career history
art educator | artist | senior graphic designer
Introduction: Began as an instructional tutor at an elementary school from August 21, 1987 to October 25, 1987. Started teaching K-5 Art on October 26, 1987 and completed seven years working between three different elementary schools in the Collier County School District. Designed and implemented a unique children's art program which grew in popularity for hundreds of children each week.
1987 – 1994 primary education
Formative Years: I began as an instructional tutor at an elementary school from August 21, 1987 to October 25, 1987. Started teaching K-5 Art on October 26, 1987 and completed seven years working between three different elementary schools in the Collier County School District. Designed and implemented a unique children's art program which grew in popularity for hundreds of children each week.
Village Oaks Elementary School
On August 21, 1987, I began my career in education as an instructional tutor at Village Oaks Elementary School in Immokalee, Florida. Two months later, I left Village Oaks and became an Art Teacher.
Highlands Elementary School
I submitted an application for an Art Teacher position to the district's Human Resources office and on October 25, 1987, I received an invitation to become the art teacher at Highlands Elementary School in Immokalee, Florida.
1994 – 1996 Adult Education – Evenings
Inspiring Adults: Taught adult art education evening courses through the Collier County Public School District. Inspired and mentored some adults who are practicing artists today.
Adult Education Painting Class
Example of artwork created in the evening adult education painting class. Oil painting on canvas by Jaime L. Hernandez.
Adult Education Painting Class
Examples of artwork created in the evening adult education painting class. Oil paintings by Jaime L. Hernandez.
1994 – 2007 Secondary Education
Setting the Pace: Recruited and invited to teach art and design at Immokalee High School in 1994 by the newly appointed administration. Upon starting, I quickly took the initiative to execute change to the art classroom setting (from basic tables and chairs to drawing horses, track lighting, and a model’s platform for figure drawing and observational studies). Taught drawing, painting, art 2D, airbrush, ceramics/pottery, 3D sculpture, computer graphics, 3D graphics, and 2D animation. Taught students portfolio design and helped them prepare and submit their art portfolios to art colleges and university art programs.
IHS Student Artwork - Drawing
(left) color pencil on red paper, self portrait. (right) white pencil on black paper, student portrait.
IHS Student Artwork - Drawing
(left) pencil on paper, still life drawing (right) color pencil on white paper of a student portrait.
1994 – 2007 Secondary Education
Introduced Photography: (1998) Initiated the first traditional photography program at Immokalee High. Ordered and set up the darkroom studio for black and white film processing and print developing. (2000) Introduced and taught the first digital photography curriculum at Immokalee High School.
IHS Student Work - Photography
(left) black & white portrait with dramatic lighting effects (right) digital color photograph; playing with light & composition
Immokalee High School - Darkroom
(left) a section of the new IHS darkroom; photo equipment had just arrived (right) IHS chiaroscuro technique assignment; portrait with lighting effect taken with digital camera
1994 – 2007 Secondary Education
Pioneered Computer Graphics: (1994) Recognized the need for a computer graphics program and pioneered the first Mac lab inside an actual art classroom; this lab is still in operation today. Developed curriculum for web design, html (1994), and CSS (1997 - 98) for the computer graphics courses; was later appointed the high school’s Webmaster to maintain the official website.
Computer Graphics Lab at IHS
The original computer graphics labs at Immokalee High included a variety of Macs: image a - Power Mac 5500 lab; image b - iMac lab; and image c - a single Power Mac G4. Years later, a Windows lab replaced the Mac lab. Photo by Lexey Swall/Staff Naples Daily News
3D Computer Graphics
An Immokalee High School student working with Lightwave 3D computer modeling and animation software. The student is using the software to design and model his own 3D character. Students learned Lightwave 3D through a variety of lesson tutorials.
1994 – 2007 Secondary Education
Toon Boom Animation: (2002) Began the first 2D animation curriculum using Toon Boom Studio animation software within the high school’s computer graphics program. Taught students the twelve basic principles of animation and also taught a basic history of animation.
Example of Toon Boom Animation
An animation for a Kraft Cheese competition created using Toon Boom Studio.
