About me

I am Dan Metz, a creative professional. I have applied my skills and creativity in many areas of the visual design field since 1991. When I first gained access to the internet in late 1994, I knew it was the medium for me, and set about teaching myself how to build websites. From that point forward, I have focused on the user interface and technology to achieve elegantly creative design solutions that suit all manner of needs.

When I am asked to join a project, I meet to discuss all areas of my client's work, goals and preferences, asking a lot of questions. I want to know the need being served, what solution will bring the most value. I work on ideas and sketches, then present potential solutions, always communicating my rationale for each. I listen intently to feedback, and gather it from formal and informal user testing. Together, we consider the options and make improvements until arriving at a final design.

From brand consulting and development, to the end results of logos, overall messaging, website and online presence, I work closely in dialogue with clients to make sure our project results fit their goals.

My design approach is fueled by my life in the visual arts: as a child i spent hours getting lost in drawing. I was a member of antfarm, a Raleigh studio art collective, for seven years and have exhibited paintings in the North Carolina Museum of Art. in the 2000s, i added glass sculpture to my artistic endeavor. Currently when I'm not working at the computer, I enjoy creating pieces in cast glass, drawing, painting, and writing whatever comes to mind. i like to keep my avocation loose and freeform, and my vocation tight and on-point.

Work

Senior Visual Interface Designer
Creative Services, Marketing Department
Blue Cross NC
April 2017 – Present

Web Designer/Developer
Digital Strategy Team, Marketing Department
Duke University Fuqua School of Business
March 2015 – March 2017

Owner
METZ ARTS
November 2011 – Present

Senior Media Designer
webslingerz, Inc.
January 2000 – November 2011

Web Designer
Capitol Broadcasting
January 1997 – December 1999

Graphic Designer
Capitol Broadcasting
January 1993 – December 1996

Education

UNC Chapel Hill
Post-Baccalaureate Studies in Studio Art
1992

NC State School of Design
Bachelor of Environmental Design, Product Design
1986 – 1990

Skills

User Experience and Evidence-based Design

Logo, Graphic, Web and Interaction Design

Strategic Planning and Online Marketing

Brand Consulting / Development

Information Architecture

Original Artwork

Typography

Front-end Development

Web Development / Implementation

Dynamic Email Messaging

Print Design

Animation