To' Ahanî nishłį́ do Biligaana ’éí bá shíshchíín. Tachii'nii dashicheii, do Biligaana dashinálí. My name is Dale Ray Deforest, I am Near to Water People, born for the folks my mother married into, my paternal grandfather's clan are the Red Running Into Water People while the rest of me grandparents are of Non-Indigenous variety.
If You'd like to work with me, shoot me an email at daledeforest@gmail.com or you can scroll down to see some of my works.
I grew up in the 4-Corners area of the Navajo Nation, around Shiprock and Farmington, New Mexico. I graduated High School from the Navajo Preparatory School in 1995 then studied 2-D Arts and Photography at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe. I graduated IAIA in the summer of 2000. My primary practice is sequential and Digital Illustration. I employ high-contrast and thick lines to convey bold imagery matched with bright and vivid colors. Artwork that can be used to not only express, but captivate and manipulate thought and action has always been my goal as an artist.
I've been drawing all my life, much to my elementary school teachers' chagrin..
Be patient with me, I'm still working on this space.
Please look how happily boring my life has been.
Farmington, New Mexico
High School, where ambition is born
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Completed IAIA with an emphasis in Photography
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Employed for my skill in layout & design of advertisements in both print and web.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Employed for my skill in layout & design of advertisements in both print and web, this time in Albuquerque.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Employed for my skill in layout & design of in-house graphics, promotion and signage.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Working from home, I now do digital illustration full time.
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If Paypal isn't your thing, feel free to contact me.
Portfolio Items
just add up your total and click here --- www.PayPal.Me/daledeforest
Check out their work as well.
OF FREELANCE
Dale is an exceptional illustrator and graphic designer. Not only had I have had the honor of publishing his work, I have had the opportunity to collaborate on several other projects that required skill, creativity, and dynamism. Dale has all of those and more. He is a pleasure to work with and I look forward to many more fruitful collaborations.
Founder & CEO Native Realities, Indigenous Comic Con
Over the last several years, Dale has essentially become my only go-to guy for all things design. His ability to author quality compositions suited to every unique request is second to none. Even if you have half an idea or an overly thought out request, Dale's ability as a maven of his profession will not only devise the design you need but will also bring your ideas to life in vibrant ways you never thought possible. Go Dale, or go home.
University of New Mexico School of Architecture and Planning
We had a really big and important deadline that was being designed in real-time. We needed someone who could see the big vision and execute on the ground with care and strong design skills. Dale Deforest delivered, we are grateful for his expansive creativity, professionalism, and the vision he brought to us.
Co-Director of Native Women Lead
Dale was the perfect person to work with us as a designer. We had light design details about what we wanted, had a short deadline, and needed an overall graphic presentation that would impress and also properly describe our coalition. He's accessible, talented, accountable, and a great listener, and we would wholeheartedly recommend him and his services.
Executive Director, New Mexico Community Capital
Dale is a one-of-a-kind talent! He accomplishes every difficult job with ease. Awesome cannot describe the kind of talent he has. A gifted illustrator, graphic designer and web designer, Dale has the ability to produce an enormous amount of work in a small amount of time. I appreciate his loyalty, dedication and detail-oriented work. His unique sense of humor and drive combine to make a great team member and friend to work with. I've worked with Dale over 10 years and the quality of his work, the dedication to the team and intensity and passion for design make him THE person I recommend for any creative position!
UX Designer II at J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc
Dale has always done amazing and timely work anytime I’ve ever needed his services. Various personal projects from t-shirt designs, to marketing literature, to logo conception have all been handled with ease and I am grateful to know that his professionalism and strict attention to detail are available any time I need them. It’s an understatement to say that I would HIGHLY recommend his services for your graphic design and artistic needs.
Actor/Public Speaker - “Longmire”, “Desert”, “Chambers”
If you believe you can use my skills, please contact me!