Toon Boom Studio Software Interface
Immokalee High School students used Toon Boom Studio 2D animation software version 1.0 and various other versions after the company's first release of the software. (version 8.0 above)
1994 – 2007 Secondary Education
National Consultant: (2003 - 2013) Toon Boom Animation recognized my enthusiasm to influence and inspire other teachers in schools around the nation. For next ten years, I served as an educational consultant, instructional leader, and brand advocate promoting their creative educational software to school districts in the U.S. at major educational conferences including: FETC in Orlando, Florida; TCEA in Austin and San Antonio, Texas; ISTE in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and San Diego, California; and IB of the Americas in San Antonio, Texas.
Toon Boom Booth
At the Toon Boom Anmation booth (Texas 2012) with Leo Sullivan, Fat Albert animation artist and Jaime L. Hernandez. Leo's personality was refreshing and full of energy!
Working The Toon Boom Animation Booth
(left) Toon Boom Animation, Inc. booth (educational division); set-up and ready for customers (right) Jaime listening to an interested buyer from a local university program for elementary teachers.
1994 – 2007 Secondary Education
Enrollment Traffic/Fashion: (2003) In an effort to increase enrollment and draw more students to my art program, I researched U4ia Fashion software. The French manufacturer, Lectra, Inc., donated their upscale software at no cost (valued at multiple millions of dollars) for students to use and learn. New to the software, I secured a grant for me to learn U4ia software for a weeklong training in the fashion district of Manhattan, NY. Enrollment efforts were a success, and I taught students the basics about “patterns and repeats” in the textile industry and led them to produce various textile designs as an extracurricular activity.
1994 – 2007 Secondary Education
Advanced Placement (AP) Art: (2004 - 2006) Introduced and taught the first Advanced Placement (AP) Art Portfolio courses at Immokalee High School and helped students submit and pass the AP College Art Portfolio exam.
IHS Advanced Placement (AP) Art Portfolio
Picture slides from the AP Art program; student work was photographed and mailed to the AP College Board for evaluation.
Immokalee High AP Student Portfolio Artwork
(left) illustration created with color pencil on paper (right) digital color photography; chiaroscuro project of light, color, and composition studies.
1994 – 2007 Secondary Education
Florida Panther – Dr. Jane Goodall: Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) sponsored an annual poster contest to promote awareness for the Florida Panther endangered species. The competition took place three consecutive years (2003 - 2005) and was open to all Collier County high schools. On the third year, the FGCU Florida Panther Awareness Project invited Dr. Jane Goodall to judge the competition at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in Naples. I directed and critiqued my students; they students won 1st place in 2003, 2004, and 2005 and received Disney Animal Kingdom tickets for their families.
FGCU Florida Panther Poster Contest
Three first place winning posters; all illustrations are color pencil on paper (left) 2003 contest winner (middle) 2004 contest winner (right) 2005 contest winner.
Dr. Jane Goodall in Naples, Florida
(left) Immokalee High School student who won first place on third year of the event (middle) Dr. Jane Goodall; contest judge and guest speaker (right) Immokalee High School first place winning poster.
1994 – 2007 Secondary Education
Santa Mall Display: (2005) The management offices of the Naples Coastland Mall in Collier County, Florida, were looking for a local creative team to renovate their existing Santa Claus display. My art program accepted the challenge, and I directed a group of students to redesign and produce the annual Santa Claus display for the Christmas photo sales and marketing team. The Director of the Naples Coastland Mall presented my art program with a check for $2,000.00 as a gift for our dedication to produce a beautiful display for children of all ages to enjoy.
Santa Display created by Immokalee High
Santa mall display during Christmas 2005 at the Coastland Mall Center in Naples, Florida.
Santa Mall Display and Concept Art
The Coastland Mall had Immokalee High School's Art Department renovate existing props and a create a new display for Christmas of 2005.
