Stephan Hilbelink, Designer and Illustrator

Designer. Illustrator. Creative.

I've been working within the design industry since 1994. The focus of my work is in web design/development and illustration. Creativity and usability are a high priority of every project. My desire is to deliver designs, interfaces, logos and illustrations that are pertinent to your brand and mission, and clear and usable for your end-user. My hope is that I can gain more knowledge and abilities to bring to your next project.

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This site is assembled with Coda using HTML, CSS and Javascript (jQuery). I hope you find my site copacetic.

My Toolbox:
Photoshop
Coda
Illustrator
Studio Markers
Colored Pencils
jQuery
Dreamweaver
HTML and CSS
InDesign
ColdFusion
Acrylic and Gouache Painting
PHP
VMWare Fusion
Rapidograph Pens
Javascript
Acrobat
ColorSchemer
Flash
India Ink

About Hilbelink.net

Eat. Breathe. Create.

I have loved art as long as I can remember. One of my prized possessions in grade school was a how to draw characters book and I was never without a pencil and paper. Anything could get me thinking about a new project to conquer. Life itself held, and still holds, a treasure-trove of ideas.

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I started my career as a designer and illustrator for a newspaper/print/ad company. I was thrown many different types of projects. Basic black and white to greyscale vector illustrations to ad book layouts, but the task that enveloped me was learning about the internet. A few years later, I became a designer/art director for a web design firm. The projects and clients gave a new and incredible challenge. Every day was yet another project the team could make exceptional.

I am currently the web developer for a non-profit organization, working on internal and joint external projects. I also work freelance when the need arises.

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Outside of work, my time is occupied with art history/philosophy reading, painting and sketching, kayaking (when possible) and of course, I am pathetically addicted to Macs. However, spending time with my family and church comes first.

American Express Financial

Augsberg Fortress

Dr. Bill Bennett

Bosch

City on a Hill Ministries

Criswell College

Family Research Council

Ford Automotive

Grassroots

I.O.U.S.A.

Institute on Religion and Democracy

The Reeher Group

Target

Toro

Witherspoon Fellowship

Hilbelink.net Work

   Digital and traditional work done here.

I have a passion for art history and the art becoming part of that history. History can hold countless insights for me. This fascination also comes from today's artist. The simplicity and amazing imagination of Von Glitschke and the discerning illustrative eye of Pete Emslie make the world of design and illustration more fun to be in.

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Below is a collection the work I have done and been involved with over the past few years. The websites are primarily assembled in HTML, CSS and Javascript. My illustrations are primarily in Illustrator, however, you will find some in traditional mediums.

Recommended Resources:
A List Apart
Clientside
The Illustration Class
FlashKit
jQuery
Smashing Magazine
The Graphic Mac
Many Tricks Butler
Panic Coda
The Illustrative Designer
ColorSchemer
Boag World
PhotoShop Quick Tips
Web Creme

Apple Developer Connection

Hilbelink.net Tools

Inspiration is good. Creative inspiration is required.

When it comes to creative inspiration, the spark can come from almost anywhere. It is important to keep these founts of revelation close so that when you begin to lose the juices you can refer to it. Keep your bookmarks organized, sketchbooks next to you, and your observation notes with you, if not memorized. Many times, we are stuck in by the work desk and the only escape we can get is going for a walk. If time opens up, take advantage of it by going to a museum, kayaking, hiking or just site in your favorite chair and listen to some tunes.

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Any tool you use can become essential. Same thing with code snippets. How do you keep up-to-date within this ever changing industry? My favorite way is through podcasts, vodcasts and RSS. I also make an effort to visit sites with great content. Some of my "essentials" are to the right. Sharing ideas and creative thoughts help make everyone's work better. Got a link to add? Feel free to

Design Inspiration:
TwisterMC
Apple Inc.
Pixojo
IconFactory
InterfaceLift
MacThemes
UnSanity

Hilbelink.net Miscellaneous

My personal sandbox.

Icons, desktops, and themes is a great way for anyone to personalize their machines. There are many outstanding sites for these resources and since almost everyone like to tweak their machine, this list will only grow. If you have any I should add, please

Currently reading:

Why Were Not Emergent by Kevin DeYoung

"If a man devotes himself to art,
much evil is avoided that happens
otherwise if one is idle."
- Albrecht Dürer