photography
With more than 250 5-star reviews on Google, Thumbtack, Yelp, Facebook , I now have a well-established, solo photography and videography operation with a legacy in Central Ohio as being one of the best
2021 Harry Acosta Photography
Doubled down from the aftermath of the pandemic to create one of the most successful photography services in the Columbus area
2019 The Shipyard
Created production process and templates to release all digital assets for AEP and Scotts® brands
2017 Sylph, LLC.
Guest speaker for advanced copywriting course at Columbus College of Art and Design
2015 Manta
Conceptualized and photographed on location, Manta’s largest small business campaign with the Ford Motor Company
2014 McGraw-Hill Education
Designed Texas Sales Presentations, supporting the sales team's 22% in revenue over goal for 2014
2012, 2011 McGraw-Hill Education
Received Graphic Design USA: American In-house Brochure Design Award
2009 Sylph, LLC.
Received crowdSPRING award for Green Commercial Cleaning logo
2007 EXPRESS
Collaborated on the most profitable Black Friday event in company history
2006 EXPRESS
Designed direct mail package with the highest response rate in Express history
2004 The GolfWorks
Developed new email campaign and website, generating a weekly average increase of over 700% in online revenue
2002 Employment News
Maintained and repaired Macintosh network in a 6-office region, saving company $57,600 per year
2000 Employment News
Doubled the size of weekly publication while bringing man-hours down by 17%, and the average error rate below 1%
Testimonials
TESTIMONIALS A tribute to how I work
"Harry is one of the most talented and dedicated art directors I've ever worked with. Whether designing a national campaign or a cover for a music cd, his work is consistently high impact with a design integrity that I envy and respect. He has a true passion for his craft, an outstanding work ethic and a never stop until it's great attitude."
— Edward Wolf Senior Vice President/Creative Director at Limited Brands
“I have known Harry both professionally and personally for over 15 years, and I can tell you from experience that he is the textbook definition of the 'go-to guy'. We called him in for graphic design help on a couple of projects at Express, and those 'couple of projects' turned into nearly three years of continuously superior work. He is a gifted designer, a diligent worker, and an asset to any team."
—Nathan Thornton, Executive Creative Director at Ologie
"Harry is always a pleasure to work with. He's very dedicated, and will give 110% on whatever challenge you give him--he is not one to give up. No obstacle is too much, and he will continually rise to the challenge. I've worked on many photo shoots and marketing pieces with Harry, and he's always sure to give clear, concise art direction to ensure no time is wasted in miscommunication. His drive, passion, and personable disposition make him a great asset for any team."
— Holly Hildreth, Photographer/Videographer at McGraw-Hill Education
“I needed some high quality art work for one my e-commerce websites. Harry was recommended to me. I sat down with him, we brainstormed some ideas, and a few days later Harry delivered on what we had discussed. I was highly impressed with his work and have used him a couple of times since. I would not hesitate to bring him in on another project int he future.”
— Rob Baker, Sr VMware Engineer
"Harry is an easy going person who will do what it takes to get the job done. I enjoyed working with him and would work with him in the future."
— Jeremy Sorrell, Senior Web Designer at Bath & Body Works
"I don't know how a man decides what's right for his own life. It's all a mystery."
— Wayne Coyne, Vocalist/Songwriter/Guitarist for The Flaming Lips
Testimonials
TESTIMONIALS A tribute to how I work
"Harry is one of the most talented and dedicated art directors I've ever worked with. Whether designing a national campaign or a cover for a music cd, his work is consistently high impact with a design integrity that I envy and respect. He has a true passion for his craft, an outstanding work ethic and a never stop until it's great attitude."
— Edward Wolf Senior Vice President/Creative Director at Limited Brands
“I have known Harry both professionally and personally for over 15 years, and I can tell you from experience that he is the textbook definition of the 'go-to guy'. We called him in for graphic design help on a couple of projects at Express, and those 'couple of projects' turned into nearly three years of continuously superior work. He is a gifted designer, a diligent worker, and an asset to any team."
—Nathan Thornton, Executive Creative Director at Ologie
"Harry is always a pleasure to work with. He's very dedicated, and will give 110% on whatever challenge you give him--he is not one to give up. No obstacle is too much, and he will continually rise to the challenge. I've worked on many photo shoots and marketing pieces with Harry, and he's always sure to give clear, concise art direction to ensure no time is wasted in miscommunication. His drive, passion, and personable disposition make him a great asset for any team."
— Holly Hildreth, Photographer/Videographer at McGraw-Hill Education
“I needed some high quality art work for one my e-commerce websites. Harry was recommended to me. I sat down with him, we brainstormed some ideas, and a few days later Harry delivered on what we had discussed. I was highly impressed with his work and have used him a couple of times since. I would not hesitate to bring him in on another project int he future.”
— Rob Baker, Sr VMware Engineer
"Harry is an easy going person who will do what it takes to get the job done. I enjoyed working with him and would work with him in the future."
— Jeremy Sorrell, Senior Web Designer at Bath & Body Works
"I don't know how a man decides what's right for his own life. It's all a mystery."
— Wayne Coyne, Vocalist/Songwriter/Guitarist for The Flaming Lips
CONTACT
CONTACTAlways within reach
CONTACT
CONTACTAlways within reach
PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
studio location:
289 West Walnut Street Ste 13
Columbus, Ohio 43215
phone: (614)571-0142
mailing:
345 Lakeside Drive
Westerville, Ohio 43081
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email: photography@harryacosta.com
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