1994 – 2007 Secondary Education
Governor Jeb Bush: (2005) A contest by Leadership Florida promised a “greet and meet” session with Governor Jeb Bush for the most creative quilt design in a competition between four Southwest Florida school districts. The project theme was “Unity in Diversity”. As project manager, I mentored a group of 40 students to conceptualize a 4 x 6 foot quilt constructed out of various fabric materials. The Leadership Florida organization judged the quilts and awarded our school 1st place. The quilt was presented to Governor Jeb Bush in Tallahassee, Florida celebrating and honoring diversity.
Unity in Diversity Immokalee High Quilt
(left) completed quilt included students faces inside the school indian mascot (right) students at work creating the quilt.
Field Trip to the Florida Capital
Photo of the Immokalee High School art students and art teachers in front of the Florida Capital Building in Tallahassee, Florida.
1994 – 2007 Secondary Education
The Immokalee Foundation: (2006) The Immokalee Foundation is a local non-profit organization that raises millions of dollars each year for student scholarships. Students were directed to design their own unique art and paint their work on large pottery vessels. The pottery vessels were used as table centerpieces during the annual dinner at The Immokalee Foundation’s Golf Scholarship Fundraiser in Naples, Florida. Each ceramic pot was filled with fresh flowers matching the students’ color scheme. My art program was presented with a check for $10,000.00 as a gift for our dedication to produce professional work.
The Immokalee Foundation Pottery Project
Students created their own unique designs to decorate pottery for The Immokalee Foundation Golf Charity Dinner.
Pottery With Purpose - IHS Student Artwork
Immokalee High School students painted the pottery with acrylics and then sprayed a clear coat of gloss to create the final works of art.
1994 – 2007 Secondary Education
Taste of Collier: (1997 - 2007) Each year the Taste of Collier event in Collier County, Florida sponsors a poster competition in an effort to select the best design as one of their marketing tools. The poster promotes awareness to their event in Southwest Florida. The competition originally invited local artists in Collier County but was then opened to high school art programs. Under my artistic supervision, students won seven of the eleven Taste of Collier high school poster competitions. Each poster awarded students a $1,000.00 scholarship. Our school received a total of $7,000.00 for student scholarships.
1997 & 1998 Taste of Collier Poster Winners
(left ) Immokalee High School poster awarded first place and $1000.00 for Taste of Collier 1997 (right) Immokalee High School poster awarded first place and $1000.00 for Taste of Collier 1998.
2001 & 2003 Taste of Collier Poster Winners
(left ) Immokalee High School poster awarded first place and $1000.00 for Taste of Collier 2001 (right) Immokalee High School poster awarded first place and $1000.00 for Taste of Collier 2003.
1999 & 2000 Taste of Collier Poster Winners
(left ) Immokalee High School poster awarded first place and $1000.00 for Taste of Collier 1999 (right) Immokalee High School poster awarded first place and $1000.00 for Taste of Collier 2000.
2006 Taste of Collier Poster Winner
(left bottom corner) Winning student with the Taste of Collier Board (top left) student receiving $1000.00 check; scholarship money (right) student's art transformed as promotional poster for the community event in Naples, Florida.
2007 – 2008 Instructional Technology
Specialist - 48 Schools: (2007) Applied for a position as an Instructional Technology Specialist at the Administration Offices of the District School Board of Collier County and was offered the job from among 24 applicants. Responsibilities included planning and managing instructional technology initiatives and providing demonstrations to more than 45 schools including elementary, middle, high school, and adult education centers.
The District School Board of Collier County
The District School Board of Collier County - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Administrative Center Naples, Florida.
Collier County Public Schools
During 2007 - 2008, I worked with a team of nine Instructional Technology Specialist. Our objective was to facilitate all of the schools in the district with intructional technology needs. The red dots represent the general locations of many of the schools. (Google Maps)
2008 – 2017: Multimedia Design Instructor
iTECH College - Adult Education: In 2008, I was recruited as staff at iTECH, Immokalee Technical Center, Florida’s newest technical school to begin the district’s first Multimedia Design Technology program. Currently teach adult students to create portfolios which provide proof of knowledge in print design, web design, videography, and motion graphics. Students learned to create, manage, and market their own brand. All adults earned Adobe certifications in various software technologies. To enhance the delivery of the four Occupational Completion Points (OCP’s), which embody the one-year course program, I wrote a complementary curriculum outline for Digital Media/Multimedia Design. Established local business partnerships with design agencies, graphic studios, videographers, and web development teams to serve as program advisory committees. Invited various multimedia artists and industry professionals as guest speakers to contribute and encourage the adults in pursuing multimedia careers. The general theme of the program was “Brand Creation, Brand Marketing”.
