Walter Hamilton is a native of Akron, Ohio and relocated to Tampa, Florida in 2003 with his beautiful wife and two rambunctious boys. As a small boy, Walter started drawing cartoon characters out of the Sunday funny pages. His mother noticed his skills and entered him into an art class at the Akron Art Institute. Walter took on the challenge and after weeks of taking the class the instructor informed his mother that he was one of the best students in the class. His mother was shocked because the class was full of adults. Walter continued to draw over the years until the late 90s when he was introduced to a
Computer software called Corel Draw, which he taught himself how to use. After mastering this valuable tool, Walter received numerous requests from friends and family to create birthday cards, flyers, t-shirt designs and much more. Although he didn’t mind doing it for free, Walter decided to start a small business called N.E.O. Graphic Design. Walter’s drive and determination helped him build a thriving freelance business that lasted until he moved to Florida. When in Florida, Walter worked for a leading newspaper, where he became that go to guy when things needed to get done.
After years of working unfulfilling jobs that offered no chance for advancement, Walter realized that he would not reach his full potential as a designer until he received a degree. Walter began taking classes at the International Academy of Design and Technology. Since, he has received several accommodations including acknowledgements for making the President’s and the Dean’s list, which requires keeping a 4.0 GPA.
Recently Walter and three other students from the Academy developed a full Graphic Design and Marketing company called ADworks Design & Marketing Concepts where he acts as Creative Director. Walter is an ambitious person who believes that with careful planning and drive you can do and be anything that you want.
Send me an email at w.hamilton@envy.artistikmagazine.com or just leave a comment/critique below and I’ll be sure to get back to you!
October 9th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Walt,
Whats up buddy? Well I see it has finally come full circle and you, probably the MOST deserving person for this job, has finally gotten his opportunity. If anything Walt, you get expossure and get your name out there. You will WIN this competition because you deserve it. Things happen for good people and that you are. Yuo are a GREAT artist and I personally know what a great artist is. I may have talents like you, but the difference is, you are using your talents so for that I wish you all the best and I know you will make the best of this opportunity. Good Luck my friend.
Mark
October 10th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Walter ,oh my! what am I looking at ,that is beautiful, I looked at all of the others and can’t believe your work is oh oh oh so fine best of luck and believe in yourself and stay grounded love Aunt Vicki
October 10th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
hey you great like the work. it’s about time i remember when you first started going out on your own. remember when i lived on christiansen haa you’ve come aloing way baby. keep up the good work. love you kelly
October 10th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Walter,
You have truely captured the essence of what I know Tampa’s cuban history to be. Each time I look at your art I see more detail that just opens up some of the stories I heard of “the good ole days” Thanks for doing justice to such a wonderful era! Lori
October 10th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Walt, you have proved time and again that design/art is definitely your forte’. As a family you always make us proud. Please remember that with hard work and the “hunt and peck” system :)you will continually succeed in anything that you seek to accomplish.
Love as always,
Aunti Reta
October 10th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Hey baby just wanted to let you know that despite what the judges may have said tonight I know that you had the best concept and design there. Some may have seen it too late but regardless push on I know that you are great. I love you.
your wife Natalie
October 10th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Your amazine.
Enough said!!!!!
kristi
October 11th, 2008 at 1:16 am
Both my family and I agree that you had an amazing work of art. Despite what the judges have said, as an artist I can see your vision.
In the end, if we give it all we got, then I think it’s all worth it. I hope its a close race to the very end.
October 11th, 2008 at 9:12 am
good work and I wish you good luck
October 11th, 2008 at 9:47 am
good job dad you did good and good luck on the 25th
October 11th, 2008 at 10:20 am
very good work wish you all the luck in the world.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Walt, confidence is definitely a strong point for you and its a great attribute.
As far as your piece goes, I think the colors are appropriate and very vibrant and the piece definitely pops out. I can see the concept that you were going with, the judges however did not feel that the way you explained it to them that it matched. Next time definitely fine tune the concept on your presentation and you will no doubt be top 3 or even audience’s pick as well.
The balance is a little bit off and the gangster guy int he back is walking that fine line between looking like its there and not there. A good quote is “You either do or you don’t” and thats what I think when i see that aspect of the piece.
