About CJB

Graphic Design and Web Development

I'm a professional graphic designer, web developer and digital marketer with over 20 years of experience. I have an aptitude for developing diverse design materials and applications that enhance end-user interest and engagement. Additional skills include digital marketing, social media outreach, campaign development, web analytics, IT support, project management, communication and creative problem solving.

» Freelance Services
» Portfolio

Photography

Through Minnesota and its land of sky-tinted waters, I realized one of my true passions: exploring and enjoying nature. I have visited hundreds of different lakes, rivers, trails, and natural areas throughout Minnesota. Photography has given me the opportunity to capture and share these explorations.

The more time I spend out on our waters, trails, and natural areas, the more I appreciate how fortunate we are to have them.

» Photography Gallery

BendareOutdoors.com

BendareOutdoors.com is dedicated to outdoor recreation in Minnesota and a passion project of mine. Get pro tips, guides, seasonal reminders, and more! It is home of the MORR web-app, a collection of the most useful online outdoor recreation resources for Minnesota. Find the best resources for fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, skiing, boating, riding, camping, and current/seasonal conditions! There is something for everyone. Have you bendare?

» BendareOutdoors.com

Work Experience

Freelance Graphic Designer, Web Developer, Nature Photographer

CJB Design, Entrepreneur, www.chrisjbenson.com (2005-Current)

• Develop websites and mobile web applications
• Design digital and print materials for multiple projects and audiences
• Nature photographer with a focus on Minnesota

BendareOutdoors.com, Entrepreneur, www.bendareoutdoors.com (2018-Current)

• Develop and maintain a Minnesota outdoor recreation website
• Provide various Minnesota recreational resources, including a recreation web-app, pro tips, seasonal reminders, maps, and guides
• Resources for fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, skiing, boating, riding, camping, and current/seasonal conditions
• Design and create inline lures for fishing

Web Developer, Graphic Designer, Photographer, IT Specialist

Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota & National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-NOAA, Full-time, Duluth, MN (2007-2018)

Web Developer

• Designed, developed, and maintained Minnesota Sea Grant's website and additional websites for special outreach projects
• Conducted web analytics analysis for websites and social media efforts
• Maintained online regional events calendar
• Initiated, planned and maintained social media efforts
• Optimized web presence for search engines
• Provided web presence analysis and strategic plans for outside organizations

Graphic Designer

• Produced creative graphic design materials for outreach and administration that spanned state and national needs, including: newsletters, news releases, brochures, fliers, factsheets, posters, ads, displays, reports, event and campaign materials, maps, presentations, brand identity, logos/icons and special projects
• Designed reoccurring newsletters for Minnesota Sea Grant and University of Minnesota Extension in both digital and print formats
• Supported social media outreach efforts with graphic design needs
• Led graphic design efforts for state and national outreach campaigns

Other Accomplishments

• Delivered design and web projects to multiple organizations including: NOAA, MN DNR, UMN Extension, Center for Ocean Sciences and Education Excellence, Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute and others
• Ensured program materials complied with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations and reflected the University’s commitment to diversity
• Provided photography and videography skills for outreach and administration
• Generated photos for state and national requests
• Produced videos and managed online video presence
• Planned and executed live video town hall event
• Developed multiple podcasts and managed ongoing maintenance
• Supplied computer technology support and planning for staff, outreach programs, events and conferences
• Assisted in public outreach information and education activities

Project Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Web Developer/Designer

50 Below Sales and Marketing, Full-time, Duluth, MN (2002-2005 and 2006-2007)

Project Manager/Business Development and Department Planner

• Managed all products and fulfillment processes
• Mapped and streamlined process flows
• Designed and developed online portfolio for all products and services
• Created technical documents to aid both internal and external users
• Planned and developed flagship site
• Assisted planning and development for internal applications and new innovations

Web Developer/Designer and Quality Assurance/Creative Manager

• Designed and developed more than 300 websites for a variety of industries
• Generated logos, content, presentations, portals/extranets, web intros, navigation and videos
• Inspected and approved all aspects of websites and website elements
• Provided technical and creative support for employees and customers
• Developed quality assurance measures, website best practices and standards

Assistant Operations and Systems Analyst

Hennepin County Research & Systems Technology, Full-time during summers and holidays, Minneapolis, MN (1998-2002)

• Provided support for over 1,000 computer users
• Operated support line; assisted 40 – 50 callers per day
• Maintained and supported hardware and software
• Created and maintained technical support documents

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Minnesota Duluth, 2003

• Major: Management Information Systems (MIS)
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• Related Course Work:
  Distributed Computing Principles; Management Information Systems; Database Management Systems; System Analysis and Design; Computer Science; Advanced Applications Development; Telecommunications; Vectors and Matrices; Web Accessibility; GIS

Awards

• 2018-2019 | 5-Star Rideshare Driver with over 2,000 rides given, Uber/Lyft
• 2012 | Continuous Outstanding Service Award, University of Minnesota Duluth
• 2012 | APEX Design Award – Event Campaign, Programs & Plans, A Salute to Lake Superior’s Sustainable Fisheries, national
• 2011 | APEX Design Award – Special Purpose Campaign, MN Sea Grant NOAA Site Review Materials, national
• 2007 | Winner: Photo Contest – Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, Photo placed on cover of annual member packages and displays, Duluth, MN