Multimedia Design - iTECH at CCPS
Multimedia Design students at iTECH working in the virtual video studio. Photo by Lexey Swall/Staff Naples Daily News
Jaime L. Hernandez, Multimedia Instructor
Teacher talking with students about their projects. Photo by Lexey Swall/Staff Naples Daily News
iTECH Multimedia Virtual filming Set
Virtual set for photography and video production.
Animation Studio at ITECH
iTECH Multimedia animation studio started by Jaime to inspire students in extracurricular programs.
iTECH Multimedia Student at Work
Multimedia Design student at iTECH working on a video motion graphic for his video OCP.
Multimedia Design Classroom/Lab
The iTECH Multimedia Design classroom was planned, designed , and set up the instructor, Jaime L. Hernandez. The amazing environment inspired learning.
Audio Recording Studio at ITECH
iTECH's audio/sound for professional audio recording.
iTECH Multimedia Presentation and Critique
(left) Jaime, Multimedia Design Instructor at iTECH, working at his desk. (right) Presentation and critique conference table for student and teacher interaction.
itech college - teaCHING MARKETING
Marketing School Mission & Vision: (2008 - 2017) Immokalee Technical Center’s (iTECH) marketing and advertisement campaign was designed through my Multimedia Design program. iTECH’s administration team requested various marketing tools from my program to promote the vision and mission of iTECH. I led all campaigns to produce T.V. commercials, campus banners, magazine ads, newspaper ads, and web advertisements.
iTECH TV Commercials on Youtube
Immokalee Technical Center's TV commercials were produced by students under the direction of Jaime L. Hernandez, Multimedia Design program instructor. View one example: Multimedia
iTECH Banners on the School Campus
Immokalee Technical Center's lightpole banners were designed by Jaime L. Hernandez and adult students in his Multimedia Design program. There are a total of 19 different program banners hanging around the iTECH school campus.
itech college - teacher / webmaster
Webmaster: (2008 - 2017) Appointed Webmaster to lead, create, and maintain iTECH’s website. Regularly used students as interns to update the website.
iTECH - Immokalee Technical Center Website
Immokalee Technical Center's website was designed and is maintained by Jaime L. Hernandez and the Multimedia Design program.
Webpages for Each iTECH Program
Multimedia Design adult students served as interns to the program to maintain and update the school website under the direction of Jaime L. Hernandez.
itech college - community mural project
Project Management: (2011) The Texas Roadhouse Restaurant’s (TRR) corporate offices invested two million dollars of charitable contributions to improve the Immokalee community. TRR contacted various non-profit organizations in the community and requested proposals on what improvements would beautify their facilities. As a result, iTECH’s Multimedia Design program conceptualized a 35 x 40 foot mural on the front of the Sanders Pine Community administration office. After 150 hours of pre-planning, preparation, and using the budget diligently, over 80 Texas Roadhouse volunteers (flown in from around the country) painted the mural. The mural included children, the U.S. flag, an eagle, and harvest fields.
Sanders Pine Community Mural by iTECH
Jaime planned, design, and directed the Sanders Pine community mural with help from his friend, Maria "Josie" Lopez, and the iTECH Multimedia Design adult students.
iTECH Mural Project Under Construction
Jaime with his daughter in front of the Sanders Pine Community office building while volunteers from Texas Roadhouse Restaurants served wholeheartedly to paint the 35 x 40 foot mural.
iTech college - grant writing
Grant Writing: (2012 – 2013) Each year, The Immokalee Foundation provides teachers an opportunity to submit grant proposals for projects in their classroom. My art program was awarded two grants in two different school years totaling $7,000.00. The grant money was used to engage students in digital photography and video projects. Students produced T.V. commercials to promote school programs to the community. The grant money was used to purchase two HD digital SLR cameras, Canon EOS 5D Mark II, and Canon EOS 5D Mark III.