Overall very very nice definetly one of my favorites for this week. Keep up the good work
October 11th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Hey Walt! I can tell from looking at your piece that alot of time and thought went into that work. As someone with some education in Graphic Design i can tell you that all these people trying to break this down into a “Layout” for some magazine or ad are looking at it the wrong way, this transcends that and belongs on display in a gallery.
T. Brokaw
Rootstown OH
October 11th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Big Walt, man the piece you presented yesterday as a project you were requested to do was amazing. I enjoyed how you put together suck a great concept.The hands of the person on the bottom is a clear example of hard work, some one who brought with him the culture of rolling tabacco the long fingers, the dirt oh the nails, now i was looking to the smoke and the first image you put of Mr Yvor them the factory and the streets of Yvor is a great way to show your concept, and how you think man.
October 11th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
After reading the judges’ comments, and understanding
much of that era; they seem to be a little confused.
If the theme is early to late 20th century Tampa-Havana
Cubano connections and the ties that the cigar has
contributed between the two cities and nations, your piece
is center mass of the target. Also, if that is the theme, and any
individual has historical Cubano- American knowledge, your
production and artistry here needs no words. Knowing me now
for eighteen years, I believe that you know I will definitely give you
a truthful objective opinion- I “view” this as the best overall piece
this week regardless of who votes!
October 12th, 2008 at 11:20 am
I’am so proud of you keep up the good work,see you all soon .love aunti BRENDA
October 12th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
That is art! Your presentation is on point - as usual. The concept is unique, and you know I like the smoke! I guess I am not as impressed due to the fact that I am used to quality work of this nature coming from you. Instead of saying that I was impressed - I will expound further and say that not only was I asthetically pleased with this piece, but also visually challenged by the story behind it. Excellent work Mr. Hamilton.
October 12th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Walter,
I am truly amazed, I have not seen any of your work in years, you are truly a great artist, I love it, those hands are awsome, and the smoke goes without saying, keep up the good work I love you ,Auntie Susan
October 12th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Very impressive! Looking forward to the weeks to come. Keep doing what you’re doing and you”ll reach your goal. Keep focused on each project and it will show in your work. Love mom carol.
October 13th, 2008 at 3:02 am
Walt
First of all let me say that your piece is truly unique and absolutely amazing. I love the smoke and all of the images in the smoke, it tells a story that only the gentleman in the foreground would know. Overall the concept of the piece is awesome. All you have to do is just look at the piece and then the whole vision comes to life. A cuban gentleman who thinks back to remember the days of his life. Those are his “Havana Days”
Despite what the judge said about the piece, just remember that it will only make you stronger and better in the times to come and then you will be unstoppable!
You continue to shock and amaze me with your visions and artwork and you inspire me to one day be a great artist like you. I just have a long ways to go. Keep doing your thing and although you don’t need it, best of luck to you.
Mike
October 13th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Hey keep up the good work i hope u win love u jo
October 13th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Dear Son of mine,you started when you were two years old with a brown grocery bag. and now look how far you have gone. Your grandfather would be so proud of you. Keep up the good work and go for the GOLD.
LOVE YOUR MOTHER Sandra Sparks
October 13th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
WALTER, I AM SO AMAZED WITH YOUR ARTWORK, YOU ARE TRUELY BLESSED AS A GREAT ARTIST. I WISH THE BEST FOR YOU IN THIS FIELD, THE WORLD CHANGES EVERYDAY AND YOU HAVE THE TALENT TO BRING IT OUT AND SHOW SUCH DESCRIPTION FOR EVERYONE TO SEE IT. BY ALL MEANS YOUR A WINNER NOT ONLY IN MY BOOK BUT ALSO IN EVERYONE ELSES.
YOUR FRIEND , MARY
October 13th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Hey Walter,
I’m Rick’s brother so I was checking out some of the other works and I think your piece is really great. I wish I knew more about all the action in the smoke but great work!
October 14th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Hey Walt,
Great job on your artwork, it was my personal favorite, it has a lasting quality to it that makes it great. Great job man, I think it represents cuban history perfectly.
October 14th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Mr. Nice guy! I think your art work is awesome! YOu are definatly and inpiration! Keep up the great work! You definatly got great things coming your way….as if you didnt already know!!… Always rememebr to thank God for this wonderful tallent you have and always put him first and he will always keep you afloat and above the rest!!!….Ttyl!!!….
