NANETTE NEWBRY
Creative Director

I founded my first business 23 years ago, not counting the day care I opened in my home when I was 13. My Mom worked, and over the summer I would have 20 kids running through our house with Kool-Aid, graham crackers and art projects in tow. I knew then that working for myself gave me a deep satisfaction and that making art would be an integral aspect to my vocation.

Six years ago, I began making fine art again, starting with CrossFire, a performance art piece as a personal response to my visit to New York City in 2002. More recently, I’ve been painting in encaustic, an ancient technique using wax. I’ve grown to love all of its diverse qualities, especially the smell.

Making art or designing for clients is at the core of my happiness. It brings me tremendous satisfaction to collaborate with individuals who understand the role design plays in the success of their business. And, to work with our outstanding designers, who bring their creative energy and thought into the workplace each and every day is inspiring. I'm most grateful to them and to my husband and business partner Richard.

Education
B.A. University of California San Diego, Visual Arts, Minor Theatre Arts, magna cum laude

Professional Associations
AIGA; San Diego Art Institute; International Encaustic Artists; Mira Costa College Technology Board Member; Business Volunteers for the Art

Awards
HOW; Create Awards; PRINT, Step-by-Step, American Association of Museums; BVA Marketing Communications Award

RICHARD DOWDY
Principal/COO, Writer and Photographer

My desire to express myself in the arts led to my university training in art, photography and English courses. I am a photographer, writer and an art director. Each of these disciplines influence the other, and they, along with a long and enduring interest in popular culture, literature and film, have formed my life’s endeavors. I am driven by the desire to create for myself a lasting imprint upon subjects that at best are ephemeral. Whether they endure or dissolve into dust and distant memories is not important; the worth of what I do is the personal satisfaction derived from the process of creating.

I am, and have been, a graphic designer, magazine editor and art director (Surfing, RC Cars, Model Builder, Arts & Activities), screenwriter (X-Files), photographer (Indianapolis Motor Speedway staff photographer) and author (Snap Judgments). All of the work I have done has been in fields for which I have an abiding passion, except for a summer job in high school washing dishes. When your life is supported by doing what you love, you can ask for nothing more.

Education
B.A. Cal State Long Beach, Art and Design, English, Photojournalism
Additional Studies San Diego State University, English Literature

Awards
National Newspaper Photojournalism Awards; Orange County Art Director’s Club, for Publication Design and Art Direction; PRINT; Communication Arts; Art of Photography International Exhibition

MONICA MOON
Senior Graphic Designer

After much experimentation over the years with design in different mediums, such as illustrations on my bedroom wall in grade school, to painting, poetry and computer graphics in more recent years, I have always had a strong, undeniable passion for art. This fascination with design is highly influenced by personal experiences such as art exhibits, concerts, human interactions, photography, camping, motorcycle rides and weekends at the beach. Being a designer involves much more than the tools we use – it’s a mix of creative curiosity, passions and knowledge to produce visual results that make an impact. Design now has become my career, because it’s part of my past, and who I am and who I will become in the future.

I became a Senior Designer at Studio 2055 after several years of freelancing and employment with San Diego advertising agencies. My background includes designing for clients in hospitality and tourism, fashion apparel, consumer products, architectural design, construction and the restaurant industries.

Education
B.S. Art Institute of California, Advertising and Design
University of Nevada

Professional Associations
AIGA

Awards
Interactive Magazine, featured fine art contributor and writer;
AIGA Portfolio Review Recipient

MONICA GIREL
Junior Designer

I have always had a passion for art. When, at the age of 10, the Egyptian Cat drawing I had done in pastels and watercolors was selected for an exhibit at the San Jose Museum of Art, I knew I had found my calling. My passion for art is what led me to study advertising and design, and as I developed my skills, I’ve channeled my creative talent into my career. I love design and the challenge that comes with finding the perfect creative solution for each new project. The greatest reward is knowing that what I create really makes a difference to someone, often determining their company’s visual identity.

I find my inspiration through travel – seeing a new place, a different way of life, a different landscape and culture. Exploring the unfamiliar is what I live for personally and creatively. A few of the places I’ve traveled to include Costa Rica, Spain and Russia. I interpret traveling as the experience of changing my visual surroundings, which in my belief is extremely important to any creative professional. It’s from these experiences that I draw my creativity. For me, travel is the ultimate inspiration.

Education
B.S. San Jose State University­, Advertising with Minor in Graphic Design

Professional Associations
San Diego Ad2: American Advertising Federation

Awards
National American Advertising Federation National Student Competition for Yahoo

NICHOLAS IVINS
Illustrator

I was an artist as far back as I could remember; maybe even farther, so it has always been an important and natural part of my identity. My choice of career was not actually a choice at all, but an unspoken assumption on my part and that of everyone who has ever known me. Also, I was too smart and self-conscious to be a male model.

Most of my inspiration comes from problems. Many of my illustrations arise out of problems I see in the world around me – social, political, economic, psychological. I find the best way to deal with them is by representing them artistically, both to preserve my sanity and, if possible, to shed light on them and make others aware. Every assignment – every blank page or canvas – is a problem waiting for a solution. Dealing with them on an almost daily basis gives me a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, and is great practice for dealing with the dizzying number of non-artistic problems elsewhere in my life.

Education
B.A. San Diego State University, Graphic Design

Awards
The Society of Professional Journalists, award for cover illustration, article illustration, magazine layout and design, 78 Magazine
The Society of Professional Journalists, online design, www.78magazine.com
Bravura Literary Journal Award, visual arts

KIMBERLY GONCZOL
Office Manager

When the opportunity came to move back to San Diego from Washington, D.C. I couldn't pack my bags fast enough. Although I've spent my career moving from coast to coast because of the military, San Diego is where I call home.

I spent the last four years in Washington, D.C., working as a Project Assistant for Legislative and Consumer Affairs, primarily focused on food-labeling issues.

I had the opportunity to make Christmas cookies in the White house kitchen; I watched fireworks from the White House lawn on the July 4th and met with President G.W. Bush on several occasions. I'm thankful for all the experiences, but when my son was born in 2006 I knew it was time to move home to San Diego. 

Over the years I've had the experience working with small internet start-up companies as well as large pharmaceutical corporations. It's not the size of the company that matters, but rather the vision and personality of the firm that means the most to me. At Studio 2055 I participate in many areas of day-to-day business and am enjoying the experience immensely.