Mark is an independent, empathetic, creative, and critical thinker with a unique background. His experience in design thinking, science, education, and publication design lends him to effectively communicate technical editorial content to various users. Mark is a kind, thoughtful, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven leader who enjoys collaborating with teams working to solve creative problems visually.


Art Director
& Graphic Designer 

MARK LESH DESIGN
Richmond, VT

2012 - Present

As sole proprietor, Mark specializes in print and digital editorial art direction, publication design, illustration, information graphics, and cartography. 

Collaborated on hundreds of publications with creative and editorial teams to communicate stories and ideas to target audiences in home and design, science and education, food and wellness, travel, and more. 


STEAM Educator

MILTON TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Milton, VT

2020 - 2022

Developed and delivered student-centered and project-based learning curriculum to students utilizing the creative process and design thinking. 

Leveraged background in science, design, technology, and art to found the STEAM program at Milton Middle School and the Milton Innovation Center at Milton High School teaching multiple sections of STEAM and Design Studio to students from the 5th to 12th grade.


Taught science classes as a long-term substitute teacher on sustainability and Integrated Earth Sciences. 

Worked with 9th through 12th-grade students on Individual Education and 504 Plans to provide support and accommodations that ensure academic goals in all academic areas are met. 

Substitute Teacher
& Paraeducator

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY UNION
HIGH SCHOOL
Hinesburg, VT

2018 - 2020


Art Director &
Digital Creative Director

SKIING MAGAZINE
Boulder, CO

2006 - 2012

Managed a creative staff and contract contributors to coordinate photography, illustration, graphic design, editorial content, and production to produce a coherent print and digital media suite. 

Orchestrated a complete redesign of the look and feel of the magazine from the ground up. 

Created a unique interactive digital version of the magazine for online delivery. 


Illustrator & Sole Proprietor

A-FRAME MAPS & ILLUSTRATION
Boulder, CO

2004 - 2006

Specialized in hand-painted maps for outdoor enthusiast, scientific, and environmental publications. 


Geologist & GIS Analyst

GLORIETA GEOSCIENCE
Santa Fe, NM

2003 - 2004

Developed and maintained environmental and hydrogeologic datasets throughout New Mexico. 

Work included environmental site assessment, groundwater monitoring, water well sitting and design, drilling oversight, map production, and scientific illustration. 


EDUCATION

PURDUE UNIVERSITY M.S. 2002 

Earth & Atmospheric Sciences with emphasis on Geographic Information Systems

THE COLORADO COLLEGE B.A, 1998

Geology with emphasis on Studio Art 

CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE Spring 2018

Teacher Apprenticeship Program


SKILLS

  • Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator

  • Technical illustration

  • Design Thinking

  • Project Based Learning

  • Universal Design for Learning

  • Remote editorial design workflows


CERTIFICATIONS

  • Licensed Vermont Educator - Grades 7-12 Science

  • Vermont Master Naturalist

  • Colorado Master Gardner


VOLUNTEER WORK

  • Committee Member - Camel’s Hump Challenge for the Alzheimer’s Association Vermont Chapter

  • Ski Instructor - Cochran’s Ski Area after-school program

  • President - Sylvan Knoll Roadway Association, Richmond, Vermont


PERSONAL INTERESTS

  • Mark loves skiing, cycling, fly fishing, drawing, painting, photography, gardening, cooking, music, and spending time with family.


Download a PDF of Mark’s Resume

References available upon request