October 14th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
HEY WHATS GOING ON I YHOUGHT YOU DID A WONDERFUL JOB IN BOTH YOUR PICTURE AND YOUR PRESENTATION WAS VERY GOOD DESPITE WHAT THE LAST JUDGE SAID I LOVE IT LOVE ALWAYS ZIPPORAH
October 15th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Hi Walt! Sweet job on your presentation and what a classy piece of art! Dione already has a buyer if you can sell this piece! Can’t wait to see more!
Good luck!
Brandi
October 16th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Walt,
Your creative design is amazing! You did a great job incorporating details that are powerful enough to generate emotion. Keep up the good work!
October 16th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
ooohhhh….you too smooth playa!!!! You know I’ve seen you pull up some peices..but that’s unreal!!! Never doubted you have talent..no, a gift. Good luck bra!!
Jimmy Jam
October 16th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Wow!
I have to admit…I didn’t know you had it like that. One of these days you’re gonna have to show me how you did that. Good luck in the upcoming competitions. You have my support.
October 19th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
dad,
i cant believe how they bloo you off like that so i hope they
wont blow you off like that on the 25th
love you
sensorially
tyler hamilton
October 19th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
dad this sucked lol just kidding dad
hahahahaahahahahahahahahhahahahahah
October 19th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
dad this sucked lol just kidding good job dad
hahahahahahahah thats funny
October 25th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Hey Brother,
Good talk to you the other day. You gots my vote….everytime!!! Don’t listen to Tyler..you in the right!!!!!
Mad love and respect,
Jimmy
October 27th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Yo, you leaving the judges guessing what you’ll do next! You gotta always leave them wanting more! They don’t know bout Big Walt!
October 27th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Walt, You’re outstanding with your work. You will always be a winner. Keep pressing on the award will go to the Top Dog and that is You 100%. I’m very impressed. Keep up the good work!
Outstanding Talent. You’ll always have my support/vote.
Angel
October 28th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
BIG Walt…what’s up buddy…this is BIG Joe from Cali…Kelly told me about your art and stuff…so I thought I would check it out…and all I can say after seeing it is WOW! The album cover looks tight and you need to send me an mp3 of that song cause I want to check it out… Is Nat one of the backup singers?
Anyway…just wanted to let you know what I thought…you’ve got my vote…keep up the great work…
-Joe
October 29th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Walt, another Great Job. You have a lot of talent and I’m glad that we are having the opportunity to see your work. I’m looking forward to the next event, so, do another GREAT JOB. Love Mom Carol…..
November 8th, 2008 at 12:16 am
What’s up Big Walt? Looking at your Dark Diva presentation;
it is “Good Stuff.” I really hope that people that view it
pay particular attention to the attention to detail, for example
the really hot tatoo on the magazine cover!
Great Job V
November 8th, 2008 at 10:36 am
goood job!!!!!!!! that is awsome wooooohooooo you go dad!!!!
November 8th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I was very impressed w/ your artwork for this round. Where did you take those photos at? cause they look phenomenal.
Good Luck =)
November 8th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Yo you keep throwing them judges curve balls son! They have no idea whats coming next! Keep killing them!!!
November 9th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Walter, continue doing what you do best “thinking outside of the box”, great presentation. Don’t think that your strides are not getting you anywhere. There are others that see, even though the judges just may not get it. Aunti R.
November 10th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
wow great pictures!! They look very professional.
Keep up the great work.
Lindsey G. (Brandi’s daughter)
November 11th, 2008 at 10:55 am
its not letting me vote i must have missed the deadline.
November 11th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Like I said before your work is really good but this one top them all…
November 11th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
EUREKA!
Thats the ticket, I had to double check, the Magazine cover you had me all twisted, i went to google and searched for Dark Diva Magazine and got nothing. Very convincing layout.
Mad Props
November 12th, 2008 at 12:08 am
Love the layout design. I would definitely pick this up if it were on the shelves. It reminds me of the magazine “Gothic Beauty” . Great job!
November 12th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Heey there!!! I finally got on… This site need a HELP DESK.. lol.. But I love this and what you did.. Not just because it is me… But you did it dude… This is soo hot..
November 12th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Your latest has a very pro look. I like it.
November 12th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Walt, I have to agree with Judge #3, your magazine cover looks professional. The cover looks like a magazine that you could pick up at a magazine stand. You went as far as to put the bar code on the cover which makes it look authentic. I think you have showed everyone that you are in this contest to the end by putting your heart & soul in each piece that you present to us. Keep going strong and you will succeed.
