JOHN STVAN has had a dynamic and interesting career in just a few years…

As co-host of Chicago-based internet radio programs Play or Die and Shots in the Dark he provided insightful and comedic commentary on current entertainment and pop culture, as well as reviews of the latest video game releases. These programs led to the editor of Newsarama.com asking him to submit several written contributions to the site’s game section, which he continues to do.

Over the past 7 years John has created graphic designs and ads for Chicago-based companies; as well as logos, posters, web banners, and merchandise designs for bands, voiceover artists, gaming websites and athletes. His work has appeared in major print publications including Chicago Red Eye, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Summerfest Music Guide, Toledo Blade, Milwaukee Shepherd Express and many others, as well as on mainstream radio websites b96.com and kiss1035.com, and several gaming blogs.

Recently John became focused on music marketing company, Calliope Epic, as lead graphic artist and partner. His website designs, logos and web banners are currently being used by music artists and labels all over the U.S, and his graphics work is frequently requested and sought after by music professionals.

John is well-versed in most design software including Photoshop CS4, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and After Effects. Although he enjoys creating all designs, his favorite project is photomanipulation; taking photos and screen shots that have not been retouched and embellishing and combining them to become even more interesting pieces of art. Some of these photos have even caught the attention of employees at premier gaming company, Bungie, who have featured his photomanipulations and wallpapers on their website.

When not working on projects, John can be found competing in the hottest video games including Left4Dead, Madden Football, Nascar, Hawks and Halo 3. He also travels frequently and attends some of the largest pop culture expos— most recently Comicon in NYC and PAX in Seattle.

John is also a talented guitar player who has played venues in and around Chicago, and an active sportsman playing on softball and volleyball teams, bowling leagues, golfing and water skiiing.

On the rare occasion he relaxes, John likes to read, watch his favorite movies including Star Wars I-VI and enjoy TV shows Battlestar Galactica, Scrubs, The Universe, Simpsons, Family Guy, House and Burn Notice.

As for the future, John intends to continue to increase his skills in graphic design, complete a new degree in Game & Simulation Programming, increase the clientele at the companies he’s affiliated with, and develop additional working relationships within the gaming community… as it stands, there appears to be no end to the opportunities that will continue to challenge him!