“The consummate professional, Todd offers significant experience in graphic/Web design, illustration and branding in a very personable package. In the nearly four years I've worked with Todd, I have found him to be a respectful collaborator and a knowledgeable advisor. He consistently exceeds expectations on every level: design, willingness to help and mentor others, delivering ahead of schedule, flexibility. With a wonderful sense of humor, Todd tackles every project with enthusiasm and without hesitation. Todd's whatever-it-takes-to-get-it-done attitude has enabled our team to achieve the highest levels of performance within consistently tight deadlines. I look forward to a continued collaboration with Todd and recommend him highly for creative projects.” September 30, 2009

dj davisson, creative manager / partner digital marketing at Microsoft
< hired todd as a graphic/web designer in 2006 >

“Todd possesses a rare combination of talents: He oozes creativity and sees the big picture, and also hones in on the details needed to complete a project. Not only are his artistic talents greatly appreciated, but his enthusiasm is contagious and he has a personality that meshes anywhere. He's a pleasure to work with!” October 28, 2009

amy duchene, copywriter / microsoft partner program, Allyis
microsoft partner program
< worked directly with Todd at Allyis, Inc. >

“Todd stood out in the crowd of talented artists represented by Jaz & Jaz during my time as an agent there. While his style was comprehensive and unique within the group, it was his genuine character that was so endearing. It's been said that managing artists is a bit like herding cats, in this case, Todd's a new breed: accountable, determined and conscientious. If I were in a position to work with Todd again, I would.” November 24, 2009

sheri hauser, artist representative / rep art and jaz & jaz
< artists’ agent to todd connor 1995 thru 1998 >

“Todd is the rich media experience of design and illustration. More than a pretty image, Todd delivers compelling fact-dressed visuals that bridge the gap between text and info-graphic. Todd listens and hears. Todd is precise and to the point with feedback that always moves the project forward. He's fun and color-filled between projects. Todd's focus on the process and specific project goals becomes a guide rail for group creative trajectory. What does that mean? Todd is a focused creative who arrives at the table with a fully functional kitchen and he is ready to cook. I have worked with Todd on large projects for Disney, Holland America, Microsoft, Sonicare, Boise Cascade, La Marzocco, and The Grammy's. From straight-forward sexy product illustration to game-changing multi-media interfaces, Todd's deliverables beg the question: Is there a better description for what he does than "illustration and design?" Until the day that new word arrives, he is simply a design/illustration hero in human clothing.” November 2, 2009

jerry jaz, principal, / jaz & jaz
< managed todd at artist’s agency jaz & jaz
from 1989 thru 2002 >

“As principal designer for the wide range of graphics required for the Microsoft Partner Portal, Todd is efficient, open, honest, flexible, and of course, creative. He has a keen understanding of the importance of brand identity, and has been instrumental in helping us ensure that all of our graphics respect the variety of branding guidelines we have to adhere to from task to task. However, Todd's overall work ethic is what has endeared him to everyone who has worked with him. It is this that meant, even when we brought in other designers to help with the workload, a reference to working on a graphic was automatically a request for Todd specifically. The deadlines we work under are often stringent to the point of being unreasonable, but he has always accommodated each request with grace and good humor. With Todd, there is no issue of ego. His collaborative approach ensures that everyone involved can provide feedback, and expect it to be heard and given serious consideration. But at the same time, when he feels it necessary, he is equally capable of steering clients and other creatives in a direction he feels would better serve the client's needs/goals. His demeanor is always professional, respectful, positive, and engaging. His expertise, undisputed. I would relish the opportunity to work with him again.” November 2, 2009

lisa proctor, creative manager, allyis/microsoft
< managed todd at allyis, inc. >

“As online communications manager for the partner digital marketing team at Microsoft, I relied on Todd to provide stellar graphics on very tight turns for the semimonthly newsletter. Often, this required a good deal of mind-reading on Todd's part. I found Todd quick to adapt to my style and anticipate my needs. In brainstorming sessions, he rapidly grasped abstract concepts and could easily come up with sample photographs or drawings to trigger ideas. And he was highly amenable, professional, and good-spirited about changes. I would not hesitate to work with Todd again or to recommend him as a designer on other projects.” October 5, 2009

claudia putnam, online communications manager
microsoft partner program, allyis/microsoft
< worked directly with todd at allyis, inc. >

“As a talented illustrator and Web designer, Todd played an instrumental role in the creation of distinctive, cohesive marketing material for the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN). From banner ads, to custom icons, to website UI elements, Todd took on every project with enthusiasm and consistent dedication. In addition to supporting major product launch campaigns, he provided technical expertise to Microsoft stakeholders, Web developers, and outside agencies. Supporting international newsletters and more than 60 MPN websites worldwide, Todd created global-ready graphics that were frequently adapted for use in every major market. It was not uncommon to see his work with text translated into Spanish, Chinese, French, or German. Our subsidiaries simply loved his work as much as we did. In four years of working with Todd, I was continually impressed by his creativity and originality, his positive attitude and strong work ethic. Plus, I never saw a deadline he could not beat. In a fast-paced environment like Microsoft, with so many stakeholders driving so many projects, this alone is a remarkable achievement. But most important is Todd’s creative work, which stands apart from the generic corporate filler we see and ignore every day. I can still recall the cartoon character that started our general manager chanting, “I love Maynard!” …And a daylight saving time reminder from 2007, of all things, and the lonely penguin in Antarctica who longed to attend a business conference in Denver. Todd helped make the wackiest ideas believable, the dullest products interesting. I recommend him without reservation.” January 23, 2010

paul sogge, senior marketing manager / microsoft
<hired todd as a graphic / web designer in 2006>

“Over the years, I have art directed many design projects with Todd acting as illustrator. His technical illustrations are as accurate as they are beautiful. He is able to organize complex information into a visual form readily accessible to viewers, while also bringing an aesthetic quality to his illustrations that make them stand out as little jewels of art. Todd is easy to work with and very personable. He maintains a sense of humor even under pressure and tight deadlines. His keen eye for design, and his ability to interact with designers as well as clients, makes him a valuable asset to any design project. As an instructor at Cornish, where we both taught, Todd was highly regarded by all and a favorite among students. He brought his immense conceptual and technical knowledge of illustration and design to the classroom. There, his considerable professional experience made him a natural mentor for the illustration students. I would welcome working with Todd again and would highly recommend him as a member of a design team as well as for a faculty position.” November 8, 2009

denise weir, graphic designer
< hired todd as an illustrator in 1992,
and multiple occasions through 2002 >