Great Job, love mom gardner…..
November 12th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Son,
You are doing a wonderful job in this competition. Keep up the good work, we are all rooting for you!
Love Mom
November 12th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Hey Walt, your work is something else~ I have never seen anything so well detailed and it speaks for itself. Good Luck.
.Mercy
November 13th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Walt, once again you have truly impressed not only the judges, but us all. Man, you are talented! I didn’t know my cousin had this beautiful gift…you are blessed.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Hey man, I really appreciate your piece this week I think you have one of the strongest pieces of all the contestants. CONGRATS ON MAKING THE NEXT ROUND AND THE TOP THREE you really deserve it!! I wish you the best of luck and keep up the good work.
November 21st, 2008 at 12:32 am
What it do. Your work is spectacular, and ol girl, fresh to def. I didnt realize your work was that serious. Much props, I may need your assisitance on some work im doing, if you got the time.
LAW- 813-802-8272, down here in Interior Design. 100
November 22nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
very good. I voted so good luck
November 22nd, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Making us proud as normal. Love the graphics. Very urban but not over the top. Keep on doing what you’re doing. This competition should bring you much kudos. I don’t know who Lawson is but hope that you two can get together.
Much love,
Aunti Reta
November 22nd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Great Job Walt! I really don’t get the judges! I don’t care what their professions are, but they should not request that any of you produce products that they have no idea how to judge! Their critiques of your Havana, Back 2 the 70’s and now Urbana Funk pieces prove that they are either too young, or have no idea about the project ideas that they are asking that you create productions for! An idea for the judges….if you have someone produce something about…let’s say Appalachin life or life in the Ghetto; go there so that you have true knowledge of what you are tasking the students to create. Oh, and also, judges….make up you minds. Either critique these young people as students or professionals! I may be wrong, but it appears that you judges have sent so many mixed messages, that I now get wooooosy watching you! Also hopefully next year there is some more deversity within the judges themselves! Again, Walter Hamilton, as a student you did great job!
November 23rd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
You take the top again this time Walter, your art is amazing!
You have a talent and know how to use it. Follow your dreams…
November 23rd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Well, it looks like according to the judges that you and Carlos received about the same critiques.. and I have the feeling about the finals… but nevertheless continue with your ideas, creativity and may God give you wisdom for your next art presentation. Be positive and God bless.
Maria
November 24th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Walt,
You are the BEST in the competition, hands down!!! I know your next piece will blow everybody out of the water. So keep your head up and HANDLE YO’ BUSINESS. “WOOF WOOF” homeboy, and im out.
Mia Doggy Dog
November 24th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Mr. Nice Guy!!!! You got some compitition but i know you got this in the bag anyway!!! Keep up the awesome work!! you got my vote this week once again.
November 24th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Walt, I remember you drawing as a kid and to see you advance to this stage is quite impressive. I am extremely proud of you. Keep up the good work.
One quick question…I don’t remember your “abs” being so defined. You been working out lately?
Good Luck, Reeka
November 25th, 2008 at 11:54 am
YES SON YOU ARE GOOD VERY, VERY GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO WE ALL LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND ONE MOER TO GO. YOU GOT THIS ONE IN THE BAG. LOVE MOM
November 25th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Hey baby I just wanted to tell you how proud of you I am and let you know that you are doing a spectacular job and that you continue to think outside the box in every competition. Your concept of each theme is shown in every art piece whether or not everyone sees. Not all think the same way as the great artist that you are. I am always here to support your dreams and I know that with your mind and artistic abilities it will take you far. Keep up the great work and I know that you will win this to the end. I love you and good luck!!!!
Your wife Natalie
November 26th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Walt!! You got this, hand down. I felt that it would only be fair that I review the competition before giving you a true opinion of what you were up against. TRUELY your work is OUTSTANDING to say the least. I’m so very proud of you, look what you have become in your career,as a father and a MAN with promise. The sky is not the limit, you will go beyond that level. Your work speaks for itself. In respect to the critique of your presentation, take every word in stride this will only make you stronger, better, and take you to that place which is the “TOP of your GAME”. Your talent is a gift from God put him first, he will take you where you see yourself. I’m pleased that you included me in the voting process. Be BLESSED, GLORIA M