Dan Antonelli: President and Creative Director

		Key Stats! BA Degree in Communications/ Advertising from University of Scranton. Author of logo design books Logo Design for Small Business 1 & 2. Recognized expert on small business branding; regularly giving seminars and workshops around the country to various business groups Over 10 years experience in marketing small businesses in New Jersey and around the country. After a 5 year stint as an art director for a large NYC based healthcare, founded Graphic D-Signs in 1996. Personally responsible for the brand identity development of over 250 small business in NJ and around the globe. Recipient of numerous design awards Published author of over 30 industry related articles.

» What do you do at GDS?

The question should be rephrased - perhaps 'What don't you do at GDS?' would be more appropriate. I'm the owner, CEO, Creative Director, personnel director, yadda yadda yadda - I'm the one working 80 hours per week for very little pay. Unless of course, it's striped bass season, or during my cycling racing season, in which case, I only work 40 hours a week. But, seriously, I'm the one overseeing what all these creative folks do here - and making sure everything lives up to my high expectations. Generally, my day consists of talking to clients, and working on their projects, either on my own or with a staff member.

» What's your background? How did you get into this racket?

As a teenager, I started out lettering trucks and pinstriping cars. I was always fascinated with typography. I went to college and studied advertising and graphic design there. A lot of this firm's original work was rooted in vehicle advertising. And of course, logos have been a passion of mine since my younger days. It still remains my favorite type of work. Show me a logo, and chances are, I'll show you ten things wrong with it. None of ours, of course, have anything wrong with them.

» What are your favorite portfolio pieces?

I would have to say the work we did for Trans-County Title remains one of my favorite pieces. Everything we did for them - from the logo and stationery - to the website and brochure was truly fun to work on. The client gave us a lot of latitude as well, and the result of the campaign has been very successful. Also the website and identity for BrooklynPorkstore.com is also something I really like. But after 250 or so logo designs, it's really hard to pick one as my favorite.

» What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I'm very proud of building this firm from the ground up, and of the work we do here and how it helps our clients grow their business. I'm also proud of the team I've assembled. And the two logo design books that I wrote are a professional accomplishment that is very significant for me. There's also a tremendous amount of satisfaction in knowing that we've helped over two hundred small businesses market and grow. Nothing makes me happier than to hear from them on how our work has helped them close a sale. And on a personal note, last year, I caught a 30 pound striped bass, and I won a few bike races (OK, they were in the worst categories, but they still count!)

» What do you do when you're not designing brilliant logos and running the company?

I love spending time with my wife and twin 8-year old daughters. You may have already surmised that I love salt water fishing on my boat, which is in Staten Island, NY. I also love road biking and pretending I can be competitive in Cat. V races. I race with a great bunch of guys from LIberty Cycle in Basking Ridge, but i think they just let me race with them to feel better about themselves.