IHS Students, iTECH, and The Immokalee Foundation
Immokalee High School students and iTECH adult students working on a video project together using the new Canon camera.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Mark III Cameras
The iTECH Multimedia Design program received grant money to work with students on video and photography projects. See project results here: TV Commercial (left) Canon EOS 5D Mark II (right) Canon EOS 5D Mark III
itech college - 99u conference - NYC
Behance - 99U Conference ~ 2014: In an effort to stay updated with current trends and deepen my understanding of the art business and entrepreneurship while teaching Multimedia Design, I attended the 99U Conference, sponsored by Behance, in April/May 2014. The goal of the 99U Conference was to shift the focus from idea generation to idea execution; it brought together some of the world's most productive, creative visionaries and leading researchers to share pragmatic insights on how ideas are brought to life. Studied Jocelyn Glei and Scott Belsky’s books on making ideas happen. The 99U Conference fueled and inspired me to continue to teach new ideas.
Jaime at the 99U Conference 2014 by Behance
The 2014 99U Conference was held in Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center in New York City on April/May 2014. I am in this photo sitting at Alice Tully Hall lobby waiting for the event to open. Link to 99U website. Photo by 99U Staff.
99U Behance Conference in Alice Tully Hall
Each morning after the 99U Conference doors opened attendees filled the Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center in Manhattan, NY. Before the event would start, image slides with different quotes would display on the large screen. The slide in this photo was the theme of the entire conference.
itech college - Honors and Awards
Golden Apple Teacher Award: In 2011, students and administration recommended my name to be included for the annual Golden Apple Teacher award. Hundreds of teachers were nominated. After submitting my application, going through multiple selection processes, and 16 observations (by a committee made up of community business leaders), I was selected as one of the six Golden Apple Teachers. The Collier County Education Foundation presented the Golden Apple Award to me in front of all of my students, administration, school staff, the local newspaper, local magazines, and T.V. media. A live annual television broadcast honored the six Golden Apple Teachers.
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News Article from Coastal Breeze News • By Coastal Breeze News Staff - Mar 10, 2011
(February 24, 2011 – Naples, FL) Today, students around Collier County could be heard crunching apples from golden delicious bushel baskets as their teachers were awarded the prestigious Golden Apple Award. Representatives from Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, presenting sponsor of Golden Apple, were joined by major sponsors of The Education Foundation in surprising the teachers in their classrooms.For the 21st year, The Education Foundation of Collier County has honored and thanked teachers, on behalf of the community, for excellence in the classroom.
The Selection Committee seeks to recognize professional Collier County Public School teachers who exhibit excellence in the classroom.The following teachers are the 2011 Golden Apple Recipients:
1. Michelle L. Barreiro, Corkscrew Elementary, 2. Sean P. Brosig, North Naples Middle, 3. Lisa R. Garby, Manatee Middle, 4. Jaime Luis Hernández, Immokalee Technical Center, 5. John Thomas Rosbottom, Golden Gate Middle, 6. Kimberly Sweat, New Beginnings-NaplesThe Golden Apple Teachers along with the Teachers of Distinction will be recognized Tuesday, May 3rd at the 21st Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Celebration presented by Suncoast for Kids Foundation. This community celebration of teaching will be televised live from the Philharmonic Center for the Arts on The Education Channel (Comcast Cable 99) from 7 – 8:30 pm, and rebroadcast on WINK-TV on May 7th at 7 pm and May 14th at Noon. Media partners WINK-TV and Naples News Media Group provide ongoing coverage of the program. Additional support is provided by the Mary Ingram Fund of the Columbus Foundation for cash prizes for the Teachers of Distinction and Golden Apple recipients.
