About Me
ABOUT ME
My name is Jerry Kanabel, pronounced ka•nAble.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. I discovered my desire for Art while attending Oak Park High School. I owe so much to my late Art Instructor, Jeanne Lawing. She had so much faith in my abilities which lead me to participated in the Annual Art Shows all 3 years, winning several ribbons. My senior year I was selected as Art Assistant to the Instructors and was voted Art Club President. During the all-school annual award presentation, my junior year I won the “Bronze Award” in the Art Department category, and my senior year winning the highest honor, the “Gold Palette Award.”
After high school, I took art classes at 3 different local colleges, studying the basics of art fundamentals. During those college years I was constantly practicing my craft, doing illustrations night and day. It became my passion and I wanted to learn everything I could.
Also during that time I was a huge fan, still am, of country music entertainer, Jeannie C. Riley. Ms. Riley had released a song that she herself had written titled "The Best I've Ever Had." In between classes I would call in and request the song over and over with one of the top radio stations. I had the same drive and passion I had with my art, this time my goal was to make sure this record was heard by everyone. The song hit the charts and within weeks was number 3, then the next week climbing and staying for 3 consecutive weeks at the number 1 spot. I was extremely happy. While on vacation with my family in Nashville, Tennessee, Jeannie C. Riley awarded me the original Dub pressing of "The Best I've Ever Had." A couple of years later, Ms. Riley offered me a job working in her office in Nashville, Tennessee. I packed my bags and headed for Music City.
After returning to Kansas City, Missouri. I contacted one of the top Advertising Agencies at that time, and was hired as a production artist. There I gained so much knowledge of computer graphic design from other Graphic Artists, Art and Creative Directors. I was employed with the agency for 5 years.
In 1994, I began working for a publishing company, that produced magazines and various educational materials across the country. I served as the Art Director for Career Communications, Inc. for twenty years. Those years as Art Director, I learned as much software knowledge and also internal Mac tech support for our office in Overland Park, Kansas. I received several awards for Art Direction, locally and nationally.
EdPress Awards, Washington DC
2013 was a difficult year, our President and Publisher of Career Communications, Inc., Barbara Orwig, passed away. The CEO carried on the business for a few months following, but decided eventually, to close the doors to the company.
This website displays my work over the years and my growing knowledge of graphic design and software applications, also my desire to promote. I thank all the companies and individuals that have hired me over the years to produce work for them and I hope to continue to grow and expand that list of clients and partnerships in the future.
– Jerry Kanabel
© 2018 kanabel.com
