Nicolás León
Nicolás León

NICOLÁS LEÓN

Graphic Designer

A trilingual graphic designer with 18+ years of experience, creates visual solutions to help people and businesses be more successful. Embraces minimalism, believing 'less is more.'

WORK EXPERIENCE

In late 2022, Finn-Opasteet Oy acquired the entire share capital of Suomen Valopalkki Oy. As a result, I transitioned to Finn-Opasteet Oy, retaining most of my previous roles while taking on new responsibilities, particularly in graphic installations.

Expanded Skills and Responsibilities:

Finn-Opasteet Oy

Production Artist, Print Operator & Graphic Installer
NOV 2022 — PRESENT
Lahti & Hyvinkää, Finland

  • Proficient in operating a wide range of large format printers, including Canon, HP, and Mimaki, as well as flatbed cutters such as ARISTO and Summa

  • Experienced in vinyl installations on various surfaces

  • Skilled in exhibition & museum installations

  • Over a decade of experience in designing and producing diverse marketing materials including retail advertisements and signage solutions

  • Expertise in operating and maintaining Mimaki large format printers, ensuring high-quality print products

  • Proficient in utilizing finishing equipment such as Aristo CNC cutter and Roll-X applicator

  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within tight deadlines

  • Updated and maintained the company website and social media

Production Artist & Print Operator
JUL 2010 — NOV 2022 • 12 yrs 5 mos
Lahti, Finland

Suomen Valopalkki Oy

Production Artist, Appr.
JUL 2008 — JUL 2010 • 2 yrs
Lahti, Finland

  • Designed marketing materials for campaigns, promotions, and events across various industries, including cosmetics, educational services and sporting organizations

  • Prepared and optimized files for print production using industry-standard software

  • Maintained communication with clients to understand and fulfill their needs

  • Assisted production by cutting and weeding vinyl, applying transfer tape, packing goods and performing additional tasks as required

  • Crafted engaging and visually pleasing print layouts for magazine

  • Developed illustrations to visually support and enrich articles, enhancing reader experience

  • Performed photo retouching and optimization to meet quality standards

  • Collaborated closely with editorial team members to brainstorm article ideas

  • Adapted in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment

Ruotuväki

Desktop Publisher & Illustrator
OCT 2006 — APR 2007 • 7 mos
Helsinki, Finland

For my thesis, I designed a new visual identity for Varkaus Adult High School. The goal was to learn about the adult education program and analyze its existing visual identity to develop a fresh new look. This freelance project was completed in Spring 2006.

The final result was a visual identity that effectively reflected the school's core values and principles. This included a redesigned logo, color palette, typography, brochure, poster, and a concept for the school's website.

Visual Designer, freelance
APR 2006 — MAY 2006 • 2 mos
Varkaus, Finland

Varkaus High School
SKILLS
  • Adobe Photoshop

  • Adobe Illustrator

  • Adobe InDesign

  • Adobe Acrobat

  • Affinity Photo

  • Affinity Designer

  • Affinity Publisher

  • QuarkXPress

Software
  • EasySign

  • Final Cut Pro

  • ONYX Thrive

  • Mimaki Rasterlink

  • Ergosoft PosterPrint

  • Aristo Cutter Control Panel

  • Summa GoProduce

Printers
  • Canon Arizona 1380 XT

  • Canon Colorado 1650

  • HP Latex 700 W

  • HP Latex 365

Finishing tools
  • Mimaki UJV100-160

  • Mimaki CJV300-160

  • Mimaki JV3-160SP

  • Mimaki JFX500-2131

  • Mimaki JF-1631

  • Aristomat TL 1625-8

  • Roll-X applicator

  • Summa F1612

  • Summa S140

EDUCATION
Salpaus Further Education

Associate's degree, Prepress/ DTP
2010

Vocational Degree in Audiovisual Communication, 2006
Savo Vocational College
Varkaus, Finland
High School Diploma, 2006
Varkaus High School
Varkaus, Finland
LANGUAGES
Finnish: Native
Spanish: Native
English: Fluent