The Golden Apple process begins when students, parents, colleagues, and community members nominate teachers in the fall. Eligible teachers who have been nominated may choose to apply for Golden Apple by submitting the written application. The Selection Committee, constituted by former educators, parents, local business and community volunteers, read the applications “blind” and narrow the field to 60. These 60 teachers are then observed (unannounced) and scored by members of the Core Committee, which is a different group of community volunteers. The application and initial observation scores combined to identify the 30 Teachers of Distinction, who are then observed and interviewed by the Selection Committee, who then select the six (6) Golden Apple recipients.
2011 Golden Apple Teacher - Collier County
2011 Golden Apple Teachers; standing on the far left is Jaime L. Hernandez.
Jaime L. Hernandez Awarded Golden Apple Teacher
The actual moment when the Collier County Education Foundation walked into Jaime L. Hernandez's classroom and surprised him with the Golden Apple Teacher Award. The local media was interviewing him as students, teachers, and administrators watched.
chico’s fas, inc and knitwell group, inc
Corporate Career 2018 - 2025 In 2018, I retired from education after 31.4 years working for Collier County Public Schools. In the same year, I began a new career with Chico’s FAS, Inc. as an Assistant Manager of Visual Production. In this role, I managed projects assisting over 400 White House Black Market (WHBM) boutique stores. After one year at WHBM, I transferred to a position with Chico’s FAS, Inc.'s Learning & Development team within Human Resources.
assistant manager visual production, whbm
Info Coming Soon
graphic designer, chico’s fas and knitwell group, inc
Info Coming Soon
freelance artist - Entrepreneurial History
1994 – 1997: Early Freelance Artwork: While I was teaching art, in the early 90’s, I developed a strong interest and dedication to market my own art. I recognized the value of computer graphic skills in 1994, learned Adobe Photoshop 3.0, researched avenues to market traditional illustrations and computer illustrations (1995), and ventured out to national trade shows during the next few years. In late 1996, I attended my first trade show, the Imprinted Sportswear Show in Tampa, Florida, and walked the show but it was in 1998 that I connected with clients and began to create new digital artwork.
Early Art Portfolio Licensed at Trade Shows
In 1996, I created a series of Florida wildlife illustrations that sold on t-shirts through a local t-shirt company in Fort Myers, Florida. The wildlife designs sold via trade shows to clients around the coast of Florida, the coast of Georgia, the coast of North and South Carolina, Tenessee, and the Caribbean. Pictured above are three color pencil illustrations from the wildlife collection.
The Red-Eyed Tree Frog Series
In 1996 - 1997, a friend shared how well his red-eyed tree frog illustration had sold and I was inspired to play with some silly ideas. For the next few months, I created multiple red-eyed tree frog illustrations which sold very well through trade shows. A local t-shirt company applied the illustrations to women, men, and children's apparel and sold them around the coast of Florida, the coast of Georgia, the coast of North and South Carolina, and the Caribbean.
US olympic games t-shirts
1996 U.S. Olympics: In 1995, I connected with a local multimillion-dollar nature t-shirt company, located in Fort Myers, Florida, (Harlequin Nature Graphics, Inc.). Harlequin Nature Graphics contracted with Hanes, Inc. to produce U.S. Olympic sportswear for the 1996 U.S. Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Five out of six of my illustrations were selected, printed, marketed, and distributed to retail shops and department stores nationwide.
1996 U.S. Olympic Games T-Shirts by Jaime
Above are two 1996 U.S. Olympic Games t-shirt designs created by Jaime L. Hernandez and distributed nationwide by Harlequin Nature Graphics. (Photos of actual t-shirts)
1996 U.S. Olympic Games T-Shirts by Jaime
Above are two 1996 U.S. Olympic Games t-shirt designs created by Jaime L. Hernandez and distributed nationwide by Harlequin Nature Graphics. The illustrations were created using airbrush, acrylics, color pencil, and computer graphics. (Photos of actual t-shirts)
Imprinted Sportswear show
In 1998, I attended the Imprinted Sportswear trade show in Tampa, Florida. The Imprinted Sportswear Show is the nation’s largest decorated-apparel industry trade show. I interviewed various manufacturers, had my portfolio reviewed, discussed an agreement, and a year later began to illustrate for a manufacturer of heat transfers for t-shirts under a licensing contract.
Tampa Convention Center & Trade Shows
In 1998, I attended the Imprinted Sportswear Show in Tampa, Florida. The show was located inside the Tampa Convention Center. I learned that it was common practice for freelance artists to walk the trade show looking for contract work. I was inspired and began to prepare my portfolio for the next trade show.
First Illustration Contract from a Tradeshow
In 1999, I spoke with another heat transfer manufacturer who became very interested in my illustration, boy on a dolphin. A year later I signed a contract to create the cat illustrations. The contract was the first freelance assignment from a client at a trade show.
The Trade Show Challenge - Boy on a Dolphin
By 1998 - 1999, I had become proficient creating computer illustrations using Adobe Photoshop and a Wacom digital tablet. (right) I used an Apple Power Mac 7600 to do my illustrations. During one of my visits, at the Imprinted Sportswear Show in Tampa, Florida, I was called out by a heat transfer manufacturer and challenged to create the illustration of the boy on a dolphin. Three months later I presented the art to the company but they made a low offer which I rejected.
Cat Illustrations by Jaime L. Hernández
In 1999, I created a series of cat illustrations using Adobe Photoshop and a Wacom digital tablet. The early computer graphics were stiff and went through multiple revisions until the final artwork was approved. The cat illustrations sold as heat transfers in t-shirt shops nationwide.
surf expo show
NYC Attended the Surf Expo (1997) in Orlando, Florida, a trade show for active lifestyle product and apparel manufacturers including swimwear, sportswear, beachwear, t-shirts, etc. Signed an agreement with F & M Expressions Unlimited, Inc. Produced freelance children’s illustrations from 1997 until September 11, 2001.
F & M Expressions Unlimited
In 1997, I began a long term relationship with a great company, F & M Expressions Unlimited, Inc. in Mahwah, NJ. All illustrations were created using Adobe Photoshop and a Wacom digital tablet.
freelance work: F & M Expressions Unlimited
I received assignments from F & M Expressions Unlimited, Inc. for many years until September 11, 2001. After 9-11 the nation's tourist industry affected freelance artist assignments negatively and as a result I went to the Licensing Expo later in 2001 and 2002 to market my work.
national stationery show
NYC In 1999, I attended the National Stationery Show (NSS) in Manhattan, New York. The NSS is a business to retail trade show that focuses on the stationery and the social stationery industry. Successfully made new connections and gained new clients. Created whimsical tropical fish greeting cards for a company called Pipsqueak Productions, Inc. Also began a long-term relationship with another client, Freedom Greetings, Inc., for whom I produced many greeting card illustrations over the years.
The Big Splash ~ Greeting Cards Series
While walking the National Stationary Show I met Pipsqueak Productions, Inc. and discussed an agreement to do a series of greeting card illustrations of whimsical tropical and fresh water fish.
100% Adobe Photohop Illustrations
While reviewing my portfolio, the owner of Pipsqueak Productions, Inc. saw an illustration of a small tropical fish and asked if I could create the card project. She insisted the illustrations had to be hand drawn. All of the cards were illustrated using a Wacom tablet and 100% Adobe Photoshop. Pipsqueak Productions was very satisfied.
Jaime at the The National Stationary Show
In the image above are three of the fresh water fish greeting cards and one manatee illustration created by Jaime L. Hernandez for Pipsqueak Productions, Inc. The company produced primarily dog and cat illustrations but wanted to add fish to their collection.
Plesh & Associates ~ Freedom Greetings
During the 1999 National Stationery Show I met another company called Freedom Greetings. I spoke with an agency, Plesh and Associates, who represented artists to Freedom Greetings. Later I began to produce greeting card illustrations for the agency. The two illustrations above were created using a Wacom tablet and Adobe Photoshop.
surtex show
NYC (1999) Attended the Surtex Show in Manhattan, New York, where artists, agents, and licensors connect with manufacturers and retailers. Received many compliments on my portfolio and was strongly advised to display my work at the Licensing Expo in Manhattan, New York.
Portfolio Reviewd at SURTEX 1999
A couple examples of Illustrations in my portfolio at Surtex 1999. During this trade show in 1999, I was given strong advice to display at the Licensing Expo
Jaime L. Hernandez at SURTEX 1999
(left) A very cute and successful illustration which received many compliments from artists at Surtex 1999. (right) The circus mouse illustration was originally created for a t-shirt heat transfer for kids.
Licensing expo - trade show
NYC In 2001, I attended the Licensing Expo in Manhattan, New York, and walked the show. In 2002, I returned to New York City to display my portfolio at the annual Licensing Expo. The Licensing Expo is the meeting place for the global licensing industry. My portfolio display attracted business to my booth and after three days of art business negotiations with multiple manufacturers, I formed a few business partnerships. I designed toys for Sunco, Ltd. in Kowloon, Hong Kong. I illustrated a paint-by-number set for Dimensions, Inc., which sold over 300,000 copies in Walmart nationwide. I created over 50 children’s book cover illustrations for Paradise Press, Inc. including all of Jack Hanna’s coloring books. One visit at the Licensing Expo provided leads for freelance work for over ten years. My work has appeared on products distributed and sold by Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, JCPenny, Dollar General, Family Dollar, CVS Pharmacy, Freedom Greetings, Marvel, Toys R Us, Jack Hanna, and many others.
Licensing Expo 2002
In 2002, I displayed my portfolio collection at the Licensing Expo in Manhattan, NY. In an effort to offset some of the expenses, I shared a booth with another artist. During the three day event I had many visitors and negotiated a few profitable licensing contracts
Paint by Number Set
In 2002, Dimensions, Inc. visited my booth at the Licensing Expo. A year later they contacted me and negotiated a license for the butterfly design they had seen at the show. They used the butterfly artwork for a children's learn to paint set. The product sold over 300,000 copies in Walmart stores nationwide. I learned that licensing my art was the most profitable type of contract. (left) Actual paint by number set. (right) Original artwork.
Kappa books, inc
Book Cover Illustrations (2009 - 2010) Kappa Book Publishers, LLC, contacted me through LinkedIn to illustrate children’s books covers. The Vice President of Marketing for Kappa Books had worked at Paradise Press, Inc. (a past client of mine) and his experience presenting and selling my work to Walmart, Target, Dollar General, etc. was so effortless and successful that he wanted the same experience for Kappa Books.
Kappa Book Illustrations
In 2009, I illustrated two book covers for Kappa Book Publishers, LLC for their Princess Party collection.
Kappa Book Illustrations
In 2010, I illustrated two book covers, The Cheerleader Squad and Pretty Ballerina for Kappa Book Publishers, LLC.
animated tutor on youtube
2014 - 2015: Art Business
AnimatedTutor (2014 - 2015) AnimatedTutor is a YouTube project I created that tested ideas with motion graphics. The channel is still there today with 19 video lessons. It provides a place where young children, teachers of young children, and parents of young children can come to learn to draw fun characters through step-by-step instruction guided by a computer generated child's voice.
Animated Tutor ~ Online art Education for Kids
Jaime is creator of AnimatedTutor on YouTube. The channel has 19 cute videos. Learn to draw Captain America, Disney's the Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Snow White, Peppa Pig and more!
Animated Tutor ~ Example of a Course
The image above shows a screenshot of a course inside AnimatedTutor.com. Each course includes a brief description, project files for download, and the table of contents with each video and quiz title. Visit the Animated Tutor YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AnimatedTutor-fun
Four Coloring Books for Early Childhood Development
2023 - 2024 As the creator and artist behind Tiny Paw Press, I designed a delightful four-book series of interactive coloring and activity books perfect for little ones aged 2 to 6. My vision was straightforward: to blend the joy of learning with adorable animal illustrations and engaging activities, allowing children to playfully discover colors, shapes, the ABCs, and numbers.
colors, shapes, ABCs, & Numbers coloring books
Between 2023 - 2024, I illustrated four book covers and over 400 page interiors for Tiny Paw Press for their Early Childhood Development collection.
tinypawpress.com
Visit the Tiny Paw Press website to read more information about the books and watch interactive video. https://tinypawpress.com